At the King’s signal his champion drew his sword, an enormous zweihander with a blade thicker than Liam’s biceps. The battlemage waved both arms, carving two separate patterns that materialized into orbs of dark energy, pressing one into his chest he tossed the other onto the King’s Blade, shielding them from magical attacks.

Those shields are like Rhendal’s… Which has always been effective at shielding us… I beat the holy wards, but what makes a ward holy? In fact, plenty of things have stopped my lightning, the scorpion in Petra comes to mind most of all. Is the holy affinity weak to lightning? Ah, that makes no sense, why would the church canonize the weakest element. Thought Liam.

An obvious answer occurred to him, because the weakest element would be dominated or eradicated by the Lightning Lords.

There was no more time to think, the half second he’d already wasted was too much.

“Nyota! Show them the wrath of the Therun Perun Taloc!” Ordered Liam.

She smiled, grinning with all her teeth and both eyes for the first time in weeks. Two finger guns rose, and she recited Liam’s akashic incantation.

“Pew” *CRACK*

“pew” *bbbzzttt*

Her first bolt of lightning tore through the shield around the King’s Blade and arced across his armor, electrocuting him like a dozen angry tasers, he fell to the ground convulsing. Oversized muscles incapable of sentient functions as they spasmed.

The second bolt was far less impressive than the first, substantially thinner than her previous bolt. It arced through the air, connecting with the battle mages’s shield and fizzling from existence. Just as Nyota took a knee, breathing heavily.

“I’m sorry.” Gasped Nyota.

“Out of mana already? Two pumps and you are finished? How pathetic, I look forward to taking you apart piece by piec-” began the battle mage, summoning an orb of fire.

Liam wasn’t out of mana, and his merciful patience had died in Avignon.

He didn’t bother with a chant, simply aiming his finger at the mage and unleashing all his pent up hatred for this world’s morality, expelling Greenwood’s starvation, Blackwood’s inbred sadism, the constant –pointless– murders, and finally his hatred of Nyota’s abusers. He poured it into his lightning, connected the battlemage to Liam for one infinitesimally miniscule fragment of eternity, the last thing he ever felt before his blood vaporized.

*CRACK*

As the lightning pierced the battlemages’ heart, Liam focused on circulating the energy, using every iota of control that his maxed out [mana manipulation] gave him; he Imagined the mage’s body as a single wire. Bent into a circle and with the ends soldered together. Electricity flowed from crown to sole, then back, circulating until it fully discharged. Flesh sizzled and gouts of steam erupted from his orifices as bodily fluids boiled. Small explosions of steam burst through the battle mage’s cranium and gut, splattering the pavises with chunks of smoking bone. Liam circulated the energy until it exhausted itself, fully converting its potential energy into pure thermal exhaust.

The bolt left the court in a daze of catharsis, with Liam turning to the thing he treasured most.

“Didn’t I say not to apologize to anyone.” Said Liam, winking at Nyota.

A groan caught his attention, reminding Liam his duel had not been completed, raising his finger gun he aimed at the immobilized champion’s head.

“King’s Blade, you remind me of Arlet. I wish we could have met in a different land, and under different circumstances. But your death is a peerless warning.” Said Liam.

“I do not fear death.” Said the King’s Blade.

An honorable man, but I cannot allow anyone to believe there is any chance of surviving my wrath. Otherwise they won’t stop coming. They’ll just keep taking potshots, keep sending fodder or champions to kill me.

“Halt!” Cried King Aldric.

Liam ignored him. He needed no incantation for his lightning now, and his next bolt made little noise. There was a simple flash –like an old polaroid camera– and a centimeter wide hole appeared in the champion’s head, intersecting his brainstem with the precision of a practiced dissector. Electricity evaporated every dendrite in the Blade’s neck and brainstem.

“Did you say something your majesty?” Asked Liam, feigning ignorance.

“Your wife has collapsed, I thought to give you a chance to remove her from danger. Of course one of my champions would also have to be removed.” Answered the King.

Eat a dick Aldric!

“Your generosity moves my heart, your majesty.” Said Liam, choking down his inner thoughts.

“Excellent, Captain Gaius, escort the cat from the duel; she is no longer a participant.”

There he goes calling her a cat again, one day, I hope you get what’s coming Aldric. Actually let's have Gaius serve some of that karma right now. He he he…

“Watch captain, see to the king’s blade first. Since that is where his majesty’s greater concern lies.” Ordered Liam, not bothering to hide his disdain.

Gaius closed his eyes for a moment, gritting his teeth for a single second before he turned and approached the two fallen champions. He covered his mouth at the sight of the desiccated husk that had once been a mage, knowing there was nothing human remaining. Then he circled the shell, coming to the king’s blade and rolling him over with one foot. Already suspecting the man’s death from the pool of blood leaking out of him. Again Gaius closed his eyes, cursing his poor fate.

“Ahem.” He cleared his throat, covering his mouth with a shaking fist.

“Sire, your blade has already fallen in combat.” He said clearly, taking a moment to enunciate his words and let their meaning sink in to those around him.

“Guards! Show me my blade!” Demanded Aldric.

Four knights lifted two gilded pavises out of the king’s view, allowing him to view his very dead champions, one knight removed the Blade’s helm, hands slipping across blood-slick straps. King Aldric stared unblinkingly at the two bodies. Unable to comprehend the near instant defeat of the two greatest champions in his kingdom.

“What a monster…” He mumbled.

Aldric rose from his throne, descending the stairs and touching the Blade’s face. Coarse black hair resisted his fingers, assuring the King of his identity and conclusive defeat. A moment passed with King Aldric staring incomprehensibly. The perfect moment for Liam to channel Baron Green’s pompiety.

“Therun Perun Taloc guides my hand, favoring me with his very touch. Thus Blackwood may cling to his pitiable existence. I shall lay claim to his lands and title, lest his ignoble legacy taint the noble lineage of this esteemed court. Else I shall not hesitate to extinguish what little remains of his lineage and expunge his name from the annals of your vaunted nobility.” Demanded Liam, no mercy remained in his soul for the man who would have done far worse to him.

Blackwood was a parasite, one with the remarkable ability to make all those around them suffer. And Liam’s words saturated him with penicillin. Blackwood shriveled at his words, still mentally reciting a victory speech. Aldric’s eyes flashed death at the baron, and Liam considered what he would do if the king ordered him killed right then and there.

*clap* *clap* *clap*

“Magnificent! Absolutely magnificent! Baron Green I have never seen a greater mismatch between champions! I thought you must have been simple to take your own wife into a trial. Now I see you never considered the possibility of defeat!” Hollered the red faced drunk from earlier.

He pushed through the royal knights, knocking aside a pavise with his bulk. Muscles moved beneath his belly, hinting at a fitness that concealed itself under his gluttony. Reaching Nyota he offered her a hand.

“Thank you m’lord. I mean, your grace.” She said, accepting it with a smile.

Your grace? That drunk man is a duke! Oh God… Have I said anything dumb in front of him? Ah…

The drunk duke lifted Nyota to her feet, biceps flexing as he did so. Corded muscle peaked through his peacoat. He kissed the back of her hand and released her gently, allowing her to stand at Liam’s side.

“Thank you, your grace.” Said Liam.

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“Lord Green, did you fear for your life or your wife for even a second during your fight?” Asked the duke.

“His shields concerned me…” Began Liam, intending to politely talk up his dead opponents.

A gleam in the duke’s eye stopped him. It wasn’t the glassy eyed stare of a drunk. No, there was a spark of a savage intelligence that would see through any attempts at deception. The intelligence of a ruthless strategist. This drunk was Duke Hamilton, also known as the Iron Duke.

“No. Taloc has shown me an epiphany of death. No mortal hand could slay me, or rob my wife of her destiny. Not even honourable champions were anything more than dead men as soon as they set themselves against me.” Corrected Liam.

“Ha! AH HAHAHAHAHAHA!” Roared the duke. “You speak as only a Lightning Lord can dare! Tell me your intentions once more! Cousin Aldric spoiled me with many fine vintages this morning. You see, my daughter has come of age and we were arranging her engagement party.” Chuckled the rosy faced duke.

“Congratulations on your daughter’s engagement.” Said Liam automatically. “Oh, my intentions? Of course! I came to seek military relief and food for my people. My barony is experiencing an invasive plague like none I have ever heard of. Portals appear across my fiefs, spewing monsters of myth and legend. No matter how many we strike down, more portals appear the next day.” Began Liam, speaking earnestly.

The duke nodded as he spoke, raising his hand he interrupted Liam.

“Monsters such as?” Questioned the duke.

“Medusa, hellhounds, even giants attacked Sintra. We took the heads and sent them before us for examination. Though, I do not see them present your grace.” Said Liam, deflating slightly at his sudden lack of evidence.

“The skulls were taken for examination. A magic of unknown origin was detected in their bones and I required the full resources of the college to examine them.” Chimed in Grandmaster Renosnipe.

“Excellent! Give us your report, wren-o-Snippy.” Said the duke, slurring his words slightly.

Renosipe’s ears twitched oddly, like an annoyed eagle’s might.

“My report is inconclusive. I cannot identify the magic that brought these beasts into the world, nor can I attest to anything other than the need for a greater investigation.” Explained the grandmaster apologetically.

“Aitercul, what do you mean by that?” Snapped Rhendal.

“Magic suffuses the heads. I have never seen flesh of its equal. The snake woman in particular seemed to have been born of mana itself! I cannot say what comprises this enigma until I have deciphered it. Nor can the other grandmasters.” Said Renosipe calmly.

“Hmm, could the portals that birthed them have transmogrified their flesh in this manner?” Interjected Rhendal.

“Some portals fluctuate, a Sage’s portal, such as yours Rhendal, would be highly stable, and in theory could transmogrify the flesh. While a standard mage’s portal would lack the stability and depth of mana. Thus it would not alter the flesh in this manner. Before today’s events I felt certain you had brought me true monsters from our ancient myths.”

“Are you accusing me of forgery?” Growled Liam.

“Perish the thought Lord Green! If these heads were forged by magic, then our understanding of the universe is flawed on a fundamental level. Though, your affinities are proof enough of our insufficient knowledge.”

A victim of my own success… No, that’s not good enough, we NEED help! Half our cities are abandoned or defeated, Avignon is dead, Petra fell, and Kesky may have been swallowed whole or petrified… And its only been a few weeks! Another month or two and there won’t be anything left to save!

“Confirming the source seems like our next step grandmaster.” Said Rhendal.

“Indeed Rhendal, if you could transport Soren back to Greenwood, then I will dispatch our research teams within the week. An expeditionary force will be dispatched to accompany them. Unless Lady Nyota is a champion of creation as well?” Questioned Renosipe.

Did he not hear me announce her? Or is he mocking me?

“No, Nyota is my champion of healing, lightning, and-” Liam smiled weakly. Feeling quite foolish at what he was about to say. “And my heart.” he admitted.

King Aldric’s brow relaxed, as if Liam had sung a soothing psalm. While Grandmaster Renosipe furrowed his brow, blinking several times at Liam’s choice of words. The duke on the other hand burst into howls of laughter, pounding his knees.

“Ha, I was expecting another calamity. Instead I find a baron elevating his wife as a threefold champion. How refreshingly mundane.” Said the grandmaster, chuckling to himself.

“Aitercul, be careful with your expedition. Come in force or not at all.” Warned Rhendal.

Renosipe waved his hand dismissively, “Medusas, hellhounds, and giants appear and you think the college would only send a few magi? Have you gone senile? How could you forget the thirst of knowledge inherent to all magi! Rhendal, half the college is already packed and our provisions secured. We only lack a martial force to escort us.”

The drunk duke spoke up, nearly shouting. “Grandmaster, it would be my honour to be your escort! I cannot allow such magnificent creatures to wander our kingdom unchallenged! I will summon my knights, and the field marshals. Oh my, even the field engineers will want to come! We’ll have excellent ballistae to skewer our exotic barbeques.”

“I forbid it!” Shouted King Aldic. “If what he says is true then we cannot risk our forces in an expedition. Nor will I risk your life cousin Hamilton.”

That confirms it. Cousin Hamilton is Duke Hamilton… The liege lord of the entire northwest. From the king’s own lands to the ocean, and all the way up to the frozen tundra. Viscount Blackwood… Thought Liam.

“Sire, My fiefdom must have aid, and soon. Without men to hold the walls, my towns will fall before winter. Half my barony has already fallen.”

“Grandmaster, your mages may journey to the nearest town. I believe that is called Petra, is it not?” Asked the king.

How does he know about a farming town like Petra? Thought Liam.

“Petra is no more. They fell among their fields, slain before they could bring in the harvest. We have gathered the few survivors in the port city of Sintra.” Answered Liam.

“Port city? Ah, then our avenue is set. Journey to Sintra then. You may take a detachment of my own royal guard. General Gaius Borgia shall be in command.” Ordered the King.

General Gaius eh? Still in his service but demoted from court to a field campaign. I wasn’t expecting that. It does make things clear to me.

The king wants me to fail.

“Such generosity! Truly your magnanimity knows no bounds your majesty.” Said Renosipe, bowing to the king.

Whose side are you on Renosipe? You promise mages to Greenwood then honour the king and call me a liar.

“Aldric- *ahic* Your majesty. Greenwood is close to my own domains, I would be remiss in my duties if I let this claim go uninvestigated.” Said the duke.

Aldric met his cousin’s gaze, his mouth slowly curving into a frown as he spoke.

“Very well Duke Hamilton, you have my blessing to raise a suitable force for your investigation. Ahem, I will remind you that Baron Green only rules a humble barony, do not bankrupt the nation for your war games Gabriel. You must not overinvest, though I am certain you will take suitable forces. ” Cautioned the king.

“Ah, of course sire. May I take temporary possession of Blackwood’s territories during the battle?” Asked Duke Gabriel Hamilton.

The king pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning softly as he remembered the Viscount’s failure.

“Gabriel, I tire of the machinations of counties. Solve this trifling problem. I will give you my seal if you deem it necessary.” Commanded the King.

Green’s memories educated Liam’s conscious, whining all the while. I hate court machinations. A duke does not need the king’s seal for an expeditionary force. The seal would only be required if he intends to raise an army larger than the king’s standing forces, or do something equally dramatic. Just how powerful is Duke Hamilton? Wait, is this a veiled threat? Could he be hinting that Duke Hamilton could annihilate Blackwood and Greenwood at the same time?

“Ah, you do me a great honor your Majesty, but I have only wine and no wax to carry a seal!” Said Hamilton, too impaired to think rationally.

More soldiers can only help us… Right? Ah, even if they plan on betrayal, there is nothing I can do about that now, mages and soldiers are coming, we just need to survive… Well, and take over Blackwood castle. Okay, the people are taken care of, now to take care of Nyota.

“Your majesty, I have something I would like to confess.” Said Liam.

“You have already dealt with the Lord Bishop quite thoroughly. Should I fear this confession?” Asked King Aldric.

Considering what I’m about to ask for… yes.

“Of course not your majesty, Therun Perun Taloc has given me a mortal duty. One I must see fulfilled. Yet, it may be a solution in waiting, for our lands are sick, and the medicine to cure us is a bitter pill, your majesty.” Answered Liam cryptically.

“Fine, speak freely Lightning Lord.” Ordered the king dryly, his eyes narrowing a hair's width.

“Yes your majesty. My wife bore several children during her enslavement, I have sworn a vow before Therun Perun Taloc to see her family reunited, though I find myself insufficient to the task.” Confessed Liam, pausing to let the implications sink in.

If Aldric noticed, his poker face remained in position.

“Is that all? Very well, you may have all of Blackwood’s slaves, though I will not compel diverse merchandisers to make recompense for Blackwood’s actions. Appropriate compensation must be paid where suitable.” Said the king.

“Thank mew!” Cried Nyota, barely able to speak.

“Thank you your Majesty, though I would also request that you issue a command for his knights to deliver our children to us. My knights and militia can barely fight our way to our fields, we are incapable of gathering them by ourselves.” Said Liam, swallowing as he begged the king.

“His slaves are yours, but only the slaves, you will have to seek the loyalty of the knights yourself. The court shall write a letter recognizing your triumph over viscount Blackwood. You portaled here, so that should suffice. Do you have anything else to add?” Asked the King.

“I would like to apologize once more for the grief I have caused today.” Said Liam, bowing to the king.

“Then you are dismissed.” Said King Aldric, reclining into his throne.

From his lofty vantage the king watched the four horsemen of the apocalypse leave his domain, shadowed by the finest royal magicians, keeping both eyes on the squad until the sage summoned a portal. Sending his companions through one by one until Lightning Lord Liam interlaced his hand with the old sage’s and stepped through the portal.

Leaving King Aldric to his thoughts.

—

Arlet the champion of War, Rhendal the harbinger of Famine, Baron Green the rider of Conquest, and a cat that zip zaps… She will be the death of humanity. Has the time finally come for Taloc to be freed? I’ll punish Blackwood for his folly and scourge his lands. His people will pay for the sins of their lord. Thought the king, swearing vengeance against his treacherous viscount.

Little did the king know, but he had swapped the Alpha and Omega, mistaking death for conquest, and conquest for royalty. A mistake he would never live to see corrected.

“Court is dismissed for the day, Duke Hamilton, Captain Borgia, meet me in the council chambers and bring your aids. We have a campaign to plan.” Ordered the king, cursing the loss of a barony and viscounty.

In the tallest tower of Blackwood Castle, Pandora’s Heart pulsated once, feeding off the strife that would soon resurrect its owner.