PART 1

After what felt like an eternity Kyburn, along with Hazam, walked out of the fortress entrance and approached them. The sun was disappearing over the horizon, shadows covered the area in which they waited.

“Lord Kyburn.” Arne stood straight. “What did he say?”

Kyburn gestured for them to wait, “I’m afraid only myself, Erik, and Henry are invited inside.”

Arne looked almost hurt along with the other soldiers. “Where will we be staying then?”

“Below.” Hazam stated, pointing to the ground.

“Below where?” Durlan asked.

“They don’t like having well-trained soldiers under their roof, so I agreed to let them keep you where you can be watched. Their dungeons.” Kyburn winced at the last part.

“What!” Arne almost shouted.

“Calm down. You will be well treated and cared for.” Kyburn assured. “Only, you won’t be allowed to leave until our… visit here is finished. Trust me. You must comply with their wishes and I am ordering you to do so.”

At that, all thirty men shifted uncomfortably, obviously disliking the idea of staying in a dungeon but also unwilling to disobey a direct order from their superior. They nodded and Hazam shouted orders in a different language which brought over a dozen guards shuffling forward to corral the Xerians to their temporary homes.

Kyburn looked upset and slightly angry with the idea that his men would be caged like animals in the dark while he was given somewhat freedom to roam. Henry sighed in relief as he wasn’t forced to stay in the dungeon also, that was the last place he wanted to be but felt guilty for feeling that way.

Henry trusted Kyburn knew what he was doing. But it didn’t stop the guilt from setting in.

Durlan gave Henry a thumbs up as he saw the look on his face. That act diminished part of his guilt and he made a mental note to thank him later for thinking of him instead of his approaching imprisonment.

Arne also gave Henry and Erik a faint smile, as if everything was going to be okay. Henry couldn’t shake the anger boiling inside when Kyburn placed a hand on his shoulders.

“Don’t worry.” Kyburn assured him. “This is necessary. I don’t like it either but this is our current best option.”

“Follow.” Hazam said, ignoring their exchange and walking toward the castle.

Henry and Erik stood to follow Hazam and Kyburn into the fortress, which led up stairs, down hallways in every which way until Henry hadn’t the slightest idea where they were or how to get out. It was like a labyrinth, one which Hazam seemed to know perfectly as he turned left, right, up and around until finally, they stopped at a large steel door. It was poorly lit inside but enough to easily see. Hazam shoved the doors open and gestured them into the room, which revealed Regent Trygve, sitting in a large wooden chair, staring back at them.

Unlike the hallway, this room was brightly lit, drapes of odd patterns hung on the walls. The walls were a creamy brown color that blended splendidly with the room’s decorations. Three lamps hung in the middle of the large room, the fire flickered, creating shadows on the ceiling. A single portrait hung behind the throne.

Henry could only guess the portrait was of King Armin, Queen Brinna, and prince Zegren. It captured his attention the most until Regent Trygve moved.

“These are the men you spoke of?” Trygve said suddenly, leaning forward in his chair.

“This is Erik, king of Vulkira, and Henry.” Kyburn introduced them. “I’ve complied with your conditions. If I find out my men have been treated unfairly, there will be consequences.”

“Threats aren’t necessary, Lord Kyburn.” Trygve waved his hand in dismissal. “You have my word.”

Kyburn nodded in respect then turned to Henry and Erik.

The Regent glared at Erik with menacing eyes, studying the young man before him. His gaze flickered up and down as if looking for something, trying to collect any emotion from the king.

“It seems Vulkira has come crawling for help once again,” Trygve sneered. “Always relying on others to save them. Tell me, boy, why should I help you. Xerath, yes. I’ve grown fond of him over the years even with our dark past. He is smart and resourceful, but you, I only see a king who has lost his crown.”

He paused, measuring up Erik’s response, then continued before Erik replied, interrupting him.

“I hear the Vog have sent you running with your tail between your legs.” Trygve chuckled to himself. “What does it feel like to lose your kingdom? To lose the trust your people placed in you. What does it feel like to lose control? To be helpless against your enemies?”

His words had a far deeper meaning that wasn’t lost on them. Henry frowned, thinking of the pain and suffering Kligira must have gone through. War was such a messy and sick conflict that left everyone in its wake, battered and bruised in more ways than none.

Kyburn winced at the insults and underlying meanings of Trygve’s words. Henry shifted in place, wondering where this conversation would lead and how to de-escalate it but dared not speak a word. However, Erik seemed unfazed, his face poised and calm and Henry realized what he had been doing outside. He had anticipated the insults and prepared himself for the jibes Regent Trygve would most assuredly make and resigned himself mentally to respond calmly and collected. Without starting a fight.

“Your words hold truth.” Erik began. “I am indeed in need of aid, though I am not proud to admit it. The burden of kingship is a heavy one as you know. I’ve come not only to save my people but to also aid you in reviving the Ancients.”

“Erik has a,” Kyburn chimed in. “Unique connection to the Vog.”

“I have seen things in which would alarm any man. Though I do not understand what it all means.” Erik paused for an instant. “You, Regent, may hold answers to my questions and I may be of use to you as I have an insight into the Ancients that no one else has.” Erik continued, as Trygve merely stared at him with a blank face. “The ruins beneath this great fortress may hold the key to our survival. The Vog may have removed my people from their homes but I do not believe they are our true enemy.”

“What have you seen?” Trygve said, his tone interested as he leaned forward.

“During the attack on Vlakias, their leader made contact with me.” Erik said.

“The Vog spoke to you?” he asked suspiciously.

“Not how you or I speak. But yes.” Erik admitted.

Trygve was taken aback by Erik’s words and honesty. He clearly expected a far different response from the young king. A look of respect crept into his eyes as he gazed into Erik’s face. An impressed shrug showed he wasn’t as aggressive as he was before and he leaned back into his chair.

“Huh. King Erik. If it is answers you seek, I may be able to help you.” Tygve narrowed his eyes. “But you are either very brave or very stupid to come here for them.”

“I’d say a little of both.” Erik remarked, sarcastically.

The room fell silent for a moment and Henry held his breath, hoping Trygve wouldn’t throw any more insults.

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“Ha!” Trygve burst into laughter. “Yes. Maybe we all are a little crazy.”

Kyburn visibly sighed in relief and Henry couldn’t help but smile at the old man.

Their pasts were painfully obvious but the tone of the room shifted which Henry hoped would be enough to push them through any misgivings. Tygve wasn’t at all what he had expected.

“I admire your willingness to humble yourself.” Trygve said. “Even if it means begging… but I will not dare force you to beg. You have my respect, young king.”

“Thank you.” Erik bowed slightly.

“Tonight I will show you what you came here for but first… eat and rest as I prepare.” Trygve ordered. He gestured at Hazam who immediately opened the doors again.

“Follow.” Hazam commanded as usual, his vocabulary painfully lacking.

Hazam led them through several more layers of the fortress, coming to stop deeper down into the mountain at a door. He opened the door quickly and tilted his head. “Wait here.”

All three men stepped inside where a small table full of food and drinks was set before them. Henry’s mouth instantly began to water from the smell and delicious-looking food.

“What of my men?” Kyburn grabbed the Kligirian’s arm tightly.

Hazam glared at him, then stared at his arm. “Remove.”

Kyburn’s lips twitched but he did as he was told.

“We wish to know if our soldiers are being afforded the same courtesy as we are.” Erik chimed in.

“They have.” Hazam almost barked. “Plenty food. Water.”

“Thank you.” Erik nodded his appreciation.

Hazam closed the door behind them without another word, leaving them to themselves.

“Well, that went better than I expected.” Kyburn sighed. “I was impressed that you didn’t lose your head and let your anger loose.”

“I wasn’t angry in the slightest.” Erik smirked. “Honestly though, I knew he would test me. I was prepared for it. But you, grabbing his arm like that? I half expected you to lose your temper.”

Kyburn pursed his lips but didn’t respond.

“When we were talking outside right?” Henry asked. “Is that what you were preparing yourself for? I only realized it once he started speaking to you that way. Is he always that rude?” He looked to Kyburn.

“Not really.” Kyburn shrugged. “Though he definitely was testing Erik.”

“I guess he passed.” Henry gulped down a glass of a strange tasting liquid.

“That is a fair assumption.” Kyburn sat down to join Henry.

“I care not to repeat the mistakes of our past.” Erik murmured. “My position as king has softened me, I wish to grow stronger, to protect my people. If I can avoid conflict, I will. Which is why I’m here, I don’t want to fight the Vog. I refuse to believe they are our enemy.”

Kyburn and Henry looked up at him as he spoke, both had their mouths full.

“I sent Rayman into the caves. I see now with the memories it was an unfortunate accident but… they killed his son.” Erik said sadly. “Yet still, he chose the path of least violence. I too must do the same.”

His sympathy for the Vog was all too transparent and Henry didn’t know how to feel about that fact. The Vog were still a mystery and Felkuru could still be manipulating Erik.

“Join us.” Kyburn said invitingly. “Take your mind off it and eat.”

Erik smirked faintly, but couldn’t resist the wonderful aroma of food. The variety of dishes scattered all along the enormous table.

It was a combination of their own food from the west and native Kligirian dishes. A curry with large chunks of chicken sat in the middle, which Kyburn went for. Henry didn’t know what it was and asked.

“Can I try some of that?”

“Of course.” Kyburn said as he served himself. “But eat it with some of this rice. It’s delicious.”

Henry eagerly scooped out a portion for himself and added the steaming rice into a bowl. He sniffed it and almost sneed from the strong smell but took a large bite regardless.

“Careful-” Kyburn warned. “It’s spicy…” he trailed off.

Too late.

Henry’s mouth burst into flame, it felt like his tongue was about to melt off and his cheeks also burned.

Kyburn and Erik, seeing his dilemma, laughed and offered wine and water.

“Quick!” Kyburn chuckled. “Drink something before you get it on your lips.

Also too late.

Henry felt the curry on his lips now and the intense burning that followed.

“What is this?” Henry huffed, trying to breathe.

Snot from his nose started dripping from his nostrils and sweat beaded on his forehead.

“If you think that is hot…” Kyburn smirked. “Try this.”

Kyburn held up a bowl of what Henry could only assume were the ingredient to this nightmarish heat emanating from his mouth.

“No thwanks.” Henry slurred, still taking deep breaths. “I’ll swick with thwis fwood.”

Kyburn burst out laughing one more time then dug into his own meal.

Erik looked on with a curious gaze, unsure if he should try the liquid soup that had caused such a ruckus.

He didn’t.

The conversation died and the room was filled with chomping mouths as they consumed exquisite food and drinks. Sweet lemon water that tasted of honey, wine, and other beverages included. Food was stacked, completely filling the table which consisted of plates full of chicken and beef, vegetables, and fruits. Bread layered in a buttery garlic paste, along with jam and honey. It was like a feast and they devoured the entire table between the three of them.

Erik and Henry avoided the Kligirian dishes.

PART 2

Several hours passed but the fortress walls made it impossible to tell the exact time from inside. Kyburn paced back and forth from one corner to the next, continuously. Erik leaned back in his chair dozing on and off, his belly had a small pooch from all the food he had eaten. Henry had neatly stacked the plates and laid them on the ground giving him room on the table to write in his notebook and sketchbook.

He had taken notes from the day to the best of his memory and was starting on the sketch he mentally remembered as they approached Riqun from the base of the mountain. Henry couldn’t remember every detail but was confident it was a decent replica of his memory. He leaned back and sighed, satisfied with his drawing when footsteps approached from outside.

Tapping Erik’s shoulder, Henry stood and quickly placed his notebook and artbook into his satchel, waiting for whoever approached to open the door. Erik shifted in his chair and frowned, looking exhausted but forcing himself awake.

The door pushed inward to reveal a familiar face yet it was a face that wasn’t welcoming but rather blank and stern.

“Follow.”

All three of them rolled their eyes but followed the Kligirian.

They exited the room and strode down the labyrinth of stone. Following behind the dark-skinned man, they were once again led through dozens of hallways and down endless flights of stairs. Henry truly felt that if he was left alone down here he would never find his way out, doomed to wander the labyrinth forever.

After at least ten minutes of walking, even Kyburn and Erik seemed flabbergasted at the complexity of this fortress and were hopelessly lost with Henry dragging behind.

Finally, Hazam took them down a hatch which led into a cave seemingly untouched by man. The walls were cold and dark, however, the cave was lit by a glowing blue light further down. It dimmed, then brightened again, pulsing light blue.

Erik’s face looked utterly shocked as they approached a massive metal door in the shape of an octagon. “This is exactly how Zepper described it.” he whispered.

Their boots echoed off the metal ground which was a moment ago stone. All three looked down to examine the metal which looked nothing like they had ever seen before. It had strange patterns etched into it.

“So this is the ruin.” Kyburn looked awe-struck alongside Erik.

Henry, however, was so fascinated by it all he didn’t have time to be shocked, he was making mental notes in his head of the door and surroundings. He reached out a hand toward the large door but Hazam grabbed his wrist which sucked him from his imagination.

“No touch.” he said. Stepping forward, Hazam stood in front of the door and waited patiently as they watched. A tiny blue light flickered and the door hissed and began to open on its own.

Mist burst from the door and it opened wide to reveal Trygve bending over a table full of papers and books.

“How does it open on its own?” Henry whispered.

“Machine.” Hazam answered gruffly.

Hesitation stopped them all from following after Hazam who stopped next to Trygve.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.” Kyburn said. “Only the ones in Xer but they weren’t alive like this door.”

“It’s beautiful.” Henry mumbled, a smile creeping onto his face. “Is a machine alive? How does it move like that? And the lights from the torches.” he pointed at the long cylinder lights on the ceiling of the ruin.

“Not torches.” Trygve said. “Those are electrical lights that are powered by energy. A limitless amount of energy I might add.”

“What is a machine?” Kyburn asked. “Hazam said the door was a machine. How is it moving?”

“It’s a mechanical contraption that moves with the power from the energy much like the lights are powered. I believe the one in Vori, in which the Vog had made their home is also alive.” Trygve answered. “Everything in this place is powered by an energy source that not even I understand. And I’ve been studying it for over a decade.”

“Does this mean… the Ancients are machines as well?” Erik asked.

Trygve smiled, watching their expressions. “No. The Ancients are alive, just like you and I but...” he turned his gaze to two large cylinders hanging on the walls. “Take a look at them yourself and see. You might be surprised.”