PART 1

“Slow down. Slow down.” Kyburn said, raising his hands to Henry who looked frantic but excited.

“Look at this.” Henry shoved the book toward Kyburn with the page opened to one in particular.

Kyburn raised an eyebrow and took the drawing book from Henry, careful not to tear any pages. Looking down at the aged sketchbook, Kyburn’s face turned to one of confusion and uncertainty.

“Is that…?” he trailed off.

“The Vog. I think that is Felkuru in the drawing. According to Erik’s description of him.” Henry explained. “That’s why I need to ask him.”

“Who is the man in the picture?” Kyburn asked.

“I’m not entirely sure but… I think that is King Armin.” Henry said, eyes wide.

“Armin…” Kyburn whispered. “You think Felkuru and him knew each other?”

“Not only knew each other but I would go so far as to say they fused. Like Erik has fused with Felkuru. We need to talk to Trygve about this. Maybe he knows more about it.”

Henry watched Kyburn’s face turn to realization. “I think you may be right. Look here.” he pointed to parts of the surrounding sketch. “This is the mountain we passed coming to Riqun. Felkuru and Armin were here in Kligira.” he paused. “This-this can’t be right. We need to wake Erik.”

Erik had been asleep for two days now, unconscious and unresponsive. The seizure had been more severe than his last, far outweighing the pain and strain his body underwent. Henry wasn’t entirely sure he would even wake.

“That’s not all. There’s something else.” Henry said while taking the book back from Kyburn’s hands and flipping several more pages forward. “I found something very odd and quite frankly… terrifying.” he handed the sketchbook to his lord.

His reaction this time was one of dread, “Are these those creatures you spoke of on our way to Xerixes? What did you call them?”

“Prawlers.” Henry answered. “That’s what they are called. According to Gus’s research and Historian Belthar, the last they’ve been sighted was over thirty years ago. They’re presumed to be extinct.”

The picture was of a dozen men fighting monkey-like creatures on a hill. Black charcoal represented the Prawlers whereas the white, men. The creatures had long arms, short legs, and small bodies giving them a near humanoid form. Their heads, however, were like a worm’s, jaws full of teeth lining the inside of its throat and mouth.

The picture was nearly identical to the descriptions Gus had written down in his research. Henry shuddered at the idea of being bit by one but he didn’t pull his gaze away.

“Someone drew these pictures, my guess would be Armin himself but it could be any number of scholars. He obviously was working on awakening the Ancients for some time, how close he was to figuring it out, I don’t know.” Henry said. “Trygve would know but I thought I’d come to you first, maybe wait for Erik to wake up.”

“This is troubling news but you did well to come to me with it. As for Erik, I can’t in good conscience wake him yet. Waking him now could have lasting effects on him. The physicians were confident he would wake within a day or two. Better that we let him come out of his sleep on his own.” Kyburn frowned. “We still don’t know Kligira’s role in all this and we don’t know why that book has pictures of the Vog and Prawlers in them. For now, we’ll confront Trygve about this, Erik can wait.”

As if on cue, footsteps outside approached their door.

Kyburn and Henry froze as the wooden frame slid open, revealing Hazam and Trygve. Both had a look of suspicion. Trygve’s gaze fell to Armin’s sketchbook.

“Guard see you running.” Hazam gestured to Henry.

“I assume you have seen what that book contains judging by the looks on your faces.” Trygve’s voice was calm and collected. “I’m sure you have many questions.” He glanced at Kyburn.

“Trygve.” Kyburn squinted. “Do you have an explanation for this?” pointing to the book.

“I do, actually. Allow me to explain while we walk.” Trygve said, aiming his arm to his left, wanting them to come with him. “Erik is awake and has requested we all meet together. He says it’s urgent. Let’s not keep him waiting shall we?”

Henry brightened from the news of Erik’s state, though honestly, his curiosity toward Trygve’s explanation intrigued him more.

“Very well.” Kyburn sat up, ready to follow him. “Explain on the way. I’m eager to hear what you have to say.”

Trygve took the lead while Hazam took up the rear, making their way to Erik’s bed-chamber where he recovered from his seizure. “I will start by saying, our king was a dedicated and honorable man. His intentions were true and just, the work he did was frowned upon by some. Temporarily ignoring his enemies would eventually lead to his unfortunate death. Armin’s need to save his people ultimately lead him to his own demise, whereby wounding Kligira to the very core.” Trygve said over his shoulder as he walked through the maze of the castle. “He foresaw a great evil that would destroy this world and he took measures to prevent it. The Vog, as I’m sure you saw in the drawing, made a deal with our king, one which would combine our knowledge and bring about the end of our true enemy.”

“You knew.” Henry said. “You knew Erik fused with Felkuru. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Armin had a similar ailment, though none so severe as Erik has. I don’t know the cause of why it affects him more than Armin but I assume it differs from person to person.” Trygve responded.

“Armin had seizures as Erik does?” Henry asked.

“Not exactly.” Trygve tilted his head. “It was extremely taxing on his body, yes, but not as severe as Erik’s. Armin was free of such harsh convulsions but his mind was always in pain.”

Trygve glanced back at the two Xerian’s then continued.

“In order to keep it a secret, Felkuru and Armin communicated through their connection. Armin knew if his people found out he was working with the Vog it would create a divide amongst the nation. Their connection was far more advanced and useful, yet it did not come without a price.” Trygve said slowly. “However, Erik does not seem to possess the ability to communicate fully with Fel and he has a negative reaction to the mind fusion. Do you know why that is?”

“In Vlakias Erik said the fusion would have killed him. Felkuru stopped during whatever the process was before it killed him. But, in doing so, it seems, hindered his ability.” Henry made an educated guess. “Has Felkuru or any other Vog come back here?”

“No. I’m afraid after the death of Armin, they never returned, seeing the death and destruction humans can inflict on one another.” Trygve said sadly. “They have most certainly made themselves known now, however. Fel is planning something.”

“But why now?” Henry asked. “Why would they show themselves now after so many years?”

“They sense it coming, I suppose.” Trygve’s voice turned dark. “Armin couldn’t stop it and now… we may face it alone.”

“Face what?” Kyburn chimed in. “What evil are you speaking of?”

“You saw it. In the picture.” he said. “It’s what Armin and Fel were trying to prevent.”

“The Prawlers?” Henry guessed.

“No… well yes. That name was given to them by humans. Their true name is Thrak.” Trygve hesitated for a moment. “The Thrak are not of this world. They are creatures from a distant galaxy, somehow arriving here.”

“Galaxy?” Henry instantly asked. “The Praw- Thrak.” Henry corrected himself. “The Thrak are from space?”

“According to Fel, yes. I know little of space, but the stories Felkuru shared with Armin would shock us all. Not even Fel knows exactly where the Thrak came from.” Trygve said. “The Thrak’s origin is a complete mystery I’m afraid. The only information we know for certain is that they are not from this galaxy and have come to Isulia.”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“In the picture.” Kyburn started. “There were soldiers from Xer, Vulkira, and Kligira fighting against these… Thrak. Have we fought them in the past?”

“No. That is not a picture of the past, rather… of the future.” Trygve stopped this time, turning to them with a serious voice. “As I said before, a great evil is coming and there is not much time. Why do you think I was so quick to accept Xerath’s request that you come here?”

“We assumed it was because of Xerath’s power and influence over Kligira.” Henry murmured. “But that isn’t the case if you're asking.”

Trygve’s eyes glinted with annoyance at Henry’s comment, “Perhaps, but that was not the only reason. When Xerath reached out to us, in the hopes of finally awakening the Ancients, I jumped at the opportunity, though I was surprised they sent someone so… young.” he looked down at Henry. “I would’ve guessed Xerath would send Gus Opin again.”

“He was considered.” Kyburn replied. “But his age prevented him.”

“I see. Regardless.” Trygve looked at Henry. “We need your help and if Armin’s vision is correct, we will need all the kingdoms to defeat the Thrak when they arrive.”

“Vision?” Henry looked confused. “What vision?”

“The Ancients are our only hope now.” Trygve ignored the question which worried Henry into a deeper state of stress.

“And the Vog?” Henry frowned. “What about them? Are they evil or are they not our enemy as Erik believed?”

“I cannot speak for them.” Trygve said simply. “Fel has his own plans. With or against us, I do not know but he will not stand by idle and do nothing, that I am for certain. His distaste in us was proof enough when he left after Armin was killed.”

“Hazam, will you retrieve the book from the ruin?” Trygve said. “You know the one.”

“Yes, Regent.” Hazam bowed and stalked off another path, disappearing around a corner.

“The picture with Armin and Felkuru, was that the past?” Henry didn’t know for certain.

“It was. That was a recreation of the moment Fel bonded with Armin, connecting their minds.” Trygve retrieved the sketchbook from Henry and pointed at the drawing. “That right there was the moment Armin saw into Fel’s mind and all his past memories. He spoke of that moment often, where his life changed forever.”

“It makes sense he wanted to draw it then.” Henry shrugged. “He wanted to remember such a moment as that. I’d love to see a Vog up close. I’d love to meet Fel.”

“You may. In time. If things keep going as they are.” Trygve said. “Come, Erik is waiting.”

With that, Trygve fell silent as he led them through the castle, which still seemed like a maze to Henry but he had memorized the path to and from his room and the ruin.

Coming up on their destination, Trygve knocked on Erik’s door several times until he called for them to come in. He looked very tired but he sat up in his bed when they entered his room. They each found chairs, sitting around him.

“How are you feeling?” Henry asked. “We were worried about you?”

“I am much better, thank you.” Erik smiled at Henry’s concern for him. “I’ll be back on my feet in no time.”

“That one was much worse than last time… wasn’t it?” Kyburn said, resting his chin on one arm. “Apparently, you aren’t the only one to suffer from such… conditions.”

Erik paused, unsure how to respond to that, “Yes. I saw more than I normally did but what do you mean? Not the only one?”

“King Armin once fused with Fel as you did.” Trygve began. “I’ve already explained to Kyburn and Henry so I’ll make it short. Keep your questions for after.

Erik raised an eyebrow but listened quietly.

“Armin and Fel were bonded and worked toward a future in which Armin was shown. One that would bring humans, Ancients, and Vog together. There is a threat to our world that has been long-awaited. The Thrak, for whatever reason, have not come back yet but will soon.”

“Come back?” Henry interrupted. “You didn’t say anything about that.”

Kyburn and Erik mirrored Henry’s curiosity. Waiting for the answers, they gazed at Trygve expectantly.

“It-its not for certain. You must understand that most of what I say is passed down from someone else in which Fel knew. That information went through Fel and then Armin to me. Much of it is hearsay… but.” He narrowed his eyes. “Armin did see something in Fel’s memory in which he kept hidden from him. It was only an image and a few words.” Trygve paused, taking in their confused stares, though Erik seemed to understand completely. “The Thrak have already tried to destroy Isulia before and they will do it again. Before we arrived on this world, the Ancients inhabited this planet but the Thrak came and a bomb was set off.”

“Bomb?” Kyburn frowned. “What is a bomb?”

“I don’t know.” Trygve scratched his chin. “Something that destroys. A weapon perhaps.”

“Wait, wait.” Henry interrupted again. “You said we arrived on Isulia? What do you mean by that?”

Trygve frowned, obviously thinking deeply before responding. He looked to be battling inside but his face turned to them with a sympathetic look.

“This was a shock, to say the least.” Trygve began. “At first I didn’t believe it but everything that Armin said, has come true or has yet to.”

“Spit it out will you?” Kyburn said impatiently.

“We aren’t from this world either.” Trygve said. “We crashed here on a ship, similar to the one recorded in the Ancient’s ruins.”

The room fell dead silent. Henry jerked his gaze around to each person, studying their faces.

“If we aren’t from here…” Henry hesitated for a long moment. “Then where did we come from?”

PART 2

“That…” Kyburn’s mouth twitched. “Is hard to believe. I mirror your question, Henry.”

“I know.” Trygve said softly. “And before you bombard me with questions. Let me say I don’t know anything else. It was one of my last conversations with Armin before…” he trailed off.

“So this was the last thing he shared with you before he died in Yidor?” Erik asked.

“Yes.” Trygve looked sorrowful. His pain and loss of his king abundantly clear.

Kyburn shifted uncomfortably in his chair, knowing he was the one who had ended his life.

“You said you had something urgent to speak about?” Trygve changed the subject quickly. “You saw something? Through your connecting with Felkuru?”

“Yes, I did indeed.” Erik smiled slightly, still taken aback by the conversation. “It’s still coming in waves but memories gradually reveal themselves along with images.”

The room was awkward and silent again. Trygve’s revelations on their past still clambered in their minds.

“I saw another Ancient, male. He was with Fel, somewhere.” Erik began, trying to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness. “I think he is trying to wake him up like we are trying to do here.”

“Not only that, there was a man. Here in Riqun. He was standing over a table, doing something that I couldn’t make out.” Erik said slowly, remembering gradually. “I think he knew how to open the pods to the Ancients and he had something to do with Felkuru as well.”

Trygve shifted in his chair, drawing Erik’s attention, “What is it?” he asked.

He gazed back at Erik, hesitating. “I believe the man you saw was Armin.”

“That would make sense. I wasn’t for certain as I didn’t know him. But after what you told us, I have no doubt it was Armin.” Erik said.

“Armin and Fel had a special bond, it was strong and their minds were fully synced. However, that did not stop him from being murdered.” Trygve said, Henry noticed the use of his words. Murder was a jibe at Kyburn personally but he ignored it.

“This is a lot to take in. The Thrak? Galaxies?” Erik shook his head. “The Vog have their own plans to save Isulia. I find it all hard to believe but… I do have an unexplainable connection with a creature thousands of miles away so I suppose anything is possible.”

“Believe it.” Trygve said. “You may be our only hope in getting the Vog to aid us with what comes next.”

“What exactly is coming next?” Kyburn asked skeptically. “We have never even seen the Thrak, so how do we know they are a real threat?”

“They are.” Henry supported Trygve’s theory of the creature's existence. “There is little information, granted, but legends come from somewhere. Previously they were thought to be fictional beings of the past, but with the books I’ve read and what Trygve says, it adds up to something at least. Unless our Historians were gravely mistaken, the Thrak are not fiction.”

“Henry is right.” Trygve agreed. “They were thought to be mythical creatures but I assure you they are very real. Armin saw them in his vision. Much like the Vog, they too used to be shrouded in myth and legend, yet they exist. And if there is one thing I know for certain about Armin, my king. He was not a liar.”

“You still can’t say that for certain.” Kyburn said stubbornly but made a good point. “We are supposed to take the word of a dead man and believe he saw it all in a vision? Even if Armin believed it, he could be mistaken. Manipulated.”

“I saw General Brynd and his army being slaughtered in one of those visions.” Erik countered. “And we both know that turned out to be true. I am not dead yet. I believe what Trygve is saying is true. For some time now I have been feeling a sense of urgency from Fel and a sickening dread as if a shadow was lurking in the background. That feeling is exactly why I left my people to come here. This may be the answer.”

Kyburn grumbled slightly, still unsure what to believe. Henry didn’t blame him, it all seemed far-fetched.

“Erik.” Henry stood and walked over to his bed. “Take a look at this sketchbook. It was Armin’s.”

“What’s in it.” Erik clasped the book gently in his hand. “I don’t know what you think I’ll-”

Erik was cut short by a loud bell ringing the alarm. It pierced their ears as it rang and echoed through the castle.

Trygve stood to his feet, followed closely by Kyburn while Henry was already standing. All three made for the door, unsure what was going on. Erik looked like he was going to say something but didn’t.

“We’ll be right back.” Kyburn said. “Henry? Stay with him will you?”

“But I want to-” he started to protest.

“Son. Stay.” Kyburn said more forcefully. “We don’t know what’s out there and I want you in here to protect Erik if anything happens. Close the doors behind us.”

“Yes, sir.” Henry grumbled reluctantly.

They ran out the door, leaving him behind with Erik who was already looking through the sketchbook. “Henry?” he whispered while pointing. “What is this?”