Ashley

“It can’t be…” She stared at the back of her hand. Her worst fears had come true. The chain on her left hand had reformed. Her legs threatened to give out from under her.

“He….lost?” it was a hard pill to accept, but the chain reconnected to her was proof the connection had snapped. She was once more the bearer of the flame.

All hope was lost. Ashley slapped herself. The pain burned in her cheek.

“Now is not the time to give up!” The words didn't ease the despair, but they did get her moving forward at least. “But in the end, all they shared was a name huh?” she laughed bitterly.

It was not him. His loss confirmed her fears. All this time she had been chasing a ghost. It only now became clear that all her effort till now was a complete waste.

The help she came looking for would be of no use. There was only one option left to here. If all was lost, the castle couldn’t be left standing.

“If I do this he will truly be dead.” she whispered to herself as she walked through the door toward the throne room.

It had changed a little, but her memories of the place still held firm. The familiar sight of armor lined the walls as she ascended the stairs.

The familiar smell of paper wafted down from the upper level. She was surprised at how the 8th never burned all the books.

“Well it not like he reads anyway, but still he should have moved them to a library.” she had watched over the 8th for awhile before their roles had been reversed.

To that end, she had listened to his wish and done the best she could, but still, she couldn't accept the 8th no matter what.

She found that much of the decor was still the same old fashioned stuff, the same old blandness that didn't suit such a royal place, but the person in charge of decorating had been quite fickle about details.

She snapped out of her nostalgia and ran up the last few stairs and was looking at the throne. There on the left of it was her destination. But even still the stone tree etched into the wall stole what precious seconds she had left. But she couldn't help herself.

The tree was a symbol. One that resided close to her very soul. It only made it harder for her to decide to destroy it all. But that too was the purpose of the tree.

Not too many were aware, of the single design flaw in the castle. While the tree served as decor, it served one deadly purpose.

The destruction of every support beam in the castle. The process wasn't easy to an act of course. A very specific flame was needed as well as one of the general’s permission.

These two things were fulfilled as both were always with her. Her eyes fell to the base of the tree.

A small box with an unlit candle, practically untouched by time stood. A symbol of both hope and destruction. She hoped the flame would still light after all this time. No, it had to, or all hope was lost and she would have to forsake her own heart.

Officially, the candle was a signal for the king or generals. A well-developed lie. It would send a signal just that the kingdom was done and finished. I wonder if he would stop me even now. He never was one for such dramatic things like collapsing the castle. Even as despair and futility shot at her heart, she could still see his frown when they made it.

It seems like we have already given up on holding this castle till the end. This line had stopped her and others on many occasions to use it. In a way, it was a beacon. One that would summon him, but no one could get close. A beast of unequal strength guarded it.

So the candle was a ticking time bomb. You either waited for a savior or death to come for you.

Of course, the castle infostructure was separated from the town, not that anyone was aware, so its collapse would not affect the town structure, however, debris and other collateral damage couldn't be accounted for.

“So it still comes to this.” A dark feeling gripped her heart. The years leading this flashed before her eyes.

They people had stood strong in the begin trying to work with the 8th, even if they hated him for ruining everything. It was as the first asked.

Should a new ruler take up my position treat him well okay? He had said with a smile.

“What a joke” but one they followed. However, soon cracks formed making a large rift between the king and his people. It grew to an unmendable length.

She still cursed the names of her allies who abandon their post to go searching or had lost hope I staying. She alone had stayed to keep the city and the princess safe, but even then she’d failed.

Beaten daily and abused and forced to watch the city decay day by day took its toll. Soon she looked at a barren city with hate. Who could love a place so devoid of dreams and hope?

It had not changed after she returned with Dynames. It had grown worse. People chained and left unable to leave. Strolled with unfair taxes and left with barely any right to live freely.

“Nobody really tried in the first place. We waited for you to return-Gah” Blood rolled down her lips. Her vision grew hazy and her knees gave way. Then it came for her. The feeling that had been assaulting her since the day at the school.

The need to stab herself.

“Just a little more”

She moved her hand to her heart. She focused on the flame in her chest, the one thing keeping the curse on her body from spreading faster than it already had.

“I won't last much longer.” she smiled to control her fear.

Another coughing fit took hold. She moved her hand to cover it and after it was done found blood on her hand. Little time remained. Ashley pushed forward.

Her time was limited and she was running low on just about everything. The candle was either the kingdom final hope or destruction.

The black world around her was deathly silent. Her own thoughts were rippling throught it, but no one was answering. Fear was at its pinnacle. Which meant only one thing. The biggest threat was back in the city. Which left her with less time than before.

She reached the candle. She looked to her chest. The risk was high. But she still did it. She poured her thoughts in it, and soon the single warmth left in her moved to her hand.

The agony was unbearable. She fell to the floor. Her consciousness swayed in and out. Her eyes focus on nothing, but the flame.

The small amber flame dwindled in her hands. The curse throbbed, whiles its whisked finger grew closer to her heart. She tore herself away from it and looked at the throne.

An ironic place to collapse. In the past, she had placed herself in such a position with pride. That time, however, was long gone.

She couldn't find the strength to move. Her limbs cold and unresponsive. The curse worked faster than expected.

“Hmmm, so the rat wishes to throw herself at my feet?” called an amused voice. The footsteps echoed throughout the empty room. She felt his evil presence far before she turned to face him.

Her chances of lighting the flame grew smaller as he got closer. Even so, her will to do so never wavered

She’d put her own life and that of the citizens on the line, she needed to do this. Her resolve echoed throughout the city, but the cursed spread further and her pain only intensified.

She struggled to get up and face her foe. The sheer effort to stand left her breathless and numb. She stood on lead legs. She had to lean of the throne, if not she would fall and never get back up.

“I never thought you too would have those strong eyes,” Samuel called as he now stood face to face with her. His evil smile still the same. “Truly a fun day.”

His face always disgusted her. Nothing about him could be called unattractive, but after learning about what lies underneath would make anyone puke and never wish to see him again.

She nearly did just that. Her own powerlessness added to the urge She tried to steel herself, but the pain overrode her thoughts all too easily.

“I would clap for you and your display of defiance, but I feel a bit annoyed,” as he placed a swift kick to her stomach. She flew back, her legs gave in easily to the unexpected landing. She rolled off at will stopping next to a suit of armor.

She coughed up more blood. The blow hadn't been hard, but she was weakened and barely breathing. She leaned on the suit to get up, but it proved too much for her.

“So were you trying to light the flame?” He asked as he slowly crept forward.

“Yes,” She answered without realizing. The curse kept her for lying to him.

He began to chuckle hard. “So you fools still believe in that fairy tale!” He was shaking from his laughter. He looked like he was having a ball at Ashley expense.

He shook it off, but not the disgusting smile. "What are you doing here?”

Again her mouth moved against her will “I planned to bring this castle down!” She added some vigor on her own. As far as she knew he wouldn’t know the real purpose of the candle

He seemed unfazed and then seem to think something over. “How about I tell you something, fun girl?" He was in front of her and grabbed her arm.

The pain soon throbbed through it. She noticed his bare hand and tried to pull away. The decay began to slowly break her wrist. “I will give you a choice, I will tell you my plans all you have to do is cut off.”

Before he could finish, Ashley pulled a small knife from under her cloak and slice off her arm. Cutting below her elbow with expert accuracy. Her years of experience made the cut possible. But a second slice was now beyond her.

She bit her tongue suppressing the scream building in her throat. She tore her samples of clothes, quickly wrapping up the area around it to stop the bleeding. She lay panting and losing blood. She nearly blacked out again.

Samuel was chuckling. “You actually did it. With no regard for your own arm. Splendid!” He grabbed her throat and dragged her to the middle of the room. He raised her to where her back was to the throne.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“I shall tell you my plans as promised." He tossed her back toward the throne and began his speech. She felt the pain finally subsided, probably because she wasn't going against his will anymore for the moment. If she had a chance she would take it.

“I never understood the First’s tastes,” He spoke light as he walked around the room. His every step sent an echo into the quiet hall. He leaned against a wall. To Ashley dismay, it didn’t cave in on top him.

“He had so much, yet did nothing with it”

“What are you going…... on about?” Ashley anger flared and she was meet with blinding pain. Her voice was still weak and came out as more of a whimper. The 8th picked up her severed arm and walked over to her.

“Here I will tell you my plan in the form of questioning. First, what is it all men desire?’ He asks her.

It was awhile before she answered as she weighed each option. “Power” Her answer was meet with a hard slap from her own severed arm. She kneeled on the ground before she recovered.

“Wrong, it is money.” He said happily. She made the mistake of looking into his eyes as he spoke. The wickedness in him was visible, it threatened to swallow her whole.

. She put together a silent resolve. A plan went into action. She opened her mind and listened intently to every word

He snapped his fingers and a chair made of bones materialized. He sat down and looked down from his nose to her.

“For 3 years, I have been draining this city, and it is almost time to put the final nail In the coffin.” He laughed at the nonexistence joke that was there.

‘Now little lady, Question 2: How would I get a large profit from this city at this point?”

“By leaving this place," She said almost immediately. Before she could correct it. Her arm slapped her hard on the face again.

“Ah so close, yet you miss the important details." He said smiled a big smile. He rose from his chair and moved to her again.

“The answer is labor.’' He whispered in her ear, which she swore was melting at the sound of his disgusting voice.

He moved away much to Ashley relief. “You see, there is quite a demand for workers, and as it turns out, many will do anything to get them or even pay as much as I ask” He let the last bit hang

“No, you didn’t!” This guy wasn’t human.

“Yes. He answered coldly

“ I, Samuel Lugosi, have sold the citizens.”

She nearly rose and stuck him, but the mark sensing her plan burned her flesh and caused her to collapse on the ground.

“Yo..u...bast...ard!” she forced the whole statement out even as it burned her.

She felt a tremor of emotions, but not all were hers. Her plan had worked, but now she needed to act.

“They won’t just go willingly. They will surely fight for their own freedom!” The burning eased only slightly “No one will just stand by as they are enslaved!”

She gathered her courage.

“No more!”

She used her left arm to raise herself, but it was a pathetic sight. She couldn’t get up and the blood loss was causing her vision to blacking ever slowly.

Ashely, however, resolved and finally pushed herself off the ground. She was off balance and could hardly stand. Droplets of blood were shed with every awkward step and near slip.Blood seeped through her makeshift bandage. Her blonde hair filled with her own blood.

She was the incarnation of pain.

When she was within striking distance she spoke. “Someone will stop you. Even if it has to be me!”

“You!” He gripped his stomach while laughing. “What can you do battered and broken as you are?” his eyes were filled with joy as he spoke. “Remember how I killed the First king or has the pain and blood loss final driven you insane!” He playfully yelled at her. However, He noticed, deep in her eyes, a fire burned. How her resolve was strong was unknown.

“I don't care what you say!" She replied quickly. “The man who ruled this place placed freedom over all and would never sell his people to slavery for his own personal gain. Like hell, I will let you get away with this!" She poured her power into words and held off the pain reaching for her heart.

She truly didn’t have long.

“Say all the pretty words you want it won't change the fact that your king is dead. Or how powerless you are before me" He added coldly. His annoyance was growing and his joy fading just as quickly.

“You may as well die with some dignity or prostrate yourself and maybe I will spare you?” Of course, he was lying. He wanted to at least enjoy her last moments the best he could, with her withering on the floor like a bug.

“I won't.” She visibly shook from the pain that was eating her. Her words were going against him and the mark spread faster.

Death's door was so close she could feel the world grow cold. either she would die first or they would die together.

Samuel blinked in surprise. How is her will still this strong?

Blood rolled out her eyes like tears. and she knew her time was coming, but she had a choice whether it was by curse or the man himself. She pushed onward

“I refuse to give it to the likes of you!” She roared with all her strength at him as if throwing up blood. She felt the dark realm burst with energy. Her plan to light their fire had worked, all she could do now was stall. Waiting for the collapse of it all.

But her strength was at an end. She was flat on the ground. She felt so cold. Like ice had replaced her blood.

She weakly looked to the candle. “So I’m going first then.” I’m sorry everyone. I will be going on first, but he will surely…!!

The candle exploded, sending wax everywhere.

She jerked her head to see Samuel's hand raised.

“No” it was all she could do.

“I hope you weren't hoping to use that stupid thing." He rushed forward and once again had her throat in his gloved hand. He lifted her off the ground and his eyes no longer had the evil light to them. The only thing there was of pure annoyance.

“Did you think I was that ignorant of its real purpose? I knew and still left it that way because only you can light it up” This was it. The final nail of terror in her coffin of despair.

She had risked it all for nothing.

She couldn’t change anything.

He had planned it all, just to make her suffer. Her final hope was a joke for him to laugh at. She felt what little strength she had left leave her. She wasn't even allowed to die honorably anymore.

She had failed.

“I wanted to bleed you to death, but I guess I will have my final a little early." He slammed her against the closest pillar.

“Question 3: Didn't you notice something strange when entering this city?" She didn't have the strength to answer. Samuel discarded her arm and it struck the bone chair which then disappeared.

“WELL?!” he questioned the corpse-like person in his grasp. No answer. He noticed a blue flame ready to leave her body.

"The answer is the festival.” He searched for a response, but Ashley was fading. He clicked his tongue. “You must have thought: ‘How is this even happening? Who would participate in a death battle for someone like him’” Still no response came.

The answer is simple. I have in my possession the children, wives, of the men fighting hidden in certain places."

He let her down and dragged her to the center by her hair. No sound expected her lips.

Once more the hold on her throat continued. "With one snap of my finger, the school where the children are burns, the cells where the women are collapses, and the men shall begin killing each other one by one all with the hope of saving the other.”

You’re a damned monster! Words were a lost cause so Ashley could only think the insult. She would have stabbed him if she could still move.

“You see this is my answer to hope. Death" and with that, he snapped his fingers. She pleaded in her mind for it to stop.

Yet even pleading did nothing.

The sound of collapsing building and a great blast roared through the city. If she had any spirit left it was no gone. She felt herself go and her body went limp more so than before.

Samuels laughter only made the situation worse. He was so bright and happy as he looked at her. Someone who had lost all hope.

Samuel put his other hand on his face. He looked to take it all in. The ecstasy of his plans.

“Finally, it took years but I finally broke you. I hope you like decaying slowly.” She knew in her mind this was it. The end. “I guess that leave the princess as the final meal?”

The people fell silent and nothing was there. All was lost. I'm sorry everyone.

In her final moments, though she could no longer remember his face, she still had the emotions and some memories of the first. She saw only the silhouette of his body. A deathly whisper came for her mouth.

“I'm sorry” Her mind went black and nothingness was creepy in her body. She looked at her fate. A pale hand making slow progress toward her.

The pain is finally over…….

Across the room, a sound filled the air. Samuel was taken by surprise released his grip and turned around to face the door. It was open slightly. Had I left that open?

Before he got an answer a slight gust of wind breezed by. “Must be my imagination. Now, where were….!?” When he turned back the girl was no longer there. He swept back and forth searching for her. Yet nowhere was she to be found, even her severed arm was missing.

“Don’t think you can hide bitch!” he roared. Then he saw a droplet of blood leading to the door.  A smile on his face “You think you can run?!”.

He blasted the doors and shot out into the open sky above the city. Spreading his bone wings once more. There he saw things that shouldn't have been.

“Impossible.” Rage boiled in him.

The school building and the holding cells were still there. But even more so the arena was bloodless. In the streets, swords were stabbed into the ground. He inspected each one to find the cause.

The holding cells still intact, but a large hole In the wall. “The rebels should have gotten that far?” He then hesitantly looked at the gate where the rebels were still fighting strongly against his undead army. Then how!?

“It must be betrayal!” his whispered to himself.

“WHO DID IT!?” Samuel exploded with rage. The silence followed swiftly and all heads turned the sky. His eyes went to every mercenary.

“WHO DARES STAND AGAINST ME!?” No response came. The shocked faces were all he got. Something was wrong.

He looked deep into their eyes, but no matter how much hate he poured out the eyes didn't turn to him. The constant flowing of fear toward him stopped.

"What is going on here!?” He yelled. “Who is causing all this?!” Then he noticed it, no felt it.

A sensation all but forgotten. It had been years, but the sensation was unforgettable.

Warmth on his back

Samuel spun around. He felt terror and feeling he should of all but forgotten as well. His blood froze in his veins and his heart stopped.

Hsi barrier was still active, but he found a man floating in the air. He was covered in a brown cloak. It flapped in the wind and only served to fan Samuel fear.

“IT CAN'T BE!” His terror and fear were genuine.

There in the black sky was a man with shaggy blonde hair and with one look from his amber eyes paralyzed Samuel to the core. In his arms, Ashley still body. The man cloaks swayed just enough to reveal...Ashley's arm reattached.

The man moved a hand, completely unaffected by all the eyes on him.

His hand was then engulfed by an amber flame. He placed it on Ashley's face Samuel felt a pain his chest. He watched in disbelief as his curse faded to the wind. It purple energy dissipating completely.

But only I can remove that?!

The man turned to face Samuel and looked him dead in the eyes and soon the man began to move.

“NO NO NO!” Samuel yelled trying to keep the man quiet. Hsi cries filled the sky. The wind roared as well as his stored magic. He wouldn't stand for a ghost-

“Silence”

The single word stopped everything. Samuel cries, his out of control power, and even the slight breeze.

The silence was heavy. It claws dug into Samuel. But before he could voice his complaints.

The man spoke.

"Samuel, I think it is time for me to take back my country.” His amber eyes never wavered as he spoke. “You have made this place a hell. A place where cries are ignored and hopes are crushed.” With a clear voice, the man spoke and no doubt filled anyone minds with the words.They had power to them.

“I can’t have that anymore”

Samuel couldn’t do anything. His body was stiff and it refused his every command.

“I'm sorry” it was all she could say as she drifted farther and farther into the blackness.

The black world that Ashley hovered in soon dissipated and orange light flowed in.

“So warm” like the hand of a mother caressing a child. She felt safe. Enough so she could have slept there forever.

“It is time to wake up. It is a little soon to die, Ashley.” the voice made her heart twist. Her feeling boiled over.

Tears rolled down her face.

“You’re back.” The faraway sound of a chain breaking filled her ears.

Ashley woke up from her long nightmare.

The handsome face of a man was the first thing she saw. His looks were piercing. Not a single imperfection was visible. A masterpiece in human flesh.

She weakly moved a hand to his face and slowly the man looked to her

“Took you long enough," She weakly whispered then she passed out once more, but this time a smile touched her face, It was like watching the first flower of spring bloom.

Utterly captivating.

“Yeah," the man responded. He breathed deeply and turn his head back to Samuel. “It took me a quite while” his amber eyes fell once more on Samuel.

A shiver went down his spine. But something different as going through the citizens.

They were awestruck. That was enough for the people, lost in despair, to find hope again.

Cries filled the sky, but they were not of weak people. They were cheers filled with the hope. The single sight had renewed the kingdom to wake once more.

The man eyes burned brightly and with all the power he could summon he spoke.

“First king, Dynames Valmeras, takes the field!”