Avria stood before the doors of High King Phobos’ throne room. After several days of travel, she had finally arrived at Belous City. The capitol of the Torre’ clan, and the seat of power in all Eleutheros for centuries. The doors began to slide open, and she glanced at Nasha, who was standing to her left. The two of them had left Vul De Mar without so much as a word to King Yomin, Hego Boros, or anyone else. In the hopes of appealing to the High King, and somehow bringing the humans back into the fold.

As the doors fully opened, she began to walk forward, past numerous royal guards, clad in a deep purple. The color of wealth in Eleutheros, and the color of the Torre’ clan. She looked up to see High King Phobos, one of the youngest High Kings in the history of Eleutheros, sitting upon his throne, looking down at them from an elevated platform.

“Lady Avria, of house Regios, Ward of Hego Boros, of Lokkadonia.” A Dae guard announced. “And Lady Nasha, of house Adomo, of Lokkadonia.”

High King Phobos raised a hand to greet them as they entered. “Lady Avria, and Lady Nasha. I am honored that you have made it here to Belous, and am happy to grant you the audience you requested.”

Avria stopped her approach, and knelt. “My High King, we are honored that you would take time for us, in our humble request.”

“Nonsense.” He said, leaning forward in his throne. “It has been some time since I have seen you, Lady Avria. And Lady Nasha is always welcome.”

“You flatter me, your Grace.” Nasha said.

Avria noticed from the corner of her eye that Nasha was struggling to manage kneeling with one leg. She could see, based on the High King’s expression, he had noticed as well.

“I was horrified to learn what injury you sustained, Lady Nasha. The Rexunii beasts that did that to you will surely pay the highest price. You have my word.”

“You are too kind, your Grace.” She replied.

“Now, to what do we owe the pleasure of such fine servants of Eleutheros, coming all this way to see me?” Phobos asked.

“Your Grace,” Avria started, “we are here today to appeal to you in regard to the Humans. The reports you have sent us about them, we feel have been greatly inaccurate. I personally have spent a great deal of time with both Katrina, and Daniel over the course of their time here in Eleutheros; and can personally vouch for them.” She looked up at him, searching his face for any reaction. He had light blue skin, complimented by pearl white hair, and intense yellow eyes. The crown he wore was more like a helmet, with a nose guard, and plates that came down the sides of his cheeks to his chin. “I beg you to listen to our firsthand accounts, and implore you to extend a hand of friendship to them, instead of the blade. We need their strength and power more than ever in the fight against the false King, Alektor, and his allies.”

Phobos said nothing for a time, his gaze constant and acute. “Lady Avria, I see you are wasting no time in getting to your point. So, I will be equally direct. The Demons you claim you know are a threat to our world and our way of life. The late Hego, Agron, denied our command to purify these monsters and it quite literally cost him his head. And not just his own, but thousands of sons and daughters of Lokkon. Warriors, women, children. All owe the death and destruction they have suffered to the stubbornness and defiance he showed us.” He flicked his wrist as if dismissing any argument. “I will hear no more of this.”

“Your Grace, please.” Avria said, standing. “Katrina nearly gave her life defending the city, and saved the life of Krya Illya, then attempted to assassinate Alektor himself! Daniel and I fought against him, and he saved my life in our escape. We fought for months on the road, bleeding together against our foes. My honor demands that I share their determination and loyalty. It is the least I can do!”

“Even if any further words cost you your life?” Phobos said, his voice deathly serious.

“Yes,” Avria said without hesitation. “If I stand and do nothing, while Alektor defiles the land of my people. And the people who I’ve grown to trust, and love, suffer at not just his hands, but the hands of my own clan. I would gladly give my life to spare them.”

Phobos was again silent for several moments, then tilted his head at her. “You truly believe they are not demons, sent to destroy us.”

“With all my heart. As I said, Daniel saved my life. And would be here now, with me to plead his case, if he weren’t sent away at the border of Baa’Yega.”

“And the reports that he is now in the hands of the Rexunii as well?” Phobos asked.

Avria’s heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t show it. She had no idea that Daniel had made his way there. “If Daniel is with them at Vul De Rah, it is not to join Alektor. The same goes for Katrina. He must have a plan.” She said, showing far more confidence than she felt.

“By the Spirits.” Phobos shook his head. “You truly have been put under their spell. And you, Nasha?”

“I also feel the same way, your Grace. I agree with Lady Avria, we have little hope against the Rexunii or other clans as long as they have Robert on their side. He is the only one who raised a hand against us, and is the only human who should face the judgment of Eleutheros. Even so, the words of Spirits should speak better than we can. On several occasions they presented themselves to us in Vul De Rah. One such occasion I witnessed myself. The Spirit Gro’ak bid Hego Agron to protect the humans and named them Spirit-Sent. How are we to deny the words of a Spirit?”

Phobos nodded, and took a deep breath. “It is quite unfortunate that our High Espi-Dae isn’t present to refute any of these claims. But I trust you, Lady Nasha. I know your heart and your mind are true.” He sighed and stood slowly from his throne. “I will issue a task to you then. Bring me one of the Demons, or, humans, as you call them. I wish to speak to them myself. I will send an Espi-Dae with you as well. To advise and observe your interaction with them.” He turned to a scribe to his left and nodded toward him. “This is the word of your High King, Phobos of House Domina. The humans are not to be harmed until my final judgment has been made. Unless they are directly aggressive toward us.”

Avria’s heart surged with relief and happiness. She had accomplished what she sought to do. Now she could focus on rescuing Daniel and Katrina from Vul De Rah. A task that seemed impossible from her current place, but the hardest part had been solved. Phobos had granted them safe passage. Albeit temporarily, but it was more than enough to work with.

“Thank you, your Grace!” Avria said, bowing her head. “I will not fail you in this task.

“Your Grace,” Nasha spoke, standing with her crutches. “There is the matter of King Yomin, as well. We did not exactly, request permission from him to travel to Belous for an audience with you. His word might, contradict, our mission for our High King.”

“Of course,” Phobos said, beginning to step down toward Nasha and Avria. “You will both be given a title in the name of your High King,” He turned briefly around to his scribe. “I declare that Lady Avria, and Lady Nasha be given the title of ‘Sterion’, Agents of the High King of Torre’, who answer only to me, and are not subject to the command of anyone other than myself. Give them the proper credentials.” He reached Nasha and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I will give you authority to enact my will, and complete the task I have given you; that will help you see this mission through, regardless of Yomin’s or any other’s objections. But, as I said, I will assign you an Espi-Dae, who will act as our church’s representative. That should at least appease our High Espi-Dae.”

“You are too kind, your Grace.” Nasha smiled, bringing her crutches up. “Though I don’t see how I could be much help, in my current state.”

“Nonsense.” He smiled. “My healers will have you fixed up in no time. It won’t be your old leg, but you’ll be as good as new. Even better, in fact. Now join me for lunch, and lets discuss more pleasant things.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

~

Avria paced her temporary accommodations, waiting for Nasha to return from the healers. She heard a wrap on her door, and opened it to find the red-haired Dae standing there, on two legs.

“It worked then?” Avria asked, letting her enter.

“As best as they could.” Nasha said, knocking her knuckles against her leg, a hollow wooden sound echoing. “Imbued Rug’ia bone, molded with imbued clay and wood for durability. What wonders they can do now.”

“So, you can fight?” Avria smirked.

“Like never before.” Nasha returned the smile.

“Good. We need to discuss our mission.” Avria turned and walked toward a table, littered with parchment and scribbles. “I have been thinking about it, and if we are to make our way toward Vul De Rah, we should go under the banner of peace. The Volsung and Visgo have patrols that cover the main roads. So, a direct approach will put us in contact with them.”

“A direct approach?” Nasha asked. “You don’t think we should use stealth? Make our way down using the forests and wilderness?”

Avria turned toward her. “No, it would take far too long.”

“Avria, we need to think about this.” Nasha pointed at the map. “If we get caught by them, there will be no choice but to fight.”

Avria shook her head. There was no need to sneak around. This would be an official mission. “We will go straight to them, as emissaries of the High King.”

“As emissaries…” Nasha said it more as a statement, but didn’t look convinced. “There are many who would call that foolish. We don’t want peace with Alektor, we want to defeat him and see him pay for his crimes.”

“Not for peace.” Avria shook her head. “To rescue Daniel and Katrina. Alektor will see nothing from us. We will present demands and see them through.”

“And if Alektor finds your demands disrespectful, and kills us?”

“Alektor is many things.” Avria continued. “But he has always upheld the customs and traditions of our people.”

“The same way he upheld our traditions and slaughtered our people using forbidden Dunamis?” Nasha crossed her arms. “Besides, he isn’t the only one who might wish to do us harm. The human might have something to say about it.”

There was a knock at their door that sounded before Avria could reply. “Enter” She called out, and an Espi-Dae entered the room and bowed.

“Lady Avria, and Lady Nasha. I am Espi-Drake. I was commanded by our High King to accompany you on a mission of sorts.”

Avria looked at Nasha, who shrugged. “We welcome you, Espi-Drake. You were expected hours ago.”

“Our High Espi-Dae sends his apologies.” Drake continued, “He believed that a proper representative should go in place of someone who didn’t truly understand what was at stake.”

“What’s at stake, is our very survival.” Avria stated.

“I agree with all my heart.” Drake bowed again. “Which is why we must ensure that these demons are purged from our world, and our end, diverted.”

“Is that what you think?” Avria asked, concerned that she had been sent someone who would derail their entire plan.

“That is what I know, Lady Avria. Our High Espi-Dae’s visions left little room for doubt.”

“What exactly did he see in these visions?” Nasha pressed, looking just as frustrated as Avria.

Drake took a breath and began. “It was just before their arrival. He awoke one night, slick with sweat, babbling about how Eleutheros would be doomed. About how the demons from hell would pour through portals, devouring all who were in their path. The heralds of this apocalypse would be like us in many ways. Some with light, and others with Dark skin. But they would be different... powerful and ruthless.”

“Did he have any other descriptions?” Avria asked. “That all seems rather vague.”

“He described twelve of them.” Drake paused, squinting his eyes as if trying to remember. “One who commanded the darkness, with fire painted upon their skin. One who could raise mountains and crush armies with a wave of their hand. One who could steal the breath from your lungs. And one with a blade of light…” He looked at Avria, a serious look on his face. “That is all I can remember at the moment.”

“That doesn’t sound like them at all.” Avria said.

“Well…” Nasha shrugged. “We really don’t know what they will become.”

“Either way.” Drake made his way toward the map. “It is not a risk we can afford to take. If we make even the smallest mistake, these creatures will end us.”

“The High King has given us leave to bring our case to him, Espi-Drake.” Avria made her way beside him. He looked at her, his yellow eyes unreadable. “We must be sure that you can keep your personal opinion in check. I will not have you interfere with our mission. Am I clear on that?”

Drake kept eye contact, and several moments of tense silence passed. “You truly believe in them?” He finally asked.

“I do.”

“You have my word that I will not interfere, Lady Avria.” Drake bowed his head. “If they do not attack us, I will stay my hand.”

“Thank you, Espi-Drake.” Avria turned toward the door as another knock echoed throughout the room. “Enter.”

The door slid open, and a servant entered holding a large stone orb. “Your speaking stone, my Lady.” He bowed his head. Nasha thanked him, taking the stone from him and placing it next to the map on the table.

“About time.” Nasha chuckled. “This should have arrived hours ago as well.”

“Well, it’s here now.” Avria placed her hands on the stone, and it began to glow a pale green light. “This is Sterion Avria, of house Regios.” She spoke into the stone. “I am requesting an audience with King Yomin, Lord Telmos, and Hego Boros. We will stand-by for your response.”

She removed her hands from the stone and let out a sigh. Speaking stones were the fastest way to communicate long distances. They weren’t as secure as wind talking, but between secure locations within the kingdom, they were very efficient.

“Your message is received, Sterion Avria.” A voice sounded from the stone. “We have relayed your message, and will alert you when or if, they are available to hear you.”

“I guess we wait.” Nasha said, finding a seat near Avria’s bed.

“What do you wish to accomplish, Sterion?” Drake asked.

“I must inform Lokkadonia of our status. As well as our mission from High King Phobos.”

“King Yomin will not be pleased.” Drake warned. “He has many informants within Belous, there is a good chance he already knows of your actions here.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Avria brushed his words off. “We no longer answer to him. He doesn’t have to like it. As long as he obeys.”

“Avria?” A voice again sounded from the stone. Younger than she expected. It was Boros.

“I am here.” She said, putting her hands on the stone.

“By the Spirits.” Boros’ voice said. “What have you done? King Yomin is furious with you. Your father is doing what he can to calm him, but it doesn’t look good. This was a political play we could not afford now.”

“Hego, Boros. I understand his anger, but we must be patient. Daniel and Katrina are key in winning this war.”

“We heard about his arrival.”

“Boros.” Avria closed her eyes. “Don’t lose faith in them.”

“Avria, Yomin is mobilizing our armies.” Boros’ voice rang.

“What? That’s ridiculous!” Avria tightened her grip on the stone. “High King Phobos would never—”

“He has already given us the order. We leave at sunrise tomorrow.”

“Why would he give such an order?” Nasha asked, moving to stand next to Avria. “He knows of our mission!”

Avria relayed the message from Nasha to Boros, then waited for his response.

“As good as your intentions were,” Boros’ voice sounded. “The whole of our counter-attack could not wait on the idealistic mission you put together. There are too many moving pieces. That and… news of Daniels arrival has forced Yomin’s hand. He… He wants to destroy the threat all at once.”

“Boros…” Avria couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The High King had offered one hand in friendship, and plunged a blade in her back with the other. “He’s trying to kill them all at once.”

“I… I tried to stop it, Avria. I just…” Boros’ voice trailed off. “Your father and I are powerless at the moment. Every Hego, but I, supported the campaign.”

“Do they have a chance against Alektor?” Avria asked, her voice starting to rise.

“Our force is nearly double the size of his, according to our scouts. We have many more reserves on the way, but as it stands right now. We will arrive at Vul De Rah before Alektor can assemble his forces.”

“How long?”

Boros’ voice vibrated through the stone. “Maybe two weeks. King Yomin is ordering you to stay in Belous. If you attempt to interfere, there will be dire consequences.”

Avria cursed. “And disobey the High King’s mission?”

“You are supported by the High King in name only.”

Avria calmed herself, taking a deep breath and blowing it out. “Who was it, Boros? Who changed his mind?”

The stone was silent for a time, then it glowed. “It was the High Espi-Dae. He convinced the High King to sanction it…”

“Damn that man!” Avria cursed, “Why is Eleutheros filled with such weak-willed fools?”

“Avria.” Boros’ voice came with more urgency than before. “Do not go to Vul De Rah. I’m begging you. I don’t know what Yomin will do.”

“Thank you, Hego Boros.” Avria hissed. “Your advice will be taken into consideration.” She lifted her hands from the speaking stone and snarled. “They are all weak and spineless fools.”

“The warning is quite clear.” Drake said, crossing his arms.

“If they think they can defeat Alektor, they are mistaken.” Nasha’s eyes were wide with worry. “The power of the human… Avria, they’ll be slaughtered. I watched… as thousands of Rexunii warriors materialized out of the air. I saw our own warriors blinded by black smoke as they were cut down, mercilessly. Numbers are not a factor in this battle. You know what he is capable of doing, Avria. What you saw… with Oros. He can do that in the midst of battle as well. The fallen become puppets.”

“That must be an exaggeration, Lady Nasha.” Drake turned to her. “Our reports were mixed from—”

“Espi-Drake, I watched it happen.” Nasha barked. “I witnessed it with my own eyes! The fall of some of our strongest warriors!”

“If what you say is true…” Drake said, “Then they truly are the demons of the vision.”

“Either way.” Avria turned to start packing for what would no doubt be a hard trek. “We must get to Vul De Rah before the army. Gather your gear… we leave within the hour.”