Boros cursed under his breath as the screams and insults of Katrina faded into the distance. She was right about all of it. Every vile word cast toward him held truth. But he could do nothing. He glared sidelong at King Yomin, the architect of this latest ploy. When word of Avria’s successful negotiations with High King Phobos reached him, he flew into a rage. Vowing to march the full might of Lokkadonia and the supporting units to Vul De Rah immediately. He and Telmos urged caution as best they could, but it fell on deaf ears. Telmos went as far as to challenge the king’s authority openly, in front of the Hegos.

Yomin then arrested Telmos as a traitor, and put Illya under house arrest as a clear and real threat to Boros.

“You see how diabolical they are, Boros?” Yomin asked, turning toward him.

Boros said nothing, his rage barely held in check.

“Speak, Boros.” Yomin insisted.

Boros calmed himself with a breath, then responded. “I believe they sincerely thought we would accept them to our side. After escaping from Thule. Instead, we arrest them.”

“The Espi-Dae will be here shortly,” Yomin continued. “Then they will be out of our hands, and your sister will be free to travel as you see fit. Back to Vul De Rah, once it is recaptured, perhaps.”

“At the cost of our souls.” Boros spat.

“Careful, Hego,” Yomin warned. “You are lucky you’re the last son of Ignos. Or I would have thrown you in with the traitor, Telmos.”

“Avria will not take this lightly.”

Yomin barked a laugh. “That petulant brat? She is nothing to Lokkon anymore. She’s a Sterion of the Torre’, and that is all. Her lands and titles forfeit. Her whole traitorous house can crumble to the ground. For years the Regios taunted and leered at me from within the protection of Vul De Rah, and your father. No longer.”

Boros clenched his fists.

“Don’t blame me for the fall of your city or the death of your family, Boros.” Yomin stood, walking to pour himself a bowl of wine. “I warned your father about the demons. All of us did.”

“It was the Rexunii who toppled our city,” Boros shot back. “They tortured and subdued a human, forcing him to use his power against us. Which was brought on by the Espi-Dae themselves.”

“Don’t be a fool,” Yomin chuckled. “The Espi-Dae’s only flaw was that they weren’t allowed to purify him properly. The Rexunii and their primitive pit spared the creature’s life. Then he enthralled the King and began to execute their true purpose here. Destruction of the Dae. Starting with the very people who took him in.”

Boros deflated, knowing full well he couldn’t say what was truly on his mind. What’s the point of this conversation? He thought.

“We will save our world, and Lokkon from destruction within the next few days.” Yomin pressed on. “You and your sister will thank me, and all this nonsense will be put behind us.”

“May I take my leave?” Boros asked.

“You may,” Yomin gestured toward the door. “But keep clear of the demons, Boros. If you don’t, I will have Illya executed on your behalf as a traitor.” His gaze pierced him, and Boros’ heart sank. He had to save Katrina and Daniel somehow, and end this foolishness. Even if it cost him his life, he needed to try. But it wasn’t only his life on the line. Illya and Telmos were in Yomin’s hands. And their lives could be snuffed out with a word from his lips.

“Yes, your highness.” Boros bowed, then turned to leave.

~

Avria rode into the Lokkadonian war camp, accompanied by her fellow Sterion. Nasha, and Espi-Drake. During their travels, they met no resistance on the road. More than likely due to the consolidation of forces by the Rexunii. With an army this size at their doorstep, they needed every sword they could muster. She had obtained a title from the High King that put her beyond the authority of Yomin and most others, but in the end, it was just a lie. She never would have imagined that the High King could be influenced and turn on her, so quickly. Instead of listening to reason, he bestowed his blessing on King Yomin and his campaign and had launched a full invasion with two goals. Take back Vul De Rah, and obliterate the humans.

Making her way to the command center, she picked up her pace. The guards at the entrance slid the doors open and she strode in, determination in her eyes. King Yomin and Hego Boros were sitting at a makeshift table, drinking bowls of wine, and both turned to greet her.

“Sterion Avria.” King Yomin said, “I can’t say I’m surprised to see you here. You are your father’s daughter after all.”

Avria saw the expression of the King shift. Turning dark at her presence. Boros’ face seemed a mixture of excitement and sorrow.

“Your Highness,” Avria started, “I have come at the behest of High King Phobos, to gain your assistance in the deliverance of the humans, Daniel and Katrina. I understand they are both within Vul De Rah.”

“You are in no position to ask anything of me, Sterion.” Yomin said, holding his arms out. “High King Phobos already has given us his orders. And they have nothing to do with the likes of you. We received word that the Volsung forces had left Vul De Rah, in response to an attack by our allies, the Exous to the South. The High King agreed, it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up. We obediently executed his orders, and those of the High Espi-Dae.”

“Those orders do not undermine our mission in any way, your highness.” Avria said, “Nor do our orders contradict each other. We even have a representative of the Espi-Dae with us.” Avria gestured back, toward Espi-Drake, who bowed his head. “Surely there is no reason for any hostility.” Her eyes scanned the room, suddenly realizing there was someone important that was missing. “Where is my father? He, I’m sure, will have some wisdom to share on the matter.”

“Telmos, has been relieved of his command and duties.” Yomin spat.

“Relieved?” Avria asked, “What do you mean? He is the head of your military strategy council.”

Yomin’s face turned into a snarl, and he stood to approach her. “Telmos became an obstacle. I attempted to reason with him. Instead, he became, disrespectful, and dishonored himself before all of us, and committed treason.”

Avria’s fury began to rise. “What is the meaning of this?”

“I’m afraid action had to be taken, Avria.” Yomin continued. “He had grown far too comfortable serving under the late, Hego Agron. When speaking to royalty, one must watch their mouth. He didn’t.”

“Your highness.” Nasha said, chiming in. “Wha—”

“He has also lost his lands and titles,” Yomin continued, interrupting her. “Telmos is no longer a Lord of Lokkadonia, and neither are you.”

Avria’s mind started to race. These fools were so sure of their position, so insulted by her maneuver to speak with the High King, that they sought retribution. They had single handedly and swiftly destroyed the entire House of Regios. Where is Delmos? She thought, sudden fear gripping her.

“This… Will not go unanswered.” Avria said, her voice seething with rage.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Perhaps you can appeal to High King Phobos for land and title.” Yomin said, “you will find nothing here in Lokkon. You Regios showed your colors, and now after fifteen hundred years, your line is worthless, Avria.”

“That’s Sterion, Avria to you, your highness.” Avria growled.

“Your station won’t protect you here,” The King pressed. “One more insolent word or threat, and I will have you thrown in with those Demons you seem to be so fond of.”

Avria’s mind went blank for a moment. “Wait. Which Demons?”

“Katrina and Daniel,” Boros finally spoke up. “They are here, in our dungeon.”

Daniel, and Katrina were here? She thought, “When did they arrive?”

“Maybe eight hours ago or so.” Boros adjusted himself awkwardly. “They await interrogation by the High Espi-Dae. One of their representatives should be here by morning to receive them. Once he does, we will move on Vul De Rah.”

“Your Highness,” Avria seethed, her face a mask of barely restrained rage. “You, have gone too far. This is a direct violation of our High King’s command! This is treason!”

“The High King has passed all discretion in regards to the demons to the High Espi-Dae. Who has ordered them detained and interrogated before purification.” Yomin’s voice started to rise while he spoke, his temper flaring. “We are loyal sons and daughters of Eleutheros, Sterion. We are the will of the Espi-Dae, and honorable warriors trying to destroy an evil that threatens our world! And you, for reasons that baffle me, stand against us. Against your own King! We are fighting this war, we are bleeding for it. Lokkon was wounded; and Lokkadonians will take it back!”

“Sterion Avria is correct,” Nasha pleaded. “As Espi-Drake can attest. We were given this mission and have received no orders to the contrary. Please, highness, let us take them, as your High King has commanded, and any misunderstanding can be avoided. Please!” She turned wide eyes to Boros, who seemed to stiffen under her gaze. “Boros, don’t throw away the legacy of your father! Don’t besmirch the house of Ignos!”

“You are no longer welcome here, Sterion.” Yomin said, signaling his guards. “You will be escorted out of this camp, and sent on your way. If you decide to remain, or interfere any further, you will be executed.”

Several royal guards forced Avria and her companions out of the command tent and began leading them out of the camp.

“Nasha, we can’t just let them do this!” Avria said, “Yomin has lost his damn mind! The Espi-Dae will torture and burn Daniel and Katrina, we can’t allow this.”

“Avria... But, your father. Arrested as a traitor? It’s unheard of.” Nasha shook her head. “I don’t know what to do, Avria. We are powerless.”

“It would seem that your loyalty to the High King, is being tested.” Espi-Drake added. “King Yomin is well within his rights to detain the creatures. I am sorry about your family though. Treason is a serious crime, Avria. Of which the punishment is death.

Avria’s mind was racing at the words of the Espi-Dae. There was too much to consider. Daniel and Katrina’s safety, and her father and brother. “Delmos…” She spoke the name without even realizing it.

“Yomin would have mentioned him, if he were detained.” Nasha reassured her. “I’m sure he’s fine.”

“I pray to all the spirits, you’re right.” Avria resigned.

“The question still remains, Avria,” Drake said. “What do we do now? I would suggest going back to Belous. Speaking with the High King and petitioning him to spare your family any further dishonor.”

“Avria!” She heard a voice call. She whirled around to see Boros running toward her. “Wait!”

“Boros.” Avria grit her teeth as he came to a halt before them. “How could you have allowed this to happen!? My father—”

“He has Illya, Avria.” Boros cut her off. “I don’t have much time, so listen to me carefully. He’s holding her in Vul De Mar, under house arrest. He made it clear that I needed to support him, or he would have her executed.”

Avria was taken aback. “That’s not possible. House Ignos has far too much influence in Lokkon. He wouldn’t dare harm her.”

“He’s mad, Avria.”

“What of Delmos? Where is my brother?”

“He’s here.” Boros pointed behind him. “He became unruly when Telmos was arrested. He’s been traveling with us, as a prisoner.”

“What!?” Avria felt the rage building within her again.

“Think of your mission, Avria.” Espi-Drake interjected. “There is little you can do for him, or your father here. By tomorrow, Vul De Rah will be under siege. King Yomin has forbidden you from interfering in any way.”

Suddenly there was a massive explosion from the eastern part of the camp. Avria ducked, but saw a ball of flame, the size of Vul De Rah palace roiling into the air. There were horns that blasted then, and shouts and screams could be heard from that direction.

“What the hell was that!?” Boros yelled. Looking at the guards sent to escort them out.

“Those horn signals,” Avria recognized them.

“We’re under attack.” Nasha finished.

At that moment, Yomin and several officers ran from their stone command tent.

“Report!” Yomin yelled.

“We seem to be under Rexunii attack, your highness!” A runner said, pointing to the East. “They’ve begun their assault on the Visoth quarter of the camp.”

“Assemble our forces and crush them. They are fools to attack us directly! Bring me my armor!”

Avria looked around the now chaotic camp, hundreds of warriors were running to gather their weapons and assemble in formations with their officers. “Let’s go!” She yelled, turning to Nasha and Boros. Then, she shifted a hard gaze to Espi-Drake. “Head back to Belous city and tell the High King what you will. I will not leave my brother or my friends to die at the hands of your people or mine, or the blasted Rexunii!”

Espi-Drake did not hesitate. “This is foolish Avria! You know that this goes directly against the will of—.”

“As far as I am concerned, my mission still stands! To bring the humans before the High King. Now get out of here, or help me complete my mission!”

Espi-Drake cursed, but did not run.

“Then shut up, and follow me!” Avria dashed into the mass of moving warriors. Running to a Lokkadonian Captain, she grabbed his arm. “I am Sterion Avria, agent of the High King! Where are the Demons being held!?”

The captain blinked, confusion clear on his face. “They are over there. He pointed to a large square building off in the distance.”

Avria dashed toward the building as fast as she could, her Dunamis enhancing every stride she made. She went straight past the guards at the front door, and sped inside.

“Hey!” Was all they managed to say, as she and her companions began navigating the interior.

“They’re this way!” Boros pointed down a hall, but stopped and started to move back the way they came. “Save them Avria. I need to get to my men.”

“Stay safe, son of Ignos.” Avria gave him an approving nod, then followed his direction.

She slid to a halt when she saw Daniel and Katrina fastened to their cell wall.

“Daniel! Katrina!” She yelled, then was flooded with relief when she saw their surprised faces.

“Avria!?” They both said in unison. “What the hell are you doing here!?” Daniel asked, his face transforming from surprise to happiness.

Avria then noticed a guard standing before the entrance of the stone bars. “I am Avria Regios, Sterion of High King Phobos, I demand you release these humans into our custody.”

“Impossible.” The Guard said, “I have strict orders from King Yomin himself, to keep them here until he comes for them with the Espi-Dae”

“Your orders have changed.” Avria said, “We are under Rexunii attack, release them immediately or by the authority of High King Phobos, I will kill you where you stand as a traitor.”

The Guard balked at that, now looking a bit nervous. “I… I don’t know if I should.”

“It’s alright, warrior.” Espi-Drake stepped forward. “I am Espi-Drake, of the order of Reguotii. I am of the authority to collect them on behalf of the Espi-Dae.”

“I-I” The guard stuttered.

“Quickly man! There is no time.” Avria shouted. “Do you want the Rexunii to get them again? Step aside!”

“Sterion!” A voice called from behind them.

Avria turned to see ten crimson clad warriors making their way toward her. Damn… Where was Boros? She thought.

The one in front shouted with authority. “King Yomin has warned you to leave. Your interference with the Demons is a violation of his command. You will surrender immediately or face the consequences.”

She glanced over her shoulder at Daniel and Katrina, then to Nasha, who looked at her, took a breath and nodded sharply.

“I cannot comply, warrior.” Avria said, defiantly. “You and your King’s order go against that of my own.”

“Then by order of King Yomin of Lokkadonia,” The warrior said, drawing his incisor. “You are hereby sentenced to death.”

All of them readied their weapons but before they could attack, a massive spike of stone shot from the prison cell lodging into the wall, separating the two groups. Avria looked to see Katrina and Daniel free of their bonds and moving toward the gate.

“Impossible!” The guard shouted, before Avria thrust her blade through the back of his neck. Blue blood sprayed and he gurgled a scream before falling to the stone floor.

“Hurry!” She shouted while Katrina and Daniel forced their way out of the stone bars.

Before they could react, the Lokkadonian warriors broke through Katrina’s pillar and unleashed a flurry of elemental attacks of their own at them. Avria swung her blade, bringing forth a shield of electricity that redirected most of the attacks into the walls. The building shook with every hit and she pressed forward into the fray. Her incisor danced from one warrior to the next, cracking as the opponent’s blades met hers. Soon, Nasha followed her, along with Daniel and Katrina. The tight quarters of the hallway prevented any large scale Dunamis attacks, but it also prevented them from being overwhelmed by the numbers they faced.

Avria’s weapon sank into the flesh of one of the warriors, and he screamed a death cry, before she finished him with a slice through his neck. Daniel dashed ahead, plunging his blade into the stomach of another one, and Nasha decapitated two at once with a swing from her dual incisors. Again and again, they attacked, until the Lokkadonian guards started to lose ground. The several remaining warriors backed up in the cramped hall, and Avria lifted her hand toward them. With a savage yell, her hand erupted with a terrifyingly powerful blast of electricity that obliterated every warrior in its path. Avria looked at the carnage she had caused, then turned back to her team.

“Is everyone alright?”