Brekan treaded carefully down the old road that led deeper into the enigmatic forest. The once-small plants that lined the roadside grew in size and grandeur as he ventured further, their luminescent hues becoming more pronounced. He marveled at a massive mushroom with a glowing purple cap, its radiance casting an eerie glow that rendered his crystal unnecessary.
As Brekan delved deeper into the ruins, a strange sense of solitude enveloped him. There were no songs of birds or the scampering of small creatures, only the hum of the giant glowing insects that flitted through the air. Their collective chorus created a surreal symphony.
The path was lined with luminous green grass, casting an unnatural, poisonous glow over the ground. The ancient trees that loomed above him appeared to have witnessed centuries of secrets, their twisted and gnarled branches casting eerie shadows over the ruinous landscape.
Brekan's keen eyes scanned the overgrown structures that revealed signs of past destruction rather than simple abandonment. Caved-in walls, rubble hills, and broken floors were a sign of battle. Amidst the ruins, he noticed skeletal remains of various creatures, animalistic in nature, and among them, human skulls.
Despite the eerie silence and the remnants of destruction, Brekan was not deterred.
When the road opened up to a clearing, he immediately retreated to a safe distance and hid inside a thick bush. He laid down and peered through the twigs to the wide open space, holding his breath in fear.
Before a massive ruin stood a massive creature, seemingly made out of shadow. Its eyes glowed crimson like those of the Kioni. They bore an otherworldly intensity that felt like it could pierce through the veil of reality itself. The beast sat on its hindleg like a wolf, only more frightening than a canine ever could be.
As if fate was not content with presenting just one of these nightmarish beings, another of these creatures emerged, prowling along the side of the building. Its movement was slow and deliberate and its form also eerie and unnatural. The Witch Beasts presence alone cast an aura of malevolence, amplifying Brekans already high dread.
On the steps up the entrance of the ruin several cultists sat, not bothered by the monsters at all. They laughed and discussed something that was too far away to understand.
Brekan knew that he had to be cautious and strategic. Facing these Witch Beasts head-on would mean death. He was just an Inquisitor, an elite warrior, but still no match for magical creatures like them. That was the job of the Agents and their Templars.
As he observed them, from the safety of the shadows he couldn’t help but feel helplessness. But there was no turning back. He had to find a way to defeat the Witch Queen and save the Sun Kingdom, no matter the cost.
He got an idea.
Slowly and as quietly as possible, he pulled off his Inquisitor's garb, leaving himself in his markless and normal appearance under clothes. He removed the sheath of his sword and laid it beside him. He did the same with the grenades and anything else that could identify him. The crystal on his necklace he hid inside his shirt. He hoped that his appearance would be convincing enough to pass as a normal person and not an enemy. But he wouldn't go unarmed and at least put the sword back to his belt.
Brekan crawled out of the bushes and made his way back towards the big ruin. The nightmarish creatures were still present, but Brekan was determined not to let fear take him over. He had to act as though he belonged there.
The distant sounds of talking and laughter among the cultists reached his ears.
When Brekan stepped out of the underbrush, the eyes of the Witch Beasts instantly fixated on him. The monsters did not move as he aimed to walk through between them. Their heads slowly followed his movements. The cultists on the stairs also fell silent and watched him approach.
One of them asked: “Who are you, what are you doing here?”
The Witch Beasts vanished out of Brekan's field of view. He took a deep breath and said, "I was sent here because I wanted to join the cultists."
Another cultist stood up and asked: “Where is your handler, they usually deliver them personally in a batch?”
Brekan froze when a female voice up the stairs said: “Oh, I think I know him.”
It came from a young woman in a simple black dress. Several milk white strands flowed down her cocoa brown hair.
“You think?” the first Cultist asked.
The woman came down the steps, looked briefly at Brekan, and then turned to the cultists. "He worked for the same handler as me. Saw him a few times picking up orders." She turned back to Brekan and shook his hand. "I'm Vikona," she said. "We need everyone we can get for the Witch Storm."
Brekan introduced himself and said: “I want to join the cultists.”
"Don't worry," Vikona said and grabbed his hand. "I'll take care of you."
Brekan noticed the tattoo of a black phoenix on the back of her hand.
She pulled him up the stairs into the building.
“Is this the Witch Realm?” he straight up asked.
Vikona laughed and said: “Not even close. This is just one of the forgotten places the Cultists and aspiring witches gather to plot and get to know each other. I’m actually quite new myself.”
After Brekan entered the hideout, Vikona led him down a narrow corridor with rooms on either side. In one of these rooms, the cultists were engaged in their revelry. Some male, some female. Yet Vikona appeared to be the youngest here.
She led Brekan to the room at the end of the corridor. He could feel the suspicion of the other cultists as he stepped into the dimly lit hideout, a spacious room with a high ceiling. Rows of camp beds were scattered across the floor, and corridors branched off to other rooms. The entrance was on one side, while a central table dominated the center, surrounded by cultists engaged in various activities.
Vikona grabbed one of the bottles on the big table in the middle of the room and gave it to Brekan. “This one is free,” she said and pointed at one of the beds in the corner, right beside mine.” She smiled at him with an enigmatic grin.
When he sat down, a heavy burden fell on Brekan's shoulders. He had made it into the hideout of the cultists, one step closer to his goal of finding and killing the Witch Queen. He took a sip of the bottle. It was fruity with a low but noticeable amount of alcohol.
“Why did you want to join?” Vikona asked.
Brekan takes a slow gulp of the liquid to give him a second to come up with an answer. “I wanted to free myself. I felt like I was imprisoned in the grasps of the Sun King and the words of the Witch Queen about breaking the chains of control delivered through her messengers spoke to me. I was hoping to meet her… in person.”
“Well,” Vikona said, shaking her head. “Only witches are allowed to see her. Witches and their personal cultist guardians. So I might currently be the only one here who might meet her one day.”
A cold shiver ran through Brekan’s body. He clenched his fists tightly to control himself.
“You are a witch?” he asked.
Vikona swayed left and right. “Well… not yet. But I am trying to pass the Witch Trials to unlock my powers and join the Witch Queen.”
“Is this why you joined?” he asked.
Suddenly her face became bitter and angry. “I hate the Sun King. I am going to kill him and free the people from his tyranny.” Her determination and drive stood in stark contrast to the twisted path she had chosen.
Brekan had to control himself to not smite her down right here right now. He had to focus on his mission and this woman was currently his only potential way to the Witch Queen. He wondered what had led Vikona to embrace such darkness, wondering if there was a chance to turn her away from this destructive path.
“Can anyone become a Witch?” he asked.
“Sure,” Vikona answered. “If they pass the trials to unlock their powers. If they posess any.”
From one of the other rooms in the hallway instruments started playing. The chaotic melody filled the air, its dissonant notes and erratic rhythm reflecting the unrestrained atmosphere in the camp.
Brekan watched a group of cultists on the other side of the room pass around a pipe which made them laugh in euphoria once they took a deep hit from it. He found it fascinating and repulsive at the same time.
Another cultist came up to Brekan and extended a drink. He could tell it was hard liquor because of the thick bottle and small size. He hesitated, but didn’t want to draw even more suspicion towards him. He took a sip, feeling the burning warmth slide down his throat.
“They really love their indulgences,” Vikona said.
“So what is gonna happen from now on then?” he asked. Not wanting to waste too much time in this camp.
“We wait. Usually a senior cultist will pick up the new cultists like yourself and a witch is gonna pick me up to tell me about the Witch Trials.”
Brekan watched as a naked female cultist came running into the room laughing and pulling one of the smoking male cultists with her out the corridor.
“You want to join?” Vikona asked.
Brekan immediately shook his head, thinking of Sari.
“Maybe soon you will,” she said leaning on his arm for a moment. “Most are not used to this restrained freedom. To do whatever your heart desires.
Brekan didn’t answer. He thought about his mission to kill. That was the only thing that mattered.
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When Brekan woke up he immediately jumped up, feeling a sense of urgency and confusion. He felt like he had to hurry to get to work but the room he was standing in looked not like his room. He stood there in silence, looking at the sleeping cultists. From the hole that was supposed to be a window a long time ago shimmered the purple and green glow of the subterranean plants. It slowly came back to him and the confusion subsided. He was thirsty but on the tables there stood only mugs with alcoholic drinks. “Water”, he said under his breath.
Brekan left the room and stepped into the corridor. Everyone still seemed to sleep. When he left through the entrance he found the two Whitchbeasts sitting at the front. Now that Brekan knew they wouldn’t attack him he dared to take a closer look. They seemed animalistic in appearance, walking on four legs, having canine heads and what looked like ears. But Brekan noticed their behavior was not animal-like.
As he stepped down the stairs, they watched him, but not like curious cats or watchful dogs. They looked at him in a calculating manner. Brekan read deep and cold knowledge in their eyes. He wished they would make a noise. Any noise. But they didn’t even seem to breathe.
As he passed them, Brekan could still feel their gaze on his back. It took him several minutes into the forest ruins before he felt safe and let out a sigh of relief.
Just like the first time he entered the forest, only the buzzing of insects filled the air. They were bigger than on the surface and looked creepier. On a tree bark he noticed a fly as big as his head. Its hairy body twitched and its soulless eyes were looking at him.
He took a deep breath of the fresh air, savoring the earthy scent of the forest floor. A shudder of disgust raced down his back. He went further into the ruins. His hopes of finding clear water waning.
"Follow me," said a male voice, startling Brekan.
The Inquisitor turned towards a small house in which he could make out a man in his forties. Brekan froze in place. He could see the vegetation and ruins through that man's body. It was not clear but like thick fog. A colored fog, because Brekan could clearly see the purple cape over the man's golden silk shirt. His pants were blue like royal ink.
"Another Witch creature?" Brekan asked.
The man smiled and answered, "No." He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "Just a ghost of the past."
Brekan relaxed a little bit but felt the regret of leaving his crystal grenades with his Inquisitor garb.
"You wanted fresh water, did you not?" the ghost man asked.
"I did," Brekan replied. "But I do not trust you."
The ghost man stepped forward, his fine leather boots making no sound. "Good," he said. "Follow me."
Brekan kept some distance between them as he followed the ghost man. He kept a close eye on the man and his surroundings, expecting an attack, a trap, or any other danger.
After a short walk along an overgrown street, Brekan heard the babbling and murmuring of water. He peered over the parapet of a broken bridge and saw a small river snaking its way through an old canal, amid debris and rubble.
"You did not lie to me," Brekan said, looking at the stranger.
“I did not”, he answered.
Brekan slid down the slope at the side of the bridge and pulled off his shirt, which he put over a root. His pants followed. Without fear of the temperature of the water, he walked straight into the cold stream. The water was chilling, but Brekan was relieved that it was not as freezing as he thought. He dove down for a moment, completely submerging himself. When he broke through the surface again, he blew the water from his lips and started to clean himself. He hurried, because he didn't want to expose himself to the cold for too long. When he was done, he glanced upstream and into the water. It was clear and didn't have any pollution or impurities. He scooped the water with his hands and drank it. It tasted like water, he remarked. Which was a good thing, because it meant no danger..
With a quick glance, he looked up the slope and saw the stranger up there, standing with his arms crossed and watching him.
Brekan left the water and went back to his clothes. He shook himself and wiped some of the water off with his hands. But he was still very wet when he put on his clothes.
He climbed back up and said, "Thank you."
The stranger nodded.
"Who are you?" Brekan asked. "You are obviously not human."
The man said, "You can call me Triath. This city is my home. Or was."
"So you are dead," Brekan stated.
Triath seemed to think long before he answered. "In one way, yes. But not in the way you think. Come." He gestured back to the street.
They walked side by side.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Brekan asked: “Why did you approach me?”
Triath replied: "Because you need to know."
Brekan was confused. “Know what?”
Triath said: "The story of my home."
Brekan wanted to reply but Triath already started.
He said: “This city was one the capital of a country of many. Long before the Sun Kingdom existed. And just like the others, they were in constant war with each other. Over matters of importance and matters of unimoirtance.”
Brekan remembered his history lessons. The time before Iskanda was built. Not much was known, other than that it was a time of great strife and wars.
Triath continued: “The suffering was great, for everyone. Death by war, death by famine, death by diseases. There was no mercy for the young or the old.”
Brekan interrupted and said: “I’m glad we have the Sun Kingdom now.”
Triath asked: "But do you know of the sacrifices that had to be made? For thousands of years even before that, mankind fought and killed each other. Committed the greatest atrocities on each other. Until one day two of them had enough. One of them was a bitter young woman who became a witch."”
Brekan perked up and turned his hands to fists. He was eager to hear what Triath had to say next.
Triath said: "She was angry, and rightfully so, having lost her home, her family, her inner innocence. She did not care anymore about any other human or their societies. Her deepest desire was to burn it all down. And soon the darkness granted her this wish. With witch powers equipped, she waged war against the realms. But she did not only want to burn them down, she wanted to completely eradicate them and found the means to unleash a terrifying beast. Greater in power than her even."
Brekan asked: "You mean 'Hemah'?"
Triath's voice became serious with a sad undertone. "Yes, but no. It is of no importance now, but Hemah was something different then. But the result was the same. Pure destruction followed. Almost no city was spared and the realms made meaningless." A bitter laugh escaped his throat. "It was only then that the remaining humans united. Suddenly their conflicts meant nothing anymore in the face of a greater threat. They all gathered here. In this city. And when the final onslaught of the Witch and Hemah started, they stood side by side, back to back, defending each other's life."
Brekan recalled his lessons from school. "And then the Sun King defeated the great beast including the witch?"
Triath said: "He did."
But Brekan couldn’t tell if it was phrased as a question or statement. “But why are you telling me this”, the Inquisitor asked. “Most of it I know.”
“Because it is important. And it is going to be important. You are going down a dangerous path and mustn’t forget what will be important. The sacrifices that were necessary to create the Sun Kingdom.” Triath stopped and looked at Brekan.
The Inquisitor looked at Triath with full attention. He was fully supportive of Triaths message so far. As he was willing and doing the same just to save the people of Iskanda.
Triath said: “Many that day died so few could live. But the Sun King could not accept that logic. If anything it should be that only few had to die for the many to live. Almost everyone had to perish for him to come to this revelation. And this was the day he founded the Sun Kingdom. A kingdom united under one banner. No more realms or countries. No more wars and suffering. One people under one sun.”
Brekan felt a surge of pride. He glanced to his side, but Triath was gone. He looked behind him, but there was no sign of him. Brekan closed his eyes and shook his head, but when he opened them again, Triath was still gone.
“Brekan”, a female voice called out to him. It was Vikona who came up to him through a bush. She had a smile on her face and grabbed his hand. “I thought you suddenly ran away.”
Brekan looked at her hand for a moment. The black phoenix symbol seemed to look at him. But the words of Triath still echoed through his mind. His gaze wandered up into her eyes and he said: “No. I was just looking for fresh water.”
Vikona looked him up and down, saying: “Judging by your wet hair and clothes I guess you found it.” She pulled him back through the bushes and said: “We are leaving today. A witch came.”
Brekan clenched his teeth. He tried to sound innocent when he asked with a curious desire: “What did she say?”
They came back to the clearing and the cultist building. In addition to the two Witchbeasts on the ground there now were hundreds of smaller birdlike creatures. Sitting on nearby roofs and in the windows. Most of them gazed down from the cultist building they were heading towards.
Vikona said: “She told me that I was allowed to do the Witch Trials. To see if I was worthy to become one of them!”
"That's great," Brekan noted. He almost walked into her when she suddenly stopped and turned around.
“And you are allowed to accompany me!”
“What”, blurted Brekan out in genuine disbelief.
“Yes”, she said, “you will be my guardian.”
Brekan blinked and then looked up at the ruined building. He noted how all of the birds were watching them. With the same glowing red eyes as the canine Witch Beasts. He was reminded of the cultist at Thorian Knot. The one that turned into a fire spewing bird creature. It looked just like them.
“Great”, he said with fake enthusiasm, “Great,” he said with less.
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Brekan felt a chill run down his spine as the Witch's words hung heavy in the air. She wore a commanding black dress adorned with intricate purple details, her dark brown hair cascading like midnight. Her mysterious aura was palpable, and her bird mask, adorned with ornate gold motifs, added to her enigmatic presence. Despite her femininity, an unsettling air of danger clung to her-a haunting embodiment of elegance and occultism.
"The Witchqueen's forces grow stronger," the Witch continued, her voice low and mesmerizing. "And we, her faithful followers, must be prepared to embrace the darkness and unleash its might upon the world. The Witchstorm will cleanse this realm and pave the way for a new era of freedom."
Brekan tried to maintain his composure, but inside, he seethed with anger and frustration. He had to remind himself that he was playing a dangerous game, and his true purpose was to kill the Witchqueen, not to attack one of her servants. He glanced at Vikona, who still held his hand tightly, her eyes wide with awe and devotion.
The Witch raised her arms, and a shimmering black mist coiled around her like a serpent. It danced and swirled, casting an eerie glow on her bird mask. "Our time is near. The Sun Kingdom will fall, and the Witchqueen's reign shall begin. But to bring about this glorious new era, we must be strong, united, and fearless!"
The cultists cheered, their faces filled with fanatic fervor. Brekan's heart sank as he witnessed the cultists' blind devotion, willingly embracing the darkness that threatened to engulf them all. He knew he had to play his part convincingly, but inside, he struggled.
The Witch's gaze swept over the crowd, and her eyes seemed to linger on Brekan for a moment, as if she could see through his facade. For a moment, he felt exposed and vulnerable, but he quickly looked away, hoping she hadn't sensed his true intentions.
Brekan knew that he was on thin ice. He had to be careful not to give himself away. But he was also determined to complete his mission, no matter the cost.
"As we prepare for the Witch Storm," the Witch proclaimed, "we must also strengthen our bonds and eliminate any doubts or traitors among us. Loyalty is paramount. Those who falter or betray the cause will be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly."
After delegating the cultists to their handlers and tasks, they dispersed.
Brekan and Vikona remained in the back of the room, unnoticed in the sea of fervent followers. Vikona looked at Brekan with admiration, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Isn't she incredible?" she whispered.
"Yes, she is," he replied, trying to sound convincing. Brekan nodded, masking his true feelings behind a forced smile.
Vikona leaned closer, her voice barely audible. "I can't wait to become a Witch like her, to wield that kind of power."
Brekan realized that Vikona’s commitment to this dark path ran deep. He wished there was a way to save her from her doom.
Brekan's heart raced as the Witch called them over and he listened to the Witch's instructions. He had not anticipated becoming Vikona's guardian in her Witch Trials, but the opportunity to get closer to the Witchqueen and put his plan into action was too tempting to resist. He kept his emotions in check, trying not to let his true feelings betray him.
Vikona, on the other hand, looked determined and eager to prove herself. Her eyes shone with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she absorbed the Witch's words. Brekan knew he had to support her in this endeavor, even if it meant facing unknown dangers.
Without hesitation, Vikona nodded at the Witch. "I understand," she said firmly. "I will find the old domed Temple in the graveyard, past the prince's grave, and complete my first Trial."
They followed the Witch outside the hideout.
The air was cold and damp, and the wind carried the faint scent of sulfur.
Suddenly the masked woman exploded into a swarm of the black birds. The Witch Beasts that had been standing guard disappeared into black smoke. Brekan felt a shiver down his spine as she watched the birds from all over the hideout fly away, leaving them and some remaining cultists in eerie silence.
"Let's go," Vikona said, her voice resolute. "We need to find the old Temple and begin my Trials."
The graveyard was an ancient and haunting place, filled with crumbling tombstones and weathered statues. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of the past, and Brekan couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.
It didn’t take long for Vikona to spot an old domed structure in the distance. It stood out among the other graves, its architecture distinct and mysterious. Vikona's eyes lit up with excitement, and she quickened her pace.
"I think that's it," she said, pointing towards the domed Temple. "The grave of the prince must hold the key to my first Trial."
Brekan couldn't help but admire Vikona's determination.
As they approached the domed Temple, Vikona paused in front of a particularly ornate grave marker. It was carved with intricate symbols.
"This must be the grave of the prince," Vikona said, her voice filled with awe. She started to read out loud what was written on the grave stone:
“Beneath the gaze of the king's stern face,
A hidden passage, a concealed space.
Seek the clue upon his hallowed ground,
Where royal ties to secrets can be found.”
Vikona said with a grumpy face: “I hate riddles.”
Inside the domed temple, the atmosphere was both mystical and uncanny. Luminescent plants and mushrooms cast a surreal glow, bathing everything in shades of purple and green. Brekan felt a sense of wonder and unease as he followed Vikona into the temple. He kept his hand on the hilt of his weapon.
"What exactly are we looking for in these Trials?" he asked, his voice hushed in the silence of the temple.
Vikona turned to him, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the plants. "The Trials will test my worthiness to become a Witch and what kind of power I will attain," she explained. "Each Trial will take me further into the Witch Realm, and every Witch's journey is unique."
Brekan nodded, trying to understand. He couldn't deny that he was intrigued by the prospect of witnessing the process firsthand, maybe even learning how to use the knowledge he would gain against the Witch Queen.
"I just worry about you," he said earnestly. "Becoming a Witch means leaving your old life behind, and you'll be forever changed. Are you sure this is worth it for you?"
Vikona's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "I appreciate your concern," she said, "but this is something I've chosen for myself. I want the power to protect those I care about and bring about change in the world. If it means giving up a normal life, then so be it."
Brekan couldn't help but admire Vikona's conviction. He respected her determination to shape her own destiny, even if it meant embracing the path of a Witch.
"I understand," he replied, offering a small smile. "Just know that I'll be here to protect and support you every step of the way."
Vikona grinned back, the hint of a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You better be," she teased. "You're my guardian now, remember?"
As they ventured deeper into the temple, Vikona's excitement grew. Brekan could see a passion in her eyes, and he knew she was ready to face whatever challenges the Trials had in store for her.
They arrived before the majestic statue of a king, its stony features illuminated by the soft glow of the luminescent plants and mushrooms. Brekan and Vikona scanned its features, searching for any clues that would lead them to the next Trial.
After what felt like an eternity, Brekan's sharp eyes caught a subtle glimmer near the base of the statue. There it was, a concealed crevice that seemed to lead downwards.
Without hesitation, they approached the hidden entrance and found a set of stone steps leading deep into the earth.
Vikona beamed with pride, proclaiming, "First Trial, passed!" Her excitement was contagious, but Brekan's expression remained serious. He knew that reaching this point was just the beginning of a perilous journey.
He interrupted Vikona gently, "Hold on, before we go any further, you must understand that there may be no turning back from here. Once we descend these steps, we might enter a realm of untold danger. I need to be sure you're willing to face whatever comes our way."
Vikona nodded solemnly. "I'm sure, Brekan. I want to gain the power to break free from the shackles that bind me. I want to liberate the people of the Sun Kingdom from the oppressive rule of the Sun King."
"Alright then," Brekan replied, his voice carrying newfound resolve. “There might be death and terror waiting for us, but no turning back.”
Vikona nodded in agreement, a gleam of admiration in her eyes as she looked at Brekan. Together, they stepped onto the stone steps, descending into the dark unknown below the statue of the king.