Kingdom Of Demons (6)
Chapter Twelve With the dragon out of the way, the warriors were finally able to enjoy the caves reward. They found the metal easy to load and mysteriously light. Warrick’s fury left it in small enough pieces to where the men could handle it. One by one, they loaded the wagons until they had enough. When the last wagon was loaded, they took a short rest and were on their way. The trip back to the castle was a quiet one. It was decided to go around the evil they encountered in the forest, to avoid being slowed down by confrontation. No one spoke of the battles they had, nor did they brag of the evil they killed along the way. They traveled very cautiously, closely guarding the wagons of metal. As they rode in silence, they had but one thought among them. The final confrontation with the devil horde. When the castle was finally in view, they witnessed a most welcome site. Gathering around the castle walls, were warriors and knights from all over the world. The request for help, by King Marcus, was answered in great numbers. As Sir William rode through the castle gate, he noticed the mood around the castle was one of great anticipation. He stepped down from his horse and was approached by the king. “ Welcome back Sir William” replied the king, as the knight bowed to him in respect. “ It is good to be back your majesty. Although I didn’t expect such a gathering” the knight said as he looked around. “ Fifteen hundred of the best warriors in the world. Now you have an army my friend. I just hope it isn’t too late” the king said sadly. “ Too late for what sire. What has happened that troubles you so?” William asks. “ Krimus has happened Sir William” replies Kalavar. The sorcerer’s words were firm, as the king bowed his head in sorrow. Sir William knew by the look on the king’s face, that the words Kalavar spoke of were true. “ Krimus was here? When?” the knight asks. “ It was Gordo. Leader of the horde of Krimus. They came at night, during your battle with the hive. Some of the guards were killed and the princess was taken” Kalavar informed him. “ Then we have little time!” shouted someone from behind. The one speaking was Warrick. His voice was one of revenge and anger, as he approached the others. They all turned to him, as he approached the king. “ Your majesty. I must get started with the metal right away” he said anxiously. “ I expected you would my lad. Kalavar has prepared a room for you in the castle. There you will find all that you need” the king answered. “ Come, show me sorcerer” the blacksmith said walking away. As Warrick and Kalavar made their way into the castle, Sir William had the palace servants take the metal to the room that was spoke of. Warrick indeed found all that he needed to transform the metal into weapons. He also found ten other blacksmiths waiting to help. In the middle of the room was a large fire surrounded by anvils, hammers and sword molds. Warrick wasted little time getting started and soon the room was busy, as the metal was brought in. Soon the swords started piling up. Sweat and muscle combined, as they made one sword after the other. Each sword was about ten hands long and about four fingers across. They also made a special ax, to fit the mighty hand of Titus. The men worked feverishly until all the metal was used. When the swords were finished, the last thing to do was to make them razor sharp. Warrick and the others used special stones designed by Kalavar, that worked perfect. When the last one was sharpened, they were ready and the horde was in for a surprise. Chapter Thirteen The next day, after some well deserved rest, the warriors prepared for their battle with the horde. The servants helped them with their armor and weapons, as they readied themselves for the final confrontation. As Warrick was helped onto his horse, Kalavar came over for some last minute advise. “ I wish you were coming with us Kalavar” Warrick said disappointed. “ This is something that was meant for you to do. You were chosen by the war gods Warrick. They will be by your side in time of need. Call to them if you need help” Kalavar instructed. “ Even so, I would feel better if you were there” the young warrior admitted. “ Only you and the stones power can defeat Krimus. Besides, I’m needed here to protect the castle, in case the army horde somehow gets by you. Now go and remember to save the stones power for Krimus. Your strong arm and swordsmanship will take care of the rest” Kalavar assured him. “ Thank you for all your help sorcerer. I will not fail” Warrick said with confidence. After a quick nod of respect to the king, Warrick joined the others. Once again the road was long and quiet. They all knew that this would be their only shot at defeating the horde and they were ready. After a long ride, the men finally reached the outskirts of Castle Dread. As they expected, the horde was waiting. They were about 2,000 strong and very eager to fight. Sir William and the others stared at them, as they growled, snarled, and shook their axes in rage. The size and attitude of the satanic army was intimidating at first. But, soon Sir William, would have his army blood-thirsty as well. “I have fought in many battles, but never have I faced an enemy such as this. They come and take our families. They turn them into slaves and torture them for pleasure. I don’t know how this battle will turn out, but I’m proud to be fighting here today with each and every one of you. So come warriors of Brave Rock! Join me and let them feel the fury of our king!” he yells. The men join him in a final battle cry and then as one, they charge straight into the heart of the beast. The horde charges as well and they meet with a thunderous crash. The battle is very bloody and intense, as death immediately fills the air. Titus is the first to test the new weapons, as his ax shears through the demons with ease. In just a few moments, he has already killed about seven of the beasts and is soon surrounded by mangled flesh, as the horde falls to the might of his ax. Sir William and Sir Gregory fight almost side by side, as they too find the new weapons to be a formidable match for the hordes axes. Limbs fly and bodies fall, as the two work together in the middle of the battlefield. But soon the tide is turned, when they are separated by a swarm of beasts led by Gordo. As Sir Gregory continues to cut through the hordes forces, Sir William finds himself staring at the horde leader himself. “ Just so you know human, I plan to eat your heart after I’ve killed you” Gordo threatens. “ Save your tongue hell-beast and prepare for a knights vengeance” William threatens back. Sir William then swings his sword in a fury, as sparks fly from the impact of Gordos ax. Back and forth they go, as neither man gives ground to the other. Sir William finds Gordos strength to be of none he has ever faced before and soon is knocked to the ground. He lies helpless on the ground, as his sword falls from reach. He soon finds Gordos ax deep in his shoulder, as pain crosses his face. His armor only slows it, as it almost separates his arm from his body. Gordo places his foot on Williams chest and pulls the ax out. The knight screams in pain, as Gordo prepares for the fatal blow. Seeing the knight in trouble, Titus gives a war yell and charges the beast. But is soon over taken by several members of the horde and taken to the ground as well. The beasts look into his eyes growling and showing their teeth. Trying to fight back, Titus finds their numbers to be too great. As he lies in silent prayer, one of the horde roars once more, before ripping his throat out. Gordo smiles with a devilish grin before turning his attention back to Sir William. Once again, he raises his ax to finish him off, but stops when a sword penetrates his large chest. Blood runs from his mouth, as he turns to find Sir Gregory standing behind him. The last thing he sees is the knights sword swinging in the air, before his head is separated from his shoulders and his body falls to the ground. Chapter Fourteen Warrick slices his way into the castle and makes his way into the dungeon area. He finds the cells holding Sir Wally and the others and soon frees them. “ I don’t know who you are, but thank you” Wally says in a gratifying voice. “ Thank me when the battle is over. Now free the others and join the fight!” Warrick replies back. Sir Wally frees the other knights and the peasant slaves, as Warrick pursues King Krimus. He cautiously travels through the corridors, when he finally finds what he is looking for. In the large thrown room, deep in the castle walls, he finds King Krimus. He stands on the other side of the room and taunts Warrick as he speaks. “ What is this? I expected to be challenged by a King and they send a boy” “ You will find this boy is more than enough for the likes of you devil beast!” Warrick says in anger. Krimus looks the younger man over and grins foreseeing an easy victory. But, he finds himself momentarily shaken by the sight of the stone. He quickly recognizes it to be the very stone that killed his father. He stares at the stone, now glowing bright around Warrick’s neck. He shows fear only for a moment, before that fear turns to rage. “ I see you wear the green stone. For your sake, I hope your prepared to use it!” Krimus threatens. “ Use it I shall son of satin! You will pay for the lives you have taken!” Warrick threatens back. “ Then ready yourself lad and behold the power of the red stone of the hell-gods!” And with that a red bolt of light shoots out of the stone, as Warrick dives to the side. A large hole is made in the wall behind him, as Warrick regains his feet. “ You are quick young one. But your speed will not last forever” Krimus says as another bolt of light heads at the blacksmith. This time Warrick blocks the red light, but is knocked to his feet from the power. As he once again gains his feet, he is met by another blast. This time, the two stones power collide in a powerful and thunderous clash. Both man and beast, hold their ground, as the light gets brighter. “ You are very strong for a human. But, I will show you what true power is!” Then with a burst of power from the beasts stone, Warrick finds himself sliding backward, as he holds the beam off. His body continues to be pushed back, as Krimus starts to smell victory. Warrick feels himself starting to weaken, as he remembers the advise of Kalavar. In a desperate attempt of survival, he shouts to the war gods. “ Hear me Gods in the heavens. If I am truly the chosen one, then guide my hand in victory. I ask this in the name of my king and all that is good!” Krimus smiles at the prayers of the human and increases his power to the red stone. Soon Warrick’s back slams against the cold castle walls, and just when he feels like his arms will drop, his prayers are answered. His body suddenly is charged with unimaginable power. Soon it is Krimus who finds himself backing up. He looks at the young human in disbelief, before focusing all his power into the stone. The two stones glow brighter and brighter. Warrick feels the stones power flowing through his veins and his hole body begins to get very warm. Just when he thinks he can take the heat no longer, the red and green of the two stones turn white and then they both explode into pieces. Both man and beast are sent flying to the ground with a thud. Warrick is the first to his feet, as he still feels a strange power from within him. He watches as Krimus raises to his feet, horrified at the loss of his red stone. He slowly looks over at Warrick who reaches for his sword. “ Now devil beast! Go to hell and be with your maker!” Krimus can only watch as the youths sword whistles in the air, striking him in the heart. His feet leave the ground, as he’s thrown back against the wall behind him. He looks down at the sword and slowly pulls it out of his bleeding chest. He drops the sword to the ground and begins to laugh, as his last words are spoken. “ We will meet again human.” And with his final words, Lord Krimus falls to the ground. Warrick gives a sigh of relief and thanks the heavens. The devil king is dead. But Warrick finds little time to celebrate, as a voice rings out from the room behind Krimus’s throne. Warrick runs into the room to find Princess Ilea chained to the wall. He quickly runs to free her, when he hears a voice he hasn’t heard in a long time. “ Warrick! My son! Is that really you?” Warrick looks over to see that his mother is alive after all this time. He frees them both and after a few moments to embrace, they make their way out of the castle. They exit the castle, to find what remains of the horde fleeing into the woods. A group of men led by Sir Wally runs close behind. Warrick slowly makes his way over to Sir Gregory, who is helping a badly wounded Sir William onto his horse. They look at the young lad, welcoming the sight of his safe return. “Is it over?” asks Sir Gregory. “ Aye. That it is” Warrick says in relief. Then he turns once again to embrace his mother. Although weak from her ordeal, she finds the strength to hug her son tight and then mother and son join the others to return home. Chapter Fifteen That night, a large feast is prepared in victory. Warrick sits beside his mother and princess Ilea. As he looks around the room, he notices that everyone is present for the big event. There is even an empty seat in honor of the mighty Titus. Warrick stares across the room at Sir William, who gives him a grin and a nod of respect. Suddenly, a voice rings loudly throughout the room. It was King Marcus, who rises to his feet to address the crowd. “ Tonight we have much to celebrate. Not only did we defeat the Kingdom of demons, but we have a new hero among us. Warrick! Come before your king!” Warrick rises to his feet to the cheers of all in the room. He makes his way across the room and bows to the king. “ Kneel my lad” the king says respectfully. The young man looks up at the king in surprise and finds a proud smile across his face. Warrick then kneels at the king’s feet. He shakes with excitement as he has waited for this moment all his life. His mother and Princess Ilea show their approval with a smile, as the king speaks. “ For your bravery in protecting your kingdom, you kneel a mere blacksmith. Now rise lad. Rise as I dub the Sir Warrick.” The cheers roar once more as Warrick rises to face them. He walks back across the room, as Sir William and the other knights congratulate him. Everyone else joins in the celebration. But the celebration will be short lived, as one of the king’s messengers storms the room. “What is the meaning of this?” the king asks “ My lord. Forgive me, but I bring news from King Peter. His kingdom is under attack by a most feared evil force. I was sent here to ask for your help” the messenger replies. But before anyone can respond, a bright light enters the room. When the light goes out, the winged messenger of the Gods is standing in the middle. The messenger looks around the room and walks straight at Sir Warrick. He then speaks to the king, as all goes quiet. “King Marcus, the Gods congratulate you and your kingdom in victory. Krimus has been a thorn to us since his birth. The destruction of the stones, was a victory for the gods as well. But I fear that, as your messenger has mentioned, more evil exits throughout the lands. So the gods have asked me to assign you a permanent warrior, to defend on their behalf.” The messenger then turns back to Warrick. He stares at the young warrior briefly, before bestowing a great honor. “ Warrick of Brave Rock. You have pleased the Gods and have proven yourself worthy of the stones power. It is in their name that I permanently give you the power of the green stone. Use it well Warrick and make us proud.” With that, the messenger disappeared from site, leaving the king’s messenger to repeat his plead for help. Sir William looks at King Marcus and then to Warrick, as the room remains totally silent. “ So what do you think Sir Warrick? Ready for another go?” Warrick turns to Sir William , as his eyes glow bright green. A smile crosses his face as he speaks. “ Absolutely!” he says with excitement. Then without another word, he leads the men out the door. He leaves not only a newly dubbed knight, but as -Hero of Castle Brave Rock. The End
Copyright © 2003 Robert E Tadlock |