The meeting was in an expansive planning room with a massive, sand table to scale of the northern lands underneath the castle in the expansive dungeons. Every topographic detail down to the exact number of trees was placed in there with the help of arcane magic. The weirdest part of the sand table was that of a giant tree just passed Galadriel and the Forest of The Kings. No cities, villages, or landmarks were anywhere close in proximity of the tree. It was within a bowl-like valley sticking out of the mountain ranges.
Tom was pacing a bit as Renault finished his flask and angrily put it away. King Albert stood still looking forward at the part of the table that detailed the frozen mountains that cut into the Elvan and human territories. Just behind him on the wall was a large piece of canvas with a detailed blueprint of the inside fortress of the Dark One.
The other generals and officers were talking amongst themselves. There was also another, equally sized sand table of the southern kingdoms showing the Black Horde moving northward into the human lands. Majority of the orc forces were still concentrated in the southern area slowly making headway as they pushed towards the Western coastlines and cities it appeared. There also was a contingent orc force moving Northeast pointed in the direction of the frozen mountains cutting through parts of the wastelands and Elvan lands to get to the human territories. They were represented by a few black painted blocks.
There was a blue set of blocks representing the Northern army stationed along the border clashing with the orc force. Renault stood at this table wondering how he was to maneuver forces around to defend the southern lands and figure out the orcs’ ultimate plan in the North as well. A servant came by with a bottle of rum and Renault took it immediately. The other generals and analysts were also helping Renault in this matter. Though the northern generals were difficult to appeal to because of “resource scarcity.”
Aurora, Desmond, and Arn were lead down the steps into the room. Tom greeted them and said quickly, “Time is of the essence. Over here. Now!”
Desmond was not prepared for Tom’s serious tone and baggy, blood-shot eyes. He then remarked to Desmond, “Remember what I taught you about dark magic? Ah! Now’s not the time for that… I’ll give you notes and books on it… Glad to hear you and Light Wielder are getting better. How’s training?”
“Yes, sir… Yes, training has been hard, but rewarding,” Desmond responded slightly perturbed by Tom’s scattered talking. Aurora gave a concerned look to Desmond silently asking what is wrong with Tom.
Arn interjected calmly, “He’s at the prince’s level now. Still raw in technique and overall talent, but will hold his own.”
Desmond smiled at this remark by Arn. Tom lead them to sand table of the Northern kingdom where King Albert was staring intensely at the sand table. Tom walked away to talk with the same red robed man Desmond saw with the orange crystal. They went off towards a backroom.
The king leaned on the edge of the table. He was very languid and intentional with his hand movements. He said to Desmond and Aurora, “Sir Desmond… Lady Aurora… I’m not going to waste your time here. During the last major battle on the Southern plains, Earth Breaker and Light Wielder were used showing the full force of each ancient weapon. My eldest son was… This you know, Sir Rollo.”
Desmond remained quiet thinking back on the aftermath.
The king continued, “While that was happening, a special task force of the best knights in the kingdom and a squad of Grave Guard orcs were in an operation to destroy the Dark One forever and to take or destroy the Ring of Helot.”
Aurora and Desmond looked at each other with worry and confusion of what was being said.
The king explained flatly, “This was not a joint operation. They just so happened to be sent at the same time with the same goal in mind. However; once both forces got into the dark throne, the Dark One killed them and gained their life force… We fear that he plans to take over Evandria fully, so the Elvan Oracles have prophesied. He will not rest until every kingdom submits to him or is eradicated by him. He was stopped before… But he plans to finish what he started.”
He emphasized the last part with an intensity that shook both to their cores.
“He was,” the King sighed as he stood up from the table. “According to legend, killed a few millennia ago by the first use of Light Wielder. However, he embedded his soul into an emerald ring (Helot’s Ring) in which it’s protected with demonic magic more powerful than any magic we could fathom. Supposedly, it’s the demon king’s ring… Even after all this time, we still could not get the ring. It remained locked in his tomb sealed away from all. By whom or how so? We do not know. So, he was locked away in his mountain fortress after he was defeated and his demon army was banished back to hell by a band of sacred heroes, per legend. His fortress was sealed off and all those who knew of the location were sworn to secrecy for over a few millennia. Only the high rulers, the Elvan Council, and The High Council of Wizards knew of this.”
The king took a long sip of water and rubbed his good eye. He still looked refined, but exhausted. His sleeves were rolled up along with his top shirt buttons undone. His crown dug deep into his forehead leaving an indentation. Tom came back with concern in his red eyes as he was muttering something to himself. The red robed man patted Tom on the back gently and went away. He smiled once again at Desmond and went up the stairs. Aurora’s face remained stoic, but her eyes showed fear. Desmond noticed this and lightly tapped her arm asking silently if she was fine. She shooed him with her hand quietly glaring at him with dagger-like eyes.
The king continued, “The Elvan Oracles stated that he would only return once the two weapons gifted from the gods would be used in the same battle against each other. Both weapons were put away in an ancient temple in the Eastern deserts by a group of mages to be forgotten in time. Of course, curiosity and intrigue made the weapons known again to all… Coincidentally… A group of dwarf and gnomish miners unknowingly stumbled upon the hidden fortress in search of gold before the task forces were even prepared to begin with… Those poor fools awoke him and he stole their life force. Once the oracles foretold of this reawakening, that was when the task forces were formed and sent… The task forces failed… Only one knight and one orc were spared intentionally by him. They came back alive, but broken. This was eight months ago. Yes, they were sent before the battle on the plains even came to be.”
Desmond was shocked by this. The king remained silent for a moment as Desmond and Aurora soaked in the information. Arn was surprised as well, but hid his intrigue behind his stoic demeanor. Tom looked to the side still muttering stuff to himself. Aurora gulped, but maintained her serious and attentive demeanor. However, Desmond noticed how she was constantly balling a fist behind her back.
Desmond thought, “The king knew this whole time and was planning on us to be trained specifically for this situation. That explained the harsh six months of hell from Arn. That explained the multiple days of practicing with Light Wielder. That explained all the arcane and demonic magic lectures from Tom and those black books. This is why we were chosen instead of a special taskforce… We're to kill this evil?”
The king continued, “That is why you are here now… That is why I believe Light Wielder attuned to you specifically. That is why your squad members from the penal battalion were chosen specifically.”
Desmond looked at Arn and he gave a subtle nod of confirmation. Everything was beginning to make sense to Desmond. However there was a lingering feeling of him not being given a full picture intentionally by the king.
“What else is missing from this mission,” Desmond thought to himself. “There has to be something we’re not being told… But what? What could it be?”
The king surmised, “As for Lady Aurora, she is the best Elvan Ranger that the high Elves are willing to send our way. Despite being the ambassador’s daughter of course. Damn Elves want to remain ‘neutral’ and prepare for the worst if we fail instead. That’s a separate political matter… She may have missed your training, but she has experience that will be beneficial to the success of the mission."
The king sighed as his brow hardened like granite.
"Mission is twofold… One… The Tree of Life. There in the base of the tree, resides a thousand year old warlock. The former master of Eluthar and member of the high council of wizards. He has knowledge of the Dark One and Light Wielder that will be beneficial to everyone. He is an ally. Recruit him… Two… Kill the Dark One and destroy the emerald ring at all costs… Kill. With extreme prejudice by any means. Kill him before he is strong enough to call forth his demon army again. Get to him before the next blood moon rises. Five months travel to and back due to the weather and timing. Blood moon will not rise until six months from now. More than enough time for your squad… Kill him and destroy the ring!”
Aurora and Desmond in unison said, “Sir!”
Despite their stoic and proud demeanor, both were beyond terrified.
The king concluded as he turned around at the outline of the hidden fortress, “Study this layout as best you can. Read up on anything involving the Dark One as best you can. Even the classified books. You are both granted clearance for it now. Tom will guide you on this. In three days you will be sent forth as we gather the supplies needed for you all… Now, I have to contend with a war… Best of luck… All of you… Dismissed!”
The king turned his head slightly back to look at Desmond and Aurora. His eye was still curious about both of them as he scanned them thoroughly. He looked over at Tom for a moment. He gave a knowing nod and then walked over to the other sand table to talk with Renault and the other generals. Tom walked over to the fortress layout and began explaining the mission to them in better detail once they reached the frozen mountains. They stayed in that room for about four hours digesting what information they can whilst also reading the black books of dark magic and demonology from Tom.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Before they fully left the room, Tom pulled Desmond to the side for a private matter. Aurora and Arn waited outside the room at the top of the stairs patiently. Aurora was thinking to herself about the mission while she was trying to hide her fear. She took multiple deep breaths while pacing wall to wall. Arn leaned against a marble pillar and pulled out a flask. He remained unphased by everything. He handed it to her without looking. She thanked him and took a long sip. She gave it back and he finished the rest of the flask. She continued pacing anxiously. Arn sighed out, “Relax. He’ll come.”
“I know Captain. It’s just… I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about…”
“I know,” Arn said calmly cutting her off. “I know… This is a heavy one to comprehend. You’ll both do fine. I have faith.”
“Thanks, captain. Never thought you were so caring. Mother still jokes about how you never smile,” Aurora replied as she stopped pacing the hallway.
Arn shrugged in response with the tiniest of grins that Aurora swore she saw on him. Nearly saw the human behind the ambivalent mask of stoicism.
Desmond came out of the room looking hurt and conflicted as if he was gutted severely. Aurora asked with concern, “What did he tell you?”
“He told me what to expect with the warlock and other… Matters. Personal and classified matters,” he said not looking at her.
She sensed that what he was telling her wasn’t the full truth, but truth nonetheless. However, she kept that suspicion to herself. He remained silent looking at the ground. She asked him, “You okay? Desmond!”
He looked at her with a half-smile. She noticed how his eyes were filled with sorrow and fear. His scarred right eye twitched slightly as a tear formed.
She hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear, “It’s okay… I’m here. I’m here. We’re not going to be alone. I’m here. I’m here… I’m here, love.”
She then kissed him on the cheek. Desmond’s breathing slowed and he gently hugged her back. Arn stood up and led his arm out to direct the two of them out of the palace.
They were walking slowly back to the barracks to speak with the rest of the Cursed Devils. All three stayed silent for the time being. Aurora looked back at Desmond who was not looking at anything as he lagged behind. His eyes and face were in a permanent state of shock and sobering fear. His body language was that of a wound up toy waiting to explode yet he hid his feelings by putting his hands in his pockets constantly fidgeting with something in there. Aurora dropped back slightly to stand next to Desmond. She quietly held his hand as tenderly as she could. Desmond looked slightly at her with his peripherals and a small grin appeared, though only for a second.
Arn broke the silence not looking at them as he walked just ahead of them, “I must say… I do not envy you two at all in all honesty. However, I must say that my respect for you has grown… Remember your training and, as much as it pains me to say this, be unorthodox. That is what makes you guys the perfect taskforce… Trust the individual skills of your squad… I wish things weren’t this way… But it is the will of the gods I suppose. You, Sir Desmond, were chosen for a reason. I hope you find the confidence in yourself to complete the mission… They’re all counting on you. Believe in yourself.”
Arn sighed as he rubbed his neck a bit whilst cracking his knuckles. For a second, he sounded like a caring father when he said, “The only advice I will give as final is this… Don’t hesitate to express what you truly feel. It’s not a weakness to share fear, love, or the truth. Evil will be triumphed over by good. It only happens when you are able to accept your fears and conquer them… As stupid as it sounds… Tell your squad to drop off any wills they have made to my office by tonight. Even if it’s not what they need to hear as well. Oh and Sir Desmond and Lady Aurora?” He turned back around and reverted to his stoic and cold demeanor. “Take care of each other. Tell PFC. Keely Faeth to not blow up or steal anymore explosives from supply before y’all head out.”
“Understood, sir. We’ll remind her… Thank you sir.”
“Thank you, sir… Ma’am. Good day,” Arn said to both of them.
Arn walked away stiffly once they reached the barracks. He stopped for a moment wanting to say one more thing to them, but instead he sighed feeling pity for them and moved on.
Desmond and Aurora paused just before entering the barracks. A pool of nervous anxiety boiled up inside both of them as they looked at the front door. The rest of the squad was inside curiously waiting for them in the lounge area. Aurora sighed and stepped forward nudging her head towards the door at Desmond. He sighed and stepped forward.
Desmond explained the mission as simply as he could all the while pacing side to side just in front of the fire place. Aurora chimed in to explain the mission in better detail when needed, though she kept finding herself arms crossed trying to melt into the background during the entire explanation. None said a word. All remained silent with grim, fearful, and serious faces. All understood the cost of what the mission was demanding. All understood the importance of the mission. All understood that this could, or will be, their last time alive together. No one moved or talked the whole time. Only the shallow breaths and quiet sniffling made noise in the living room.
Desmond said finishing his remarks, “If you haven’t made out a will yet… Drop it off at Arn’s office by end of tonight. He wanted me to let you know… I know that this isn’t what you need to hear as well… If you wish to speak freely… Please.”
There was an extra ten minutes of silence as Desmond dropped his head down to the floor with scared eyes as his body sunk into the love seat.
Aurora looked out the window away from everyone as she clutched her sapphire necklace anxiously. She was trying to hide her fear and felt she was losing this battle with herself.
Ator gripped the end of the couch intensely as his arms tensed and relaxed sporadically. His watery eyes were hidden by his long hair.
Audra gripped a pillow in her lap as tears rolled down her cheeks as she sat on the other end of the couch from Ator. Keely was curled into a ball next to Audra and was tearing up as well. She hugged Audra the way a sibling would when scared. Audra wrapped her hand around Keely’s.
Skivvy was silent, looking down at the floor with a contemplative look as he sat down in the hammock. His skin was moving in an out of red, blue, yellow, and green.
Kale was in shock as he rested his hands on his face while he laid on the floor looking at the ceiling. He would occasionally look at Keely with concern in his eyes, though he instinctively hid this feeling with his usual blank stare of ennui. It was obvious he was putting up a front, but his eyes betrayed him.
Nikolai was tapping his fingers on his lap nervously in one of the love seats as he was pondering what to say. A million thoughts rambled chaotically through his head. He took a deep breath as he emptied his mind. He found the thing he wanted to say in his mind out loud.
Nikolai asked quietly breaking the heavy silence, “When do we move out?”
“Three days from now,” replied Desmond unemotionally. “Three days.”
“Okay.”
Nikolai stood up and walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of rum whilst pouring himself a glass. He walked over with the rum and glass and placed it on the coffee table in front of everyone.
He said, “When I first told my family I was joining the army… They all laughed at me… When I was sent into the penal battalion, I was also laughed and mocked at constantly by everyone else in the army. Audra can back me up on that.”
Audra gave a slight nod followed immediately by a head rub from Keely.
Nikolai continued, “But since surviving three suicidal missions with you guys here... You were the only ones who never laughed or made fun of me… You guys went out of your way to help me survive. My family only sees me as a foolish idiot who will never survive past twenty years of age. Hell! I’m only eighteen and I made it this far.”
Desmond and Aurora’s eyes opened wide at the sudden realization of this fact.
Nikolai continued, “My mom once said that I’m all heart and brains, but I lack anything to back it up. My dad never believed in me… Only my sister and you guys did… Yet after a year and a half of army life… I’m finally apart of a special task force when everyone said I couldn’t. I mean, I'm part of special forces, bro… I made it this far with lots of help from everyone here and I’m grateful for it. I’m finally doing something that means more than anything in this life time… I have never had friends or a supporting family before… I think I found them here. In this room… I love all y’all!”
Everyone smiled at this.
Nikolai finished, “Even though there is the high chance of all of us failing miserably and dying horribly… I’d rather do it with you lot than any other special unit in this kingdom… This is bigger than all of us… I believe we can succeed. I believe in us… Who agrees?”
He lifted his glass of rum and gave a cheer as he knocked the drink back into his throat. He shuddered pathetically because of the strong alcohol content of the rum, but remained tall and proud in spite of it. No one moved for a brief moment much to Nikolai’s dismay.
Ator finally stood up and took a massive swig from the bottle. He yelled loudly, “LET’S FUCKING DO THIS!”
Everyone else stood up and cheered as they took turns sipping from the bottle of rum. Audra and Keely were still tearing up as they sipped and cheered. Keely gripped Audra’s hand tightly and whispered to her, “I’m really fucking scared.”
“I know… Everyone is and I’m… Yeah,” Audra said wiping her eyes as she gently kissed Keely on the cheek.
Aurora took a long sip as she was battling her fear that she masked behind her confident smile.
Kale said darkly, “We will most likely die terribly… But I’d rather die with rum in my system than sober… And I’d rather it be with you all than any other crew of dumb asses in this empire. Let’s go!”
He went over to Audra and Keely and wrapped his arms around them as comforting as he could. He told Keely in Elvish, “I will never leave your side. I promise.”
Keely smiled in response whilst still holding Audra.
Desmond remained seated, but was smiling nonetheless. Skivvy held out his hand for Desmond to join in. Skivvy had comforting eyes as he looked at Desmond nudging his head slightly. Desmond reluctantly agreed and stood.
The only thought in Desmond’s mind was, “I won’t let you down dad… I won’t you down Johnathan… I won’t let you down Prince Albert… I won’t.”
He looked down at his right hand for a moment seeing a flicker of blue light shine through. There was a gentle, womanly voice that said to him in his head, “You got this. I’ll be there.”
