DESTRUCTIVE MYTH

“Don’t sound so shocked.” Galaleiath sized the wizards and king up. King Zitex looked from Dimas to him again before nodding slowly.

“I suppose it makes sense; Dimas knew our every move before we were able to execute it.”

“Yup, indeed she did.”

“All these years.”

“Yes, all these years.”

Another silence fell as the men stared at each other hardly breathing, Dimas sighed beginning to walk a slow circle around the wizards framing their king. Swaying her hips she taunted them staring into each one’s eyes studying them, causing more unease than was necessary. She left Galaleiath and the king to talk, there were no words left from her side. Galaleiath wanted the castle, she was here for the fun of the siege and what the future would bring for both kingdoms. Taking a taunting step nearer tightening the circle she waltzed in, the wizards linked arms into each other, a messy puzzle piece charging their hands. Amused at how they snapped their heads back and forth between Galaleiath and her. She smiled enjoying the unease.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” The king said breaking the stare off looking at Dimas then back to Galaleiath.

“What good would it have done?” He asked taking a slow step forward “I was here to take over your throne, take over your kingdom,” he chuckled, “I mean, now you know, now you see.” His smile fading, “To conquer a kingdom does not happen overnight. You need the years to learn the lands, its people, only a fool rushes in and takes without knowing, how else am I to rule?”

“You? I am king!” Zitex raged.

“And you have been defeated.”

“Dimas and her father have been trying to take over this kingdom since before you were born, what makes you think she will give it to you?” He shot Galaleiath a look.

“Yes, the kingdoms have been at war far too long.” Dimas chipped in observing the busy courtyard below. “And I can’t sit my royal behind on two thrones a day.” A dark smile as she turned to face the king again, “Galaleiath is my heir, he will sit upon your throne in my stead.”

“He is not your blood!”

“I say what is and isn’t.” She hissed stepping nearer.

The balcony doors shook as the battle within the throne room raged on, a sword dripping blood retracting from the door.

“And as queen, is he to be your king? You to marry your so-called son?” He mocked giving Galaleiath a look.

“Why do I need to marry when I will have hands full with your wives, downstairs.” He shot back looking down at himself then back up slowly tilting his head with amusement, watching the king’s jaw work in frustration. “Forgot about them, have you?”

“What do you plan to do with them?”

“That is no longer your concern.” Galaleiath looked from the king to the nearest wizard watching him with such intensity. Dimas to the left and Galaleiath to the right, begun to circle slowly on the balcony looking for a weak point. Linked the wizards were as powerful, perhaps a bit more than them as they drew power from each other.

“My life is my concern; do you plan to kill me?”

“No, I haven’t had a new prize piece in my dungeons for a long time.” Dimas snapped coming to a standstill, Galaleiath watched darkness cross her face at the mention of her dungeons and recalled Drathis words, pondering. “A quick death is far too boring for my liking.” She licked her black lips in anticipation stretching out her hands twitching her long fingers. The air began to crackle and spark with black magic against the wizards, throwing back defensive waves. Taking the opportunity Galaleiath tried a more blunt force approach swinging his sword, a wizard caught sight deflecting with force, ripping the sword from his hand sending it flying into the balcony door.

As if an invitation to join in, the doors burst open his sword still firmly sunken into the wood. Both sides were still actively attacking leaving piles of bodies decorating in the throne room. He spotted the same warlock from before sending a fireball his way. Stretching out both hands he caught it again, sending it back, stalking forward he snapped the nearest Zitex soldier to him, grabbing his sword hacking through the rest coming nearer. The Warlock had missed the return of power charging up again seeming to have a personal vendetta against him. Watching the warlock, he backed up about to turn the tables and use it to his advantage. Galaleiath took a few steps back on the balcony actively killing the overflow of men, keeping his senses tuned in. The warlock retracted arrows from dead bodies and missed hits, pulling them towards him spinning them in a circle, electrically charging them. Cutting one more down he stood looking at the warlock in position, as he let loose the charged arrows. Galaleiath watched them, then looked past them at the warlock a smirk on his face. The arrows flew nearer, the Warlock brows furrowed with slight confusion as at the last possible moment Galaleiath leaned just out the way. The arrows zapped past him sinking into three wizards around the king caught off guard.

Throwing the sword up he caught it mid-way leaning back throwing it as a spear towards the warlock, hitting his mark through the face.

“Bulls eye.” Turning back to Dimas two of his men neared him to protect his back covered in blood. “We end this now.”

With five wizards left Dimas spun around in a deadly dance avoiding their throws, hitting them with hers. Wanting a part of the action he climbed right in keeping his eyes on the king, sword drawn ready to fight.

“Are you brave enough to try swing that at me?”

“I always knew you were dark, but to stoop this low.” He snapped ignoring the comment. “You no better than her.” He sneered the words at Dimas.

“Careful with your words, my queen,” He looked towards her ripping the head off a wizard. “Will just make your last days, unimaginable, the way I intend to with your women.”

The last wizard fell and king Zitex charged for Galaleiath, clashing swords they worked their way around the balcony. Dimas was distracted with more warlocks entering to defeat them.

With brute force, Galaleiath forced him to his knees pushing down on the sparking swords gritting his teeth, neither releasing the blades near their neck. If he wanted to, he could end it right then, use his power and capture the king in a heartbeat. But something about swinging a sword with those less fortunate than he entertained him.

“Surrender.”

“No.”

“You knew this day would come.”

“Not by you, traitor.” The king grunted battling to keep his stance. The blades slipped and Galaleiath retracted spinning around behind the king, hooking an arm around his neck, pulling a blade out the side of his armor positioning it under the king’s helmet against his exposed neck, the king dropped his sword cursing under his breath.

“Traitor, Bastard, lying piece of shit, run through the insults if it makes you feel better.” Galaleiath mocked backing up with the king to the railing clearing his throat.

“Your king is defeated.” He called out to the masses, “Surrender and you will be spared,” the masses slowed to a halt, some loyally dropping their weapons while the remaining stood stubbornly holding tightly onto theirs. “Fight for me, I will be the king you deserve.”

“Traitor.” A few called from the crowds, those loyal to Galaleiath sliced their necks within moments turning back to face him. Inclining his head in thanks to the men he spoke again, keeping his knife firmly against the king’s neck.

“It’s simple, you either bow to me or burn.” He called out opening his free hand creating a black and olive-hued fireball.

The silence stretched, with his men at his back he turned to look behind them, down from the balcony to the masses below. Every soul in the yard watching them, thousands of eyes focused up to where they stood on the balcony of the tower.

Slowly but surely, they all dropped their weapons looking amongst themselves before dropping to their knees. Dimas and Galaleiath watched as the waves of men kneeled in surrender.

“All hail the new king Galaleiath!” Called his men through the crowds.

“They will never serve you.” The king spat through the raised voices.

“That is no longer your concern.” Galaleiath sneered releasing him shoving him towards Queen Dimas. “You wanted him.”

“My kingdom will never fight for you; my people have been at war far too long.” He yelled defiantly standing before Dimas.

“The two kingdoms will unite! They will become the gates between both sides of the map, the war is over Zitex. There is no more need for fighting.” She smiled stepping nearer, “The people do not care for who they fight, as long as they are fed and have a roof over their heads, the weak are content.”

Her personal guard flanked her beginning to chain the king up for his long trip to the Black Maser dungeons.

“I will not leave my home! My wives need me.” He shook in his body defiantly as the chains began to be placed around him.

“You can whore yourself around in the dungeons.” Galaleiath mocked retrieving his sword from the door placing it back in his hilt.

“Touch my women and I will have your cock cut off while you sleep!” He snapped shaking in the chains.

“Carry on,” Galaleiath whispered taking a large step up to him, “Give me a reason to not cut yours off right now.”

Pushing out his chest the king notched his chin up before speaking a spark in his eyes.

“They will never lay with you now, knowing what you have done to me, knowing you are a dark, tainted, traitorous, scum half breed.”

Dimas, amused by the men comparing themselves lost her humor at the half-breed comment, catching Galaleiath’s face darken, a dangerous shadow crossing his eyes.

“That’s enough!” She chipped in, looking out over the masses watching the spat.

“Indeed.” He hissed inches from the king’s face, they stared at each other a long moment, Galaleiath’s left side of his lip curled up in a sneer.

“I warned you about disappointing me.” Dimas cautioned seeing the call for blood in his eyes. King Zitex was hers, her prize to be taken. Soon after long, she would have more kings in her dungeons, a new hobby she fancied. Galaleiath could have the castle, she knew he would rule it well, helping her to conquer more over the years to come. But killing this king would not be acceptable, heir or not he would be punished.

Side eyeing Dimas then back at the king, he took a deep breath in taking a step back giving a stiff nod to Dimas, clearly displeased.

“Get him out my sight before you are left with a rotting corpse.” He turned to stalk out the door to help his men clean up.

“Only a weakling is ruled by a woman.” Came the king’s sneer at Galaleiath’s back.

“Stop!” Dimas backhanded the king, the forced snapping his helmet off leaving a bloody nose. She spun around to stop Galaleiath, but he was too quick. Following his shadow, she reached for him too late, the elf had knocked the king down and ripped out his throat holding it above him.

“Weakling?” He looked at his fist full of the bloody king then back down to his large eyes as he convulsed. “Stitch yourself back up fragile human.” Throwing it down he wiped his hand on the floor standing back up to face the wrath of Dimas, looking her dead in the eyes.

* * * * *

Abandoning camp Drathis had shoved Sinira on Galaxy, hopped in front, and pushed through the night. Not much was known about the creatures of the night, some had said they were lost souls out to find a purpose. Others warned of demons that crawled out of the bottomless pits wanting to cause destruction. Either way, it was best to avoid them, Sinira didn’t look fit to defend herself and he had faced enough demons of late, where he could he would avoid.

They had passed a few close calls between the mountains having their ears ringing with the high-pitched screeches, he recognized some of the shadows. During his nights in the wilderness he had spotted such shadows near Velda’s mountains, and what he thought were tricks on the eyes passing Kazan. But now, a few hours later they seemed to be in the clear. Looking back Drathis tried to see if Sinira was awake, she had grown quiet, but he couldn’t see her face, only her long hair through the wind as her head rested against his back and shoulder.

Slowing Galaxy, he noticed the road becoming smoother, cleaner, less snow. Which could only mean they were nearing another town or village. He frowned trying to look ahead as far as possible, there was no indication of life on the map, perhaps it was outdated.

“Sinira.” He called softly over his shoulder; she didn’t respond.

“Hey, are you ok?” He tried again placing his hand behind him to tap her gently, slowly but surely, she woke pulling her head back from his shoulder looking up at him with small slit eyes still red from lack of sleep.

“What is it?”

“Do you know of any other places of life between the pools and Talgrim? There was nothing on the map.”

“No, I have never been this far north, well not this side.”

He slowed Galaxy to a casual stroll and they listened for any signs of life.

“You know, there are myths that this is where the dwarfs live, well close by.”

“Close by to what exactly?”

“The titan mountain range.”

He chuckled looking behind at her, “Perhaps you need to relook at that map, we a couple days ride still from that.”

“Ever seen it?” She asked rubbing her eyes.

“Nope, heard it’s huge though, I have seen…” He broke off trying to recall the name, “the healing goddess mountain range, been in it actually and met a god named Velda.”

“Goddess Velda?” She said slightly startled.

“Yup.”

“What did she say? Why were you there?” Sinira demanded, slight panic in her voice, Drathis looked over his shoulder back at her raising an eyebrow with curiosity.

“Sounds like you have met her too?” Even though there was only moonlight he could see her cheeks darken slightly with embarrassment, why though, had she been to see the goddess for healing as well?

“I, have.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“What did she heal you from that normal healer’s couldn’t?”

“Oh, no I didn’t need healing…” She looked around changing the subject as quickly as she could. “What did you need healing from?”

“I had a run-in with a few Gorgaknights.”

“Seriously?” She shivered at the mention of the creatures.

“Unfortunately, yeah, nearly ripped me in two.” He raised his right hand before him inspecting it again still amazed that there were no scars.

“Never seen one, hope too never.”

“Yeah well, we will see.”

They fell into silence listening to Galaxies shoes on the stone road, something must be close by, it was obvious this part of where ever they were was used regularly. He felt bad that he had woken her up for nothing, but perhaps there was a town nearby they could sleep in. She needed a proper bed and he was sure his shoulder and Galaxies bouncing butt was far from comfy.

“So, miss Sinira, what can you tell me about yourself, the road ahead is long, might as well get to know each other a bit?” He looked over his shoulder again at her and she almost gulped, the way the moonlight reflected off his magical eyes. His hair blowing gently in the breeze, his lips, oh his lips.

“I ah,” She cleared her throat repositioning herself, “Well, what do you wish to know?”

“Let’s start with Velda, how do you know her?” He asked feeling her tense slightly behind him, something about knowing this god was interesting to him, yet she was trying to avoid it, he was curious as to why.

“Oh, curious about the gods? There are many books about them you know?”

“Don’t twist my words, you met this one, and why? She didn’t exactly seem like one that would randomly pop in for a visit, I don’t know the gods, but I doubt that’s how they work.”

“Well, she found out who I was, I didn’t go looking for her if that’s what you asking?”

“You know what I’m asking, yet seem to purposely be avoiding that part, is it so hard to discuss? I have been accused of taking no interest in getting to know you, by you, now when I try based on someone we both know you shut me down?” He mocked knowing it would rev her up.

“I never said that!” She snapped, her spine pin straight.

“Do you wish to know me?” He teased.

“Yes!” She snapped again, “I mean, no, I don’t know.” She flustered having answered that too quickly.

He snorted a laugh, “Relax, I only ask because Velda seemed a bit, disturbed, as if about to tip over into full insanity. You seem to be the complete opposite of her, so why did she seek you out? If you do not wish to speak about it, I will not press the subject.”

“You cannot insult or compare me to a god; they might be listening.” She whispered behind him.

“Let them, if the rest are anything like Velda I doubt they will find us very interesting, after all, we aren’t doing anything.” He raised his hands showing off the silent night.

“Oh, but she knows what we are, if she learns we are together, and tells the others.” She trailed off looking behind her as her voice dropped to a lower whisper.

“You’re not making sense, why would we be so interesting to her?” He frowned hearing the slight panic in her voice. What was supposed to be a light chat had somehow turned slightly concerning. “But ok, we will avoid the gods.” He said feeling her relax slightly. He wouldn’t press it now, but something about the way the question put her on edge had him needing to know what was going on. The gods never interfered, centuries would pass before they stepped in or meddled with something that would change the course of things. But the fact that Sinira had been so charged up over Velda having found her for something had him intrigued.

“Thank you. Is that lights?”

Looking forward to where she pointed, he started to notice the yellow hues dotting the horizon.

“Indeed, looks to be a small town?”

“Hopefully with an inn.” She smiled, he nodded in agreement as Galaxy sped up towards the town approaching the nearest inn.

Hopping off Galaxy she yawned following Drathis inside the dimly lit entrance.

“Hello?” Sinira called after noticing the reception was empty except for a single dimly lit lantern, she stepped nearer looking for a bell, and called again.

“Coming, coming.” Came a sleepy voice from somewhere down a passage. After a few door openings and closings, out popped a grey-haired elderly woman tying the knot in the front of her gown shuffling towards them.

“I am so sorry to bug you so late, but I wondered if perhaps we could book two rooms?”

“Yes, it is very late, but welcome to Clove Inn, I’m Mrs Clove.” She smiled wearily walking behind the counter opening a large book scanning the sign inns. “We only have one room left.” She said looking up at them.

“That’s fine.” Drathis said pulling out a few coins.

“Are you sure there isn’t another room?” Sinira asked beginning to fiddle with her hair. The woman looked from Drathis to her then swept her head to toe in a quick observation.

“My dear, I only have the one, the Mr here seems to think one will do, and as you are not dressed like a proper lady I can confidently say you two have been closer before, so one bed shouldn’t be a problem.” She winked beginning to write down, she paused looking back up, “Mr who?” She pointed to her register waiting for Drathis.

Sinira looked herself up and down in shock then looked at Drathis smirk amused by the women’s words.

“Closer? No, you are mistaken, we are just travel companions.”

“And what a cute traveling couple you make indeed.” She smiled at her then looked back at Drathis, “Name for the booking sir?”

“Relax, will you? I’ll sleep on the floor princess.” Drathis leaned down to her whispering before turning back to the elderly. “Mr Dray.”

“Thank you,” She signed the register taking his coin. “Follow me to your room Mr & Mrs Dray.” She teased turning to get a key out a box. Drathis smiled at the tease, side-eyeing Sinira as she turned a bright red with embarrassment taking the bate.

“I’m sorry ma’am but you are mistaken! We are not together in any way.” She whispered following the innkeeper down the passage passing many closed doors with occupied tenants. They stopped at the end of the passage before a door and the innkeeper unlocked and opened it stepping in, ignoring Sinira, the same small smile glued to her face.

“This is your room; the bath is behind the wooden screen and towels are behind on the shelf. Breakfast is served at eight tomorrow.”

Sinira stepped in looking at the bed and two chairs at the opposite end with a small wooden round table. She could just make out the shape of the claw bath through the screen when the next spoken words caught her attention.

“Unless you two love birds prefer breakfast in bed, that could be arranged for an extra Avon.” She winked up at Drathis dropping his saddlebag next to the bed.

“No need we will be down, thank you.” Drathis smirked shaking his head at her tease watching Sinira blush and huff with annoyance.

“I see you are purposely going to ignore my protest and the fact that we are not a couple.” She stated notching up her chin proudly. Mrs. Clove handed the key to Drathis heading towards the door taking the handle to pull it closed behind her stopping one last time.

“If you can confidently tell me before you leave that this gorgeous specimen,” she jerked her head back at Drathis, “has not touched you while in my walls, then I will believe you, till then, good night Mr & Mrs Dray.” She winked again closing the door behind her leaving Sinira gawking.