Legends of Amacia Return of the Beowulf

Everyone scanned the storeroom, seeing mounds of treasure, weapons, books, scrolls, and other rare irreplaceable objects. The portal created more than enough light to illuminate the entire chamber. “Wow,” Thomas breathed, “I’ve never seen this much treasure in my entire life.”

“Me neither,” Ned agreed as Corso immediately headed towards the far wall. “This makes that armory we found in Skull Pass look like a cheap shop.”

“That it does,” Hannibal agreed. “But this is far more than a simple treasure horde. The weapons, scrolls, and books say as much.” As he spoke, everyone heard a loud click. Giant crystals lining the walls of the chamber suddenly lit up, illuminating the chamber that covered two acres and rose fifty feet in height. The mountains of treasure, stacks of books and scrolls, and racks of ancient weapons and armors became evident to everyone.

The team looked in the direction of the click and saw Corso standing at a large switch on the wall once the chamber lit up. “There, now we can see,” he called out, jogging back to the group. “I wasn’t sure the illuminator was going to activate. It’s been decades since this chamber has seen any light.”

“Whoa,” Jonathan breathed. “Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more amazing, it does.”

“I’m always impressed at how reliable the ancient hardware is,” Hannibal stated. “I’m betting this place has a small power plant to help run it. Am I correct, Corso?”

“Yes,” Corso stated. “But no one has ever seen it. It’s been sealed off since the Calamity. About the only thing that still works in this place are these crystal lights, the water supply, and the gates.”

“It doesn’t have any automated defenses?” Hannibal asked.

“If it does, they’ve long since become inoperative,” Corso reported. “No one knows where the controls are, or if they’re even here anymore. That’s why we use our own weapons to protect this fortress and not the god-weapons the legends claim once defended this place.”

“That’s a shame,” Hannibal stated, “Those automated defenses would be very useful right about now.”

“I’m sure they would,” Corso agreed. “But we have armed and protected this fortress for many generations with our own weapons and it’s worked just fine until now. Unfortunately, we have no defense against the weapons the Emperor is now using.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Hannibal stated. “To stop this massacre and save your people and culture from extinction. From what I see here, your people have a very advanced culture with very deep roots to the 1st Age. It’s a very impressive collection.”

“That it is,” Morpheus declared. “Does this collection have items dating back to the 1st Age, Corso?”

“It does,” Corso stated. “The real treasure here is not the gold or jewels, but the knowledge held within these books and scrolls you see piled around us. Cushar’s entire history is recorded in these books and scrolls. Even though legends say an archive exists somewhere in this fortress, our people have always insisted on having our history recorded in a physical form. Even the weapons and armors you see here are ancient and tell our history.”

“I can see that. Having a hard copy of your history as a backup shows great wisdom, too. I’m impressed,” Hannibal replied, being drawn to a peculiar platinum-colored horned helmet with strange scarlet markings sitting on a pedestal. The helm resembled a skull with two large antler-like horns sweeping to the rear of the skull, a sharp serrated bony ridge along the center of the skull, six reddish eye slots-three on each side, and jagged teeth on the upper jaw. It also sported a pair of smaller spike-like horns on each side of the skull just behind the jaw joint, a large nose horn, and two smaller horns just above the largest rearmost eyes. It covered the head and face completely. In a way, the helmet resembled a small draken skull with multiple eyes and strange scarlet markings. Bladed forearm guards, spiked shoulder armor, breast and back plate armor, along with clasp-on leg armor and a coat of platinum-colored chain mail sat with the helmet, carefully laid out on the pedestal. The breastplate bore the same white draken with the staff and scarlet orb seen on the tapestry seal in the throne room through the hologram. Two massive curved sickle swords with five-foot blades and eighteen-inch handles sat on the pedestal with the helmet. A pair of one-inch diameter jewels lay embedded in the blade just above the hilt: a diamond and a ruby on each sword. Arcane ancient writing decorated the blades of the swords. Four-inch circular hilts of exceptional workmanship depicting swirling vortexes and odd, skull-like pummels framed the handle. The pummels looked remarkably like smaller versions of the helmet. Hannibal walked to the pedestal, looking at the blades, armor, and helmet with more than casual interest. “Corso, whose helmet, armor, and swords are these?” he asked as everyone gathered around the items. “I could swear I’ve seen them before, particularly the helmet.”

“I cannot say for certain whom these items belonged to,” Corso admitted. “But legends from the early days of the 1st Age claim the founder of Cushar wielded these weapons in the war against the Dark Gods in the days of Grimm.”

“What was his name?” Joshua asked.

“Hreidmar Korra Casim,” Corso reported. “This fortress is named for him. Legends say he appeared one day from the sky and helped drive back the creatures of the most Ancient Darkness here in Cushar. At first, the people thought he was one of the monsters because of this attire and helmet. However, when he slaughtered a large pack of Grimm’s giant wolves single-handedly as they attacked a village, they realized he was on their side, especially after he removed that helmet, showing them he wasn’t a monster. Hreidmar taught the people in many disciplines, including how to fight and defend themselves against the forces of Grimm and the most Ancient Darkness. Shortly after his arrival, villages gained fortifications and the people started farming on a large scale. He was indeed the father of our country.”

“Very curious,” Hannibal murmured. “I’d like to hear more about this later, Corso. The way you speak of Hreidmar reminds me of Ragnar Caverias.”

“Legends say Hreidmar and Ragnar were brothers-in-arms in the war against the Dark Gods,” Corso stated. “But I cannot be sure of its authenticity. Legends tend to become exaggerated the longer they persist.”

“Now that is interesting,” Morpheus stated. “But this conversation can wait. Your people are in dire need, Corso.”

“That they are,” Enoch agreed. “We need to get to work if we’re going to prevent the massacre of your people, Corso.”

“Indeed,” Corso said bluntly. “Come this way; the entrance to the throne room is over here.”

“Before we go to work, may I touch these items?” Hannibal asked politely. “Is there any taboo on touching them?”

“Not that I know of,” Corso stated, turning back to Hannibal. “But know that they are considered holy relics of Cushar and should be treated with the utmost respect. It’s said these items are alive and will kill anyone that touches them who isn’t worthy. Only the pure of heart and soul would ever be able to touch these items and not be struck down. Most of us fear these items and will not touch them, fearing we may not be worthy. That’s why our revered Sage tends to this shrine. If you have any doubts of your purity, I would strongly suggest you not touch them.”

“I see,” Hannibal stated. “Your people see these items as truly holy relics of your past. I mean no disrespect of your venerable ancestor, nor do I wish to defile this holy shrine. But I cannot ignore what I’m sensing from these items, particularly the helmet. These items are calling to me like the Bane and Hellion did. I just need to touch them to confirm what I’m sensing.”

“Then you may touch them,” Corso replied soberly. “You are the Last Caverias and are worthy to handle them, even use them if you feel so inclined.”

“Thank you,” Hannibal stated, reaching out and gently picking up the helmet. A violent, icy chill suddenly raced down his spine as he held the helmet. An inexplicable fear of the helmet oozed into Hannibal’s consciousness. “Oh, my,” he murmured. “You’re a strange helmet. How is it that I know you and yet fear you without cause? What’s your secret?”

“Uncle,” Andrew called out, “Your sword is glowing again.”

“It is?” Hannibal replied with surprise.

“Yes, uncle,” Hunter stated. “It started glowing the moment you picked up that helmet.”

“Very curious,” Hannibal stated, putting the helmet down on the pedestal and stepping back. “Is the sword glowing now?”

“No, uncle,” Andrew answered. “It stopped glowing the moment you put that strange helmet down.”

“Let me try something,” Hannibal stated, unslinging and drawing the Caverias sword. He waved the sword slowly over the armor, helmet, and swords on the pedestal. Not only did the Caverias sword start glowing again, the scythe swords, armor and helmet glowed too.

“Is it supposed to do that?” Hunter asked, seeing the items glowing.

Hannibal moved the sword back and they stopped glowing. “Very interesting,” he declared. “These items know the Caverias Sword. And the writing on the scythe swords are very similar, if not identical to what’s on the Caverias Sword. Wouldn’t you agree, Nemesis, Enoch?”

They looked closely at the writing. “It is,” Nemesis agreed. “It’s obviously the same language, though I cannot read it.”

“I concur,” Enoch replied. “It seems we may have found another piece of the puzzle here.”

“It seems so,” Hannibal stated, turning back to the team. “But it must wait for now. We have a massacre to stop. Lead the way, Corso.”

“This way,” Corso ordered. “Follow me. The door is over here by the illuminator switch.” With that, he led them through the piles of treasure, armor, weapons, books, and scrolls to the door. Stopping at the door, he turned to the team, saying, “I will take Hannibal, Joel, and Liu with me initially. We don’t want to spook my people by charging in with a large group.”

“I can understand that,” Hannibal agreed, “But I think Enoch and Nemesis should be there too. Your people have to know who we have with us.”

“Very well,” Corso stated. “They may come. The rest of you wait here until we call for you.”

“Right,” Andrew replied as the rest of the team rumbled in agreement.

Corso turned to the door and pressed on a spot. “Stand away from the door,” he warned. “I just remembered the last time in Cush. They may think we’re the enemy.” Hannibal, Enoch, Joel, Liu, and Nemesis stepped away from the doorway, motioning for everyone to back off. The door clicked and grated as Corso eased it open.

Panicked voices from the other side of the door suddenly echoed through the slowly opening door. “The treasure chamber door is opening by itself!” one voice called out in fearful urgency. “I need back up right now!”

“How’d they get into the treasure chamber?” another voice answered fearfully. “Have they overrun the keep?”

“I don’t know!” the first voice snapped. “But we cannot take any chances! We have to protect the women and children at all costs!”

“Wait,” Hannibal called to Corso softly, “Don’t open it all the way yet. They’re in a panic. I can sense it. They didn’t expect for someone to come out this way. Call to them, Corso. Let them know we’re not the enemy.”

“Right,” Corso replied as he stopped pushing the door open, staying close to it.

“Who’s in there?” the first voice called out fearfully, noticing the door had stopped moving. “Come out where we can see you if you don’t wish to die.”

Corso recognized the voice and responded. “Ronin,” Corso called out clearly. “It’s me, Corso. Don’t shoot. We’re here to help.”

“Impossible!” Ronin balked. “Corso was killed trying to reach Arionath.”

“Not impossible,” Corso retorted. “I made it to Arionath and found the Beowulf. He’s here with me now.”

“Now I know you’re lying,” Ronin declared. “Beowulf was killed when the Emperor captured him in Cush. Word came to us of his capture. No one escapes the Emperor alive.”

Hannibal smiled soberly at Corso. “We have to go out there, Corso,” he whispered. “He’s not going to believe until he sees us.”

“Ronin, have I ever lied to you?” Corso asked.

“Corso has never lied to me,” Ronin stated. “But you can’t be Corso. He would have never left us like this.”

“I didn’t leave you,” Corso insisted. “I didn’t know about you until a few hours ago when Beowulf informed me of the siege here. Please, lower your weapons and don’t shoot. I’m coming out.”

“Throw him your signet when you get the door open enough to do so,” Hannibal ordered. “But stay behind it. They’re going to kill anyone who comes out of this door without proof.”

“Right,” Corso said, slipping his signet ring off his finger before edging the door open just enough to toss the ring. “Ronin,” he called out again. “I can prove who I am. I’m going to toss my ring out to you.” Unknown to Corso, a burly soldier had edged up beside the door, ready to pounce.

“Careful, Corso,” Hannibal urged. “They’re in a full-blown panic.”

“I’m tossing the ring out now, Ronin,” Corso stated, “Don’t do anything stupid. No one has to die here.” As he tossed the ring through the opening, a strong hand snatched Corso’s wrist the moment it came into view. Before Corso could blink, the hand pulled him through the door and slammed him hard against the wall. After a couple of savage punches the belly, the burly soldier’s forearm pressed against his neck in a chokehold as two more soldiers pinned his arms and shoulders to the wall.

“I don’t know how you got into our treasure chamber, but it will be the last thing you do. Time to die, spy,” the burly soldier growled, putting his blaster to Corso’s forehead.

“Stop!” Hannibal shouted rushing out the door to Corso’s defense with such speed it astounded the Ronin, the soldiers, and the people who watched in fear. The moment he cleared the door, Hannibal fired the Draken Gauntlet at the blaster pointed at Corso’s head, knocking it out of the burly soldier’s hand. He then fired three more shots with the Gauntlets hitting the three soldiers in the torso, sending them flying twenty feet away from Corso. The trio slid to a stop, heavily stunned by the shots. Hannibal dashed to Corso, pulling the Caverias Sword in route to defend him. Turning to Ronin and the remaining soldiers, he pleaded, “Don’t do this! We’re not the enemy. The Emperor has no way to get inside your treasure chamber. Your sanctuary is not compromised!”

Fearful for their very lives upon seeing Hannibal in his armor and war paint, the remaining soldiers opened fire with their blasters in a panic, targeting Hannibal and Corso. Once again, long forgotten fighting instincts rose in Hannibal. A white aura swirled around him as his eyes glowed white along with the Caverias sword. He spun the sword around and rammed it into the floor, generating an impenetrable shield around him and Corso. The blaster rounds bounced off the shield harmlessly, hitting the wall around them.

“Impossible!” Ronin cried in fearful disbelief. “How can he deflect our fire? Cease fire; Cease fire!”

When the soldiers refused to ceased fire with their blasters, Hannibal fired a barrage from the Gauntlets with pinpoint precision through the shield. In less than fifteen seconds, he’d destroyed the blasters held by the soldiers firing at them. The impacts knocked them back, stunning them briefly. Ronin and the people stared in terror as Hannibal disarmed the soldiers with godlike speed using his strange weapons. Ronin backed away with his sword ready, but didn’t attack. Seeing the terror running rampant through Ronin and the people along with their hesitation to attack him and Corso again, Hannibal lowered the shield by pulling the Caverias Sword from the floor. Slowly laying the sword down on the floor, he raised his hands in a surrender motion. “Please, don’t be afraid,” he pleaded. “We surrender. We didn’t come here to fight or kill you, but help.”

“But you blocked our ammunition and killed my friends,” Ronin retorted bluntly, “Only the Emperor can do such things! How can I believe anything you say? You must be an assassin Cadre wizard sent by the Emperor. You’ll have to go through me to get them.”

“Your friends are not dead, only stunned, Ronin, son of Harim,” Hannibal insisted, stepping away from the Caverias sword, moving towards Ronin cautiously, keeping his hands in the surrender position. “I merely defended myself and Corso with minimum plasma charges from the Gauntlets that’s in no way lethal. I never meant to kill, only disarm them so we could talk. Look, even now they’re coming to. They will be okay in a few moments.”

“How’d you know my name?” Ronin demanded.

“Corso told me,” Hannibal stated bluntly, edging forward cautiously. “Please, calm down. Your friends are shaking off the stun now, just as I said. They’ll be okay.”

Ronin looked and saw his soldiers stirring and groaning as they came to. “Are you guys all right?” he asked his squad, keeping a sharp eye on Hannibal as he stopped twenty feet from Ronin, kneeling down with his hands in his lap, not making any sudden moves. Word came from every soldier that they were okay, just a bit stunned and shaken that Hannibal had so easily and quickly disarmed them with his strange weapon.

“I sincerely apologize to you guys for stunning you like I did,” Hannibal declared when he noticed they’d recovered. “But you were in a full-blown panic and I had to keep you from killing Corso. Please, forgive me for being so rough. I am truly sorry.” Hannibal’s humble attitude and sincere apology, along with his surrender posture caused Ronin and soldiers to question whether Hannibal was truly an enemy.

“Who are you, really?” Ronin asked as Hannibal looked up at him from a kneeling position.

“He’s the Beowulf,” Corso stated bluntly, looking Ronin in the eye as he stepped around Hannibal. “What he just did should be proof enough of who he is. I’ve seen him do far more than what you witnessed. He’s the One. He is the Last Caverias.”

Ronin’s eyes grew wide as he finally recognized Corso. “Lord Corso, it really is you!” he cried. “Please, forgive us. We believed you were dead.” Every soldier and person in the throne room bowed to Corso.

“It’s okay,” Corso replied, picking up his ring as he walked to Ronin. “I forgive you. Get up, all of you.” Ronin and the people rose, rumbling excitedly that Corso had returned. “Here’s the proof of my position,” he stated, showing Ronin the signet ring of Cushar.

“I am so sorry we attacked you like that,” Ronin apologized when he recognized the signet of Cushar. “We’ve been under siege since the 7th sacked Cush. Here in the last week, things have gotten very desperate. When you opened the door, we feared they might have found a way in. But how did you get in?”

“Beowulf is how we got in,” Corso stated, motioning for Hannibal to rise, which he did. “He is the master of the god-machines of the 1st Age. We came through what he calls a portal.”

Turning to Hannibal, Ronin cautiously approached Hannibal, fearful of him. “Is this true? Are you really the Beowulf reborn?” he asked.

“So it seems,” Hannibal stated with a warm smile. “My name is Hannibal, but Fate has cast me as the Beowulf...the Last Caverias. Again, I apologize for being a bit rough with your friends. I couldn’t let them kill Corso in an irrational panic. He’s my friend, and I always protect my friends.”

Ronin hesitated as Hannibal stood before him, fear plastering his expression. “I never believed in the prophecies,” Ronin admitted. “Can you prove who you are? Where are you from?”

Hannibal smiled wryly as the soldiers and people gathered around him, Corso, and Ronin. “You’re brutally honest, Ronin,” Hannibal stated. “I like that. As for proof that I’m the Last Caverias, I don’t know that I can prove it to your satisfaction, not here anyway. It’s a long story that we don’t have time to tell right now. Your people are in grave danger and we must get them to safety before the 7th Division breeches your defenses.”

“No one is going anywhere until I see proof,” Ronin insisted, glaring suspiciously at Hannibal. “We must know you’re not an agent of the Emperor.”

“I can see your point,” Hannibal stated. “And I too would be just as suspicious. You and I aren’t that different, Ronin. I was like you once, full of doubt and suspicion about everything and everyone around me. But I learned to live that way only feeds the Darkness. We of the Light must trust and believe in one another. We must learn to take chances on people and creatures. Not every being in this world wants to destroy you. I don’t.”

“Hannibal is not an agent of the Emperor,” Corso insisted. “I can vouch for that. You must let go of your suspicion and hate, Ronin. Hannibal is here to help us. If he were here as an agent of the Emperor, do you really think he would have stopped at stunning your men that attacked us? No, he would have killed them all, including you. That’s how the Emperor and his minions operate. You know this. Hannibal is not an agent of the Emperor.”

“True,” Ronin answered gruffly, “But it could be a ruse to gain our confidence to get us to lower our guard. When we let our guard down, he’ll then slaughter us. No, I’m not going to let my guard down...not to him or anyone.”

“And you shouldn’t,” Hannibal agreed. “Never let your guard down. That only invites disaster. I don’t want you to let your guard down to me or anyone. All I want is for you to give me the chance to prove myself. That’s all.”

“You want a chance to prove yourself?” Ronin scoffed. “Don’t make me laugh. You haven’t even told me where you’re from.”

“Very well,” Hannibal stated. “I am John Hannibal Smith from a place called the United States of America. It lies on the surface world far to the north of these Caverns. I came here as an explorer and scientist in peace to study what I believed were ruins from the 1st Age. I had no idea people survived the Calamity that buried this place, but quickly found out to the contrary. Now, I’m up to my neck in a life-and-death struggle with the Emperor, who seeks to escape this grave and do what he did here to my people on the surface. I cannot allow that to happen. I believe in the sanctity of all life and only kill when I must to protect myself, and those I care for in this world. The Ancient of Days is my God and He sets my path. I never asked to be a leader or messiah to the people of this place, but it seems my God and Fate has deemed this to be my task.” Hannibal looked at Ronin, seeing confusion and fear in him. “If I could get out of this, I would, but I can’t,” Hannibal stated bluntly. “Furthermore, I can beg and plead with you all day to trust me, but it would be foolish. Your heart is hard, like mine was, and words seldom move you. If you think I’m a spy for the Emperor, then by all means, strike me down in your righteous wrath. I won’t argue with you about proof of me being Beowulf here. I simply cannot show you the proof you want in this place. Now what will you do, Ronin, son of Harim? If I am of the Darkness, then, by all means, strike now and rid the world of a great evil so Corso can lead your people to safety. Time is running out. The 7th Division will breech this fortress in a matter of hours and kill all of you. I will make it easy for you.” He knelt down again, placing his hands in his lap, staying still as a lamb. “Now, Ronin, son of Harim, I am at your mercy. If you truly believe that I’m an evil Cadre wizard sent by the Emperor, strike now and don’t hold back. Do it! Kill me now!”

Ronin’s heart hardened and before anyone could blink, he attacked with his sword using an overhead strike, meaning to split Hannibal’s skull. “Die, assassin wizard!” he shouted, his tone full of hate.

“No, don’t!” Corso cried out.

Hannibal calmly waited for Ronin’s attack, staying on his knees. Ronin’s blade whistled as it came down. With speed that amazed everyone present, Hannibal slapped his palms together just before the blade reached his head, stopping it cold. “What the...?” Ronin cried in disbelief, seeing his strike arrested an inch above Hannibal’s forehead. A soft white aura suddenly swirled around Hannibal as his eyes glowed white. A mild concussion blast knocked Ronin back, causing him to lose his grip on his sword as he fell on his back. Hannibal pounced like a big cat on Ronin, taking his sword and pushing it up beneath his chin just enough for him to feel its keen edge.

“Go on, finish me,” Ronin croaked, seeing Hannibal’s cold scowl and flashing eyes.

“As I told you, I don’t kill without cause,” Hannibal growled. “And I’ve taken down far bigger guys than you like this when they questioned me and my intents. Besides, you have courage and conviction. I like and respect that. It’s just misguided. I’d sooner destroy a priceless work of art than kill you. There are more than enough of the Emperor’s infernal minions to slaughter. I’d much rather take down the real monsters than a good soul like you.” He smiled warmly, pulling the blade away from Ronin’s throat and standing up. “Come on, Ronin,” he chimed, offering his hand. “You can’t protect your people lying on the floor, now can you?”

Ronin abruptly realized Corso had spoken the truth about Hannibal. “You spared me, why?” Ronin asked, taking hold of Hannibal’s hand.

Heaving Ronin to his feet, Hannibal patted him on the shoulder. “Because I value all life, even yours,” he stated. “If I can resolve a conflict without bloodshed or violence, I will. Killing is always a last resort for me. I weary of the long decades of violence and bloodshed that has chased me even to this dark realm. Let me ask you something. Would the Emperor or any of his minions have spared you the way I just did?”

“No,” Ronin admitted, looking into Hannibal’s eyes with shame. “They would not have. Forgive me for doubting you. I don’t know what came over me. I suddenly felt a surge of hate that made me want to kill you. I’m so sorry.”

Hannibal put his hand on Ronin’s shoulder. “It’s okay,” he replied. “I forgive you. I saw the dark spirit take you when you struck. I saw it in your face and eyes. That’s why I didn’t kill you. When I disarmed you, the dark spirit fled.”

Gasps of astonishment rumbled through the crowd. “You can see spirits?” Ronin asked with amazement.

“I can,” Hannibal stated bluntly. “You must understand; I have dealt with spirits from both the Light and Darkness my entire life. I have the innate ability to sense and even see them from time to time. When you struck, I saw a dark shadow cover your face. Your eyes went completely dark for a moment as you attacked. You mustn’t allow your hate to run unchecked. It can allow dark spirits to temporarily overwhelm you and take control. Believe me, I know. I’ve seen it happen too many times before.”

Ronin’s eyes grew wide as Hannibal returned his sword. “You really are the Beowulf reborn,” he declared, now believing. “Please, forgive me, milord.” He dropped to one knee, bowing.

Hannibal reached down and lifted him to his feet by the arm. “There’s no need to bow to me,” he insisted. “I’m just a human, like you...like all of you. We’re all in the same boat here.”

“That we are,” Corso stated. “Is there anyone here now that doesn’t believe Hannibal is the Beowulf?” No one answered to the contrary. “Good,” Corso stated. “Now we can get everyone to safety.”

“And just how are you going to get us out of this deathtrap?” one of the soldiers asked.

“By the same means that allowed us to penetrate your treasure chamber,” Hannibal declared. “As a master of the ancient machines, I have in my possession a working portal generator from the 1st Age. It allowed us to come here from the Red Tower of Tsang Chi on the Isle of Antilla with a team to help cover your escape.”

“Antilla?” Ronin asked in a bewildered tone. “I thought Antilla was a myth.”

“Not so,” Hannibal stated. “It’s as real as this fortress. You see, the Red Tower of Tsang Chi sits on the isle of Antilla and still functions. In fact, it’s the one place in this cursed underworld the Emperor doesn’t have sway over. We gained access to your treasure vault using the Red Tower’s portal generator. The portal is presently open inside your treasure vault. That’s how we intend to spirit your people to safety.”

“What about this team you spoke about,” another soldier asked suspiciously. “Are they our friends?”

“They are,” Corso declared. “Every last one of them is dedicated to the overthrow of the Emperor, including the two Xenian prototypes Nemesis and Magnus who turned against the Emperor.”

“What are you saying?” Ronin snapped in a very concerned tone. “Surely the Xenian hordes haven’t turned on the Emperor. They even now are working to breech our defenses.”

“The Xenian hordes are merely clone machines of the prototypes,” Hannibal stated. “The difference between them and the prototypes is the prototypes have a will and a soul. Nemesis, the Xenian bear prototype was responsible for my escape from the Black Fortress. He’s my blood brother and friend. Magnus, who moved on Nemesis’ order, bore me away from Amacia, taking me back to my friends. Both of them have a vehement hatred of the Emperor and the Cadre that created them. They are powerful allies who will not stop until the Emperor’s head is on a pike. But don’t let me vouch for them. They’re perfectly capable of speaking for themselves. Is it okay if I bring them out with the rest of my team?”

“You can trust Hannibal, Ronin,” Corso insisted. “I’ve talked at length with both Nemesis and Magnus at the Red Tower and found them to be good souls despite their fearsome exterior. They will do us no harm and are actually very gentle.”

“I don’t know,” Ronin replied hesitantly. “How can you be sure?”

“You must trust me, Ronin,” Hannibal stated. “You all must trust me on this. Nemesis and Magnus are on our side.”

“Very well,” Ronin conceded, his suspicion showing again. “But if any of your team looks at us wrong, they’re dead.”

“They will not be hostile in any way to you or your people,” Hannibal stated, “You have my word on it. We’re here as allies to prevent your people from being massacred.”

“Okay,” Ronin conceded. “Bring them out so we may see them.”

“Right,” Hannibal chimed. “Trust me; you’ll not regret having them as friends.” He walked to the door, picking up the Caverias Sword in route and slinging it. Looking into the treasure chamber, Hannibal called out, “All right, guys...it’s okay to come out now. Just don’t make any sudden moves.”

Joel and Liu came out first. “I thought you were in trouble there for a moment, Hannibal,” Joel stated as he walked by.

“So did I,” Hannibal admitted.

Ronin’s eyes lit up with delight when he saw Joel and Liu. “Joel, Liu!” he cried happily. “You’re alive!”

“That we are,” Liu stated as he and Joel walked over to the group, “Thanks to Beowulf.”

Enoch stepped out next, followed by Nemesis and Magnus. “Come on, guys,” Hannibal ordered. “We need to prove to these people you’re on our side.”

“Of course,” Nemesis stated as he, Magnus, and Enoch followed Hannibal over to Ronin. Cries of fright rose from the people as the backed away. The soldiers drew their swords, overpowered by the fearsome visages of Nemesis and Magnus. Others gasped in wonder at Enoch’s giant status and almost godlike presence as he stood there wearing Thoth’s Armor.

Stopping twenty feet from Ronin and the soldiers, who instantly made a perimeter around Nemesis, Magnus, and Enoch, Hannibal looked at them sourly. “Please, put your blades away,” he urged. “Nemesis and Magnus are friends, as is Enoch. I know their appearance is terrifying to you, but it’s not their fault. Nemesis, Magnus...please sit and speak to the people. Show them you’re not the monsters that are attacking them.”

Nemesis and Magnus sat down on their knees. “Friends of Corso,” Nemesis stated in an elegant tone that helped to settle the people’s fears. “Hannibal has spoken the truth about us. We’re not the monsters who even now strive to break into this fortress and kill every last one of you. They are clones of us. I’m called simply Nemesis. The Emperor gave me that name when he and the Cadre first engineered me. I am a 7th generation prototype Xenian and the alpha Xenian of us prototypes. Magnus is the beta prototype. Both of us have wills of our own, unlike the clones that make war with you right now. Because of our will, we were able to make a choice and break with the programming the Emperor forced on us. It’s both our desires to live a peaceful existence and not wreak wholesale destruction on the peoples of this land to further the Emperor’s black desires. As of now, the Emperor knows of our treachery, especially mine. When Hannibal returned to the Black Fortress to retrieve his mate, Selina, and all the other prisoners, I was there at his side. At one point, we were forced into the throne room where we fought side by side against the Emperor. The Emperor now prizes my head as much as Hannibal’s head. Magnus and I have but one purpose left at this point: to fight alongside of Hannibal and make an end of the Emperor and his infernal dominion. If any of you have any doubt of my loyalty to Hannibal, let me show you this.” He lifted his organic hand, showing the scar where he and Hanna made the pact in the dungeon. “After I had Magnus rescue Hannibal from the Arena, I made a blood pact with him to keep his wife and the other prisoners safe until his return. I kept that oath and have sworn an oath in the sight of the Ancient of Days to stand at his side until the very end of this.”

Hannibal lifted his hand, showing the matching scar. “Here’s my scar when we became blood brothers,” he declared. “Had Nemesis and Magnus not acted, I would not be here and my head would be on display in the Emperor’s trophy case. I owe them my life and trust them with that life.” By now, Hannibal’s entire team had gathered around behind Nemesis and Magnus. Hannibal stood between the pair of giant Xenian prototypes and put his hands on both of their shoulders. “I stand with these magnificent fighters. They’re my friends, and will be yours if you give them a chance.”

“You deeply honor us, Beowulf,” Magnus rumbled. “I only hope we can live up to your expectations.”

“You already have, my friend,” Hannibal stated. “So what say you, friends of Corso? Are the Xenian prototypes our friends or not? None who are with me fear them.”

The people and soldiers became very quiet as they stared in fearful fascination at Hannibal and his team. Corso stepped up beside Nemesis, laying his hand on the cyborg’s shoulder. “We mustn’t fear these creatures,” Corso declared. “Their loyalties are beyond question, and have already provided great intelligence on the Emperor’s forces that have enabled us to strike several hard blows already to his plan. Furthermore, I know Hannibal is the living embodiment of the prophecy without any doubt.”