Legends of Amacia Srandi: Last Bastion of the Caverias

A smile crept across Hannibal’s face as he looked out, seeing Leila sitting in her wheelchair with Josephine standing right behind her. “Whoever you think will be useful is fine by me,” Hannibal chimed, “I trust your judgment, but I definitely want Leila and Josephine there. I have a feeling Leila will be critical in exploring the Keep. Besides, Srandi is Leila’s home. I think it’s time she went home, and Josephine’s technical familiarity with the 1st Age machinery could be very beneficial as well.”

Everyone looked at Leila and Josephine, seeing shock and hope rising on Leila’s face. “You want me to come?” Leila asked in surprise, “What can I do? I can’t even walk yet. I’d just be a burden on you. I can come along later when you’ve gotten in and secured everything.”

Hannibal pushed by everyone, walking directly to Leila. He gently took her by the hand and looked her in the eye, saying, “I wouldn’t think of it. You have far more to contribute than you know. Besides, you need this closure. You will be there as we explore your home together. I know you things about the keep we do not. If we’re fortunate, we may even find the resting place of Thoth and your sister so you can have proper closure. After all this time, you deserve it.”

Tears welled up in Leila’s eyes and she reached out, taking Hannibal into a gentle embrace, who returned it. Soft sobs bubbled up from Leila’s soul in a release of grief that was long overdue. When she calmed down enough to speak, Leila whimpered, “I....” She could not speak; her face a contorting in a mixture of deep grief, and hope at finally going home.

Hannibal pulled out of her embrace and looked her in the eye while raising his right palm to her in the Lynxian grief-sharing ritual. Without saying a word, he nodded with a warm, sympathetic smile. Leila raised her left hand and placed her palm against Hannibal’s palm, gently interlocking her fingers with his. “This is long overdue,” he whispered to her. “You’ve need this from the moment you woke from stasis. No more waiting, sister, together, we will find our answers in Srandi. Will you come with us?”

Leila felt her grief ebbing away as she gazed into Hannibal’s sparkling, caring eyes. She composed herself and nodded with a growing smile, saying, “Yes, I will come with you, brother, and together, we shall find our answers, though I fear what we will find.”

“So do I Leila,” Hannibal admitted soberly, “So do I; but if we don’t do this, we will never find our answers and the people will not be safe during the Rising. We must do this for them. They’re all depending on us. We can’t let them down.”

Leila let go of Hannibal’s hand and again pulled him into a warm embrace, saying, “I understand. We must do this for our people. I’ll do what I can from this chair if you will help me.”

Hannibal looked her in the eye with the fire of conviction in his eye. “You’re not going to remain chained to that chair forever, Leila,” he said bluntly with a knowing smile. “Believe in our God and He will raise you up. Selina went through the same thing you did, and when she despaired of ever walking again, the Lord reached out and healed her at just the right time. He will do the same for you if you but ask and believe. Think on it. Until that time comes, don’t despair of not being able to walk. When the Lord wants you on your feet again, you will rise and not just walk, but run and dance as if you were never crippled. Trust me. It will happen and most likely quicker than you realize.”

“You should listen to him, Leila,” Selina called out, hearing every word. “I know what it’s like to despair of not being able to walk. Your time will come to leave that chair behind just as I did. Hannibal’s doesn’t make promises he doesn’t keep.”

“You really believe this, don’t you?” Leila asked with amazement, seeing the fiery conviction of Hannibal’s words in his eyes.

“I do,” Hannibal said bluntly. “I’ve seen the Lord perform marvels and miracles through and by my hand...things I could have never done in my own power, including raising the dead. Remember Jacob and the accident that crushed him to death in Antillia?”

Leila’s eyes grew wide as the crowd murmured softly at Hannibal’s words. She opened her mouth, but no words came forth because of her astonishment. She’d heard the story, but didn’t really believe it. Now she hesitated in her doubt. Hannibal saw this and nodded, saying grimly, “Yes Leila; Jacob was dead, beyond any chance of being revived by any normal means available to us. He was even beyond the Healer’s capability to bring him back. Yet once his body had been retrieved from the rubble of the pyramid, the Lord commanded me to raise him. I hesitated at first, but when the Lord scolded me for my doubt, I obeyed in faith, ordering his broken bones to be set. Once Jacob’s bones were set, I laid hands on the poor dead man, rebuking death itself in the name of Jesus and the Lord answered my prayer in a most astonishing way even for me. His flesh and bone mended before our eyes and life came back to him at the order of the Almighty.” He suddenly looked around, seeing Andrew amongst the people and called out, “Andrew, come here and tell Leila what you saw that day. Let her hear it from you, so that she may know I speak truly about Jacob rising from a crushing death.”

Andrew came up and settled down on his haunches beside Leila, gently touching her on her forearm arm. Looking her in the eye, he said softly with firm conviction, “Uncle Hannibal speaks the truth, Aunt Leila. I was there and helped set Jacob’s bones at my uncle’s orders. Jacob was crushed to death, his body a limp bloody mass that was barely recognizable as a man.” He paused for a moment, and then admitted, “I still have trouble comprehending it when I remember what happened. I saw the blood stop flowing and the wounds heal right before my eyes as uncle Hannibal pleaded in prayer with the Almighty to bring Jacob back. Then he began to breath and became conscious. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Not only does Uncle Hannibal have the ability to kill and destroy with almost a thought now, he has the power to bring the dead back to life when necessary. With that one act, I saw and believed in him and his God. I knew without a doubt he was the Last Caverias spoken of in the prophecies.”

“I didn’t do it, nephew,” Hannibal corrected Andrew, “The Lord did it through me. Apparently, this was the point when He first started unlocking my Healing Element. I didn’t realize what was happening at the time, but I could definitely feel the energy flowing into me from somewhere else, through me, and out my hands into Jacob as if I were a mere conduit of that power. It astonished me as much as it did everyone else who saw it. Isn’t that right, Nemesis? You were there too, as I recall.”

“Indeed,” Nemesis growled softly, remembering the event. “Jacob had no chance, and I saw a completely crushed, battered body restored before my eyes in a matter of minutes. In fact, I’d cataloged his injuries when I scanned his broken mangled body when he was pulled from the debris. Then I watched Hannibal pray, and then saw everything regenerate and reform at such a rapid pace I was stunned. Bones, organs, flesh, and blood, right down to the smallest fibers of nerves, muscles, and organs came back together and started operating as if they’d never been damaged. It’s something even our most advanced healing technology could not have ever done. At that point, I knew Hannibal was truly the fulfillment of the prophecies, which said only the Last Caverias would be gifted with such powers and skills by the Almighty. Seeing one raised to true life from a crushing death is the greatest wonder and miracle I’ve ever had the honor of witnessing. It still awes me when I recall it.”

“You really resurrected Jacob, didn’t you?” Leila breathed in a stunned tone.

“Not me Leila,” Hannibal again corrected, “Once again the Almighty Ancient of Days used me as a conduit to revive Jacob for he still has a purpose in what’s to come. Otherwise, the Lord would have called him home. Now do you believe me when I say your time in that chair is almost over?”

Leila smiled with a sigh, saying, “Yes, I do. I know you wouldn’t lie about something that drastic. When I have time, I think I will speak to Jacob about this event to see what he has to say about it.”

“That would be a very good idea,” Hannibal chimed with a smile. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to share it with you. So, will you come with us to Srandi? Are you ready to go home?”

“Yes,” Leila answered softly, touching Hannibal on the shoulder in a motherly fashion. “I would be honored. Besides, my memories of Srandi are still very hazy. Maybe by being there it will help me to remember it better.”

“If your memories are still foggy concerning Srandi, going there may very well solidify them, sister,” Josephine agreed. “In fact, I find myself longing to once again walk those magnificent halls. I haven’t tread the corridors of Srandi since before Bolthor betrayed Thoth and the rest of us. I’d like to see if the palace survived my husband’s treachery and the Calamity.”

“It did indeed survive,” Nemesis stated, “...as did much of the city, though the city proper is a ruin. However, I can confirm the keep survived the war and the Kragonar intact with superficial damage to it that in no means compromised its structural integrity, unlike some of the smaller structures inside the city walls. What lies inside the keep I cannot say for we don’t have the means to get in.”

“That destiny belongs to Beowulf,” Assad piped up. “I’m sure he has the key to get into the fortress amongst the many ancient artifacts he has in his possession. Am I right, milord?”

Hannibal’s eyebrow rose with curiosity. “I never thought about that,” he admitted, “Maybe I’ll take another look at the Caverias artifacts I’ve already collected. The key to Srandi may indeed be among them. Thanks for suggesting it, Master Assad.”

“Please, Assad will suffice, milord,” Assad rumbled pleasantly with a broad smile on his ancient lionel face, “...and you’re welcome. Such is my place in the grand scheme of the Almighty Ancient of Days. I’m glad I could help.”

Hannibal nodded, and then shook his head in amazement with a smile, saying, “I marvel that since I’ve come to this savage cursed underworld, I’ve seen the most honorable and good souls I’ve encountered are not human, but decisively non-human, even mythological from my standpoint as a surface dweller. Many humans of the surface could learn from your morality and honor, my friends. Maybe if the world survives what’s coming, we can help restore the Lord’s morality and goodness in humanity once again.”

“That’s a pretty tall order and you know it,” Harry blurted out with a sarcastic sneer. “Of all people, you should know how treacherous and evil people can be, Hannibal. People like us who didn’t succumb to the lies of Hell are a very rare breed. Most of them would like to see us dead in the most atrocious manner because we don’t immerse ourselves in their filth. Do you think the Lord can really shake them out of their evil ways and bring them back to Him?”

“Of course He can, Harry,” Hannibal returned with fiery conviction, his eyes flashing. “You need ask that after everything that’s happened to us down here in this evil land the rest of the world forgot? Shit, if He can save my bum ass from Lord Grimm, He can do anything. Is there anything too small or hard for Him to do? After all, He did create the multiverse and us with a mere word and thought. You can’t get much more powerful than that.”

Harry raised his hands in a surrender posture, saying contritely, “Okay, okay Hannibal; I get it. The Lord can save all of them if He so chooses, but I remember He still has this thing about free will. All I’m asking is will they choose Him over the Devil once his spell on them is broken?”

Hannibal sighed, admitting, “You’re right. It is a legitimate question, one I really don’t have an answer for. No doubt the Lord will wake up humanity with what He’s about to do, but He will not force them to join Him. It’s their choice, but remember this. He will not always strive with the heart of man. There is a point where He will give them over to the Dark Powers and their destruction. When they reject everything He offers them...His love, mercy, and help, all that’s left is His wrath and they will feel it right alongside Lucifer and the rest of the Dark Powers. He’s about to pull out his trump card and finish this sordid business for good. That’s why we’re here and not topside. The final act of this play is starting. All we can do is be where the Lord wants us and let Him worry about the rest of the people of the world. They will choose their fate of their own free will and will reap the rewards of that choice, whether it be good or evil. All we can do is warn them of what’s coming and show them the true face of creation and our God, whose existence the whole world will not be able to dismiss any longer. By doing that, their blood will not be on our hands.”

Hannibal saw the question creep up in Harry’s mind and on his face, so he added, “And don’t worry about our brothers and sisters topside, Harry. The Lord will hold and protect them in His pavilion throughout this entire cluster-fuck that’s descended upon the world, just as He will protect us, if we can just get off our asses and get to work.”

“Very well said, milord,” Kusanagi chimed with a sober smile. “Well said indeed. The Almighty will indeed protect His people no matter where they are in this vast world, whether they be here or on the surface. After all; He is not about to let the Dark Powers and Chaos make a liar out of Him.”

“I agree,” Assad concurred, “The Almighty is indeed merciful and will give the people and creatures every opportunity to choose Him over the Darkness, but I fear that time is rapidly coming to an end for that mercy. Very, very soon, He will be forced to unleash His judgment, justice, and wrath on all the Wicked of this world for He will tolerate the evil to go only so far before He acts against it to set things right.” He looked directly at Hannibal and said, “Your presence here at this specific point in time milord shows the Almighty has had enough and will now purge this evil from the world and the rest of His creation. He has activated both His word and will to restore all creation after eons of corruption and rebellion. We’re all supremely honored and blessed beyond measure to be alive to see this moment when He finally rights the wrongs of eons past and heals our world of this dark cancerous corruption. The day of His vengeance is finally here, and we’re all glad to see our God finally end our bondage to the Darkness.” A rumble of agreement rose from all who were present. Then to Hannibal’s utter surprise, Assad knelt before him, saying without hesitation, “Once again, we pledge to stand at your side until the very end of this path, no matter how it may end milord. We are with you to the very end.” Taking Assad’s cue, the rest of the crowd who were capable of kneeling did so, and those who couldn’t, bowed as best they could, including the drakens.

Hannibal’s mouth fell open in utter astonishment as he saw once again the leaders of the peoples and creatures of Amacia submitting to him as if he were their King. A deep icy chill raced down his spine, causing him to shudder noticeably. It humbled him tremendously to see creatures and people much older and wiser than he is with far more experience again pledging their loyalty to him in his fight against the Emperor and his insidious Dark Backers. His emotions bubbled up and threatened to spill out into the open until he felt a mysterious peace wash over him that he knew came from the throne of Heaven, which assured him. The astonishment left his face only to be replaced with sober determination. With a sigh, he raised his hands to chest level with his palms to Assad and the rest of those present in a surrender gesture. “You humble me with your display, which is good for someone in my position wielding the power I do, but please, don’t bow to me,” he scolded gently, “I’m just a flawed fallible human and fellow servant of our God like you. Bowing is not necessary at this point, nor do I wish it. The only one you should really bow to is our God for He alone is worthy of such adoration; worship God, not me, so please get up. You’re not subjects of my rule and will, but friends, family, and allies I treasure. I would stand with you as your friend, not your King as we face the Darkness together.”

Assad slowly rose to his feet, motioning to everyone else to rise. He looked Hannibal in the eye, saying, “We understand what you’re saying, milord, and we truly appreciate you seeing us as not subjects, but as friends, family, and equals. Still, don’t deny us this gesture of respect because we choose to follow you since you are worthy of our loyalty and obedience. It’s our way to submit to those who the Almighty has set to rule over us with taking a knee. We don’t do it in worship of you, but in acknowledgement of the One who placed you over us. Besides, we bow and submit because we love you as our brother and leader, so please don’t forbid us this honor.”

“He’s right, my prince,” Selina called out, “You have earned the right to this honor. Don’t take it away from them if they truly wish to show their love and fealty with a bow. By the Lord’s will you are the rightful king after all, and you know it.”

Hannibal glanced over his shoulder at Selina, seeing her pleading sincere expression. With a sigh, he nodded and turned back to Assad. Raising his voice so everyone could hear, Hannibal declared, “Okay, I will permit it if you truly want to do it, but I want everyone to know that I’m not comfortable at all with it because of my experience in the thrall of the Dark Powers where not bowing to your betters was savagely punished with severe cruelty. Because of that, I’ve never liked being bowed to by my friends and family. I consider us all equals who shouldn’t have to bow to anyone, especially me since many of you are far older than I with much greater experience and wisdom than I. Still, if you insist on it, I’ll swallow my pride and distaste of the practice and allow it. Just make it quick. All I really need is a simple acknowledgment...a nod of a head or salute will work just as well for me. After all, I am a simple military man with humble tastes and ways.”

“Once again you prove you are the Last Caverias with your humility,” Assad chimed with a warm smile. “The prophecies do indeed speak of your dislike of any displays of honor towards you, always pointing everyone to the Almighty as the only one to be worshipped.” He paused for a moment, searching Hannibal’s face, and then added, “So, since you have such a fetid dislike of us the taking of a knee to you, we will oblige you, except when the protocols established by the Almighty demands it. It’s our desire to help you in any way we can and if obeying the order not to bow helps, we will do so. Will that be okay?” He offered his giant hand to Hannibal.

Hannibal took Assad’s hand, shaking it firmly with a relieved smile. “That will be more than okay,” he answered gratefully, “Thank you, my friends. I truly appreciate it.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Assad rumbled warmly, releasing Hannibal’s grip. “I just thought after everything that’s happened in the last few days, you needed a reassurance that we’re really with you and do indeed see you as our leader.”

“Indeed,” Draco agreed, “We didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, but you had to know that we do have your back. After all, the Almighty did make you the Last Caverias and the rightful King of Amacia. Occasionally, you needed to be reminded of your position as our King so that you don’t forget.”

Hannibal nodded while looking to Draco as he spoke. “I’m so blessed to have such good friends who aren’t afraid to tell me the truth,” he admitted, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Draco answered pleasantly. “Now if I may make a suggestion, you and your mate need to immediately go to the Healer and restore your bodies and minds from the trauma of the last few hours. The great fortress of Srandi awaits you.”

“Right,” Hannibal answered with a grunt. “I guess we’re finished here for now. Everyone can return to whatever you were doing. Please mull over what we’ve shared and if you have any thoughts that may be helpful, don’t hesitate to share it. After all, we are in this together.”

“Don’t worry, we will,” Tau reassured. “I’m sure with the intelligence you’ve provided a suitable plan can be formulated. Now go, milord. Refresh yourself and we will meet you in your gateway chamber at the appointed time.”

Hannibal nodded and turned, walking to Selina as the crowd started to disperse. He squatted beside Selina and asked, “Do you have the strength to make it to the Healer?”

“I think so,” Selina answered wearily. “But I’m so tired and sore after what that thing did to me. Maybe if I had a hand, I might be able to make it.”

Leya approached and knelt before Selina. “You are extremely exhausted from the purge, milady. May I be of assistance?” she asked humbly as Tau, Samantha, Nemesis, Draco, Serge, and Enoch surrounded them while the crowd of leaders continued to vanish back into the Red Tower. “Will you allow me the privilege of carrying you to this Healer you speak of?”

Selina stirred, trying to rise, but found she didn’t have the energy to even stand up. She looked at Hannibal with dismay at her weakness. “It’s okay, princess,” he cooed to her. “I too was left in such condition when the elders in the village purged Dezarcus from my body and soul. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I know,” Selina said sullenly, “I haven’t long gotten back my legs, and now I’m crippled again by that beast.”

Hannibal grabbed Selina by the shoulders and looked her in the eye, declaring stoutly, “You are not crippled again, Selina, just drained of your strength by the exorcism. As soon as you get your strength back, you will be back on your feet. Trust me. I know this from brutal experience, so buck up, princess. When the Healer finishes with us, you will be back to normal. Now shall we go?”

Selina nodded, feeling her spirits rising at Hannibal’s pep talk as Leya humbly asked again, “May I assist you, milady?”

“Yeah, my ancient sister,” Selina replied, feeling a strange kinship forming with the ancient lionel woman, “...that is if Hannibal approves.”

“I do,” Hannibal replied, “I trust you, most wise grandmother Leya.”

“You honor me with your praise and trust, milord,” Leya said humbly as she scooped up Selina as if she were a child, cradling her in her arms. When she struggled to rise with Selina, Tau and Hannibal moved simultaneously to help Leya to her feet. “Thank you, milord,” she said gratefully. “I’m not as strong as I used to be. Now shall you lead us to your Healer?”

“Of course,” Hannibal replied with a smile. “Come, this way.” With that, Hannibal led Leya and Selina into the Red Tower followed by those who hadn’t already left.