Legends of Amacia Srandi: Last Bastion of the Caverias

“I pray he recovers quickly,” Tau said softly, concern dripping in his tone as he watched Enoch carry Hannibal away. “I’d hate to see him taken out by this.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” Nemesis stated with a wry smile, “He will be up and about before you know it. Nothing keeps him down for long. He has an uncanny healing factor that is astounding for a human. Furthermore, every time something tries to destroy him, he comes out of it that much stronger. All he needs is a few hours in our Healer and he’ll be right as rain.”

“You don’t say,” Tau replied with a raised eyebrow. “That is interesting indeed. I tend to believe you on that after what he showed us just a few minutes ago. It was impossible to miss it. Still, I worry after seeing what I did. I can’t help it. I see him as a most precious brother now. I’d like time to really get to know him properly.”

“That can be arranged, milord,” Andrew replied with a smile, “He’s always willing to share his experiences with his friends and family as long as it doesn’t go against what the Almighty tells him. One thing you can be sure of is this: Uncle Hannibal takes his position with great seriousness and reluctance. He constantly tells us he doesn’t want the position he’s in, but will not walk away from it since he believes it’s where the Almighty wants him.”

“I can clearly see that, young son of Enoch,” Assad stated soberly, “He detests this position because it forces him to use lethal power to protect those he loves. I can plainly see this, especially after what he shared with us. However, he does not shirk the responsibility. He knows he’s been made the guardian protector of us all by the will of the Almighty Himself. Only now after making peace with the Kings is he starting to truly see his place in the plan and will of the Almighty, and accept it. Legends say the most venerable Ragnar Omicron of the Silver Eyes underwent a similar trial and only after he fully embraced his destiny did he wield the necessary power needed to banish Lord Grimm back into the Void.”

“Really,” Andrew replied with great surprise. “I did not know that. You’re very well informed, Master Zhi. I’d like to sit and talk with you after we get you and your people settled in.”

“It would be my pleasure, Master Andrew,” Assad answered warmly. “I so enjoy sharing my knowledge and wisdom with those who wish to partake of it, such as you. I can sense your thirst for knowledge and wisdom. It’s commendable, but you must also be careful how you quench that thirst. Knowledge is a two edged sword. It can cut both ways. Not all things are meant to be known or understood by us mortals. I believe your uncle knows this intimately for it has gotten him into some serious trouble on many occasion from what he showed us.”

“I’m well aware of that,” Andrew stated, having slowly edged up to Assad until he stood face to face with the ancient Lionel, “That’s why I try to learn from those much older and experienced than I am, but we can speak of such things later. What we need to do now is find you and your people a place to stay.”

“Do you have room for us?” Tau asked softly.

“There’s more than enough room in this tower,” Emma answered softly, now choosing to engage with the Lionel leader since Andrew had broken the ice with them, “The barracks alone have enough space to house twenty thousand people, though only a small portion of those who have come here chose to use them. Most of the peoples who came here have set up their own abodes outside the Tower. We, of course, helped by providing the materials they needed to set up their own communities. We also provided them with plenty of food, water, and sanitation. No one lacks for any necessities here. What’s even more intriguing is that we have all types here, including hybrids much like yourself that were, from what I understand, are considered failed Cadre experiments from the black pits of Acheron, Kartoom, and even the Black Fortress itself. Please do not be offended if I suggest that most of your people look like the hybrids Uncle Hannibal found beneath Acheron with Aeolus and his family.”

“None taken, milady,” Tau replied with a warm smile. “You’re quite correct in your observations. Nearly all of us are some form of failed Cadre experiments that escaped the Cadre and fled across the sands of Tartarus to Poseidia. Unlike those whom you say your uncle found beneath cursed Acheron who were literally prisoners, we were not prisoners, but runaways and exiles who found Poseidia to be a place the Emperor could not reach us because of the god-worms. Does that help your understanding of us?”

“It does indeed, milord,” Emma answered, “After hearing that, I do not think you or your people will have trouble fitting in. The question is where would you like to stay? We can put you up in a section of the barracks or we can help you set up outside the Tower. Which would you prefer?”

“I think for right now your barracks seem to be the proper place for us,” Tau answered, “At least until we have had a chance to get to know those Lord Beowulf has gathered from the four corners of the caverns.”

“We can make that happen,” Nemesis rumbled officially, “Come, let’s do this. Joshua, we need twenty volunteers to help escort our friends to the barracks.”

“You heard Nemesis,” Joshua called out like a drill instructor to the security company. “Let’s get our guests settled in. Who wishes to help out?” Nearly forty of the security company stepped forward with a raised hand and a friendly smile now that their fears of the newcomers had been alleviated.

“Excellent,” Nemesis rumbled pleasantly. “Joshua...you, Andrew, and Emma are in charge here. Take them to the barracks and help them settle in and orient them on the rules of where and where not to go.”

“Sure thing, Nemesis...right away,” Joshua replied with a salute to show everyone he consider Nemesis his superior. “All right, my friends...follow us.”

“Lead the way, my friend,” Tau replied with a smile.

Just as Tau and Assad started to follow Joshua, Andrew, and Emma towards the door, a voice called out from the crowd, asking, “What about our belongings in Poseidia, Lord Tau; they’re all in Poseidia. We didn’t have much, but what we did have is of great value and precious to us as you very well know. Is there any way to get them back?”

Joshua, Tau, Assad, Andrew, and Emma stopped in their tracks, looking to the voice, seeing an elderly lion-woman hybrid with long white hair standing twelve feet tall in a plain woolen dress and sandals. She leaned heavily on an ornate metallic cane made of an unknown material carved with strange imagery and unknown archaic glyphs. Her face was weary and forlorn. Tau turned to Nemesis with Assad and asked, “She does have a point. We were snatched without warning so we had no way to bring our precious heirlooms with us. Is there a chance we could return and retrieve our belongings, Master Nemesis?”

“I see no problem with that,” Nemesis replied evenly, understanding the request. “However, it cannot be done until the warp storm over Poseidia completely dissipates. We dare not do such a thing while the storm is active there. Once the storm is spent, we can attempt it as long as we’re not plagued with yet another crisis. However, I promise you that we will retrieve your belongings when it’s safe to do so. Will that be sufficient? Until then, we will provide you and your people with everything you need.”

“That will be just fine,” Assad declared, looking towards the elderly lion-woman. “Isn’t that right, Leya? These fine people will help us retrieve our possessions as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

“Yes, Master Zhi,” Leya the lion-woman hybrid replied formally with a relieved smile and a sparkle in her eyes. “I was merely reminding everyone of the fact that everything we have is still in Poseidia, and that some of it may be very useful to our new friends. It’s only proper that we help them since they saved our lives.” She looked directly at Nemesis with a sheepish grin and winked when she spoke, having directed the last part of the statement at him.

Nemesis locked eyes with Leya as she spoke, becoming very intrigued with not just her statement, but her as a person. His left eyebrow rose as he sensed a strange mysterious alluring quality to her that fascinated him. Furthermore, Nemesis felt a strange uncanny familiarity with her, as if he actually knew her, though he couldn’t exactly remember her. His puzzlement became obvious to everyone present as he stared at Leya, who returned the stared unflinchingly with a warm, knowing smile.

“Seems you know our esteemed grandmother, Master Nemesis,” Tau observed as he looked back and forth between Nemesis and Leya seeing their reaction to one another. “How is it that you know her?”

“It doesn’t matter right now,” Assad declared, taking control of the situation. “Leya and Master Nemesis have some long forgotten history we can explore later. Right now, we mustn’t distract him from his duties. He has to keep Beowulf’s plans moving because of how little time is left. Master Nemesis; remember your duties to your people. They come first, remember?”

Nemesis shook off the strange feeling at seeing Leya with his warrior attitude returning in an instant. “Yes, you’re right, Master Zhi,” he agreed, “Much still remains undone that I must attend to. However, when Joshua, Andrew, and Emma get you, and your people settled in, I’d like to hear how your wise grandmother came into your fold.”

“We would be honored to share that and more, Master Nemesis,” Assad replied formally, “I can clearly see and sense a form of recognition between you and her. Discovering the root of that recognition would be most beneficial for both of you. I suspect you may have some hidden history with my granddaughter that you don’t quite remember.”

“She’s your granddaughter?” Nemesis asked with surprise. “How?”

“Patience, my fine Xenian friend,” Assad returned with a warm smile. “All will be explained later when you have the time to listen. Until then, know that we’re here to help you out in any way you need.”

Nemesis nodded, realizing he’d have to wait for an explanation, which he figured was for the best. “Okay,” he rumbled softly, “Later then, my friends. Until then, let’s get you settled in. After that when Hannibal and Miss Selina have recovered from their adventure in Poseidia, we can get together and talk about what really happened in Poseidia. I’m of Lord Draco’s opinion that something of great magnitude happened to my friends there that we need to know about. For some reason, I sense it’s essential to our survival that we understand what happened during those five minutes where Hannibal and Selina were paralyzed by the Lord of the Air. We must know what happened.”

“I fully agree,” Draco agreed as Josephine approached Nemesis. “But we mustn’t force it out of him. He has to be ready and willing to share it.”

“Agreed,” Assad chimed. “Only when Beowulf’s ready will he tell us what happened there. In the meantime, I’d like to find out why that storm suddenly came at us like a wild beast. I sensed a strange intelligence emanating from the storm just before Lord Cerrelius grabbed us with his light beam. What was that anyway?”

“It’s Cerrelius’ Teleporter,” Draco reported, “The humans call it the Pillar of Light for obvious reasons. It allows for the instantaneous transportation of any object to wherever he needs it, whether it’s alive or inanimate. It’s a very dangerous machine that he uses only in the direst of circumstances, such as what happened when he teleported your people here from Poseidia to rescue them from the warp storm. It has the power under Lord Cerrelius’ control to teleport anyone anywhere he wishes as long as he has knowledge of that location. He very reluctantly uses it himself and only then with the direct sanction of the Almighty. The Almighty must order him to use it before he will use it. Lord Cerrelius takes its use very seriously.”

“I see,” Assad replied. “I am glad the Almighty ordered him to rescue us with the machine then for there’s no way we could have escaped the storm otherwise.”

“So am I, my friend,” Draco agreed, “So am I.”

“Come, my friends,” Nemesis ordered in a friendly manner, “Let me show your new home. Joshua, Andrew, Emma...lead the way.”

“Yes sir, Nemesis,” Joshua replied formally, “Please everyone, follow us.” With that, Joshua took up the lead with Andrew and Emma.

“Follow our friends, my people,” Tau ordered loudly so everyone could hear. “We will be along presently.” A rumble raced through the crowd of exiles as they started following Joshua, Andrew, and Emma with the exile warriors still maintaining a sort of perimeter around those who were not armed.

Nemesis turned abruptly to Elias as he stood at the portal control panel, he called out, “Secure the portal, Elias, and keep watch on the Emperor’s movements. Let me know if anything out of the ordinary takes place.”

“Right,” Elias answered briskly as he set about securing the control panel. “I’ll let you know if anything comes up. Just send someone to relieve me in a couple hours for I haven’t had anything to eat since early this morning.”

“I will,” Nemesis stated, turning back to Tau, Samantha, Assad, and Leya who waited patiently as those around her moved away like a herd of cattle. “Come, my friend. Let’s go and leave Elias to his work.”

“Thank you for watching out for us and your friends, brother of Enoch,” Assad called out. “It did not go unnoticed.”

“You’re welcome, Master Zhi,” Elias stated, “Glad I could be of assistance, and the name is Elias.”

“Very well, Master Elias,” Assad replied. “I look forward to seeing you again.”

“Me too,” Elias replied with a smile as he continued to secure and monitor the portal console.

Josephine gently touched Nemesis on his organic arm, getting his attention. “Nemesis, I’m going to check on Hannibal. He looked terrible when Enoch took him and Selina to the Healer. I just want to be sure he’s okay.”

“Of course, Josephine,” Nemesis answered, “Go right ahead. I can handle familiarizing our friends with the Red Tower.”

“I’m coming too,” Leila called out as she rolled her wheelchair up to the base of the stairs to the portal platform. “He’s the closest thing to a brother I have now. I need to be sure he’s okay.”

“Very well, Leila,” Nemesis rumbled formally. “You can keep an eye on Hannibal and Selina with Josephine.”

“I’d like to see Beowulf too,” Draco declared. “I’m truly concerned for his health after what I felt after they broke contact with the King of the Air. I just need to confirm his recovery for myself, if that’s all right.”

“Not a problem,” Nemesis stated, abruptly turning to Serge. “Would you care to accompany them as well, Lord Serge?”

“Yes, Master Nemesis,” Serge answered formally. “Hannibal took a serious thrashing with what happened in the Sacred Circle...much more so than any of you realize. I’d like to be sure he’s okay, just like Lord Draco, Miss Josephine, and Miss Leila want to. Moreover, it’ll give me a chance to look around and get to know these magnificent ladies a little better. Besides, I’ve never been in a 1st Age facility like this that’s still functional. It’s fascinating.”

“I cannot argue that,” Nemesis agreed, “The tech here makes the Emperor’s tech look mundane. Wait a second. You know what happened to Hannibal, don’t you?”

“I do,” Serge stated grimly, “But it’s best you hear it from him first. Just be happy he survived at all with an intact mind. This event really proved to the other Kings who and what Hannibal really is. They have your back, but will hold off on helping until he’s gained their trust by being good to his word, which I know he will.”

“Interesting,” Nemesis rumbled thoughtfully. “Very interesting; I’m with Lord Draco on this now. We must know what happened, but I’ll wait until Hannibal speaks of it. I doubt I’d be able to pry it out of you since you seem to be one of the Kings of Amacia.”

“Lord Serge IS one of the Kings,” Assad corrected emphatically. “Make no mistake about that, my Xenian friend. Lord Serge rules all saber cats, giant wolves, and other smaller predatory land creatures of Amacia. Moreover, he has a deep uncanny connection to Beowulf that I’m still trying to figure out. I know it’s there, but I cannot figure it out.”

Serge rumbled with a wry smile on his saber cat face. “Don’t worry, Master Zhi. I’m sure the Almighty will reveal the truth of my connection to Beowulf to you when the time is right. Until then, take it on faith. I have always had Beowulf’s back and always will.”

Assad smiled, saying, “I’m glad he has you as a guardian, my friend. It sets my heart and mind at ease knowing one of the Kings is truly on his side.”

“He has far more help than you realize by what he did today,” Serge said bluntly, “By making peace with my colleagues, Hannibal has greatly increased your chances of survival, so you can rest easy. Help will come when he needs it most and not a moment before. It’s the way of the Kings. As I said earlier, he has to earn our trust by his actions, even though we all know he has the unction of the Almighty, but it’s a small thing. I have faith in my friend. He will show the others he can be trusted to fulfill the will of the Almighty. You should already know this as the Almighty’s shepherd of your people, Master Zhi.”

“Believe me, I do,” Assad stated, “I do not doubt anything you have said for I know the Almighty’s truth when I hear it. I just meant to say that I’m pleased he has you as a trusted friend and confidant that he can depend on, just like Master Nemesis here. I know he sees this mighty Xenian as a trusted friend, even family that he trusts explicitly.”

“That he does,” Josephine agreed, “He sees Nemesis as not just a friend, but also a most beloved brother whom he would die for. I’ve seen this many times in his actions.”

“And I too see him as a most precious brother,” Nemesis rumbled thoughtfully, “But even more than that, I see him for what he truly is, even though he often time resists it. Let’s be frank here. He is the Last Caverias spoken of by the prophets, and as proof, I submit for your perusal the fact that I’ve seen him commune with not just his guardian angel, Caverias, but also meet with and discuss things physically with both the archangels Michael and Gabriel. The first time I saw Michael and Gabriel appear and instruct him on how to proceed, I knew he was the Fist and Sword of the Almighty Himself...the very embodiment of the Last Caverias the prophets said. I can only say that I’m supremely honored and humbled to be able to help him the way I have. He is my blood brother that I will lay down my life for because I truly love him as family, which I’ve never really had before now. I will stand with Hannibal to the very end of this thing, whatever end the Almighty may have for us.”

“That’s a mighty pronouncement of love and loyalty, my Xenian friend,” Assad chimed, patting Nemesis on the shoulder. “It shows us all we need to know about you. You’ve obviously turned against the Darkness and the Emperor to the Light and are now living up to your namesake as the executor of righteous justice and vengeance against those Dark Powers that engineered you. We are honored to make your acquaintance. I hope to earn your trust and friendship as Beowulf did.”

“You already have,” Nemesis stated. “Any enemy of the Emperor and the Dark Powers is a friend of mine. You and your people have felt the same sinister sting I did at the hands of the Emperor and his fiendish Cadre of dark wizards and scientists. We are brothers and sisters because of that. I look forward to working with you, Lord Tau, and the rest of your people as we resist and ultimately take down the Emperor for all the evil he has committed on not just us, but also all peoples and creatures of this world. I will not stop until he and his minions are utterly destroyed.”

“We’re honored to stand with you, my friend,” Tau declared. “As Beowulf told the Kings in Poseidia before Lord Cerrelius rescued us, we’re all in the same boat here. The Emperor’s not out for subjugation any longer. He’s out for utter annihilation of all who resist his rule, starting with Beowulf and those who stand with him. Together, we will finish this tyrant forever and finally have the peace we’ve dreamt about for uncounted ages. The Emperor will pay for all the atrocities he’s committed throughout his evil reign.” Tau offered his giant hand to Nemesis.

“We’re on the same page, my friend,” Nemesis chimed with a smile, shaking Tau’s hand firmly. “Come on. Let’s get you guys settled in. Josephine, you and Leila can lead Lord Draco and Serge to the Healer and let me know how Hannibal’s faring.”

“Of course,” Josephine replied, taking hold of Leila’s wheelchair, “This way, my friends.”

“I’m coming too,” Samantha suddenly blurted out, “That is if father and Master Nemesis will allow it. I have to know he’s okay. He’s my friend.” She looked up into Tau’s face with anticipation as she spoke.

“Of course it’s okay, Miss Tora,” Nemesis stated pleasantly. “Just follow Josephine and Leila. They will take you to Hannibal.”

“Thank you, Master Nemesis,” Samantha answered gratefully. “I really appreciate it. I can go with them, can’t I father?”

“Of course, Tora,” Tau stated, “Go with them and see to your old friend. We’ll catch up with you after Master Nemesis shows us our new home.”

“Thanks, father,” Samantha beamed, briefly hugging Tau, who leaned down to return the embrace.

“You’re welcome,” Tau returned, “Here; let me take your axe. You won’t need it where you’re going.”

“Okay, father,” Samantha replied, handing over her axe to Tau. She turned to Josephine and Leila, sensing a deep connection between the pair that intrigued her. However, she kept silent and said, “I’m ready, Miss Josephine, Miss Leila. Lead the way.”

Josephine smiled warmly at Samantha, saying, “Come, let’s make sure Hannibal and Selina are okay. Follow us.” She started pushing Leila in her wheelchair to the exit. Samantha instantly fell in beside her with Draco and Serge following just behind them.

“You have a fine daughter there, Lord Tau,” Nemesis declared, “She’s strong and as good as they come. I’m impressed with her, and you.”

“Yes, she’s the best,” Tau stated categorically, “I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. She has a good heart despite what the Cadre did to her. I’m astounded that their experiments didn’t break her mind or will.”

“Tora has a great destiny before her,” Assad stated categorically, “Before this is finished, she’s going to play a pivotal role in the takedown of the Dark Emperor. She will help Beowulf ultimately defeat our enemy and become a great leader of our people.”

“You don’t say,” Nemesis rumbled thoughtfully, “Is that what the Almighty is telling you?”

“He is,” Assad replied bluntly, “Tora is a critical piece in Beowulf’s destiny that is now being put into place so he can unleash his full potential and save us all.”

“Interesting,” Nemesis answered, rubbing his chin with his organic hand. “Much is in motion now and events are now taking on a life of their own with no single faction controlling them. I sense the Almighty’s hand at work here. He’s directing this now, not us, nor the Emperor, nor his Dark backers. The Rising is at hand and we’re not ready yet. I pray the Almighty gives us the time to get the people to Srandi as He commanded.”

“Don’t worry,” Assad stated, resting a friendly hand on Nemesis’ shoulder. “He will have us in position by time the Rising hits. Have faith in Him and His Emissary. Neither of them will let us down. Now, why don’t you show us our new home, my friend?”

Nemesis nodded and smiled a toothy grin, saying, “Short and to the point; I like that. You’re much like Hannibal in that manner, Master Zhi. Come, let me show you around.” He gestured towards the exit and started walking.

“Lead the way, my friend,” Tau replied as he, Assad and Leya immediately fell in beside Nemesis, eager to see the extent of their new home.