comrade

Part 3

Part 3 of Lore of Dread! I hope all of my amazing readers of Lore of Dread will enjoy it. Remember, if you have not read part 1 of Lore of Dread yet, check it out.

The car parked on a paved boulevard. Dread was marched out of the vehicle by the same two guards as before, only this time they did not grab hold of him. They knew he had nowhere to go even if he did want to flee.

They led him up a path with topiary plants on either side. The front of this rarefied building must have been designed to look appealing and friendly. What other need would the Monarch possibly have for the variety of extravagances found outside this tower?

Dread was not even sure he would turn back now if he could, he was determined to find out why he was summoned. As much as he hated Erebus, he knew he needed to confront him one final time. After all Dread had been through, could he have still had a part of him that demanded closure for an old quarrel?

The guards stayed at Dread’s sides as Dread walked to the doors of the Citadel, a hint of pace in his step.

This was the main entrance to the Citadel. There were other doors in this buildings. The main doors were used by officials and guests and led to the lobby. He wasn’t an official, and by no means a guest. Other doors led to rooms of congress, interrogation rooms and rooms that belonged to Erebus Marrow’s excessive supply of weaponry. He was using none of these doors. This must have meant Dread was going to be treated as a guest. This only raised Dread’s suspicion.

What could Erebus Marrow have planned?

The guards led him through the lobby. The floor was decorated with leather furniture and had a marble floor. It appeared welcoming. The guards directed him to an elevator. The guard on his right pressed a button on the wall and the door of the elevator gradually opened.

Dread stepped inside the glass elevator. A man in the corner of the elevator pressed the highest button on a set of many, each leading to a different destination.

The elevator ascended to the top floor. The door opened and Dread stepped out.

The room he stepped into looked in every way different from the lobby. This room had a much darker appearance, with none of the useless decorations the lobby had. For a moment Dread questioned if he was still in the same tower.

A desk was placed in the middle of the room. On the walls hung a myriad of swords and other sharp weaponry.

Behind the desk sat a man who wore a long shadowy cloak. He had an unkempt brown haircut and rugged features.

Dread instantly recognized the man behind the desk as Erebus Marrow. Erebus gazed at Dread with the unwavering grimace Dread knew all too well.

Dread did not hesitate to consider his next action. He stepped closer to Erebus and raised his voice to ensure the sound would hit Erebus’ ears with the impact Dread desired.

“Why have you summoned me here?” Dread asked most aggressively. Spite was detectable in his voice.

After seconds had passed with no answer, Dread pressed on.

“Who do you believe you are? Summoning me hear after threatening to exile me? You have no right to talk to me. Or even to live for that matter!”

“Silence Kyros!” The Monarch stood up.

For a brief second a grin came across the Monarch’s face. “Only you would ever dare speak to your leader like that.”

“I am not a citizen of Eos, therefore you are not my leader. I am unlike all those other mindless automatons that obey you.” The anger that was in Dread’s voice was growing.

“Shall we get onto business Kyros?” The question was rhetorical. Though he worded the sentence like a question, Dread knew he had no say in the matter.

Though Erebus attempted to act professional, Dread could still see through the veil of commonplace behaviour, and saw the malevolent ruler he truly was.

Erebus continued. “You of all people would know tonight is The Eve of Reckoning. You are aware of the unfathomable power you and only you can unlock tonight. This means only you can aid me.”

For a moment Dread pondered what Erebus could be asking

“You see, Dread. The Hallows have a connection to the Earthly Realm. They were the first to travel there. Their powers allowed them to travel to it through the energy that radiates off The Spires of Mortal. When the Hallow race was becoming scarce, one of the Hallows that remained strong had been Creed. Creed placed his strength into his sword so that Hallows for generations to come would remain strong. You probably know that already though.”

A smirk grew on Erebus’ face as he continued to speak. “What you don’t know is that the sword was never passed down to another generation and was lost in history.”

Erebus unsheathed his sword from his scabbard.

“This is that sword. I found it on one of my recent expeditions,” Erebus spoke smugly. “You may know of my hatred toward the Earthly Realm. And I believe we need to expand our territory. Tonight my comrades and I intend on crossing over and eliminating the inhabitants with the strength of Creed.” Erebus looked at the sword he was brandishing. “I shall banish any Atromitan who is not a citizen of Eos to the ruins of the Earthly Realm. Then Eos will be powerful and safe. I ask you to help me in my task, in return for your safety and prosperity.”

The word ‘comrades’ echoed in Dread mind.

What did you think? Erebus’ plan will be put into motion in Part 4. It will be up soon.

-D.K. Phoenix

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