Lore of Dread-Part 4

                                                                                      Part 4

The long-awaited Part 4 of Lore of Dread!  Could Erebus’ scheme mean the end of Atromitos? When Dread’s loyalties become questioned, he must decide between safety and honor.

Dread’s anger swelled to what seemed to be a point of no return. His mind was clouded with confusion and frustration.

“I will never lower myself to help a fool like you. Leave the human world untouched. Do not tarnish the name of Creed with the blood of the innocent.”

Just at that exact moment Dread felt a rush of fear strike its way into him. He sensed the fear of the Monarch. In his mind he saw what Erebus feared.

He saw himself.

He saw himself and all the other Hallows that preceded him standing in union, representing solidarity.  Behind them were the citizens of Atromitos lined up standing stoic.

Now he knew Erebus Marrow’s only fear: Erebus feared anyone who could oppose him.

This gave Dread the answer to his earlier question. He was the only one who was in this situation because he was the only man in this realm who refused to fear the Monarch.

Erebus spoke again; this time he made no attempt to mask his passion. “Allow me to re-word my question Kyros: will you obey my command, or die by the blade of your ancestor?”

Erebus raised his sword and approached Dread menacingly. The way the setting sun shined into the window gave Erebus a brooding appearance.

“And just so you don’t intend to escape and try your futile effort to stop me, I should inform you that I have convinced Phrix to guard the Spires. I assume you’re familiar with his work, yes?”

Dread nodded slowly in response.

“He seemed to be quite keen on my ideals. I must say, he is much more agreeable than you.”

Phrix, the name struck down whatever courage Dread had maintained. Phrix had a reputation that represented all that is dark in Atromitos. Phrix was infamous in Atromitos for being a vigilante with his own corrupt ideals. He would exterminate anyone who didn’t agree with him and would create gangs to serve him. Some say he was dogmatic, some say he was a terrorist, some say he was a freedom fighter.

Many people formulated ideas that Phrix conspired with the government to eliminate specific suspects for crimes. This was never proven, the government would never lower themselves to work with such a cruel man, would they?

Clearly they would.

Phrix specialized in killing Hallows though, and was greatly responsible for the rapid decline in the Hallow population over the last few decades. He killed Hallows like they were animals. They were endangered like animals. They meant nothing to anyone.

“So what is your decision than?” Life and honor, or death?” The words came out of Erebus’ mouth quickly and hit Dread painfully with a sudden impact, like the sting of a bee.

A rush of adrenaline jolted through Dread’s body. Without thinking, he lunged himself into the belly of the beast, and knocked Erebus to the ground as he clung to the sword. As Dread tried to regain his balance, he felt Erebus’ blade skin his side. Not with enough strength to inflict damage, but enough to inflict pain.

Dread had no choice left. He could not stay after attacking the Monarch. He would be tortured, possibly murdered, or worse, enslaved. Crimes against a Monarch, no matter how heinous the Monarch was, did not go unpunished.

And he could not wait and watch Erebus carry out his nefarious scheme. He must act now.

Dread bolted out of the room through a different entrance at the back of the room as the Monarch was still on the ground. He traveled down a winding staircase he came to a metal door. Dread pushed the door open and an alarm began to sound. Ignoring the incessant wail of the alarm he ran into the street the door led to.

Dread recalled the only thought he had at the time. “Foolish man, you can’t harness the power of the Hallow.”

From here Dread remembered running to Estrid’s home and telling her of the situation. He begged for help, as she was the only one who would be able and willing to show him the way to the Spires.

Estrid lent him an arrow and a bow, and they left to The Spires of Mortal…

Now Dread‘s memory ended, and all he could think of then was the assassin awaiting his next victim.

Another thought came into Dread’s mind. Did Phrix know that if he succeeded at killing Dread, the Hallow race might be completely extinct?  Dread could not allow that to happen.

As the duo finally entered The Forest of Zoticus, Dread noticed the change in the landscape around him. The Forest was unaffected by seasons. The trees around him were full of life. He wondered where his new-found love for nature came from.

Maybe it was the knowledge his end might be near…

On a normal night Dread would be able to see the nature around him. He recalled sitting down on a tree stump on a cold autumn day and watching the birds of Zoticus fly from the forest to distant parts of the realm. He would contemplate to himself anything that was on his mind, whether it would be the next journey he would make in the woods of Atromitos, or simply his hunting skills.

But tonight was not like those earlier nights long ago. There was an eerie mist encapsulating the forest. This obscured his vision dramatically, causing him to trip a couple of times as he got deeper into the forest.

Now they were nearing The Spires of Mortal. The fog was becoming thinner, and the oak trees were becoming less common.

They entered a clearing. Oaks still enveloped the glade on all sides.

Just as the mysterious feeling the glade gave him was increasing, Dread heard the snap of an arrow being released.

            The excitement is building. Will they make it to the Spires? Will Dread be able to stop the Monarch, or is his effort futile, just as the Monarch predicted it would be. Remember to like, comment, and follow. Let me know what you think!

-D.K. Phoenix

© D.K. Phoenix and dkphoenix, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to D.K. Phoenix and dkphoenix with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Lore of Dread- Part 3

      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

© D.K. Phoenix and dkphoenix, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to D.K. Phoenix and dkphoenix with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Lore of Dread – Part 2

Part 2

 Here is the next part to Lore of Dread. Things start getting intense from here on out. If you have not read part 1 yet, I recommend you read it first. You will love it!

Estrid led a difficult life. She lost her parents at a young age when they were out hunting. Or at least this is how Dread knew it to be. He was never quite certain, because even though Estrid could ramble on for days about the weaponry used in Ancient Atromitos, she couldn’t bring herself to talk about her past. This left Dread’s knowledge of Estrid hazy. As if a piece of his mind was locked in a cage by a sentinel that forbade him to unlock it and find the truth. He could only gaze into the translucent walls.

Dread did know a lot about Ancient Atromitan weaponry, though.

Dread sat down on a desk in the corner. Estrid paced back and forth around the room. Eventually she began to file through a shelf of books and assorted papers. Her motions were rushed and reckless, knocking over quills and papers as she moved.

A wave of discomfort washed over Dread. He felt Estrid s fear and anger. For a moment he felt overwhelmed by uncertainty.

This was an ability of the Hallows. They could judge other’s fears. This was supposed to be an advantage to the Hallows. To be able to discern a weakness of an opponent could be an ultimate gift, or a curse, if you couldn’t control the feeling. For Hallows also underwent the psychological torture of the fear.

As Dread came to a relaxed state, and the seemingly unceasing ache in his mind began to relent, he noticed that Estrid relocated a scroll from its dusty spot at the back of a bookcase onto a wooden table.

Dread walked over to the table as Estrid was unrolling the scroll. Dread recognized the picture on the parchment to be a map of Atromitos. Estrid moved her finger over the archaic and brittle scroll until it stopped on a single point marked by the ink of a quill. The ink read the words: The Spires of Mortal.

This was their destination. The next location on the map that Dread caught out of the corner of his eye was adjacent to the Spires. The Forest of Zoticus, as marked on the map, was a place Dread was more familiar with. They had to travel through this forest.

“Erebus’ vigilante will be anticipating our arrival. That soulless scum of a man Phrix could destroy us. He waits patiently to satisfy his bloodlust. We have to stop the Monarch’s inhumane scheme. Are you prepared to venture through the forest of even with the knowledge that an assassin is eagerly anticipating his target?”

Without answering the question, Estrid walked to the edge of the table and lifted up a knife with strange markings. After staring at it intently for a moment she sheathed it in her pocket.

Estrid opened the door that led to the outside world and the two stepped out.

Dread did not require an answer to his previous question. He knew despite some of her self-centered traits, she would do anything to save Atromitos.

From here they would proceed to their destination.

Now Dread started to think. What possibly in the seemingly mundane Atromitos could lead a man to this moment? He was about to risk his life to save a world that had done nothing but be cruel to him, that cast him out from society and leave to fend for himself. Why? Why must he be the man to sacrifice himself for all other living beings?

Dread knew the answer, but he hated to admit it. The answer had plagued him all his life. It was a shadow hanging over him everywhere he traveled. And no matter how far he ran or where he hid, without fail, it would always find him.

Because he was a Hallow. That’s why.

But being what he is did have some merits. Hallows have an ability that allows them to recall and almost mentally relive their memories. This was the only ability Dread had that ever used. He was constantly trying to grapes the situation he was in, and he always wanted to know what he could do to improve upon his actions if that ever happened again. He did this so that he could overcome any memory. No matter how heart wrenching it was. He would never let a memory haunt him.

What better time to make use of this ability than The Eve of Reckoning.

Dread wanted to know what happened today. Because Dread had a suspicion tonight he would mark his place in history.

Now that Estrid had a knife and they were running to the Forest of Zoticus, he could relax for a moment and centre his thoughts.

Dread slowed his heartbeat and allowed his pace to slow along with it. His head became clouded and mind was split in two, partially controlling his memory, partially keeping him running.

Dread felt his consciousness fully return. The first thing he saw himself leaving his small bungalow on the outskirts of Eos, the capital of Atromitos.

Next he saw the concrete walls of the Atromitan Training Facility at the edge of the city. He envisioned the swords that he had practiced with lying on the training mat.

This was routine for Kyros Dread. He and his friend Cadman sharpened their combat skills here.

Dread pictured Cadman’s coat hanging up on the rack in the foyer. He remembered the badge that was pinned to it that signified Cadman’s job as a representative to the Atromitan Government.

Cadman traveled to distant cities in Atromitos arranging armistices and peace agreements in attempt to keep the any frets that could disturb the peace at bay. This was a decision made by the Monarch, and he was so far was successful. He often talked about his travels to other lands.

But he said nothing of The Eve of Reckoning though, and Dread was not quick to mention it. Because Cadman was not in the slightest bit aware of Dread’s identity as a Hallow. He was keen on keeping it hidden from a government member.

Even though they were friends, Hallows were considered dishonorable, and Dread needed the respect of a friend.

Not many people did talk about The Eve of Reckoning or the Hallows. It was unimportant to most.

Just how the government wanted it. The government did not want anyone to think of how they used to be responsible for the oppression of the Atromitans until the Hallows liberated them.

As Dread walked out of the facility he was approached by two men dressed in suits. Dread could hear the muttering of a few other men waiting in the car the man stepped out of. He believed he heard the words “Hallow” and “other realm” and end”.

The men seized hold of his arms. As Dread struggled to break free of their gaze they led him into a motorized vehicle.

Once he was in the car drove along the streets of Eos. Cars were rarely used in Eos. Nobody had need for them other than the government.

Out of the window of the vehicle Dread viewed a cyclopean edifice. A tower surmounted all the other buildings in Atromitos. It overlooked the city with an almighty impression.

Dread knew where he was going now. The car was driving to the Citadel of the Monarch. He was summoned by Erebus Marrow.

Erebus Marrow was the Monarch of Atromitos. He governed Eos with an iron fist.

Atromitos was a democracy, or at least it was supposed to be. Even the election of the Monarch fell to the Council of Eos. They chose who they believed to be to most intelligent member.

When the Hallows ruled they kept all Atromitans equal. The times had changed now, and Erebus would do anything for power.

The title of the Monarch stayed though. It was passed down from old times.

Erebus Marrow was the most corrupt Monarch Dread have ever met. And Dread would know, as the two used to be close friends. Erebus trained Dread as a soldier when he was younger, and Erebus was the only one other than Estrid who knew that Dread was a Hallow.

Most Monarchs had two simple rules. Both were obvious. The first was well known. The second: unspoken. The rules, as Dread knew them, were:

1: Obey the Monarch

2: Do not question the legitimacy of the Monarch.

Everyone obeyed these rules. Some out of respect, others out of fear.

Did you enjoy it? Let me know what you think will happen next. I will post Part 3 shortly.

-D.K. Phoenix

© D.K. Phoenix and dkphoenix, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to D.K. Phoenix and dkphoenix with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.