Tales of Eleutheros

Screams echoed through the dungeon while Robert made his way down a long series of steps. He had never been down here before. And the dimly lit halls brought back wretched memories of his own ordeal at the hands of Espi-Arl and his torturer, Gurt. Espi-Arl… He thought, as another shrill scream echoed.

Turning down a hallway, several Visgo guards stood from a table and brought their hands across their chests in a salute.

“Your highness!” They both shouted in unison.

Robert nodded to them. “Where are they?”

The guard on the right, hesitated for a moment, clearly not expecting the king to venture down here on his own. “I… the royal prisoners are right this way, your grace. Please, follow me.”

After another several minutes of walking, the screams he had been hearing began to get louder and louder. “I told them not to torture anyone.” Robert huffed, causing the guard to stiffen.

“Apologies, your grace. We were…” The guard turned to look at his companion. “We were ordered by the queen to extract any information we could from them.”

As Robert entered the dark and secluded cell, he saw two Dae men, hung by their wrists, naked, and streaming blood from a multitude of wounds on their bodies.

“No…” Robert whispered, looking at the horrific sight.

A masked Dae turned to face Robert, then bowed. As he came up, he lifted his mask to reveal his pale gray face, and looked no older than Boros. “Your highness.” Was all the man said, his voice monotone.

Robert studied the man for several moments. His eyes lacked any enthusiasm or joy. It was as though he were looking at a husk. One of his undead creatures, void of life. Doesn’t surprise me. A fucking torturer.

“This ends now!” Robert shouted, walking toward a barely recognizable Pilyur. “Bring them down!”

The two guards scrambled, but did as commanded. Bringing down Pilyur first, then Espi-Arl. Robert looked at them and felt a terrible lump in his throat. He had done this to them. For all his bluster and rage in the throne room those weeks ago. He felt his heart soften at the sight of them. Why the hell does something like this always happen? He thought, kneeling. Dio, can we heal them?

Before long, a small form appeared before him. Dio’Mar’s legs were crossed as she floated in his vision. “Yes… we can. Though I would advise against it…”

I want them healed. This isn’t how I get revenge. Not with torture.

“How, then?” She turned to face him. “Espi-Arl is responsible for everything you experienced… how will you exact revenge against him if not in a similar way?”

Robert closed his eyes. Feeling his guilt and confusion bubble over within him. I can’t let this world turn me into a monster… I can’t allow it to.

“Sometimes… the world needs… a monster.” Dio’Mar said, floating to touch the two groaning men. Black smoke billowed over them, and they both weakly protested, but soon calmed as their wounds closed and healed.

“Wha…?” Espi-Arl mumbled, sitting up straight. “What happened!? How did I!?” His eyes bulged in fear as he met Robert’s. “No! Please!” He screamed, scrambling backward. “Please, Spirit-Sent! I beg you! No more pain!” He pressed his forehead to the stone floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

The memory of his own sobs and cries filled his mind as he looked at the pathetic display. He had cried and begged; and admitted every crime and trespass they accused him of. Anything for them to stop peeling his skin off. Anything for them to stop stabbing into him, or pull another fingernail. He hated this man. For all he had done to him, the endless hours of merciless and meaningless pain.

“He would have done it all again…” Dio’Mar’s voice whispered in his head.

He would have. Robert knew it in his heart. Those who were the least merciful, begged for mercy the hardest in the end. Was this not justified? Was this not appropriate for such a monster? Robert’s eyes turned to Pilyur, who hadn’t said a word at this point. He was looking at Robert wearily, but nothing more. This man knew. He knew the politics of it all. Knew the consequences of his actions, and that Robert could have him killed at any moment.

What the hell do I do? He thought,

“If you aren’t going to kill them…” Dio’Mar chimed in. “Then use them… Pilyur is a very influential figure in this clan. If he could be controlled… your position would greatly strengthen…”

Robert nodded in contemplation. He turned again to the weeping Espi-Arl. And a spy in the Espi-Dae ranks would be invaluable, he thought.

He stood then, resolve in his heart. This was the best course of action. “Pilyur.” He spoke with as much authority as he could muster. “Do you want to live?”

The politician stared at him; his face twisted in thought.

“I need an answer.”

“Why ask me such a useless question, demon?” Pilyur spat.

“Silence, you fool!” Espi-Arl snarled at Pilyur. “You dare speak to the Spirit-Sent in such a way!” He looked up at Robert. All semblance of his former arrogance now a memory. “I want to live!” He pleaded. “Please, Spirit-Sent! I was wrong to hurt you… I was wrong to think you a demon! I will serve you! Anything!”

Robert shook his head. “I wasn’t talking to you, Arl. I was asking a very simple question to this would-be usurper.”

“I will not do anything for you, demon.” Pilyur said. “I wo—”

There was a loud hiss that echoed in the cell, and Dio’Mar appeared before them all, standing taller than usual. Her head nearly touching the ceiling. Pilyur, Arl, the two guards, and even the torturer scrambled back in terror.

“Arrogant fool!” Her voice rumbled deep in Robert’s core. Like he heard back in the Rexunii village, where she annihilated the Lokkadonian warriors that set upon it. “You… will serve… the Spirit-Sent… You will grovel… and BEG for his forgiveness… Or you will suffer… unimaginable pain…”

Pilyur’s face was pale with fear, and he blinked several times, completely shocked at what was before him. But after a time, his breathing started to slow, and he took a deep breath. “I…” He croaked out, before his eyes turned to steel. “I will NOT!” He shouted. “You are a foul spirit!”

Robert reeled a bit from the Dae’s outburst. This is odd, he thought. He had never seen anyone do more than grovel at Dio when she appeared.

“A spirit cannot harm a Dae; I invoke the rite of Gu’tave! At the close of the war of the ascended, the Great spirits bound all spirits within the bounds of the accord! You will leave me. I have not trespassed in your land. I have not threatened you. You have no authority over me.”

There were several seconds of silence as Dio’Mar loomed over him. “You are… an educated one… few remember the accord of the life spirit… You dare speak the name of Gu’tave before a spirit?”

“Leave me… spirit.” Pilyur said, a grin on his face. “You are forbidden to harm me.”

A loud cackle boomed from Dio’Mar’s form, sounding distorted and wrong. “Foolish Dae…” She hissed, her small mouth now open and smiling from one side of her face to the other. Within her mouth were hundreds of razor-sharp teeth. “All that knowledge… all that power… and you throw it away… over pride…”

A clawed hand reached down and grabbed Pilyur around the torso. “You can not harm me! You cannot frighten me! You…” His eyes widened as he looked upon Dio’Mar’s grotesque form. “You… are not… a spirit…” He whispered, tears falling down his cheeks.

With a vicious snap, her jaws ripped Pilyur’s head from his body. Blood gushed onto the stone floor, and Arl screamed in terror to escape the carnage.

Robert reeled in true fear of the display. He had seen this side of her once before, but never like this. Never so close. “Dio!” He yelled, his voice cracking.

Dio’Mar growled, dropping Pilyur’s headless corpse to the ground. It landed with a wet thud, and she turned her attention to Espi-Arl. “Will you… obey?”

“I-I WILL!” He shrieked. “I am your servant!”

“Not me…” She purred, her voice shrinking with her size, until she was no taller than Robert himself. “The… Spirit-Sent…”

~

Robert walked in silence back to his quarters. The horrific ordeal still playing in his head, over and over. What the hell is she? He thought. He stopped and held himself against the wall.

“I did not mean to frighten you… Robert…” Dio’Mar appeared in front of him. “An example needed to be made…”

“I.” Robert wasn’t sure what to do. She can read my mind. He thought.

“I can…” She answered. “But I will never harm you… Robert… I made you a promise…”

“Your highness!” A shout came from down the hall, breaking Robert from his thoughts. He looked to see a royal guard rushing toward him. “A messenger from Vul De Rah, your grace. We’ve been looking for you. He’s in the throne room with the queen as we speak. He refuses to relinquish his message to any, but you.”

Robert nodded, “I… I’m on my way.” He stood and straightened his cloak, doing his best to settle his churning stomach and frayed nerves. He followed the guard closely until he entered the throne room.

He saw Athica on her throne, surrounded by nobles and her guards.

“His royal highness! King Reku! Of house Roh!” The guard at the door announced.

Robert nodded as he made his way to the throne. That’s when he noticed their guests from Vul De Rah. Several warriors, wearing the grey cloaks of Rexun stood before Athica. At the head of them was a Dae Robert recognized. As he walked up the steps and sat in his throne beside Athica, the Dae bowed and held out a scroll with the royal seal of High King Alektor.

“Richoro…” Robert said, his tone less than excited.

“It is good to see you well, King Reku.” Richoro replied.

“Well, I’m here now. So, what’s the message?” Robert asked,

“Your Highness, we bring news from Vul De Rah.” Richoro bowed.

“You could have saved some time and just used wind talking to pass a simple message.” Robert said.

“I’m afraid this is far too sensitive to be sent in such a way.” Richoro pulled a scroll from his satchel and unrolled it, holding it before him. “Your Highness, this was written by High King Alektor himself, to you.

“Reku,

I hope you are well… I don’t know whether this news will bring you joy, or sadness, but I must tell you. Katrina attempted to assassinate me several days ago. She failed in her attempt, obviously, but remains in my care. She is well and unharmed but has refused to speak to me since our initial meeting. She is in good hands, as I have instructed Demessa to look after her. I know it will be difficult for you to see her, but it might be in our best interest if you came here. She does not understand our cause, and though she denies it, still longs to see you.

Your brother, Alektor of House Roh.”

Robert was stunned at the news, remaining silent for several minutes after Richoro’s reading. Katrina was in Alektor’s custody, after she came to kill him? The thought brought on a wave of strange feelings within him. She was within reach though. He could go and see her right now if he wanted.

“Reku.” Athica said, turning to face him. “I don’t wish to burden you further, but we need you here. After what happened with Pilyur and his loyalists… we need a strong front here. I don’t know who to trust.”

Robert turned to look at her, but said nothing. His mind was a maelstrom. Great… this is just what I needed after…

“I will wait here until the end of the day, your Highness.” Richoro returned the scroll to his satchel, “Then I will leave back to Vul De Rah. You are welcome to join me if you wish.”

“Son of a bitch…” Robert covered his face with his hands. “This is such a goddamn mess.”

Richoro bowed, and quickly left the throne room.

“Athica, I need some time alone to think.” Robert said, standing. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

Athica gave him a worried look, but nodded.

Robert stood and strode out of the throne room unceremoniously, to his quarters.

When he arrived, he let out a long breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding.

Dio’Mar materialized before him, again, not as the small sprite she usually was, but the size of a human.

“This… is quite the unfortunate turn…” She said, floating toward him.

“Yeah...” Robert shifted away from her slightly, rubbing his eyes, doing his best to control his discomfort of her presence. “I guess I should have expected this possibility.”

“I told you… you have nothing to fear from me Robert… Your former mate has returned… and Alektor wants you… to speak with her…” Dio’Mar’s mouth curled into a smile. “What will you do?”

Robert looked at the spirit, his mouth suddenly dry. “I…” He said, doing his best to keep his emotions in check.

“You have found your way… far beyond that of even Alektor’s ambitions…” She reached a pale hand toward him, and touched his cheek. Robert flinched at the touch and feel of her strange skin. “Do not… let them control you… not anymore…”

Robert took in a deep breath, steadying himself. This was a reunion he was not quite ready to have. And leaving now would cause more complications than he needed. “I’ll see her. Just, not now.” He swallowed down a lump in his throat. “You’re right Dio… I have responsibilities now. I should really take this seriously, you know… the whole being a King thing.”

“Visgo favors their Queen’s power…” Dio’mar said, “You will… be hard pressed to win the hearts of the people… it is their tradition… But you, Robert… you can do all that you desire...”

~

Robert took some time to rest and gather himself, before making his way back to the throne room. When he returned, he found Athica sitting before a large delegation of nobles and high-ranking warriors. They were discussing everything from the war, to the political turmoil currently plaguing their clan.

“With this news, your Highness.” A well-dressed noble said. “We are sure to see more power consolidated in Thule. The High King has played his cards well, and though we…” He trailed off at the sight of Robert entering the room. All eyes shifted to him as he sat beside Athica and straightened.

“Go ahead.” He said with a nod.

“Yes…” The noble grumbled.

“King Reku is to be given the same respect and loyalty as I.” Athica said. “He is a Spirit-Sent, and a member of house Roh, yes. But he is my mate, and my right hand. He shall be trusted by all of us.”

“Your Highness.” A younger looking Dae spoke up from their left. “We are a very independent people, as you well know. Your cousin saw fit to keep our lands free of most other clans. This rebellion has changed a great many things here, our new king being one of a multitude of them. It will take some time before we have… adjusted.”

“I hear your concerns Lord Lygus, but we must also focus on the good this has brought us. We now have unlimited trade with the Volsung and Sabree for the first time in nearly a thousand years. High King Alektor has released all previous restrictions that High King Phobos had, and our people are already seeing a large influx of trade and travel.”

“At the cost of our son’s and daughter’s lives.” Lygus said, “The news of our losses in Lokkadonia are not to be taken lightly. The Spirit-Sent that fights for the resistance is said to have power like some of our strongest Dae. And where are the Rexunii? They have taken Vul De Rah, and sit in comfort while our warriors enforce their authority.”

“Rexun fought and annihilated the Lokkadonian army at the River-Espea.” Athica pressed. “They took on the weight of that attack, and led the charge into the city. High King Alektor himself fought to break them in both conflicts. If they are able to accomplish these tasks, then we should see fit to handle a few rebel cells across a broken clan’s lands.” Lygus bowed as she stared him down. “You all would be wise to keep in your thoughts, that we were terribly oppressed by the Torre’. Perhaps not many of you, nobles of worth, but our people suffered, greatly.” She looked at Robert, who nodded in agreement.

“You are indeed wise, your highness.” Lygus’ voice seemed to be somewhat condescending, but he kept his head bowed respectfully. “However, we wish to hear the council of Lord Pilyur as well. He has done many things for our clan and provided great wisdom of his own to the former Queen.”

Athica tensed at the request, but kept her composure. “If we knew where he was, his wisdom would surely be appreciated. Unfortunately, Lord Pilyur’s whereabouts are not the main concern of the clan, and we must press on.”

“His disappearance comes at a peculiar time, your Highness. After he…” Lygus looked at Robert and narrowed his eyes. “Made some suggestions regarding our new King, and High King.”

“And what suggestions were those?” Robert asked, drawing the attention of the assembly.

Lygus didn’t speak for several moments, having apparently not expected Robert to say anything. “That the decision might have been made in haste, and under the influence of those who do not have our Clan’s best interest in mind.”

Robert leaned forward angrily. “I want you to know that I have, OUR clan’s best interest in mind. And the Queen negotiated hard for this. The only reason you greedy ass nobles weren’t happy about it was because the Torre’ are lining your pockets.”

Lygus’ face twisted in anger at the accusation, but he remained silent.

“Don’t worry though. You’ll get your money.” Robert continued, “With the new trade freedom Visgo has, we will become more prosperous than you could have imagined. Pilyur left because I knew about your plot.”

A deathly silence took the room as Robert finished his last statement. Heads turned from side to side, and looks of panic could be seen.

“Yeah, you wanted to turn me back over to the Espi-Dea.” Robert’s face turned into a sneer. “But I’m not like you people… I can see what you don’t want me to. I can hear your thoughts, your lies.” He stood, and looked down at all the nobles and warriors assembled. “I am a Spirit-Sent, not some fucking useless politician, just waiting to get stabbed in the back. You all better remember this.”

Robert took several moments to pause and scan the Dae’s faces. No one spoke, and the tension in the room was palpable. “So today you have a choice, all of you. To support this change, and enjoy the wealth and prosperity that comes with it? Or you join Pilyur, in exile.” Robert pointed to Athica’s feet. “Come up here and swear loyalty to her; make your oaths, or you can leave the city tonight.” As if rehearsed, Malak and the other five Rexunii honor guard stepped forward, making it known that any order given to them would be enforced with lethal efficiency.

Murmurs began to emanate throughout the throne room. Some more panicked and blatant than others. Robert knew that he was making a gamble here, confronting the nobles in person, but he was done with running. Done with sneaking and scheming behind the scenes. The fact that he was Alektor’s brother now, and a Spirit-Sent with strange and unnatural powers, he hoped would be enough. All they really had to do was leave and try and storm the palace with warriors that were loyal to the house, and not the throne. Robert was confident he could escape either way, but still. Visgo would be in chaos, and they needed a unified front in this war.

“I will swear loyalty, of course.” A Dae nobleman said, walking forward. He strode up the steps and knelt before Athica, he bowed his head and recited an oath of fealty. “I, Lord Rymo of House Lorex. Do solemnly swear my everlasting loyalty, and devotion to the throne of Visgo, I make this oath in the presence of all here, and before the Great Spirits.”

Athica lifted her hand, gesturing for Rymo to rise. “Lord Rymo, you have my gratitude and loyalty as well. And as the first to make this oath, I offer you the position of Royal Ward, advisor to the Queen, and head of my council.”

Rymo bowed his head lower. “I accept, your highness.”

As Rymo stood and walked back into the crowd, many more began to pour forward. Robert made note of all those who came, and was pleased that every single noble and high ranking warrior who was present, took the oath. Even Lord Lygus knelt before them, though with no small amount of reluctance. After roughly an hour of ceremony, Athica stood to retire. Robert did the same. His mind and body exhausted from the day’s events.

“Reku… I must speak with you.” She said, catching him before he left.

“What?” He answered her coldly. He didn’t have energy or patience for whatever she was going to ask him.

“Please, if you would. I must speak with you in private.” She looked at her guards pointedly, and without hesitation they turned to leave the throne room.

Athica watched them as they left, and as the door slid closed, she looked Robert in the eyes. “Please don’t go to Vul De Rah.”

“Why not?” Robert crossed his arms. “I wasn’t planning on going yet, but I will be going soon. Alektor asked me to go. Soon that request won’t be one anymore. You know that better than anyone. He’s going to need me to go there sooner or later.”

“It’s… well…” Her eyes bulged for a moment, and she put her hands up to cover her mouth.

“You alright?” Robert asked, a bit of real concern in his voice.

She turned away from him and scrambled through her ornate dress to empty the contents of her stomach on the floor next to her throne.

“You sick or something?” He asked. Wait… he thought. The Dae don’t get sick. Something about the spiritual energy keeps them always healthy. No… As the puzzle pieces found their place in his mind, another pit formed in his gut. “You can’t be serious.”

“Reku.” She said, wiping her mouth. “I am… with child.”