Chapter VI

Chapter VI

            She had not stopped running since he had told her to. Only stopping to rest and only when it was absolutely necessary. She wasn’t even sure how deep into the forest she was anymore, that is, until she stumbled across an all-too familiar path. It was same path that had taken her and William to the steps of the Iron castle months ago. Months felt like years, now. It all felt… different, as she made her approach. Her fingers curled so tightly around Leon’s sword that her knuckles were white. Something was… certainly off. This time of course, there was no Leon to come and greet her. There was no escort at her side to warn her of pending danger. With a shiver, she presses forward, keeping her eyes peeled for any signs of movement. Clothed in a sky blue tunic and dark trousers, she ran a hand through her dark locks.

            Lana sighs heavily, bringing her pace to a gradual stop. Slumping against a tree and wiping the sweat from her brow, she glanced around, unnerved by the silence. Surely someone was to be on the guard for the castle? She drew her gaze upwards, attempting to catch a glimpse of the Iron King’s extravagant home, however, a rather dark cloud casted over the tree line. No… She began moving again, striding purposefully toward where the castle stood. She felt her heart drop at the sight.

Flames danced through the castle itself, charring anything that it engulfed. Bodies were visible inside from where she stood, covered in ash, having not been able to escape in time. The castle walls were crumbling, pieces of stone and iron falling to pieces as they hit the ground. Sections of it had completely fallen, nothing but a pile of rubble remaining where the tall walls once stood. Corpses upon corpses were sprawled out on the ground in pools of blood, the crimson liquid staining the ground beneath her feet. An entire army, decimated. Lana fell to her knees on the cracked cobble path, shaky hands reaching to cup her mouth, to prevent the whimpers that threatened to leave her lips. The Iron Kingdom was in shambles. The place she once held so dear to her heart, the only place other than the forest that she dared to call home… destroyed. An eerie silence hung in the air, nothing but the crackling of the fire to break it, until a voice came from behind her.

            “We hadn’t known we were under siege until it was too late. The Knights, my army, fought valiantly but we were infiltrated. They had a man on the inside. My people… my people were screaming, pleading as he and his men slaughtered them in cold blood.” Kaiser slumped beside her in a full suit of iron armour, bloodied but breathing. “Luke and his men retreated to the mountains in hopes we could fend them off at the borders, but they knew… they knew our plan of attack.” He turned his head every so slightly to look at her, swallowing back the burden. “He murdered my wife, my daughter. Right before my eyes and I…” He choked up, shaking his head. “There was nothing I could do, he had me bound by vines and I-I failed…” He grabbed fistfuls of his hair, his body beginning to shake as rage pulsed through his veins. “I FAILED THEM! ALL OF THEM!” He screamed, to no one but her. She said nothing as tears rolled down her own cheeks, leaning over to rest her head on his shoulder, rubbing his back in attempts to soothe him.

After a few moments had passed, she got to her feet, daring to take a step forward.

            “We will avenge them. Every last one of them. The men who made you and your people suffer will die screaming.” She fed into his anger, feeling a sharp pain in her chest.

            “Lana… hold on, where is my Knight? I sent him to fetch you and he did not return with you.”

            “He… he did not return?”

            “No! He…” The Iron King paused.

“He instructed me to meet him here, at your castle… He should have been here, he should have made it! He should have been protecting Gwen and Rosie.”

“Leonidas did not return to me. Until I saw you, I assumed the both of you had been murdered or taken captive. I suppose that fate is of him now…”

“Leon is not dead… he can’t be.” She frowned,

“I will not argue the fate of my Knight with you, Lana. The truth of the matter is he is not here, and it is only you, I, and a small group of my men that remain. We must regroup and prepare. Satan’s favourite creations may decide to attack again while we’re not at full strength. But first, we have vital matters to discuss.” Kaiser began walking, ensuring Lana followed at his side. “Upon your arrival months ago, your guardian gave me a letter. Do you have any clue as to what that letter may contain?”

“I am not sure, my lord. He tends to flash that letter at many men and they let us do as we wish without much hassle, it has not been much different with you.”

“You never thought to give this letter a read?”
            “What William writes to convince men to allow us into their territory is his business…”  She longed to ask where his last whereabouts were, but Kaiser didn’t dare to drop the discussion.

“I believe you should read it while I fetch William.” The Iron King withdrew the old parchment from the inside of his suit, handing it to the girl.

Lana tried to stop herself from smiling. “He’s alive…”

“Yes, he is quite the fighter too, might I add. Now, read.” He nods to the letter, staying at her side as she reads.

Lana kneels into a sitting position, her face changing to a look of confusion, wondering what this letter contained that was of vital importance at a time like this. She didn’t question it, however, and followed orders, eyes beginning to skim the old parchment. A few moments passed as she read, another few to absorb the unfathomable information she had just taken in.

“No, Kaiser, this is not… this…”

“I did not believe it either, but it is true. It also explains why David took a particular interest in you and what you’re capable of. However it is vital to keep this a secret. If either Kurtis or David found out of your bloodline… I do not wish to think of what might come. What they may do… However, I do believe you may have some questions, which may be addressed to the expert, William.” Kaiser turned to his men, snapping his fingers. “Samuel, fetch William for the Queen.” He sent her a look, smirking.

“Kaiser…” She grumbles, shaking her head. “I am unfit for such a position, do not call me that.”

“I do not believe it is a matter of whether you fit the position or not anymore, Lana.” He utters though finds her annoyance rather amusing.

“William!” Lana beamed, unable to stop the grin that lines her lips as she catches sight of him. It felt like years had passed since she had last spoken with him; they had their fair share of catching up to do. King Kaiser looked on, a small smile managing to creep on his lips at Lana’s evident excitement to see her guardian. The Iron King’s men were beginning to pick up the pieces of the Mad King’s demolition after his ascension, tackling the task of clearing the battlefield. It appears more men than she initially thought laid sprawled out on the ground, blood staining the grass beneath their corpses—but her eyes are fixed on William. He meets her gaze, offering a warm smile before beginning to make his way toward her. She runs towards him, grinning, unable to stop her legs from carrying her at an alarming pace.

A squad of enemy soldiers hidden under the dead slowly begin to rise as they see new movement; particularly interested in the new appearance of the future Queen. Kurtis would be most pleased if they brought her in with their new knowledge. Lana draws to a sudden halt, emerald eyes widening at the scene unravelling before her. She reaches for a sword that is no longer at her side but remaining where she sat to read the letter. Kaiser leaps into action, the only thing running through his mind being the new objective. He unsheathes his own sword that is hasn’t been wiped from the previous battle, still stained a deep crimson with the blood of his enemies’ comrades. His blade is driven through the heart of the solider nearest to him, shouting out though Lana can’t make out what he’s hollering. The King slices the neck of the man closest to her, blood squirting over the three of them. He falls among the bodies of the dead. Joining Lana’s side, Kaiser holsters his weapon, beginning to grab her arm and bring her to safety. Lana’s eyes are fixed on William, however, attempting to move toward him, disregarding the blood rolling down her face. The entire world seems to slow down. William turns to reach for his sword but his hand never clasps it. The enemy solider moves quicker than man who’s face was lined with age. The fighter advances, his hand curling around William’s jaw as he draws his blade across his neck, red juices spraying everywhere. The Iron King’s men pushing forward for support but not nearly fast enough. William chokes, coughing up blood as the man shoves him to the ground and moves towards the King. He falls back into the grass with a thud, scarlet liquid pumping out of his wound.

She lets out a blood-curdling scream, sprinting to join his side. The Iron King wraps his muscular arm around her small stature before she has the chance, keeping a tight grip. Her arms are wailing violently on him, attempting to break free, attempting to get to William. His name leaves her lips in the form of ear-piercing cries, outstretching her hand as if she could grab him and bring him to her. Kaiser’s men slay the rest of the enemy troops in a matter of moments but it feels like a lifetime before Kaiser releases her. She sprints to his side, dropping down beside him.

“William! William?!” She places a hand on his cheek, shaking her head. “No no, PLEASE! PLEASE!” She pleads, tears beginning to freely stream down her cheeks as her hands attempt to stop the crimson from oozing out of him. “WAKE UP, PLEASE!” She gasps for air between her horrific cries, feeling as if she’s suffocating. Her tiny body is shaking as she throws her arms around him, unable to contain her sobs that fill that silence of the battlefield where the dead lay. She hugs his body tight to her, burying her face into his hair as she cries.

“Y-You… y-you will make… a w-wonderful Queen, l-little… l-little.. li..on.” William chokes, attempting to lift his shaky hand to run his fingers through her hair but he doesn’t find the strength, his hand falling back to the ground.

“NO! Please! Please don’t leave me, PLEASE! NO!” She howls as his head slumps back, his now lifeless body falling limp in her arms. Moments turn into nearly hours, her whimpers still escaping her as she clings to the corpse. Kaiser decides it’s time he steps in, walking to her side.

“Lana…” He whispers, taking her into his arms. Much to his surprise, she doesn’t fight or resist, though she doesn’t hug him back either.

“I-I’m going to kill them.” Her voice is shaky but her words unfaltering.

“No. He wouldn’t want more violence. He would want peace for you. Nahoa stands for—“ This time she shoves him away, William’s blood staining her porcelain skin. She stalks off, grabbing Leon’s sword and heading toward the den where the Iron King’s men reside, a fire deep within her burning for vengeance.

-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

            Kurtis sat at the head of the table, across from none other than his equal, David. The two men and their loyal knights share a hearty feast after days of battle, laughing as they drank the finest whiskey.

            “To the Turpis-Diruo alliance! Victory shall indeed, be ours.” Kurtis raised his glass, wearing a rather devilish grin. “May we conquer…TONIGHT!” He cackles, clanking his goblet against those of his knights.

            “Tonight we shall become legends. They will speak of us for centuries to come.” David smirks, taking a sip of his own drink.

            “I am concerned though, David. What of the Iron King and the girl? They are certainly still breathing.”

            “Perhaps… but not for long. Tonight, we shall take them prisoner and make them watch as Vindico burns before we move to Niadus. We will make them suffer, all of them.”

            “You do not fear the girl’s abilities? Nor the Iron King’s might?” Kurtis pried, but David let out a bitter laugh.

            “I fear nothing, Kurtis. She is only a cub. Isn’t that right, Hera?” He smirks, glancing at his loyal Captain.

            “Yes, my lord. An easy target.”

            “As for our Iron King, he no longer has thousands of men to threaten us with. He has no wife, no daughter, no head Knight. It is marvellous!” David cackled maniacally.

            “Very true words indeed, David.”

            “You have no reason to be worried, Kurtis. If you feel so inclined, why not use your abilities to your advantage?”

            “Very well, David. I will return in due time for our taking of our new Kingdoms, make the necessary preparations.” He gives his fellow King a nod before disappearing into thin air.

            -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

            Kaiser lay on his back on make-shift bed in one of the few rooms in the den as the castle went through rebuilding. His eyes were wide open, for every-time they were closed he saw… he saw them. He saw Gwen screaming, pleading with David’s knights who felt no remorse as they slid the blade along her neck while his daughter watched in horror, soon sharing the same fate. He shot upright, rubbing his temples with a sigh.

            Lana sat outside the den, her cheeks still damp. She felt her heart aching, for Kaiser, for the Kingdom… Her fingertips ran along the hilt of Leon’s sword, through the creases of the carefully crafted iron blade.

            “I know where you may find your favourite Knight.” A dark voice murmured, followed by a chuckle. She jumped to her feet, hollering for Kaiser as she held the blade in front of her, eyes darting around. She caught sight of Kurtis, stalking toward him with a growl.

            “Easy there. I do believe it would be most wise of you to keep me alive if you wish to ever see the Iron Knight. Though, I highly doubt the King will permit him to keep his title after he betrayed the Kingdom.” Kurtis laughed bitterly but suddenly gasped as he felt a tight grip around his neck, looking up in horror at the Iron King.

            “Where is my Knight, petty King?!” He snarls and holds up his own blade just inches from the Beast King’s face, eyes narrowed.

            “Release me, oh mighty one.” He says rather sarcastically, smirking up at him. “Let me show you.” He waits until the Iron King hesitantly releases him, smoothing out his finely fabricated clothing.

            “Show us.” Lana demanded, cutting eyes at the Beast King’s rather amused expression.

            With a swish of his hand, an image appears of Leonidas’ current residence in the dungeon of King David. Though it is nearly pitch black, it isn’t too difficult to make out the outline of Leon, who lays bound by chains to the floor. Kaiser squints in attempts to see well, before his eyes balloon.

            “You’ve TORTURED HIM!” He bellows, lunging towards Kurtis who had already moved out of the way.

            “I do believe you’re mistaken. That is not my work but the work of the Mad King.” He states rather matter-of-factly.

            “He will pay for his crimes against the Iron Throne! As WILL YOU! YOU WILL ALL PAY!” He screams, lurching for Kurtis again with a swing of his blade.

            “I believe you have bigger issues, Kaiser.” He smirks; his plan going accordingly as turns his head to see Lana had already rode off on horseback towards Diruo.

            “What?” He growls, following his gaze. His widened and he curses his breath, striding back towards the den. “Prepare yourselves! We’re going into battle!”

-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

Lana continuously whipped the reins, longing for the horse to take her as fast as possible to Diruo. In the dimly lit, rather grim Kingdom, she was radiating--literally. Her anger was pulsing through her, blood boiling. When combining it with her Light, it was enough to give her a glow. As she approached the gates, she slipped off the horse and looked at the two guards, raising her hand warningly.

“I do not wish to kill you if you simply do as I ask. Open the gates.” She saw the two men exchanged glances before laughing.

“You may be radiating, whore, but why should I—“ He began but she growled, her hand starting to glow even brighter though she opted for the sword.

 “DO IT!” She ordered, and this time the Knights obliged. She flashed them a smile. “Thank you.” She turned, striding up the path to the castle, hands balled up into fists. She had very little regard for the environment around her, ignoring the strange looks, the whispers, the comments made at her. It wasn’t until one of the Silver Tide mercenaries lunged at her did she react. She waved her hand, striking him with a burst of light that caused him to disintegrate right there, falling to ash onto Diruo soil. She marched up the steps, pushing the two doors opening without bothering to knock.

“DAVID GRAI!” She took off down the hallway in frantic search for the man, absolutely enraged. She used her previous knowledge of the castle to her advantage, pushing open the doors to the throne room and strutting in.

David sat on his throne, legs dangling over one of the arms of it. “Ah, Lana. How nice of you to join me...” He smirked, swinging his legs forward and getting to his feet. “And just what on Earth do you think you’re doing?! Storming onto my land, demanding me?!” He spat.

“Give him back. Now.” She hissed.

“I have no idea what you are—“ Before he could finish, she had grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, dragging him down to her level.

“GIVE LEON BACK!”  Hera immediately went to assist her King, drawing her weapon but he waved her off.

“Who do you think you are?! Coming into my caste and demanding a USELESS Knight?!” David shoved her off, raising his hand as if he would slap her.

“I AM QUEEN LANA GRIFFON OF NAHOA!” She screams at him, only radiating more brightly. “And I demand Sir Leonidas the Reckless this instant! Otherwise you will pay for your crimes against Niadus and Vindico right here.” She threatens, chest heaving. “I doubt it is another enemy you want to make, David. You have two Kingdoms against you already, one at your side. Three would make it a little unfair.”

            David stares at her for a long moment before he speaks. “Captain Hera, fetch Leonidas.” He orders, stepping down towards Lana. “I do not fear you. Your Kingdom does not even exist and if it did, there is only one Nahoan left, and that would be you.” He begins, circling her as if she were his prey.

            “I have no use for an army.” She hisses, standing rather defiantly in his presence. “I will kill you with my bare hands if I must.”

Hera returned then with Leon, shoving him on the ground and returning loyally to her King’s side.

            “There, you have your stupid Knight.”

            “Leon…” Lana rushes to his side, shaking her head. “Oh god…” She whispers of his state, pulling his arm over her shoulders and resting her hand on his chest, beginning to heal him with the Light. “David, you are sick! YOU’RE A MONSTER!” She shouts, glancing over her shoulder at him before turning her attention back to Leon, beginning to walk him towards the exit. Hera smirks, watching her King rather admirably.

“That may be true, Lana. However, I did just return your favourite Knight to you, and that is the thanks you pay me with? You can’t get something for nothing in this world, don’t you know.” He begins, stepping down the steps and following the pair.

“Fuck you.” She growled, pushing the doors open. Leon sighed, resting his head against her, muttering his thanks as she healed him.

“Is that any way to address a fellow superior?” He hisses, approaching them more quickly from behind. “You come into my Kingdom, threatening me, killing my men…”

Lana hadn’t noticed David inching closer until Leon hollered. She turned, just as the Mad King dug his sword into her abdomen, the tip of the blade visible from the other side. With a swift movement he pulled it back, smirking as she fell back into Leon’s grasp.

            “Long live the Queen.” David bellows. “Iron Knight! Return to your Kingdom with a message for your Iron King… those who defy the New Order will share the same fate as our Queen here.” He turns, unable to wipe the sly smirk playing on his lips. “Come along Hera, we have more pressing matters to attend to.”