Kayne - Crown of Dominion Read online

  Chapter Eight

  The two ships drew closer in the night. Without wind, they relied on the steady pace of the oarsmen. Kayne looked at Jack and asked, “How’s our Elemental?”

  “Still recovering. His magic will take time to recharge.”

  “I see. I guess it’s our turn to protect him.” Kayne turned to Garos. “Ready the ship and raise the colors.”

  Garos ordered the men. They unfurled the royal flag and hoisted it up the mast. He stared into the dark, focusing on the approaching ship’s mast. “They’re flying the Regent’s colors, Your Highness.”

  Jack paced, his mind working overtime. “This is no coincidence. Something has Ophidia’s attention if the Regent is here. First, a fresh channel on an unknown island. We find a temple with dead monks and wolves protecting a magical wall that is suddenly destroyed by a volcano.”

  “Regardless of what you may suspect, old friend, I made a promise not to challenge the Apothecaries. At least not yet, anyway,” Kayne jested. “Garos, tell your men to stand down and welcome our guests. Sometimes diplomacy is the greatest weapon of war.”

  Impressed, Jack looked at Garos, who obeyed the prince’s orders. A few moments later, the men lined the deck. They threw boarding lines across to the Regent’s ship.

  “I’m going below to get some sleep,” Jack muttered as Kayne stood ready to receive his guests.

  “You’re not staying?”

  “No. I need sleep, and I doubt I have the energy to be diplomatic right now.”

  “Very well, Jack.” Kayne turned as Jack opened the door to the lower decks. “Just don’t sleep too deep.”

  Jack nodded and disappeared. Kayne turned his attention back to the Regent’s ship. A large figure stepped over the rail.

  “I have been sent to receive word of your progress, young prince,” a familiar voice rang out. “We missed you at the northern port of Hartwell.”

  “Apothecary Raymond. Welcome aboard,” Kayne replied, feigning excitement. “Ophidia showed us her favor and lifted the fog so we could witness and study the birth of this magnificent volcano.”

  Puzzled at the prince’s earnest words, the Apothecary grabbed a torch from one of his men and took a closer look at the burns on Kayne’s face. “It would seem you did more than observe.”

  Kayne stood his ground and smiled. “Yes, you’re correct. I desired to investigate closer and retrieve a piece of the new island to present to the Regent. New land, a symbol of my desire for a new start.”

  “I see. The Regent himself commanded that I pay you this visit and discuss your journey. Perhaps we might speak in private. I can also attend to those wounds of yours.”

  “Yes, of course. It’ll give me a chance to show my gratitude for sparing my life.”

  “Excellent. We have much to discuss.”

  The Apothecary waved his arm. The men on the ship behind him untied the ropes that bound the two ships together. With a single, forceful push, the ships parted. Garos looked at Kayne, concerned at the prince’s failure to react to the departing ship.

  The wolves sniffed the air, sensing the approach of the enemy that slew their masters. Hackles raised, their growls carried through the lower decks.

  Jack knelt beside his iron chest, running his finger along a thin slot cut into its top. He smiled at the intricate symbols, taking comfort in their meaning, lost in time long ago. The wolves’ restlessness broke his reverie. He sighed, and left the cabin to find Garos on deck.

  Garos watched as the Regent’s ship moved away. He looked at Jack, frowning. “Something’s not right.”

  “That’s what I’ve been saying all night.”

  He ignored Jack’s mood. “The Earth Mother is uneasy. She’s trying to warn us about something. I need a moment alone please, Jack.” Garos pointed to a bright blue star in the sky. “That’s Whetu. Keep the bow pointed toward her until I return.”

  “Consider it done, sir.”

 

  Apothecary Raymond closed the door behind them. He turned the iron key with excessive and deliberate force, locking the door and shattering the inner mechanism. The prince pulled up a chair for the Apothecary, motioning him to sit. He stood beside him and placed his sheathed sword on the table.

  “May I ask a question about your faith, Raymond?”

  Intrigued, Raymond replied, “Most certainly.”

  “Do you believe we’re born to our position, as dictated by Ophidia? That our lives are preordained and must be accepted?”

  Raymond smiled. He looked up at the prince, who removed his gauntlets and placed them beside his sword. “Of course, Your Highness. Your birthright abilities are a blessing, whether you’re a simple citizen, or a mighty Subjugator leading the servants of the church.”

  “Yes. The Subjugators. Second only to the Regent himself, correct?”

  “That is correct. They are blessed to discover the truth in all matters of the church. It is a privilege to be touched by one.”

  “Their touch. Yes, I see. Do all servants of the church feel that way?”

  Raymond nodded. “From the youngest Deacons, Ministers, and Apothecaries, to the mighty Bishops, who protect us from our enemies. We are all trulyfortunate, assisting the Subjugators in their duty.”

  “And the Regent? Does he feel the same way?”

  “The Regent is the messenger of Ophidia. He is a living part of her own being and immune to Subjugators. But we believe in the words of Ophidia—that should the truth be required, she herself would cut the Regent from her bosom.”

  Prince Kayne turned and walked away from Raymond. “Of course she would. She’s a gentle god, is she not?”

  The Apothecary slowly lifted his hand onto the table and grabbed the prince’s sword. With a furtive movement, he placed the sword under his feet. With his back to the Apothecary, Prince Kayne attempted to open the door. The lock was broken.

  Raymond stood, lifting his two-handed war-hammer. His voice was soft and filled with regret. “She does what she must, as do we all.”

  With lightning reflexes, Kayne reacted as the hammer smashed into the wall beside him.

 

  A sudden squall buffeted the ship. Garos ran from his room, carrying a silver arrow with a jagged blue head. The sounds of the men filled the air as they secured the deck. Jack looked to see Garos running up the steps.

  “What’s happening? The sea has become a raging beast!” Jack shouted.

  “It’s an attack! Something is controlling the sea itself!” Garos replied as he took the wheel.

  “Brace yourselves!” Jack shouted as Reesus climbed the stairs.

  A large wave crashed over the side of the boat, pushing the vessel sideways. The sea wash flooded the deck as men grabbed lines and secured themselves.

  “We need a clear path until Whetu sits on the Horizon!”

  Reesus stared at the angry ocean. Waves towered around them. “You’re not asking much!” He reached against the rail and freed a line. He forced his way to the bow, fighting against the water and the heaving motion of the ship. Several men assisted him as he bound himself to the mast.

  Garos bore his weight down on the wheel of the ship in an effort to keep it on course. The sound of splintering wood caught Jack’s attention.

  “It’s just the waves hitting the hull!” Garos shouted.

  Another thud hit the ship, followed by the sound of breaking glass.

  “Then the waves must be inside the prince’s quarters!”

  Moving as fast as the rolling ship allowed, Jack made his way down the stairs to the prince’s cabin.

 

  Kayne rolled across the bar as Raymond’s hammer fell, devastating the intricate woodwork. Shards of wood flew across the room, shattering glass and tearing skin.

  “Stand down, Apothecary, and face me!” Jack shouted from behind the jammed door.

  “This isn’t your path, Jack. Return to your quarters and your men will be spared!”

  Jack moved back a few steps and
exploded into a charge, ramming his shoulder hard against the strong oak. The door shuddered, but remained firm, repelling Jack back in pain.

  “Do you hear yourself, Apothecary? Spare the men? Does this mean you can leave no witnesses? Has Ophidia churned the oceans so you may deliver the dead prince to her without a trial? Only a special council may judge the prince. If Kayne has done wrong, then I will deliver him myself. This act goes against the teachings we are sworn to uphold!”

  Astonished by Jack’s knowledge, Raymond paused, conflicted by his orders and his teachings. Kayne circled around the mighty Apothecary, who lowered his hammer. He looked down at his hand, torn between whether to use his power, or try to reach his sword, knowing its metal would be useless against the Apothecary’s armor. The ship shuddered again under the impact of another large wave. Seawater drained through the damaged planks.

  “I remain faithful, Ophidia!” Raymond shouted. Despondent, he lifted his weapon once more.

  Jack ran to his quarters as the battle continued. The sound of the howling wolves beneath the deck echoed through the corridors.

 

  Garos held the wheel with all his strength as Reesus forced his will against Ophidia for control of the sea. Garos searched the sky for Whetu. The ship’s bow lifted high into the air and then plunged deep into the ocean, spraying water across the deck. Without warning, the path before the ship calmed. The waves to port and starboard continued to rage, beating against the side in an attempt to capsize the boat. Terror filled Reesus. An unnatural wave towered beside them. Despite the darkness, he saw an enormous black snake looking out from the wave. The crewmen screamed in terror as its blazing eyes fell upon them. The wave continued to grow around Ophidia, blocking out the stars. She hovered above Reesus, staring down at her former pawn with malevolence.

 

  Jack pushed his cabin door open and grabbed his two-handed sword from the bed. He knelt before the iron chest, lowering his head to pray. “I can’t do this again. Please, my lord,” he pleaded. “Haven’t I hurt enough people in this lifetime?”

  His shaking hand held his sword tight, as he waited for an answer that did not come. He stood, lifted his head, and shouted, “Please! Haven’t I been punished enough? Why now? Has the time truly come? This burden is too great to bear alone. Just once, I implore you. Help me! I don’t know what you want. You teach peace, yet force me to take up arms. Tell me what I should do!”

 

  Ophidia lunged at the mast. The men beside Reesus sheltered the Elemental from the falling debris.

  “Kayne! Jack! Apothecary! We have a guest, and she’s not happy! We need help!” Garos shouted, steering the ship through the trough of calm water. Whetu continued to descend as Reesus’ nose bled.

 

  Kayne dodged another attack from the angry Apothecary. “Your attacks are halfhearted today, Raymond,” he goaded. “Perhaps a living target is too much for you to handle.”

  “You brought this upon yourself, Kayne. You broke sacred covenants.”

  “Covenants? I’m on this stupid pilgrimage, aren’t I?” Kayne retorted.

  Raymond lifted his hammer, swinging it in a wide arc. “The moment you entered the Mists you doomed this ship.”

  Kayne ducked. “Mists? So you know about the Isle. Did you kill the monks in Ophidia’s name, just like you’re trying to do now?”

  Confused, Raymond paused. “What monks?”

  Kayne grabbed a chair, using it as a shield. “Don’t play coy with me; we’re all friends here.”

 

  “Fine! I’m done repenting! I’ll fix this without your help!” Jack shouted at the heavens.

  The chest glowed as he touched the lock. The talons of the eagle retracted, releasing the catch. Jack leant his sword against the wall and retrieved the gray armor from inside the chest. It slid like silk over his clothes. Unrecognizable as armor, it looked more like bedclothes. He closed the chest, grabbed his sword with both hands, and aligned the sword with the small slot in the top of the chest. With absolute conviction, he shouted. “So be it!”

  He dropped the sword into the slot. A column of light erupted, merging with the sword. Its blade thickened and transformed into a round handle. The chest turned silver and formed the head of a great hammer. The light encompassed Jack’s armor, changing it into the plate steel of the Apothecaries. He lifted his weapon, now a formidable, two-handed, silver war-hammer, and ran to the prince’s quarters, where he heard Kayne’s voice.

  “The monks on the island. Slain without mercy!”

  Raymond shook his head. “We killed no one. They told me about your cunning tongue. Now I see it is just and right that you must die. For the good of the people, who deserve an honest King.”

  He lifted his hammer and charged. Oak splinters sprayed Raymond as Jack’s hammer decimated the door. Raymond shielded his face, and then looked at the doorway. Terror filled his soul as he beheld a large, plated man. A finely crafted eagle emblazoned on his shoulder signified his allegiance to the Lord of Light.

  Jack stared at the emblem of Ophidia decorating Raymond’s shoulder. “I can’t allow you to harm an innocent, Apothecary.”

  “Ophidia herself has found him guilty! We are charged with a sacred oath. Who are you to stand against her will?”

  “I am a faithful servant of the Church and its teachings, not Ophidia. You must stand down, Raymond.”

  “This is a test of faith! Can’t you feel her wrath? Even now she restrains herself from destroying this ship, so we may prove ourselves to her!”

  Kayne moved toward the door. “Ophidia is here?”

  “She is everywhere!” Raymond replied, the religious fervor plain on his face. He attacked the prince once more.

  The two giant war-hammers collided, creating a deafening impact that forced both men off their feet.

  Kayne ran from the room and onto the deck. He stood in horror at the site of Ophidia towering above them within the waves. Garos looked at the prince and pleaded, “We need a few minutes more!”

  Raymond was first to his feet. He ran from the room, the ship knocking him from side to side as it rolled. Jack followed in pursuit. As Raymond arrived on deck, Kayne turned to him, his eyes filled with determination.

  “You want proof that Ophidia is not a god? Then you shall have it!”

  Kayne ran to the center mast and climbed up the slippery wood. Raymond followed, swinging his hammer. Jack intercepted, striking him hard against the chest. He fell to the deck, gasping for air.

  “Stop this, Raymond. Can’t you see what’s happening? We are brothers! Let us be as one against this evil!”

  Raymond spun his legs, tripping Jack. He attempted to stand, but Jack was faster and tackled him to the ground. The two men exchanged bone-shattering blows. Each impact sent shock-waves through the air.

  Prince Kayne called out from the crow’s nest. “Ophidia, you coward! I demand justice by combat!”

  The battering waves calmed as the wind carried the ship forward. Garos looked at the horizon, illuminated with the morning son. “Men to stations, now!”

  The two Apothecaries ceased fighting, astonished at Kayne’s challenge. They stood battered and bleeding, their armor torn and buckled. Raymond looked stunned. “He can’t do that! What is he doing?”

  Jack released his grip on Raymond. Comprehension dawned on him as he realized Kayne’s intent. Beside them, the crewmen tended to the injured and threw debris overboard. Garos gripped the silver arrow in his quiver. The strange arrowhead flickered.

  The snake circled the ship, assessing its prey. It reared up and hissed. Kayne looked at his palm and steadied himself inside the crow’s nest. With his left hand, he pointed at Ophidia, taunting, “Come on, snake. Let’s see if you’re truly immortal! Accept, or let the world know you for what you are—a charlatan! In the words of your Subjugators, let truth prevail!”

  Ophidia hissed in rage, hearing her own words used against her. The sleek snakehead opened its mouth and
struck faster than the human eye could see. Kayne reacted, pushing out his bare hand faster than Ophidia’s strike. He pressed his hand hard against Ophidia’s head. The snake froze, reeling from Kayne’s touch. Its body coiled around itself. Uncontrollable spasms shook Ophidia, as she tried to free herself from the Subjugator’s grasp.

  “See? It’s all a lie!” Jack shouted at Raymond. “Not even Ophidia is immune to the Subjugator’s powers.”

  Memories flooded Kayne’s mind. Ophidia’s rise to power. He witnessed the quiet of the void before life. The burning light of a huge explosion, bringing life into the darkness. Kayne felt Ophidia’s rage. The burning light roused her from peaceful slumber. Stars ignited, creating more light. Gas and particles soon followed, forming planets. All the while, the constant illumination ate at her soul. She traveled from shadow to shadow, but whenever she found solace, another star formed. She despaired that the darkness had gone forever. Eons passed. He felt her presence fade. When she thought her end had arrived, she found safe haven. A rogue system drifted through the void, untethered by the foolish act of an Apothecary. The anchor that once bound it in place, now destroyed. The minds and bodies of the faithful gave her freedom to travel the vastness of the great expanse, hidden from the light.

  Suddenly, Ophidia broke free of Kayne’s grasp. Wounded, she recoiled in shock from the man who’d hurt her. Apothecary Raymond rose to his feet. Rage and betrayal filled his heart as he stared at the snake in front of him. He stepped forward. The whites of his knuckles showed as he clenched his hammer.

  “Man the oars and row for your lives! The wind has failed us!” shouted Garos. He pulled his bow taught and called to the Earth Mother. “Earth Mother! Your vision sent me here. Grant me peace that my shot may be true.”

  Garos stared down the shaft of his nocked arrow as it bobbed up and down. His heaving chest slowed to the rhythm of his heart. The boat heaved forward in response to the pace of the oarsmen below deck. Ophidia turned to the Ranger. She struck her tail upon the ocean’s surface, and then slithered under the waves. A large swell surged toward the ship, only to be quelled by the will of the Elemental, still tied to the foremast. Every denial of her will drained his magic.

  Ophidia burst out of the sea. The surrounding waters crashed down, revealing the mighty serpent in all her dark glory. The sky became black as she circled the ship. Black mist covered the men, trying to possess their bodies. Terrified, they covered their faces. In the crow’s nest, long tendrils scratched at Kayne’s face. With his left hand, he tried to keep his face covered as he swung wildly into the dense fog, trying to find Ophidia. Tendrils bore into his ears, seeking a way into his mind.

  As if a veil had been lifted from his eyes, Apothecary Raymond turned to Jack. “We have to do something now to save the prince.”

  Jack attempted to stand but fell. Blood poured from his mouth onto the deck. Gasping for breath, he tried to stand again but failed. Raymond looked down at Jack. Horror overwhelmed him, and he fell to his knees.

  “What have I done?”

  Tears streamed down his face as he was overcome with remorse. “My friend, please forgive me for what I have done. You have opened my eyes to many truths this day. I will purge this threat from our house. I pray you find the peace you seek, as you have restored mine.”

  Raymond touched Jack’s breastplate. Light emanated from his hand. His black gauntlet changed color. First, a faded black, and then a dark gray, and then a sliver of gold appeared. Jack gasped one last time for air as Raymond’s healing power enabled him to breathe normally.

  “That is all I can do at this time. The Lord of Light has asked one final task of me, brother.”

  Jack grabbed Raymond’s leg. “What do you mean?”

  Raymond didn’t answer. He lifted his war-hammer. He bent his battered knees, bracing himself as he watched the prince begin to collapse. With all of his might, he leapt high into the air, swinging his hammer above his head. From the golden sliver on his gauntlet, a beam of light struck the darkness. The black fog swirled and retreated from the men, reforming into the body of the serpent. Ophidia lashed out her tail at the attacking Apothecary. A blur of silver flew through the air. Ophidia’s head lifted in pain as the magical bite of the silver wolves penetrated deep into her scales. With a swift flick, she hammered her tail down, knocking the wolves across the deck. As her tail landed, Raymond’s hammer struck Ophidia’s skull in a blinding flash of golden light. She hissed in anger and pain. The darkness that covered the sky disappeared to reveal the rising sun, as she sank into the ocean.

  Garos stood firm, his eyes glowing brightly as he searched for an opening. “Guide my hand, Earth Mother,” he pleaded, releasing the magical arrow. The arrow flew from the bow as the Ranger touched his silver acorn. It responded brilliantly.

  Apothecary Raymond fell from the sky, his armor ripped apart by the explosive impact of his attack. His energy was spent. As he landed hard on the deck, it splintered and snapped, piercing the Apothecary through the heart.

  Prince Kayne stood, ready to attack. Ophidia gathered herself for another strike. Ahead of the ship’s bow, Garos’ arrow exploded, opening a sea portal. Ophidia hissed at the portal. Reesus called the water behind the ship to rise. To the relief of the oarsmen, a large wave lifted the boat with a great rush of speed. Ophidia gave chase, her tongue lashing at the deck and striking Garos. The Ranger collapsed in agony, but held the wheel, guiding the ship down the wave toward the portal. Kayne leapt from the crow’s nest, grabbing a rope midair. His momentum carried him to the deck, where he landed beside Garos.

  Time slowed, willed by the power of the silver acorn. Kayne grabbed Garos and laid him on the deck. He grabbed the wheel, pulling hard to port, and repositioned the ship on the wave. The snake’s tongue whipped across Kayne’s back repeatedly, as he protected the injured Ranger. The large, blue, circular portal grew closer. Kayne glanced behind, preparing himself for another strike from Ophidia. To his surprise, the immense serpent looked like a statue. Her tongue hung motionless in the air.

  Garos tugged at Kayne’s feet. “We’ve pulled away from her. She’s outside the acorn’s influence, but it won’t last long. She’s too powerful!”

  “Row harder!” Kayne shouted to the men.

  The ship surged forward as the wave abated, and the snake slowly reanimated. The Elemental’s powers now exhausted, Ophidia called upon the seas to rise once more.

  Jack pulled himself along the deck and grabbed Raymond’s hand. He marveled at the golden sliver on Raymond’s gauntlet.

  “You see, Jack? You were right. Our Lord has always been with us. The church is true. We forgot.” Raymond sputtered and coughed. “We forgot the meaning of faith, that’s all. It was easier to believe in what we saw.”

  Jack focused his will, but his hands failed to respond. Raymond coughed again. He grabbed Jack’s hand. “It’s alright. You’re still weak, that’s all. Forgive yourself.” Raymond’s eyes stared at something no one else could see. “Pierce, please forgive me.”

  Jack felt the ship surge forward again. The portal’s blue light filled the deck. He turned to see the silver wolves moving up the deck to stand beside Kayne. Ophidia’s sleek body twisted through the waves, drawing closer to the ship. The silver wolves lifted their heads and howled. The entire ship’s company grabbed their ears in agony, as the howls pierced their souls. Ophidia tumbled uncontrollably, skidding across the water’s surface and creating a massive wave. The wave carried the boat high into the air, propelling it away from her. It entered the ocean portal and disappeared, leaving the snake god in its wake.

  Defeated, Ophidia raised herself high, sending a message across the vastness of space. “Are you ready to receive me?”

  “We are ready. Do you have what was promised?”

  “You doubt me?”

  “You’re not the first god to promise something and fail to deliver.”

  “The fools betrayed me. It seems some of them are still swayed by the God
of Light. No matter. I will have them in the end.”

  She scanned the sky slowly, stopping at a star with the greenish tinge. Darkness swirled around her, changing her form. She took flight and headed to Aazronia.