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-Garon

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Evanescence

I

No time

There is no time

There is no

Time

No time

Tiko sat up quickly. He could feel the cold sweat covering his entire body. He was lying near the embers of a dying fire. The dawn was creeping up in the distance. He saw Tomas, Adia, and Alexia asleep nearby. Nyhm and Damian were nowhere to be seen.

Tiko glanced down at his hands. His fingers were seemingly fading away. He clenched his fist tightly and looked again. His fingers looked normal. Solid. Real.

“Damn.” He whispered. His time was running out and it was happening faster than he expected. Still, he did find Damian. That was his original goal, the reason he was sent here. He had brought Damian and Adia back together. Now they could fight and finally destroy Valantine at long last.

Tiko laid back down and closed his eyes. His thoughts moved from his parents to the fabled Gaia Chain. Could such a powerful artifact actually exist in this world and was it truly Damian’s final task to protect it? Tiko had never heard of it before. Not in any of the numerous conversations he had eavesdropped on growing up. Neither Cecil or Damian had ever mentioned it, at least not when Tiko was around. If he was lucky he would remain here long enough to see it and to see his Father’s destiny finally fulfilled.

He could hope. He could always hope.

* * * * *

Nyhm stood with his arms across his chest. He was looking, rather his head was pointing, at Damian waiting for him to repeat his request.

Damian was always a little unsettled by Nyhm’s lack of eyes. The dirty red cloth tied around his head hid his ruined eyes from sight but it still set Damian on edge. It was probably because despite the lack of eyes, Nyhm always seemed to know exactly where and what to look at. Damian sighed.

“I need to speak with him.” He repeated.

“I cannot speak with the dead, Damian.”

“I’m not asking you to do that.”

“What exactly are you asking me to do then?”

“Find the message he gave you to give to me.”

“How d…” Nyhm did not need to finish that sentence. He felt something in his mind shift. Some key piece of knowledge stepping forward to reveal itself and at once he knew what he was supposed to do. He reached his hand out and touched Damian’s forehead. There was a slight flash of pain and then darkness.

For Damian it was similar, except he found himself not in darkness, but in a fire lit temple. He had been in this place before. It was the Elder’s Temple, the place where he was sent to another dimension and time. It was only a moment before he realized he was not alone. He turned slowly and faced Cecil. He looked just as Damian remembered. He was buried in robes and beard, both frail and incredibly strong.

“You’re close then.” Cecil said.

“Krenin is closer I think.”

“He must not get his hands on the Gaia Chain. This is your destiny, Damian. Your life belongs to that artifact. If it falls into Krenin’s grasp then everything has been for nothing and you will have failed.”

“Where is it?”

“Only when the three are one can you succeed, Damian.”

“What does that mean?”

“When it is time, Nyhm will know his task. Only when it is time.”

Damian realized then that this was not a conversation. This was some kind of mystic recording Cecil had left for him.

“I know you have questions. I know you have need of me. I do wish there was something I could do to prepare you for what is coming. I can only tell you to be strong. You mustn’t let go of that strength. The fate of everything lies with you and you alone.”

Damian opened his eyes and found himself face to face with Nyhm. The sun was breaking over the horizon behind him and Damian had to lower his eyes from the light.

“Only when the three are one…” Damian whispered. He didn’t have the slightest idea just what the hell that meant.

II

Valantine stood in the center of the dilapidated village with a look of disgust across his face. His normally gleaming shoes were covered in muck and the legs of his red pants were stained brown from whatever filth this village street was covered in. He shuddered to think what exactly it was. Whatever it may have been, it did not smell pleasant.

This was the fifth village he had been to in search of the so called Storyteller. He had found nothing but strange looks and beggars. Both of which he dealt with swiftly. He had been chased out of the last village, if it could be called as much considering it wasn’t much more than a few shacks around a fire pit, after nearly pummeling the mayor into a bloody pulp. He had no time for games. As it was he felt like a fool doing Krenin’s bidding. He did not need some filthy low bred peasant to further annoy him.

Still, he had picked up some sort of a trail of a wandering “word weaver” as some people referred to him. Valantine had heard that he wasn’t much more than a boy traveling from village to village spinning yarns and tall tales of heroes and monsters. What Krenin could possibly want with him Valantine hadn’t a clue. What information could be worth tracking this person through the most disgusting of villages?

“Excuse me sir…” A young child stood before Valantine with his hands out.

Valantine crouched before the boy, “Do you know where the Storyteller is?”

“He left yesterday. He was going to Kingstown.”

“Good boy.” Valantine stood up and pushed the boy aside. He fell back and crashed into the mud. Valantine stepped over him and walked towards the exit of town.

He walked from the filth ridden village and mounted his horse. Kingstown was only a day’s ride from here. He would have the Storyteller by morning if he road hard. He kicked his heals into the horse and the beast broke into a gallop.

Valantine arrived in Kingstown just before nightfall and was greeted by empty streets. There didn’t seem to be a soul around. He rode his horse to a nearby post and slid from the saddle. He tied the reins to the wooden pole and walked towards the center of town. His boots clacked on the cobblestone as he made his way towards a strange orange glow ahead of him.

It was a large bonfire in the town square and the entire town populace appeared to be gathered around it. Standing on a small elevated landing was a young man who couldn’t have been more than nineteen or twenty. He had dirty brown hair and a dirt caked face. He was nothing more than a simple peasant yet he had them all enthralled. He was speaking of warriors doing battle against a great evil. His hands shot into the air as he described great attacks and perilous swordfights. Valantine scowled as the young man’s audience gasped and clamored to themselves as he spoke.

“The great chain was close at hand! The heroes wanted it desperately but their desperation did not compare to the evil lord Volta.”

Valantine cocked his head slightly.

“The great chain is full of magic and the heroes knew if their enemy claimed it before they were able to find it then hope was lost for the world. Lord Volta would remake the world in his image and the age of goodness and light would be at an end.”

“Really.” Valantine whispered. Surely this was only a legend, some coincidental story this simpleton is spinning to keep the stupid masses entertained. Still, why was Krenin interested in this boy if there wasn’t something to these stories?

“But the chain is with them and the heroes do not even know it. It rides with them, fights with them, protected inside one of their own, where it has always been. Even Lord Volta is unaware of its location, but he is getting closer. Even now his agents are looking for it.” The young man looked directly at Valantine. His eyes widened slightly, “We will have to wait for tomorrow to learn the fate of our heroes and the world.”

The crowd grew restless.

“Tell us the ending!” A man shouted.

“It hasn’t been written yet.” The storyteller responded.

It was then Valantine understood the truth about this boy. He wasn’t a storyteller at all, “He’s a Seer.” Valantine said to himself as he watched the boy disappear into a visibly annoyed crowd.

Valantine followed the boy as he pushed his way through the angry crowd. Several people tried to grab his arm and beg for the story to be finished. The crowd was growing more and more angry. Savages, Valantine thought, ignorant beasts. They were hampering his movements. He slipped a dagger from his pocket and quickly stabbed three people. He vanished the blade into his coat again.

“Murder!” Valantine shouted, “There is a killer among us! He’ll kill us all!”

The three men he had stabbed all collapsed to the ground. The crowd’s anger immediately dissipated and was replaced with terror. They fled to their homes. Valantine brushed dust from his sleeve and stepped over one of the bodies. He followed the boy into an alley.

The Storyteller was cowering at the end of the dark alley when Valantine oozed out of the shadows.

“Hello little boy.”

“I ain’t no boy and I ain’t got no more story to tell.”

Valantine winced, “You are a pox upon language aren’t you.” Valantine took a step forward and the boy shrank back against the stone wall, “I am not interested in a story. Only an answer. Give it to me and you have my word as a gentleman I will set you free.”

The boy nodded.

“Where is this great chain you speak up?”

“It’s just a story sir.”

“Of course it is. Where in the story is the great chain?”

“It would be part of the little man.”

“Oh ho ho.” Valantine chortled, “That is brilliant.”

“Please sir will you set me free?”

Valantine stopped laughing long enough to pull his dagger from his coat, “Oh absolutely.”

III

Adia sat at the edge of the fire watching the flames fade burn away as the sun crept over the horizon. She had awakened moments after Damian had gone into his trance. She watched him standing stock still with Nyhm’s hand on his head. It wasn’t long before he came back and for a brief moment she saw something cross across his face. Like something had crossed between the two of them and he did not realize just what it was. She let her gaze travel from the fire to her son. He seemed to be asleep, shivering slightly in the cool dawn air. She stood and pulled her cloak off. She stepped around the fire and draped it across him. He reached out and pulled the cloak closer to him. His shivering ceased and he seemed at peace.

“Even the slightest gesture from a mother puts a son at peace.” Tomas said softly. He scooted closer to the fire and warmed his hands against the dying flames.

Adia sat down next to him, her sword scraping against the dirt, “I’m afraid I wasn’t a very good one.”

“He feels differently. You can tell by how he calms when you are near.”

“I failed him. I couldn’t protect him from the dark. He was so afraid of it when he was a child. I promised him it could never hurt him and in the end it claimed him.”

“As it does sometimes.” Tomas let his eyes rest on Tiko for a moment. He patted Adia’s hand softly and stared off into the brightening sky.

“What happened to your family?” Adia asked softly.

“It was long ago. Before…everything. They were lost to me.”

“I’m sorry.”

Tomas shook his head, “You learn to go on somehow. For me it was in servitude to a man who I believed was a hero. For so long I fought at his side and I came to understand that he was not a hero at all. He was mad. His lust for power had consumed him. His lust for an object so destructive that he would kill any who stood in his path.”

“What happens if he finds it?”

“All will be lost. Unless we stop him first.” Tomas smiled slightly, “Some of us know more about loss than we should. We know what it means and how it feels. The time will come when Krenin will learn the truth of the Gaia Chain and his fury will be unbound. That is what we must prepare for.”

“You know this truth.” Adia looked at Tomas and saw for the first time how old he truly looked. His eyes were tired and his face creased with lines.

“It is a burden I have carried for lifetimes. A burden I will soon be free of.”

Adia opened her mouth to speak again but was silenced by the thundering of hooves. The horse was on them in seconds. Adia looked up and saw only a flash of red as something struck her and darkness descended upon her.

Tiko leapt to his feet and darted after the horse but it was too fast for him. The man had swept Tomas up and thrown him over the front of his saddle like a ragdoll. Damian and Nyhm rushed over to Adia’s side.

“Who was it?”

Tiko scowled and clenched his fists, “Valantine.” He turned to Nyhm, “Can you catch him?

Nyhm stood up and looked, in his own way, from Tiko to Damian. His head turned towards the direction Valantine had fled. For a moment Tiko thought he saw a sudden look of understanding cross his face but he wasn’t sure what that would mean. Nyhm simply launched himself after Valantine.

Damian lifted Adia into his arms. She groaned slightly and opened her eyes. Damian lowered her to her feet.

“Can you stand?”

Adia stumbled slightly but managed a nod. She shook away her dizziness and looked around for Tomas.

“He has Tomas!”

“We know. Nyhm has gone after them. Are you okay to ride?”

“Yes. I’m fine.”

Damian reached forward and brushed his fingertips against her forehead. It seemed an almost tender moment to Adia until she saw his fingers. They came away moist with blood.

“Are you sure?”

She felt foolish now, “I’m fine.” She turned away and walked to her horse.

Valantine kicked his horse hard. The beast sped up and thundered across the field. He was using most of his attention to keep Tomas from throwing himself off the horse. Somehow Tomas managed to spin himself around, delivering a vicious kick to Valantine’s face and sending him sprawling off the horse. Tomas’ momentum was too great to stop himself from falling off the horse. He rolled harmlessly in the think grass.

Valantine got to his feet and looked at the elbow of his jacket. It was streaked with a grass stain.

“You little shit.” He hissed and darted forward. He grabbed Tomas by the neck and lifted him into the air, “No more fucking around, little one. Give it to me.”

Tomas grabbed Valantine’s hand and tried to pry it loose. He was losing air quickly.

“I…don’t…”

Valantine let loose a disgusted sigh and dropped Tomas to the ground, “I guess this will have to go the hard way.” He pulled out a dagger from his coat. He grabbed Tomas by the shirt and sliced through the buttons. The ruined shirt fell away revealing a round glowing band deeply embedded in his chest. The band pulsed with a soft golden light.

“It’s true. By god.” Valantine reached forward and felt a large body crash into him.

Nyhm was using everything he had to get to Tomas in time and threw himself into Valantine with as much force as he could muster. The two of them went flying as Nyhm lost his concentration. They both crashed and rolled along the ground.

Valantine sprang to his feet and darted over to Nyhm.

“No escape this time, boy. That chain belongs to me. I will have it.” He yanked Nyhm to his feet and put the dagger against his neck, “I think you’re just the one I’ll need to get it out.”

“Let him go.” Damian said. He was sitting atop his horse, gun drawn and aimed at Valantine. Adia, Tiko, and Alexia rode up behind him. Adia slid off her horse and pulled her sword. Alexia and Tiko dropped and rushed over to Tomas.

“Gods…” Alexia whispered when she saw the Gaia Chain.

“Let him go.” Damian repeated.

“You can’t kill me with a gun Dami…”

His words were cut off by Damian pulling the trigger. The bullet ripped through Valantine’s upper leg, sending him spinning around. He lost his grip on Nyhm.

Nyhm took a step forward but Valantine was too fast. He lurched forward and buried the dagger into Nyhm’s back.

“Nyhm!” Adia shouted and rushed forward. Tiko did the same. He let his blades drop and leapt at Valantine.

Damian lowered his gun slowly.

“Not exactly going the way you’d hoped is it?” Krenin asked. He was standing next to Damian’s horse, his arms crossed across his chest. A slight smile across his face, “It’s never easy, failure. Especially, when a young comrade is wounded, possibly fatally, in battle.” Krenin stepped to the side and swiped his arm around easily knocking Damian from atop the horse.

Damian felt the air whoosh out of his body. Krenin swiftly kicked him sending him flying through the air. He hit the ground hard and coughed, spitting thick blood from his mouth.

“Enough of this.” Krenin walked past Tomas, who was holding his shirt tightly closed. With a wave of Krenin’s hand, Adia and Tiko were tossed away from Valantine, “You are a miserable failure. I asked one thing of you.”

“The Storyteller is dead, Volt. His blood is on my hands.” Valantine cackled, “His knowledge is my knowledge now.”

“Then I shall take it from you.” Krenin grabbed Valantine by the head. A deep red glow emerged from his eyes. Valantine began howling in pain.

“There is no need for that, my love.” Alexia said, “The Gaia Chain is right here.” She shoved Tomas forward.

Krenin dropped Valantine and turned to his former comrade, “You know where the Gaia Chain is?”

Alexia ripped the tattered shirt from Tomas’ back. The chain glowed brightly against his skin. Krenin’s eyes widened.

“All these years.”

Adia stood up slowly. As quietly as she could she picked her sword from the ground.

“No…” Damian whispered.

Adia rushed forward, her sword high over her head to strike at Krenin. He took his eyes off the Gaia Chain for only a moment. Only long enough to wrench the sword free of Adia’s grip and plunge it through her chest. He used her momentum to fling her over his shoulders. The blood flowed freely from her chest and from her back as she hit the grass. She landed on her back, forcing the sword out of her. It fell silently into the green, coated with her gore and blood. She felt cold creeping over her body. But this could not be. She was immortal, yet she felt as if her life was seeping from her body. She looked down at her open chest and saw the remnants of her crystal clinging to the blackened wound.

“MOTHER!” Tiko screamed and rushed towards her. She saw his face for a moment before everything began to blur, “Damian Goddamn you help her!” They were both with her now. Damian and Tiko, trying to stem the flow of blood. She could see the tears in Damian’s eyes. She would not see them fall.

“Hold on damn you.” Damian whispered, “You can’t leave us. You can’t leave me. This is not allowed. You cannot die here!”

“Damian…”

Damian looked up and saw Nyhm standing weakly nearby, “It’s time. It has to be now.”

“Oh it is time young one.”

Krenin plunged his hand into Tomas’ chest. He gripped the Gaia Chain tightly and lifted his arm into the air. Tomas remained attached to the artifact but when Krenin’s fingers wrapped around it his body began to burn away.

“I have failed!” He moaned as his flesh disintegrated, “God’s forgive me.” He said just as the last of him burned away and was carried off on the wind.

“It is time.” Krenin said, holding the gleaming Gaia Chain over his head.

“It’s time, Damian.” Nyhm held out his hands. Valantine, Tiko, and Damian rose into the air.

Krenin and Nyhm seemed to be speaking simultaneously.

“This is the time.” They said.

“When everything changes.” Nyhm whispered.

“When everything ends.” Krenin roared.

To Be Concluded....

Next: The Final Hour has arrived.

countdown

You are not ready for the Final Hour.

how will we smile ever again
i'm asking you sincerely, my dear old friend
what do you say, is there a way
my dear old friend

how will we laugh just like before
when there's water rising up to our door
and we may never see each other again
my dear old friend


will there be someone to remember
a little place that we loved
how the music played all night and day
through the windows up above

how will we smile ever again

i'm asking you sincerely, my dear old friend
the moon on the hill says we probably will
my dear old friend

-Patty Griffin "My Dear Old Friend"

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Comes a Pale Horse

I

The wind crept through the tall grass, whispering its way to the two riders at the hill top. The sun had lowered itself closer to the ground with every moment and still they waited. One of the riders, the taller of the two, sat unmoving in his saddle. His horse stomped its foot impatiently and he only patted the beasts long dark neck.

His companion was even more impatient than the horse. He looked again at his master spoke hesitantly.

“We should go now. The men are ready. We can decimate this village and be back in time for supper.”

“Not. Yet.” The tall man said. He looked at his companion, his red eyes seemingly glowing in the rapidly dimming light, “You aren’t questioning my judgment are you, Phillip?”

Phillip felt his heart beating hard and fast in his chest. He had seen this man behead someone for less. He suddenly feared for his life.

“I wouldn’t presume to be worthy of such an action, Lord Valantine. I only wished to…”

“You might wish to close your mouth before you end up like Heinrich. His skull makes for a great door knocker. I’m sure it wouldn’t mind company.”

“Yes lord.”

Valantine looked to the west and watched as a cloud of dust edged closer to the small village below them.

He grinned and clapped Phillip on the back.

“The Monks are coming. Ride to the others and tell them we strike when the last of the sunlight is gone. I want the village to be ash by dawn.”

Phillip moved his horse away. After a few steps he pulled on the reins and turned back to Valantine.

“Lord, may I ask why this village is to be destroyed.”

Valantine answered without looking at him, “This is the secret city of Vesterburg Phillip.”

“Vesterburg? I thought it was only a rumor.”

“Not at all. It is indeed real and plump with orphans whose kin have fallen in the service of King Richard of Genae and the monks he sends to take care of them. The Pradians will dine well tonight I think.”

Phillip felt sick. He was not expecting to lay waste to a town full of children, especially buy allowing the demonic Pradians to feed on them. He could have no part of it. He crossed himself and turned to flee.

“Phillip. If you betray me I will visit your family personally.”

Valantine was looking at him over his shoulder.

Phillip felt his blood run cold. He managed a nod and rode away towards Valantine’s awaiting army.

Valantine would kill him of course. He knew this. He felt a slight pain in his gut. That thing was fighting inside him again. It clearly didn’t agree with what was about to happen. No matter. It wasn’t strong enough to overtake him anyhow.

“Enjoy the show brother.” Valantine whispered to himself.

He watched as the dust cloud arrived and a group of monks climbed off their horses. He saw several of the children rush out of the houses towards them. From the main building in the town a few of the resident monks walked towards the new comers.

Valantine smiled as the sun disappeared. Something settled on the ground next to him. He turned and looked at the ancient Pradian. Its sharp teeth peaked from beneath its pale upper lip.

“Your dog fetched us.” It hissed. Valantine knew this was one of the Pradian generals who did not agree with the amount of control Valantine had over his people. Valantine didn’t care how the Pradians felt. As long as he controlled them he had nothing to worry about. They were too honorable to break a blood oath. Valantine had defeated their king in battle and in a rare show of mercy had spared his life. The king put his entire race in Valantine’s debt. For all intents and purposes, Valantine was King of the Pradians. Very few of the Pradians were pleased with that but he let them feed on all the humans they could handle and any uprising was quickly eliminated.

“This is my gift to your people.”

The Pradian looked at the village and scoffed.

“Can’t you smell it, vampire?”

The Pradian growled, “Do not call me that human.”

“Smell the air General.” Valantine spread his arms, “You’re standing on the edge of Vesterburg.”

The Pradian sniffed the air. His eyes seemed to glaze over, “Innocence.”

Valantine grinned.

II

Damian sat up quickly with a sheen of sweat coating his bare chest. The dream was fresh in his mind. The pure desire and hunger in the voice of that monster was echoing in his head. He wished he could say it was only a dream but he knew it was not. He had witnessed the atrocity Valantine had unleashed. He had been a silent witness to the unimaginable horror that happened in Vesterburg. That memory had been locked deeply away for longer than he could even say. But now, everything was coming back.

He looked around the room and noticed he was covered in some kind of animal skin. A fire was blazing nearby. He looked at his hands. His chains were gone. He seemed to be in some kind of hut. There were several large animal hides hanging from the ceiling. They were made of thick grey fur that shimmered in the firelight.

Damian shifted his body and placed his feet on the floor. His boots were gone but he noticed they were resting by the fire. He peaked under the fur and was grateful to discover he wasn’t completely nude. His pants remained intact and dry.

“It is about time you’ve awakened.”

It was a gruff voice, thick with age and experience. It was a voice Damian had not heard in years, nor ever expected to hear again.

The man was sitting in a chair in the shadows not reached by the fire light. He stood up, his armor clinking and walked towards Damian.

Damian stood, his fists clenched tightly.

Krenin held up a thickly gloved hand and smiled slightly at Damian. His silvery eyes shined in the firelight.

“I am not here for a fight. We covered that ground long ago.”

Damian relaxed slightly.

“There are fresh clothes in the trunk there. I took the liberty of finding something that fits your preferred look.”

Damian stood and walked to the trunk. He bent over and popped it open. Inside was a long black coat made of heavy leather along with a dark tunic.

Damian picked up the cloth shirt and pulled it over his head.

“So you fished me from the river?”

“No. This man did.” Krenin waved his hand and a ball of fire floated out of the fireplace. It hovered in the air and danced slowly towards the shadows at the far side of the hut. The glow revealed a bloodied corpse of an old man. Krenin snapped his fingers and the ball of fire popped, casting the dead man again into the shadows.

“Why did you kill him?”

“The greater good,” Krenin crossed his arms, “You’ll find weapons inside that trunk as well.”

Damian glanced at the trunk.

“There will be plenty of time for that later.”

“I think there is time enough for it now.”

“I am not here for these games!” Krenin roared, “You will listen to me and understand that time is of the utmost importance here. Everything I did all those years ago was in preparation for the coming age. I will not have those plans ruined by him.”

“If you think I am going to help you usher in whatever it is you are trying to usher in you’re out of your brain old man.”

“You will help me Damian. Whether you want to or not. We share a common goal, you and I.”

“Any common interests of ours were extinguished when you betrayed the elders and went to war with me.”

“You know as well as I do that the elders were using you for their own ends. You held no allegiance to them.”

“I held allegiance to Cecil and you nearly destroyed him.”

“Collateral damage.”

Damian had heard enough. He rushed forward.

Krenin held up a hand and Damian flew back and crashed against the call. He fell back onto the bed.

“I am not the man you once quarreled with Damian. I am much, much more now. Your task now is to put Valantine in the ground before he finds what he came back for. Do it right this time. Your little friend knows exactly how it has to be done.” Krenin tapped his forehead, “Your old friend told him how.”

Damian rolled off the bed and stood up slowly, “What is it you’re after?”

Krenin simply smiled.

“Stop Valantine.”

“Oh I plan to. Then I’m coming after you.”

“I look forward to it.” Krenin said. He smirked and vanished, leaving Damian alone in the hut.

Damian brushed the dust from his arms and stepped over to the trunk. He opened it again and fished out the coat. At the bottom of the trunk were the weapons Krenin had left for him.

“I’ll be damned.”

Damian reached into the trunk and pulled out the silver handgun. He popped the magazine and checked it was full. He slammed it home. He stuffed the gun into his waistband and checked the trunk for the other weapons.

Inside were several spare magazines and something he never thought he would see again.

A single, golden katana.

Damian quickly pulled the coat on. It was a perfect fit. He grabbed his sword and the spare magazines and rushed for the door.

If Krenin was telling the truth then there was only one person alive that knew how to kill Valantine.

Nyhm, Damian thought, if you’re out there I’m coming.

III

Adia and Tiko rode behind the others. The other three riders were clustered together a few yards ahead. Tiko had a look of steely resolve across his face as he rode. He had not spoken since he had met up with Adia and the others several hours ago.

Adia edged her horse closer to Tiko. She leaned over and snatched the whip from his saddle.

“Hey…” Tiko tried to grab the whip but Adia moved it out of reach.

“Did you think I’d ignore this? That I wouldn’t ask what happened?”

Tiko returned his gaze to the road.

“She was looking for someone.” He said, “Someone you know.”

Adia pulled the reins on her horse. It nickered and stopped.

The others didn’t notice.

Tiko slowed his horse.

“Who?”

“Krenin Volt.”

The name hit Adia like a bullet. Tiko saw it in her eyes.

“Are you sure?”

“Tomas was working with him. A servant or something.”

Adia looked towards the riders in the distance.

“Krenin left him to die, Adia. I do not think he is a threat. Besides Nyhm…”

Adia held up her hand.

A rider had emerged from the tree line ahead. He rode atop a pale white horse that was in sharp contrast to his dark clothing.

“It can’t be…” Tiko whispered.

But it was. Damian kicked his horse and rode towards them. He smiled when he saw Adia but his smile fell away when he saw Tiko.

His words failed him. The sight of his son in front of him was a shock to the system. After everything he had been through it was nearly too much.

Tiko fully expected the world around him to vanish. He was sent to find Damian and here he was in front of him as if nothing had happened. He felt his heart beating rapidly in his chest. He slid off his horse.

Damian did the same. They approached and embraced.

The world did not vanish and Tiko for the first time since he returned felt whole again.

* * * * *

The orange fire burned brightly in the darkness. The small group of travelers lay scattered around the fire, except for two of them.

Adia and Damian stand near a rapidly running creek. Adia dips her hands in and splashes the water against her face.

“Did you expect to hear his name again?” She asked.

“Not in this lifetime.” Damian sighed and sat near the edge of the water. He had a deep sense of unease. Adia had told him of her captivity. If he hadn’t been trapped by Valantine, he would have been able to find and free her.

Adia saw this on his face.

“We were both trapped, Damian. If either of us was free we would have saved the other. I know this. It doesn’t do any good dwelling on it.”

“Do you understand what is going on here?” He asked her, “Why Tiko is back, why Valantine is back?”

“I’m really not concerned with the whys anymore Damian. I just want to put Valantine back in the ground.”

“I’m not so sure we can do that.” Damian said, “Krenin told me that’s exactly what he wants me to do. Meaning whatever Krenin has planned can’t seem to happen as long as Valantine is around.”

“You saw Krenin?”

Damian nodded, “He’s stronger than before. He’s got some kind of magic…” He looked over his shoulder towards the fire, “I’m not sure how comfortable I am riding with Krenin’s little…friend.”

“He’s seems trustworthy.”

“I’ve seen him fight. I’ve seen him carry out orders. He is relentless.”

“You know Tomas?”

“Long time ago. Before you.”

“Is he immortal?”

“I’m not sure what he is. If he was gifted the way we were, I don’t know.”

“Gifted? Is that what you call it? Is that what you think we are?”

Damian looked at her.

“This is a curse Damian. We should have died long ago.”

“Speak for yourself.”

“900 Years. 900 years is a long time Damian. It’s too long. It’s too long to do what we do. It’s too long to love someone and know it’s in vain.”

“I can’t give you what you want.” Damian whispered.

“I know this. We had our time Damian. Short as it was. There was only one good thing to come from it and he’s sleeping by that fire. I know what we were back then but what are we now? After everything, what are we now?”

“All that we have left is each other Adia. We can’t let that go.”

Adia stood up.

“900 years is a long time to hold on to something.” She turned and walked towards the fire.

Damian had a flash of a memory of a burning town filled with innocent children and clergy. He lowered his head. If only Adia knew all there was to know. 900 years wouldn’t seem quite as long as she thought. Not compared to Damian. Not in the least.

“There will never be peace.” He whispered softly. The words so quiet he barely heard them himself/

Adia left Damian sitting by the creek. She walked to the fire as quietly as she could but noticed Tomas was sitting awake. He looked up at her as she approached and gave her a nod.

Adia settled down on the hard dirt and pulled her cloak around her. She saw Alexia sleeping peacefully nearby. Both Tiko and Nyhm were snoring slightly on the opposite side of the fire. Damian had yet to follow her up from the creek. She felt disappointed with their talk. She didn’t mean to start an argument; it just seemed to come naturally. She sighed and closed her eyes and hoped that sleep would come claim her quickly.

It did not.

Instead Tomas cleared his throat and began to speak.

“My lord spoke of you many times over the years, Lady Silverblade.” He spoke to her with his head slightly bowed, “You were very dear to him I think.”

“Dear enough that he sent some bounty hunter to split me in half?”

Tomas shrugged and looked at her.

“He treats those he loves worse than his enemies, trust.”

“And you think he loved you Tomas?”

“I was but a servant. Loyal to a fault, but just a servant. In the end he left me to die at the hands of your friend. I was no son, no comrade to Lord Volt.”

“And yet you still call him lord?”

“Old habits I suppose.” He leaned back and for a moment Adia thought he was going to end the conversation there, “I have learned a great many things from Lord Volt. He once told me his greatest disappointment was having to fight those he was most proud of.”

Adia scoffed, “He was skilled at deception Tomas. Speaking to you I know where he got his practice.”

“I know a lie when it is uttered Lady Silverblade. Even if others do not.”

Adia looked at him sharply. Had he heard them talking by the creek? If so what was it he was referring to? Frankly, she was too tired to think it over or question him further. Instead, she asked the only thing she could muster the energy to be concerned about.

“Why is Krenin here?”

“To obtain the Gaia Chain at long lost he believes he has finally tracked it here to this world.”

Adia suddenly did not feel as tired as before.

“The Gaia Chain is the reason he betrayed The Elders. They never felt it necessary to tell us what it was.”

“It is a relic of the Ancient Gods. It is said that the Gaia Chain represents every world in existence. Every link is another dimension, another world.”

“Why does Krenin want it?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Damian said as he stepped from the shadows into the firelight, “Whoever holds the chain has the power to remake everything.”

Adia had a sudden pain in her stomach. She knew at once looking at Damian in the firelight that everything was not as it seemed. She felt a flash of anger as she realized Damian had been keeping information from her.

“Just what the hell is going on here Damian?”

Damian looked at her. His eyes were deadly serious.

“The Bloodline shall end in the service of the chain.” Damian said.

“What the hell does that mean?” Adia asked.

“It means that my final task is to protect the Gaia Chain.”

* * * * *

He watched them from the shadows and listened as they spoke. Even in the dead of night, in wide open spaces the idiots spill their guts like no one could possibly be listening.

But of course, he was listening, and liking what he was hearing more and more.

This changes everything, Valantine thought, perhaps he could find this Krenin Volt and make an ally out of an enemy. Unfortunately, he was unable to learn anything else. He saw Nyhm jolt awake from sleep and look directly at the area he was hiding in.

“Balls.” He whispered, “Time to go.” Valantine slipped back into the shadows and darted off into the forest.

He ran until he reached the small clearing where he had tied his horse. He didn’t seem to have anyone following him so he figured he had made it free and clear. His next goal is to figure out how exactly to track down Krenin Volt. Normally, he’d send Starr on this type of chore. She had certain, gifts, when it came to convincing and recruiting. He hadn’t heard from her in quite a while. In fact, he almost cared enough to worry if he wasn’t so furious about her desertion.

“Why do you run?” A voice came from behind Valantine. He reached for the dagger inside his coat.

“You won’t need that.”

Valantine turned slowly and lowered his hand. He adjusted the dark coat he was wearing and looked at the man speaking go him.

“You have great power in you yet you run from them.” Krenin said. He had his arms crossed. Valantine was exceptionally worried about the large handle behind his head that was no doubt attached to a very large blade, “You are an enigma, Mr. Valantine. You continue to defy those that would claim your soul. You have some very angry people after you. Both from this world and the next.”

Valantine smirked, “A lot of people want to know the things that I know. Keeping me dead is a good way to get at that information.”

It was Krenin’s turn to smirk, “You don’t know near as much as you think you do.”

“I know what you’re looking for.” Valantine said, “I can help you find it.”

Krenin laughed.

Valantine turned away and climbed onto his horse.

“Again Valantine, you overestimate your relevance. Still, you might be of some use. I’d rather have you at my side than in my way.”

Valantine flew from his horse and crashed to the ground. Krenin walked over to him and knelt beside him.

“Listen to me closely Valantine. Heed these words carefully. I am the master and you are the dog.” Krenin grabbed him by the throat and lifted him into the air. He set Valantine on his feet.

“Bow.”

Valantine looked in Krenin’s eyes.

“Be a good dog, Valantine.” Krenin drew his arm back and delivered a thunderous punch to Valantine’s gut, “and BOW.”

Valantine collapsed to his knees.

“There you go.” Krenin tapped Valantine’s head, “Now listen closely. I don’t need your help to find the Gaia Chain. I already know exactly where it is. However, there is something I need for you to find.”

Valantine looked up at him, “What would that be?”

“The man with answers.”

“Who?”

“The first of the Elders.” Krenin walked from Valantine and climbed upon a ghostly white horse with shimmery silver eyes. That horse seemingly appeared out of thin air, “You might have better luck tracking him by his chosen name.”

Valantine looked at him. He was becoming increasingly frustrated with these games, “And that is?”

“The Storyteller.”

To Be Continued

The Final Hour Is Almost Here...

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

The Badlands

I

Tiko saw the first plume of dirt before the crack exploded in the sky. He was nearly asleep, his eye lids fluttering closed when the bubble broke inches from his face. He rolled over and leapt to his feet just as the crack sounded.

“Nyhm!” He leapt over the fire and yanked Nyhm up. The small dirt mound he had been resting his head on exploded.

That was the beginning of the barrage. The ground began exploding around them as the thick heavy bullets slammed into the dirt. Tiko felt a bullet wiz past his arm, tearing into the flesh as it past. He spun around and stumbled. He saw one of the horses rear up onto its legs and fall over backwards as a bullet tore into its neck.

Nyhm jumped in front of him and held up his hands. A bright white barrier appeared around them. The bullets bounced off and fell to the ground. Nyhm’s eyes were tightly clenched and a thin stream of blood was running out of his nose.

“Stay down!” Nyhm screamed. He clenched his fists and the white shield around them brightened. The white light slimmed and surrounded Nyhm as he began to rise into the air. In one movement, he brought his fists together above his head and flew into the air. The bullets whizzed past and dinged off his shield as he rocketed towards the origin of the onslaught. His head was throbbing with the exertion but he soared faster and faster towards the tower ahead. With a scream, he crashed through the windows and into the top floor.

Tiko jumped up and ran to his horse. It was terrified, but unharmed. He leapt onto the saddle and kicked it into motion. He saw the bright light of Nyhm flying across the sky and then abruptly vanish.

“Hya!” Tiko shouted and kicked the horse. He rode across the hard dirt as fast as his horse would take him. It looked as if he’d be in the Badlands at night after all.

II

The chains were heavier than he expected. He could feel the steal cutting into his wrists. His chances were dwindling. His strength waning. If he was going to make it out alive he’d have to make his move soon.

But he was weak. He had barely eaten anything of substance in weeks. It would take everything he had to make it.

He was shrouded in a heavy wool blanket and the heat was stifling. He felt the rocking motion of the old wagon they were moving him in. The soft clop clop of the horse hooves agains the dirt…wait…the sound had changed.

They were crossing a bridge. This was his chance. He looked above him and saw the chains attacked to a hook. He spun himself around and pressed his feet against the wood. He grabbed the chains and pulled. The hook popped out of the wood easily and he was free. Well almost. The chains were still clasped and wrapped around him. He shakily stood up and shook off the blanket. He had expected searing daylight to burn his eyes but the sky was black. It was night. He looked over his shoulder and saw Valantine sitting at the reins. He had his red velvet suit on and a top hat tilted slightly to the side.

He was whistling.

Damian stepped forward ready to brain him with the chains when he felt something wrap around his throat.

“Naughty, naughty.” Starr said and yanked back on her whip.

Damian flew back off his feet and hit the wagon hard. Starr rode up along side the wagon and uncurled her whip from Damian’s neck.

“The fight out of you already ba…” Her words were cut off when Damian swung one of his chains at her. It slammed into her face and sent her sprawling to the ground.

Valantine finally turned and looked at him. Damian could see the road ahead through him.

Of course. Valantine wouldn’t be troubled to do anything himself. And then Damian saw exactly why that was. A large group of hooded creatures were riding towards him. More of Valantine’s seemingly inexhaustible demon army. He looked towards Starr and saw her climbing onto her horse. Her face a streaming mess of blood. She cast him one last look and rode away. Most likely to wherever Valantine was waiting.

“Great…” Damian muttered. He could try and fight a squad of demons while swathed in chains or he could jump. He had to decide fast. He was running out of bridge. He glanced over the side of the bridge and without a second thought, he jumped.

It felt like he had jumped off the side of a mountain and landed on another. The water was freezing and instantly Damian felt his breath forced from his lungs. The chains were dragging him down. He had no strength left. He couldn’t get free and his vision was dimming around him. He had nothing left.

Damian sunk deeper into the icy waters and at last the darkness claimed him.

III

Tiko felt a pang in his chest when he crossed the threshold from the desert to the Badlands. It was like entering another world.

It was like home.

The buildings towered above him, nearly all the windows shattered. Glass was scattered across the cracked concrete. Tiko watched the faded broken yellow lines pass by as his horse raced towards the center of the city. He passed abandoned cars and a single baby carriage that was leaning listlessly against a useless light pole.

There was no more light here. There were no more people. This was a lost city, a remnant from a world that no longer existed. It was a relic. A nightmare land that the locals feared with every fiber of their being about which they told stories to frighten their children into behaving. Tiko had heard one such story. The story of the Nightmen. Those that wandered the destroyed city in the darkness and devoured anything they came across. Tiko looked gratefully towards the horizon and saw the briefest hint of light breaking through. If the Nightmen existed, with luck they’d have gone to wherever they go during the daylight.

Tiko tightened his hands into fists around the reins. He relaxed and clenched again. He was running out of time. He could feel it now.

He kicked his horse and together they sped forward towards the center of the ruined city. He could not shake the feeling that someone was watching him.

The center of the city was a towering skyscraper that stretched higher than Tiko could see in the dark. It sat in the center of a square of streets surrounded by brown grass and dead trees. The dry grass crunched beneath the hooves of Tiko’s horse. It sounded more like dead leaves than grass. Tiko climbed off his horse and tied the reins to a tree. He patted the horses neck once and walked towards the stone steps leading to the glass entry way. He needn’t have opened the door as the glass was all broken away. Tiko stepped into the building. The floor was black marble and covered in shattered glass. He looked above and saw he could see up into darkness. There was no ceiling that he could see, just a single staircase that climbed upwards in a square shape. The building was empty beyond that. It reminded Tiko of Cecil’s old building. It was eerily similar. The outer building was just a façade to hide the secrets Cecil had inside. It was just a big empty tower with stairs leading to Cecil’s apartment.

Could it be..?

Tiko darted for the stairs and took them two at a time. They seemed endless. Tiko glanced over the railing and saw he could no longer see the floor. Still he climbed. Through the windows he noticed the sun peaking over the horizon. It was dawn. He continued to climb the stairs.

He did not notice the shapes moving outside in the evaporating darkness and any thought of supposed “Nightmen” had vanished from his mind when he reached the top of the stairs.

The ceiling had partially caved in. Tiko saw a single chair placed near the window. It was overturned and a large gun lay near it on the floor. Tiko walked to the gun and crouched next to it. He touched the barrel. It was still warm.

“Nyhm?” Tiko looked towards the rubble from the ceiling. He walked over and bent to pick up a large chunk of debris when he heard a voice above him.

"Up here.”

Tiko felt himself rising into the air. He found himself face to face with Nyhm. He had blood drying on his face. He lowered his hand and Tiko lowered to the rooftop. Nyhm reached behind his head and tightened the blindfold around his eyes.

“It was Krenin Volt.” Nyhm said, “I saw him. He vanished before my eyes.”

Tiko nodded, “Why are you up here?”

Nyhm gestured to something behind Nyhm. Tiko turned and saw a short man sitting cross legged near the edge of the roof. Tiko was sure the man wouldn’t clear his knees. He was hardly bigger than a small child. Tiko smirked at the thought of Damian’s reaction to such a man.

“Who are you?” Tiko asked.

“Tomas Gravely. I was servant to Lord Volt.”

Tiko twitched his arm and his hidden blade slid forth, “Really.”

“You have no need of that.” Tomas said softly, “I am not a threat to you. Quite the contrary in fact.”

Tiko looked back at Nyhm.

“He is trustworthy.”

Tiko twitched his arm again and the blade disappeared.

Tomas stood up and walked to Tiko. He held out his hand.

“I pledge my service and loyalty to you.”

Tiko, confused, shook his hand.

“I’m afraid you won’t have long to honor that pledge. I came back to rescue my father. That is my only purpose here.”

“There is much you don’t understand. Much you will learn.”

Nyhm leapt to his feet.

“There’s someone in the building.”

Tomas looked towards the horizon. The sun was in full dawning now. The darkness had melted away to a soft grey.

“We must flee at once.”

“And I take it you have a direction for us to go?”

Tomas pointed to the north, “Three days we must ride. But we must leave now. They’re waking.”

Nyhm dropped back into the building. Tomas leapt down after him. He was surprisingly nimble.

Tiko sighed and looked to the north. Three days ride. He clenched his fists and hoped he had that much time left.

“Could sure use a train right about now.” He mumbled and dropped back into the building.

As soon as he hit the floor the building began to shake.

“No…” Tomas moaned, “He knows I’ve betrayed him.”

The building lurched violently sending them stumbling.

They ran for the stairs.

“We won’t make it!” Tomas shouted.

“Nyhm, can you get us down?”

Nyhm looked down, “I’m not sure I am strong enough after before.”

Tiko grimaced, “We’ll have to run. Fast as you can. Get as far down as possible before it goes.”

The ground lurched again and the section of stairs before them crumbled away.

“We can start by jumping over this.” Tiko said.

“I’ll never make it!” Tomas looked incredulous. Tiko grabbed him and threw him over the gap. He hit the railing and rolled down several of the stairs.

Tiko backed up and ran forward. He leaped across the gap and landed on the next landing as Tomas stumbled to his feet. He looked like he was going to say something but thought better. He simply turned and darted down the stairs.

Nyhm leaped next and landed easily next to Tiko. They both rushed down the stairs.

The building lurched again and a loud cracking noise echoed from above them. Thankfully, none of the stairs crumbled. Instead, the top floor seemed to drop several feet.

“Nyhm…” Tiko looked at his friend.

“I know.”

They ran.

The floor above gave way with an unholy tearing sound. The entire building was going to come down after it and they would be crushed.

“We have to jump!” Tiko yelled.

“We’re not even halfway down!” Tomas yelled back.

Tiko grabbed Tomas and leapt over the railing. Nyhm followed.

Above them the top floor dropped with vicious speed crashing through the staircase.

Nyhm closed his eyes and summoned all the strength he could muster. His mind felt as if it were splitting. He reached out his right hand and slowed Tiko and Tomas’s fall dramatically. He pulled them closer with his mind and grabbed them both by the collar. Now he sped up their fall. The wreckage above was mere feet above them. The three of them flew towards the ground.

It took everything he had to move them fast enough. His nose started bleeding again. The floor below was inches away and Nyhm heard Tomas give a squeal when they abruptly changed directions and flew towards the doors. They crashed through the entry way and crashed hard down the stone steps. Behind them the top floor exploded as it hit the ground. The buildings walls collapsed on themselves and fell in large concrete slabs.

Tiko’s ears rang from the noise and he coughed as the dust and dirt filled his lungs.

“That…that was quite…” Tomas stopped talking as he looked out around him.

Nyhm was standing shakily. He fell to his knees and then dropped forward. His face bounced slightly on the ground.

“Nyhm!” Tiko rushed over and knelt next to him. Nyhm groaned slightly.

“Tomas, help me.”

But Tomas did not respond. He was staring ahead of him, his hands shaking slightly.

Tiko pulled Nyhm up to his feet and braced him with his shoulder. Nyhm could barely stand up.

“Tomas! Come he…” But Tiko had seen what Tomas was looking at.

There were hundreds of them. They looked like men but they had long gore covered claws. They were also skinless. They all looked like freshly skinned men. Streams of red blood coursed over the exposed muscles. One of them snarled and clicked its sharp rotted teeth.

“What are they?” Tiko whispered.

“Nightmen.” Tomas said.

Tiko looked at the sun now climbing its way into the sky.

“Of course. Nightmen.”

IV

Adia slammed her fist against the stone wall. It had no effect of course besides causing her significant pain. She had no idea how to get out of this prison. She was completely sealed inside this cavern. No amount of kicking or striking was helping. Still, she had to try something. She wouldn’t allow herself to simply sit and do nothing. She would waste away unless she found a way out. Surely, there would be some way to open the door.

Adia would not have to discover that however as the door way began to slowly raise. She stepped back away from the rising stone and unsheathed her sword. She saw a deep maroon robe covering a slim female shape. The door raised and revealed the dark crimson hair.

“At last you’re awake.” Alexia said. She removed her robe, revealing a tight fighting shirt and pants. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail.

“You did this to me. You imprisoned me here!”

She nodded.

“This is a holy place, Adia. It is called The Chamber of the Old Dream. I put you here to see the truth you ignore. Your dream gave you what you most wanted but it also showed you how that dream would be shattered. You see now that no matter what course your life takes you are destined to fight. You are destined to use your anger and pain to save others.”

Adia squeezed the hilt of her sword. She was tired of the pain, tired of the anger. She didn’t need a witch to show her that her life was a series of tragedies. She didn’t need a witch to tell her what her destiny was. She always new that, she simply wanted to turn her back on it.

"You can strike me down now Adia or we can go save your son. The choice is yours.”

“My…son? Tiko?” Adia felt a pang in her chest, “He’s dead.”

“Not anymore.” Alexia turned and walked down the dark corridor, “Come with me if you wish to save him.”

Adia sheathed her sword and followed.

V

Tiko slashed at the attacking demon and spun away as a spurt of thick brown fluid burst from its neck. He crouched and sliced at the gut of another and then stood and plunged his blades into two other demons. They squealed in pain and ripped themselves away from him.

Tomas was holding his own as well. He was fighting with a surprising fierceness. He had several small blades hidden in his clothing and was using them to slice and dice the demons with expert efficiency. He certainly had secrets and Tiko was sure he didn’t know all that Tomas was capable. He watched as Tomas used the corpse of one demon as a spring board, leaping into the air and burying his blades into another demon’s eyes.

The demons kept coming. Tiko didn’t know how Damian could do it. Fight of horde after horde of monsters and still keep going. As it was, Tiko’s arms were already tiring and he didn’t think he’d be able to keep it up much longer. Tiko saw a group of the skinless beats moving towards Nyhm, who was lying nearby barely conscious. He wouldn’t make it in time and Tomas was busy with a group of his own.

Tiko sliced his way through the mass of beasts that were rushing towards him. He saw the demons leap onto Nyhm and moments later saw them all flying through the air.

Nyhm slowly rolled over and stood up. He was woozy still and shaky on his feet but he was up.

“Get down you idiot!” A female voice shouted.

Tiko ducked just as a steam of red shot above his head. A demon dropped dead behind him. Tiko looked at the woman who had just emerged from a tunnel in the ground. She had deep red hair and held some kind of wand in her hand. It’s tip glowed crimson.

Tiko’s eyes widened when he saw Adia emerge behind her.

He started to run towards her but she held up her hand and released her sword.

“Fight now,” She said, “reunion later.” And she started killing.

Tiko grinned and followed suit. Suddenly the pain in his arms seemed to have faded away.

They fought for what seemed like hours before the last of the demons ran away in fear. They had fought valiantly and survived minus some cuts and scratches. Tomas had a nasty bite on the side of his head but Alexia was working to heal it.

They stood among hundreds of corpses breathing heavily, their hearts pounding in their ears. Tiko made his away to Adia and they embraced.

“I don’t understand this.” Adia whispered.

“They sent me back to find Damian. Valantine has him.”

“Not anymore.” Alexia said.

“We have to get moving. They’ll be back with their friends.” Tomas said. He glanced at the devoured corpse of Tiko’s horse, “I can get us horses we’ll have to walk a few hours to the east.”

Tiko looked at Adia and smiled.

“Just like old times.” He said.

She said nothing. Her eyes were wet and she hugged him again.

“Let’s go.” Alexia said, “I’ll tell you about Damian on the way.”

Together they walked east. As they walked along the concrete through the city they could hear the sound of an approaching horse. They hid as the rider passed. Adia stepped from the shadows, her face contorted in rage.

“Starr.” She said and began to follow her.

Tiko grabbed her arm, “No. I will follow her and see what she is up to. Go with them and get the horses. Come back here for me and we’ll go together to find Damian.”

“I can take care of Starr.” Adia said.

“I have no doubt that you can. But you’re strength is better suited with them. Get the horses and come back for me.”

Adia looked past him and nodded.

“Be careful.” She said.

Tiko watched them walk away. He had had his mother back for such a short time and he was sending her away again. He squeezed his hands into fists.

“There will never be enough time.” He whispered and turned to follow Starr.

VI

Starr slid off her horse and walked towards the crumbled remains of the building.

“Damn.” She hissed and stepped inside the building. There wasn’t much room to move around inside considering the entire center of the building seemed to have collapsed. She looked up and noticed that the top half of the building had folded in on itself and was resting on the wreckage of the collapse. The rest of the walls would probably buckle and send the entire remaining structure into a heap. Starr cursed in disgust and was about to turn to storm out of the rubble when someone grabbed her from behind. She saw a hand in front of her face and then a blade slid out of the sleeve and pressed against her chin.

“What is your business with Krenin Volt?” Tiko asked.

“Take that pig sticker out of my face.”

Tiko jerked his arm and a thin line of blood appeared on Starr’s cheek.

“You aren’t in a bargaining position, Starr, and I’m not that interested in hearing what you have to say.”

Tiko moved around to stand in front of her. He was mildly satisfied when he saw her eyes widen slightly.

“Doesn’t anyone stay dead anymore?” She asked with a sneer.

“Yes.” Tiko reared back and slashed his knife at Starr. The blade ripped a gaping wound in her stomach. She winced and grabbed at the slice. Blood poured over her hands. Tiko stepped forward and jabbed the knife into her gut. He put his other hand against her cheek.

Starr felt weak. She couldn’t muster the strength to fight him off.

“You’ve caused so much misery,” Tiko said, “It’s time someone put you out of yours.”

Starr barely felt Tiko’s hand twitch but she did feel his other blade slipping into the soft flesh under her chin. For a moment there was only searing, blinding pain as the blade slit its way through her tongue. Her mouth filled with blood. It slowly spilled out over her lips. Then the blade broke through the roof of her mouth, ripped its way into her brain and the pain was gone. She had one last look at Tiko’s expressionless face and for a moment it seemed as if she could see right through him.

Then she was dead and Tiko let her lifeless corpse slide off his blades. He stepped over her body, pausing only to grab the whip tied at Starr’s waist. He did not look at her again as he walked to the edge of the city to wait for his mother to return.