The Last Resort

Bodies…myriads of stricken dead bodies lay spread across the plain. General Carias’ had smote over one-hundred foes. His army had won the war but at a cost.

He scanned the battlefield to count the survivors. “Twelve men left.”

One of his soldiers came to him. “Is it over, General?”

Carias gazed at the enemy stronghold in the distance. “We have exhausted a good amount of their warriors. Wrethmire will strike first, next.”

Carias mounted his horse. “If they do not attack within two weeks, that may indicate their soldier loss.”

He kicked his horse and rode off with the remaining soldiers following.

They all dismounted in the courtyard and walked into the castle.

King, Dreyfus met King Nephar, eating a mango He and saw Carias’ gloomy face and dropped the fruit.

“Ninety percent of our battalion was killed. I am hoping it is the last time we hear from them, but it could be wishful thinking. said Carias.

“Will you join me to speak to priest hawthorn?”

“We are indeed desperate. Any help, would be do.”

The two left the antechamber. They walked down the courtyard steps and strolled a few houses and they reached the cathedral. They pushed the door and met the priest. “Greetings, lords?”

“Priest Hawthorn, we cannot take another attack from Wrethmire.”

Hawthorn smiled and put a hand on King Dreyfus’s shoulder. “I have good news from the Lord. Come with me.”

Priest Hawthorn led them to an altar. He placed a hand over the altar and a pillar of blue light rose from it. An image appeared amidst of the light which was of a man in a black cloak holding a gold staff.

“This man is Wrethmire’s last resort, a powerful sorcerer. But God is greater. Nevertheless, he is keen and cunning. He can create convincing Illusions and false displays false supernatural signs.”

Hawthorn pulled out a purple, oval jewel. “This a holy relic, conceived in heaven.” The priest put a hand on Carias’ shoulder and uttered a prayer over him. “Godspeed General.”

Carias knew this was his mission alone. Before packing, he ate a meal of seared salmon and fried cucumber

When he was packed for the long journey, he set out for the kingdom of Wrethmire to confront the wizard. He rode through the descent of the battle plain.

Carias saw deer frolicking through the landscape as well as ducks fly in V formation. He rode up the incline of the plain with the castle in sight.

He was close and he met no sign of the wizard.

He reached the large hill apex where Wrethmire sat. Carias was dressed in typical peasantry clothes. He approached a horse stall kept by a plump man in a tunic.

“My mount must be kept for the night. How much will it cost?”

“Three gold coins.”

Carias gave the money and set off to castle.

As he walked, he scanned the sight of the enemy kingdom. The houses were less ornate and less well built. Crude crops grew in spots and the people were dressed in dirty clothes. Indeed, it was a land oppressed by a tyrant king.

After an hour, he made it to the castle. Two guards were on each side of the door.

Carias did not know how to use the stone, and he did not think of asking Hawthorn how to use it. He took it out and suddenly, the guards opened the door, as if some power had pressed them to do it.

Carias entered and saw the contrast between royalty and the peasants. All within were decked with silk robes and fine scarlet capes.

“Where is he?” said Carias.

A black rod-iron door with onyx stones was at his left. Ahead of him was a golden door, which obviously led to the throne room. “He has to be at the black door for certain.”

He approached it and it opened on its own and Carias jolted back. “Sorcery!”

Carias entered into a short corridor with a large room with metal braziers with pillars holding up a low vaulted ceiling.

The cloaked wizard appeared in a plume of smoke. His face was gaunt with yellow eyes. “Hello, Carias. I am Bronus. Are you read to die?”

Bronus held up his staff and an enormous red dragon with three heads took shape.

Carias knew God was greater, but the huge behemoth was overwhelming and Carias trembled. What was he to do?

Carias saw the dragon’s mouth burn with fire and Carias jumped to the right, dodging a stream of fire. He felt the hotness skim over his back. This was no illusion!

He took out the jewel and the dragon reacted as it stepped back. It spewed out more flames and Carias put up his hands, shielding himself. The flame was deterred and Bronus gnashed his teeth.

Carias took courage and instinctively took the stone and cast it at the beast. It passed through the apparition like a shadow. Carias smiled and he himself passed the dragon as it became transparent until it was gone.

“Your spells are nothing in the face of God! Yield and you will live!”

Bronus threw an ice attack, but it had no affect.

“I surrender!” Bronus fell to his knees.

Carias approached him. When Carias was near Bronus, he took out a dagger and stabbed Carias in his upper thigh. He gasped and stumbled back.

Bronus stood and went to finish his work. But, Carias, a hardened warrior, hit the knife out of Bronus’ hand and took him by the wrist and spun him around then squeezed his neck until he passed out.

Carias turned and Wrethmire’s king, Darvy, was still like stone. “I saw everything! Who are you?”

“I am a servant of King Nephar.”

“I submit to you!”

Carias sighed and folded his hands and looked upward as if thanking God. The fifteen years of war was won. And he cried tears of joy, both to God and the victory.