NOVEL FROG 3. A King Without a Throne
Immense pain overwhelmed me; a torrent of blood spewed from my mouth as I lowered my gaze, greeted by a myriad of blades thrust into my body. Never had I experienced such excruciating pain before, and for the first time, my mind found clarity. Thoughts of my mother and life beyond Elyria faded to black; the physical torment was so great that my mind was liberated from decades of burdens. Finally, I was free from it all.
Turning my head, I saw the young avian soldiers, their faces etched with terror as they hastily retreated, withdrawing their blades.
"What's up with him!? How is he still alive after that!?” one of the soldiers exclaimed in shock.
Even though this is the first time I've been wounded so severely, I don't believe it's enough to bring me down. The pain is excruciating, but I do not feel any less powerful. I'm confident that I can still obliterate their entire platoon. Despite a few arrows lodged in my back, my movement remains unrestricted – I'm still the fastest one here.
"Huh, have you finally had your fill of me?” I uttered in a ragged breath, my golden wings spreading wide; the sun's rays broke through the clouds, and my wingtips started absorbing their energy on their own.
The daylight slowly faded, the sun's once bright hue was now just a dim light, and most of its energy resided within me now. In seconds, Elyria's once bright sky turned dark; the sun was neither itself anymore nor a moon, just a mass of energy floating in the sky with no purpose. If this transpired in the mortal realm, its population would cease from existence. Avians needed neither the sun nor the moon; they would create a new one entirely.
"Good gods, he killed the sun!”
Yes, this is but a fraction of my power. Now I understand why they desperately tried to hide my existence; they were afraid! I was a fool; why didn't I rebel sooner? One cannot tame what they don't comprehend; instead, they fear it!
"I offer you a final choice! Grant me a safe passage from the celestial plane in peace, and no lives will be lost! Our paths need not cross again! I pledge not to sire any children with mortal kind, nor shall I reveal the secrets of celestials to anyone! I will simply fade away!” I shouted, ensuring everyone heard that Valerian the Golden offered them a chance to live long enough to tell this tale.
My wings burned bright, becoming the most intense source of light on the scene, and I could clearly discern the expressions on the faces of those opposing me. The less experienced among them quivered with fear, praying that those in higher positions wouldn't send them to their deaths. The commanders clutched their weapons tightly, waiting for someone to take the lead, fully aware that a single misstep could lead to a catastrophe. What started as a small platoon had now transformed into a formidable army, with thousands standing firm on the opposite side.
"Bring forth the hollowed ones!” the command echoed.
From beyond the enemy lines, distant cries arose. One after another, their screams echoed like the anguished pleas of wounded animals. The high-pitched wails soon surrounded us, coming from all sides. Other avians bowed their heads, their grip on their weapons tightening, an air of shame hanging over them. It didn't take long for me to understand why.
Chained up by feet and hands, and strangled by tight leashes, a dozen avians were brought to the frontlines. Yet, something was wrong – they were no longer avians. Their celestial presence had vanished. Cloaked in tattered white rags, pulsating black veins covered their bodies, and their lifeless eyes were pure white. Black wings adorned their backs, solidifying my suspicions; they were more demon than avian! No avian in history had possessed wings of such darkness. Numerous prophecies warned that the birth of a black-winged avian would spark the end of times. And now, right before my eyes, a dozen hollow avians with obsidian wings stood, ready to be unleashed.
"What have you done?” I gasped in shock, looking at the violated bodies of former avians.
"This is a mixture of what demons might call necromancy with a dash of the peculiar skill known as alchemy in the mortal realms. They are among my proudest creations; I call them Hollows! No, Husks! No, that's not quite right either. Let's just say I am still fine-tuning the name,” a voice came from behind the frontline, a voice I was well familiar with.
As he gradually unveiled himself, his figure came into view. He had pale skin and straight, waist-length blond hair, his posture dignified. His facial features were defined, and his eyes, a piercing dark green reminded me of a deceitful serpent. A pair of deep green wings, matching his eyes, set him apart, making him unique throughout the realm. Beyond his striking appearance, he was acknowledged as the most brilliant mind in history. Many revered him as the unofficial ruler of Elyria, a king without a throne.
"Lucius, why would you do this?” I asked.
For some reason, this entire situation shook me to the core. I harbored no love for the avians, and I felt no remorse about taking their lives if necessary, but this was simply wrong. Looking at their violated bodies, they had lost all semblance of who they once were and their identities were erased forever.
"Hmm, why indeed? Just curious, I suppose,” he replied.
"Just curious? Is that all? Have you gone mad?
"In a constant search for knowledge, one must be curious, dear Valerian. Without curiosity, I would be no better than the rest, and I certainly wouldn't be who I am today. And I believe a true genius is an artist who constantly dances between the lines of sanity and madness, wouldn't you say? Now, I think I've justified myself enough. Shall we see what these creations of mine can do?”
Just as he asked, the chains broke, and a dozen hollow avians attacked at once.