Chapter Fifty-Five – Shadows of the Past

Ailith sat on the ground with her arms wrapped around her hunched knees, listening to the quiet whispers shared between Emlyn and Kuval as the swordswoman retold the events of their travels to him.

With Kuval present, there was a sense of optimism that hadn't been felt since they departed from Arsalan. However, caution lingered in the air as long as Cadere was still their prisoner. Out of the corner of her eye, Ailith saw him glaring at her. He was still encased in a diamond cocoon from the mouth downwards, breathing heavily through his mangled nose. She scowled. Her sympathy for him had vanished.

There was a chill in the air that swept over everyone, not helped by faint, cold sprays of water carried over in the wind from the waterfall, threatening to put out their small fire if not carefully watched. They sat in the circle, huddled closely together to stay warm. Kuval rested his chin against his knuckle, meditative, as he accessed their situation and stared at everyone.

Ailith and Turrock were worn and torn, though not as gravely as Fethawi. The Drasa still sported a large scar down his wooden body. If not tended to before any more damage could be done, he could be irreparable. As if Nassandra wasn't already shaken enough. The Princess sat, jittery, twiddling her fingers endlessly. Emlyn had shifted from a ghostly white to a ghastly green. She insisted that it was a good sign, that the effects of the berries were now leaving her system. Of all of them, it was Levana the trainee who appeared less worse for wear, and she seemed as surprised as most.

''I know these are desperate times,'' Kuval said jadedly. ''But, you must know that travelling across Mameth forest is no easy task.''

Ailith's shoulders slouched. ''We didn't have a choice.''

He offered a small smile. ''I know. Chances are that I would have made the same proposal. I'm not discouraging your plan. I just need you all to be aware of the situation. The roots beneath the forest hold the bodies of thousands who were unsuccessful in their quests.''

''But, there have been those that were successful?'' Ailith inquired.

Kuval nodded. ''It's not impossible.''

There was a quiet chuckle from Turrock. ''Let's keep the successful in our thoughts.''

Nassandra shifted quietly. She had remained quiet for a long time, keeping her head bowed throughout the conversation. Occasionally, her brown eyes would flicker in Fethawi's direction, always checking on the state of her companion. Her chest ached as her mind succumbed to guilt. At that moment, Fethawi weakly turned to face her, looking at her and ready to offer assistance. However, Nassandra shook her head. A new feeling crept up on her...frustration.

''Kuval,'' Nassandra murmured. She lifted her head as the Master Knight acknowledged her. ''I want...you to tell me about Kardas.''

His body stiffened. ''Your Highness-,''

''I want to know why he's doing this!'' She said through gritted teeth, holding her composure so not to stammer. ''What did my family do? Please, tell me.''

Only the crackling of the firewood could be heard as Kuval stared blankly into its warm glow. Everyone waited anxiously for his next words. Ailith appeared just as on edge as Nassandra, desperately wanting to know where the former Knight had been led astray.

A quiet sigh passed through Kuval's lips. ''Kardas had heard of me from my time in the academy. So, even when I was just a trainee, he kept a close eye on me. It didn't take us long to become brothers-in-arms. Jerimoth and I learnt everything from him and learnt everything we thought there was to know about him. He was patient, fair, and had a strong sense of justice. And...every life lost weighed heavily on his shoulders.''

He hesitated, clearing his tightening throat before he was able to continue.

''I don't know when precisely it happened, but I began to notice something. He became inquisitorial about everything we did. He questioned why countries of no threat were now our enemies. He questioned our needless losses. Worst of all, he questioned the King.''

The Princess flinched at the mention of her grandfather.

''One day, Kardas had been assigned by King Niru to investigate an unruly disturbance reported on the border between Arsalan and Padril. He and the Knights who had been consigned with him failed to return.''

Nassandra's throat clenched. ''The other Knights...they didn't...''

Muffled cries and movement alerted the group to Cadere struggling within his makeshift cocoon.

''Quiet you!'' Emlyn hissed, grasping the hilt of her sword.

''Let him speak,'' Kuval called out, much to everyone's surprise, including Cadere's, who had stopped thrashing.

With a slow wave of Kuval's hand, the diamond encased around Cadere's mouth disappeared, shrinking in on itself underneath his chin. After a few rapid pants, he composed himself before speaking. ''My mother and father were also assigned to that mission.''

Ailith had the most noticeable reaction. She released a faint gasp, as she felt transported back to when Cadere had summoned her to the courtyard. After his traitorous acts against her friends, she had completely forgotten about him wanting to continue his parent's legacy.

Calmly, Cadere turned to Kuval, grimacing with steely eyes. ''Aren't you going to finish your story?''

Kuval stared ahead. ''Days passed without news from Kardas. I volunteered to lead a search party. Niru and his council declined. At the time, I merely thought they had given up hope. I couldn't accept that.''

''What did you do?'' Ailith asked.

''I did something I had thought about doing for a long time but was never brave enough to act on...I went against the King's orders.''

~X~

''You have succumbed to madness.''

''You do not have to come with me,'' Kuval whispered. He pulled the cowl further over his head before he adjusted the saddle on the first sturdy stallion he could find in the stables.

Jerimoth scoffed quietly. ''Have and want, my friend.''

The fire of the lanterns was lacklustre, and the moons above were masked by an endless sea of dark clouds, offering little for the Knights as they guided their horses through the stable and towards the door. Stepping outside, they were held in the night's tight grasp. It was near impossible to see in the darkness. This was as much an advantage for them as it was a disadvantage.

They crept on foot until they reached a stretch of free space along the stone pathway. Brushing their hands through the sleek, thick manes, Kuval and Jerimoth climbed onto the saddles. Kuval's examined their surroundings with his heart pulsing in his throat. He gripped the reins tightly.

He heard quick gulps beside him. Turning, he saw Jerimoth chugging down the contents of a small flask tied to a string around his neck. After downing one larger gulp, he offered the flask to Kuval.

The scent of alcohol filled Kuval's nose. ''I want to keep my mind clear.''

''This does clear the mind.'' Jerimoth retorted.

''I still say there's a difference between keeping a clear mind and...'' Kuval's statement was cut short when an armoured figure emerged from the wall next to them as if rising out of water.

The startled horses twisted and bucked backwards, almost knocking their riders off. After regaining control, Kuval and Jerimoth stared down at the surprise visitor. She was adorned with a sleek chest plate, proud to display the Knight's symbol. With no helmet, her fiery red locks were free to flow down onto her shoulders. Underneath her shoulder plates, her arms were wrapped in a silver bandage, all the way to her fingers. She clutched two small daggers in each hand, poised to strike until she recognised the horse thieves.

''Commander Kuval? Commander Jerimoth?''

Kuval raised his open palms. ''Please, we aren't looking for a fight.''

''Is something wrong?''

''Aye,'' Jerimoth blurted. ''You're keeping us at bay.''

''Jerimoth!'' Kuval hushed his friend before turning to the woman. She looked to be the same age as they were. ''May I ask for your name?''

She pressed a closed fist over her chest. ''Dakota Rowling, sir.''

''Lady Dakota,'' Kuval bowed his head slightly and then locked eyes with her. ''I will not hide my intentions from you. Jerimoth and I are searching for Grand Master Kardas's company that is reported missing. We are going to their last reported location before turning at dawn. We promise not to be gone with the horses for long.''

''And if we return without the horses, we promise to get new ones,'' Jerimoth remarked, pulling his reigns to take the lead, moving around the still befuddled Knight in front of them.

Kuval followed, albeit, more hesitantly, throwing Dakota a sympathetic glance. He lurched forward and set his eyes back on the pathway ahead.

''I can help,'' Dakota called out to them. They stopped in their tracks and looked over their shoulders. Lifting her chin, she stood as tall as possible. ''If fellow Knights are in peril, I wish to lend my assistance.''

A questioning glance was shared between the two friends. Though no words were spoken, their concerned expressions were enough of an answer for Dakota.

Pursing her lips, she walked over the wall that she had surfaced from earlier. Holding out her arm, she reached to press her fingertips against the surface. Kuval and Jerimoth then watched as her fingers became transparent, leaving only a thin, barely visible outline of where her hand was. Soon, her whole hand was lucent and began phasing through the wall without any exertion.

''I know Intangisorman,'' she told them. ''I can get into places that might prove difficult for yourselves.''

The corner of Kuval's mouth twitched upward. He looked to Jerimoth, who rolled his eyes and huffed.

Eventually, Kuval stared back at Dakota. ''Be swift.''

Dakota had lunged for a horse the second Kuval gave her the clear. Once the three were mounted and ready, they urged their horses on. They left the castle, travelled through the kingdom, and ventured forward to the wide-open landscape.

Words between the three of them were scarce. The bustling life of Arsalan was behind them as they traversed the sprawling plains leading towards Padril. Starlight poured down on top of them as the clouds were split open by the mountains piercing the sky. Kuval focused only on what was ahead, keeping his head low, with his heart thundering louder in his chest with every passing hour.

''Be on the lookout for any sign of life.'' He commanded.

While Dakota nodded obediently, movement from above distracted Jerimoth. A swarm of vultures glided over them, heading towards the same destination.

''What about a sign of death?'' Jerimoth questioned, earning Kuval and Dakota's attention as an abnormality in the distance came into view.

Beyond a certain point over the grassy panorama, was a corroded settlement of land. Greenery was no more. The mud was rotten, bubbling purple and black. A living plague had swallowed the land. However, Kuval's gaze was fixed on something else. Standing in the middle of the wasteland was a tall structure made of a black gemstone. Devoid of colour, it was an entangled web of unnatural construction, like a tree whose branches devoured anything around it. Even the shadows around the structure were contorted, bent and misshapen.

Kuval dismounted his horse, with Jerimoth and Dakota tentatively following his lead. Constantly on edge, they stalked around the area, fearful of getting too close. The air was foul, causing them to swallow the dryness in their throats and try to rub the sting out of their eyes. The vultures watched them patiently.

A glint on the ground ceased Kuval's stride. He stared down and found a small flower stomped on the ground. The petals broke into sparkling fragments before the shimmering blue light disappeared completely. Then, something next to the flower's remains caught his eye. Kuval knelt down and reached into the ground, feeling something hard buried under the mud. He pulled it out and felt a chill claw his body. In his trembling hand, he held the golden hilt of a broken sword.

''This sword belongs to Kardas.'' He stated.

Frantically rising to his feet, he turned to the structure, eyeing it from top to bottom. Realising what he had to do, he dropped the sword hilt and waved both his arms in opposite directions, hoping to split an opening. However, nothing moved and Kuval was met with silence.

He rushed forward and pressed his hand against the gemstone. ''It's crystal. I can't move it.''

Jerimoth stood next to his friend and gripped his quarterstaff. ''Can't we break it?''

''We can't risk the structure coming down on anyone that might be trapped beneath.''

A moment before the two could form a strategy, Dakota stepped forward. ''I can go in...'' she paused. Her eyes flashed from Kuval to the crystal fortress. ''But, I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull anyone out. I've only been able to phase inanimate objects. I've never tried it with another living creature at my side before.''

Kuval tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder. ''I know we're asking so much from you. But, if there's any chance there could be survivors buried underneath...''

''I'll do whatever it takes.''

As Dakota walked towards the surface of the crystal, Kuval and Jerimoth observed. Their heels were off the ground, ready to spring into action if she needed their help. All three held their breath as Dakota's body faded. Her outline wandered one inch at a time closer to the crystal until she slowly entered the structure and stepped inside, out of sight from the outside world.

Jerimoth sighed. ''This is always the hardest part.''

''There could still be survivors.''

His hopeful words were lost on Jerimoth, who began pacing back and forth, taking another quick swig of his drink. Kuval allowed him to continue his ways. If it was Jerimoth's way of waiting and coping, Kuval saw no reason to argue and risk stoking the fire. He turned his attention back to where Dakota had entered and watched with grim anticipation.

Every minute that followed felt like another life lost. It had been days since Kardas was last heard from. Even if they were here, Kuval worried if starvation and dehydration had claimed them first. It wasn't much longer before dawn was breaking over the horizon, and Dakota still hadn't returned. Kuval cracked his knuckles. His stern expression masked the panic rising as he pondered breaking the structure to retrieve her.

Suddenly, a silhouette within the crystal moved. Kuval and Jerimoth leapt forward. Dakota's transparent outline emerged from the crystal, along with an unmoving body decorated in destroyed armour slumped over her shoulder. Once she was fully free, she fell to the ground limply, groaning in pain.

''Are you alright?'' they hurried to check on her, grabbing an arm and helping her to sit up.

Dakota couldn't stop her bottom lip from quivering. She looked up at them with tears forming in her eyes. ''His was the only body I could find intact.''

Ignoring nausea in his stomach after hearing her statement, Kuval inspected the body that she had pulled free. Upon removing the deformed helmet, his eyes widened. ''It's Kardas! Help me bring him to the horses.''

~X~

Their hasty return to the castle was dogged with thousands of questions from servants, council members and Knights as they instructed Kardas to be taken to the infirmary. Before they could even wipe his dry blood off their hands, they had been summoned to the throne room for questioning.

Kuval marched down the hallways alone. But, it wasn't long before Jerimoth joined him, and Dakota felt it necessary to be with him. Kuval could feel how shaken she was. She would have been trembling even if she hadn't used her magic. Still, she persisted.

''It's my duty as a Knight to face scrutiny and punishment if need be.'' She told them.

They entered the throne room. The Knights posted on either side of the room straightened and clenched their fists over their hearts. After the metal clatter of their armour, the room was eerily quiet. The three dropped to one knee and bowed their heads before a set of three thrones that stood in the centre of the room. Behind them, hanging from the wall, was a regal tapestry depicting a stallion standing on top the world. The largest, most majestic throne was nestled in the middle.

There is where King Niru rested.

He cocked his head to one side, inspecting the Knights kneeling before him with interest. Sat on the throne to his right was his son, Prince Kiros. Side by side, the difference was startling. The Prince was a monument of muscle, whereas his father was tall and slim. Kiros's eyes were soft and curious. The intensity of Niru's eyes could stop someone's heartbeat with a simple glare.

''Arise.'' The King ordered with a deep, hypnotic voice.

They followed his orders, straightening their backs and waiting for judgement.

''I'd be a monster to condemn you for saving a man's life. However, let it be known that I do not often excuse disobedience.''

Kuval stepped forward. ''Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness. This plan was of my own-,''

''Our own making,'' Jerimoth interrupted. ''After all, we are Commanders. Lady Dakota had no part to play other than following our authority.''

Dakota opened her mouth to speak, only to be silenced by Jerimoth waving his quarterstaff in front of her face. Knowing better than to argue, she kept her lips sealed.

Amusedly, Niru stroked his chin. ''I can see that. That still doesn't dispute the fact she assisted in you going against my wishes. I did not want to risk the lives of any more of my Knights.''

''I understand completely,'' Kuval said.

''No,'' Niru wagged his finger and gave a crooked smile. ''If you understood completely, you would not have disappeared into the night. And there were no other survivors?''

''No, Your Majesty.'' Kuval shook his head. Beside him, Jerimoth gritted his teeth and Dakota stared at the ground.

''Such a pity.'' Niru murmured.

Half a dozen councilmen and women stood next to the thrones, shifting slightly when the King began drumming his fingers against the arm of this throne. A frail old woman with wrinkled skin, hunched forward and using a small cane for support was the only one to keep a smile as she watched the king contemplate. Another woman, tall and beautiful, locked eyes with Kiros, and they fell into a lingering gaze.

Finally, Niru cupped his hands together and leaned forward. ''I concede that if you had listened to my words, Kardas would most likely have joined the stars at this moment. I am a reasonable man. I do not praise the action, but I must applaud the results.''

Kuval did well to hide a sigh of relief. He, along with Jerimoth and Dakota, bowed respectfully. ''Thank you, Your Majesty.''

The King shifted his stare towards the hunched councilwoman. ''Madam Wollstone, I want you to ensure that Grand Master Kardas receives the care he deserves.''

''As you desire, Your Majesty.'' She spoke with a croaked voice. It was difficult to tell with her body proportions if she bowed before him. Niru didn't seem to care as he turned back to Kuval.

''Many that I know have spoken of their admiration for you, Commander Kuval. I hear you have the potential to be granted the rank of Master Knight.''

Kuval nodded graciously. ''All I seek is to protect my Kingdom.''

''Protecting the Kingdom includes obeying your King. I hope that has been made clear.'' It was a chilling warning carried by the shadow of a knowing smile. Aware of this, Kuval bowed without saying another word. A moment passed before Niru waved them away. ''You are dismissed.''

With a quick final bow, the three Knights turned on their heel and began to leave.

Jerimoth looked to Kuval. ''I'm going to tell you what I seek...a drink as full as this night has been long.''

The room erupted into chaos as the heavy double doors burst open, crashing against the walls. Niru and Kiros leapt to their feet. A cloud of dust swept over the throne room entrance until a lone figure, wearing only a blood-stained vest and torn long pants stumbled inside. Behind him lay dozens of battered, still breathing Knights, beaten to the ground.

''Protect your King!'' Madam Wollstone cried out.

The Knights rushed to the centre of the room and formed a protective line, cutting off the path towards the King. The intruder was undeterred, limping forward and closing the distance until the light hit his face.

Kuval's face went pale. ''Kardas?''

Sheathing his sword, he hurried to help his friend. No one else dared to move as Kuval took Kardas in his arms, helping him to stand. They kept their weapons pointed.

''Kardas? Kardas, look at me,'' Kuval begged, holding the Grand Master carefully. ''What is the meaning of this?''

It seemed to use up all of Kardas's strength just to turn his head in Kuval's direction. His grey eyes were watery and red. Jagged cuts raked down his cheek and neck. Somehow, he was able to force a smile. ''Thank you.''

Before he could be questioned further, he pried himself out of Kuval's grasp and stared at Niru. His expression darkened instantly.

Behind the crowd of flabbergasted expressions, the King's face remained poised. ''I thank the Gods that you have returned to us alive, Grand Master Kardas.''

''You did this!'' Kardas growled.

Niru didn't flinch. ''I don't understand.''

''You murderer! I know the truth now!''

To stop him from advancing further, Kuval grabbed Kardas's arm and held him back.

Aside from Kardas's heavy panting, the room was quiet. With a few inquisitive eyes now in his direction, including those of his son, Niru calmly sat back down on his throne. ''I have nothing to hide if that's what you're implying. You are in shock. You are grieving the loss of your fallen comrades. If you return to the infirmary now, we can put this ordeal behind us-,''

''The Kingdom of Kreavdon!'' Kardas bellowed. Niru was suddenly quiet. ''Your throne sits atop a massacred Kingdom. Orchestrated by your hand!''

Kuval's grasp loosened. ''What are you saying?''

Wrenching his arm free, Kardas pointed at the King. ''You thought you could hide the truth. In Pardil, I discovered what you're planning. You're amassing an army. You want your crown to spread across the continent. The Knights, my brother and sisters, who have freely given their lives to serve you, have been nothing but pawns in your game! Assassins tried to silence us. You weren't expecting survivors. You never do. Not after you've slaughtered so many other Kingdoms in your wake. We won't stand by and watch you poison the world.''

Sitting back against his throne, Niru was meditative. Impervious to the accusations being thrown his way, he turned towards the Prince. ''My son, do you believe I am capable of such barbaric acts?''

Appearing smaller than usual, Kiros bowed his head. ''No, Your Majesty. I do not believe it.''

''Does anyone stand with the delusional?''

His voice reached all corners of the throne room. Kardas could see the King's hold around the necks of everyone in the room.

''Can't you see he is using you like cattle? We are a means to an end for him. This is not justice!'' He pleaded tirelessly. However, he noticed the Knights take a step closer to him with their weapons extended, ready to strike him down at a moment's notice.

Niru's smile returned. ''You are in no position to define what is justice. As you are in no position to be a Knight. Kardas Valkoinen...I, King Niru Arsalan, strip you of your title of Grand Master...''

The King's words didn't carry over to Kardas. By this point, his mind was a haze, unable to accept what was happening. Eventually, his eyes met Kuval's. ''Help me.''

He could see Kuval choke up. The younger Knight's arm flinched, as if ready to reach out and offer Kardas the help he prayed for. Then, Kuval recoiled. ''This isn't the way.''

In those teary grey eyes, Kuval saw the last bit of hope Kardas still clung to fade away.

A twitch in Kardas's hand caught Kuval's attention. He stared at it, and then glanced over at a sword belonging to a random Knight. The weapon trembled of its own accord. Kuval's heart turned cold, quickly understanding what was about to happen.

The random Knight's sword shot out of its sheath. Kuval raised his arms and created a wall of diamond at the very moment Kardas caught the sword by the hilt and tossed the blade towards the King. The weapon shattered upon impact. By the time everyone noticed what had happened, the sword's metal fragments scattered on the floor.

Madam Wollstone gasped loudly. ''He tried to kill our King. Seize him!''

The Knights hurried to circle and trap him. With his attack foiled and his path to the King blocked, Kardas searched for an escape route. Clutching his aching abdomen, he sprinted out of the door with surprising swiftness despite his condition.

All of the Knights gave chase, except for Kuval, who remained silently rooted. He couldn't bring himself to look out of the door where Kardas had left. His only movement was a flick of his wrist to diminish the diamond wall. Once it was gone, Kuval's eyes widened at the sight.

Niru had grabbed a councilman, with his long fingers locked around the back of the neck, and hoisted him in front of his body like a shield.

When peace was restored to the throne room, Niru released the councilman and smiled at him. ''Thank you for offering your life to me, Lord Bricen.''

Shaking erratically, Bricen cupped his throat. ''I...I am grateful...Your Majesty.''

The King turned to his son and the other council members. ''Kardas is weak. He will not get far. He will soon be within our custody, and dealt with properly, as will anyone who questions my rule.''

~X~

Kuval's weary eyes were lost in the campfire. He saw the whole story play out before him in the flames. Huddled closely together, the group fell silent, trying to comprehend what they had heard.

Ailith cleared her throat. ''So, you believed him?''

''I believe that I did.'' He stared at the young warrior. ''This might not be what you wished to hear. The Knights have never been perfect. I still stayed. Perhaps I thought I could help create a change. I was a fool. I thought following the law was the same as sustaining peace. But, peace can be another term for suppression. Silence is fatal in an unjust world.''

Ailith lowered her gaze. Her heart ached in so many different ways. Now, the thought of thinking highly of a system that had abused and been abused sickened her.

''I didn't know,'' Nassandra said quietly. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and dragged out a shaky breath. ''My father was scared. He's made mistakes, but he is a good man. He doesn't deserve this. We have to save him.''

''And we will,'' Kuval assured her. ''For now, we should rest.''

With an unsteady stance, Emlyn stepped forward. ''I'll take watch.''

''No,'' Kuval stood up. ''I'll keep watch. I shall wake you at dawn's first light.''

Too tired or sickly to debate, everyone began to settle down. They remained close, not only for safety but because the fire was their only source of warmth.

Ailith and Nassandra lay side by side, facing each other. The Princess pursed her lips. ''I knew there was a reason I never wanted the crown.''

''But, now that you understand more about what is happening, it might help you make a difference.''

''I don't think one person can make a difference.''

Trying to find the right words to comfort her friend, Ailith glanced at the others quickly before turning her gaze to Nassandra, offering a smile. ''Maybe a group of people can?''

Nassandra stared back, and much to the warrior's delight was able to find the smallest of smiles. ''Maybe.''

A/N: I hope that you all enjoyed this new chapter, and I hope it was worth the wait. I'm looking to get on a roll with this story and finish in time so that I can submit the full story for the Wattys. Wish me luck. Thank you all for your support. Take care.