Phew. It's been awhile since I had a chance to write again, but I'm back… until August anyway, so I'll try and write some more chapters in advance to not keep people waiting for months again. I'm really keen to share this story with you all – you are in for one epic fantasy journey.

If you are keen for more epic stories from me with a fantasy vibe, check our A Hero's Last Cry. This is my Beyblade season four story and it has some fantasy elements to it. If you like Pokemon, then I encourage you to read Chains of Fate Revised. This is another epic grimdark journey.

Thanks to Rosa for reviewing the previous chapter, and thanks to everyone who has this on their favourites and alerts list. You make this story worth writing.

.

Chapter Ten: Forsaken

Mariam stood before the bed and looked down at the sheets. Just a few days ago she had laid down on this bed, and submitted herself to his desires, granting him free reign to do as he pleased. A fool of a man who could've been someone of importance if he wasn't so occupied with drink and coin. "Once you had been a reasonable man," Mariam murmured. "But greed changed you for the worst, and you became prideful when the crown was placed upon your head. I only pity you because you will not see true greatness… But you were always destined to be a fool."

Now the man was dead, and the city was without their king. For now, the city was peaceful. No one had started rioting in the streets yet. The people believed his death had been due to a natural illness, and not death by poison at the queen's hand. However, if they believed in a natural death, then she was safe from the wrath of the people. But if the people began to suspect she had murdered him…

"They'll never learn the truth," Mariam said. "I played my role as a loving wife convincingly."

She turned away from the bed, and walked around it, stopping before a window. She poked her head outside, and looked down, watching the citizens roam around the streets, carrying out their usual tasks. Nothing had changed. There was still peace. She was their loving queen. They loved her. She waved her hand and smiled at the peasants. Best to keep up the false façade.

"My lady? May I come in?"

A hard knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Turning away from the window, she walked over to the door and opened it. Dunga had always stood by her side. Her most loyal servant. "Dunga. I was not expecting any visitors." She stepped aside, allowing the man to step through the door. Once he was inside, she closed it.

"I wanted to check on you, my lady." The man bowed his head then straightened, peering down at her. "Ozuma's death seemed so sudden. I did not realize he was dealing with an illness. It must be hard on you to lose him so suddenly."

She gave him a grim smile. "Yes, unexpected, but he did not choose to live a healthy life." She tilted her head towards a golden goblet sitting on the bedside table on the right-hand side. "He was drinking poison every day. If you live dangerously, don't expect to live a long life. But he never listened. I suppose he thought he was favoured by the sacred spirits."

Dunga cleared his throat. "The people have been talking, my lady. Down at the tavern, there were talks of questioning your leadership. Some people do not want to be ruled by a woman. Even the Seer had to warn me that your life was in danger. I chose to dismiss his words, but what if the people revolt?"

She lifted a brow. "They will not."

"Why would the Seer warn me about you?"

Her jaw tightened. The Seer had warned Dunga about her? The man needed a talking too. He would see reason. "I am the Queen."

Dunga frowned. "What if there is truth to his words? What if you are in danger, my lady?"

"Then we punish anyone shows disobedience towards me." A woman could be as tough as any man. Certainly tougher than Ozuma who would probably faint at the sight of battle. It was much easier to appear strong and tough whilst sitting on a throne in the safety of a well-guarded fortress. "Dunga. The people understand Ozuma's death was natural." No one would ever find out poison had been used. She had cleaned up all the evidence.

"But not everyone believes that. You weren't there at the tavern, and we can't run around punishing everyone that distrusts you. We need stability more than ever now – you have to show them you are a capable leader," Dunga reasoned.

She almost rolled her eyes. Dunga, the voice of reason? Perhaps there was a brain inside that large body after all. "I am capable."

"I know you are, but you don't have to convince me." Dunga pointed to the widow. "You have to convince the people down there on the streets – the people who carry out the menial tasks each day, and the soldiers that patrol the streets to defend us from danger. These are the people that keep this city running. Without their support, you have nothing."

She tightened her jaw again, fingers curling into fists. Dunga was right. She hated to admit it, but the man raised a good point. How could she rule over a kingdom if there was no one to rule over? "And how am I supposed to convince them? Have I not done enough at Ozuma's side?"

"But you haven't had the chance to lead."

Mariam scowled. "Ozuma ignored the threats outside our walls, but I know our future is out there. If we want to become the most powerful kingdom in the region then we must obtain the four relics of the guardians…. the bitbeasts." The creatures of myth and legend. The guardians of humanity. Four creatures of immense power who each gifted a weapon to a hero with a pure heart to combat evil, but the relics were lost after the great war. Now they were scattered across the land and she hadn't a clue where to begin looking.

"You want to find them."

"We were tasked with protecting them," Mariam replied.

"But they were lost during the war."

Mariam nodded. "Our ancestors failed in protecting the relics. They were supposed to lock them away – seal them until they were needed again – but emotion overrode logic, and now we're left to right their wrongs. Ozuma would rather drown himself in poison each day than fulfill his duty to our ancestors."

"Do you know where the relics are?"

Mariam shook her head. "I only know of one. The Amulet of Healing in Madari. It makes perfect sense the relic would be there because they worship Dranzer, one of the four guardians. But where the other three are, I do not know."

"We can't just walk into Madari."

"Eventually we will have to."

Raising an eyebrow, Dunga said, "We don't have the numbers to take on the emperor."

"We need to find the other three relics first."

"And how do we do that?"

She turned to him. "We visit the Rock."

Dunga narrowed his eyes. "That place is too dangerous!"

"The Seer's powers do not extend to finding lost relics, but we know the Rock can." She moved towards the window once more and peered outside, looking towards the horizon. A top a steep hill, there was a ring of old odd-shaped stones all facing towards a large black rock, rumoured to have come from the gods themselves.

"We cannot trust the voices," Dunga hissed. "You know the risk of stepping inside the circle and touching the stone… Letting that into your head… It's risky."

She folded her arms. "You said I need to win the favour of the people. I need to show them that I can be strong. I will counsel from the Rock. You do not have to accompany me if you do not want too."

"I swore to always stand at your side. I will not leave you, my lady."

The corners of her mouth curved upwards. "Your loyalty will be rewarded. Come. We must depart at once – there is no time to waste."

She turned away from the window once more, headed towards the door then stopped, glancing over her shoulder, casting one more look at the bed. Ozuma had failed to be a leader. She would not do the same mistake. She would bring glory to the people once more no matter what it would take.

.

Tears rolled down his tanned cheeks, and nothing he did could keep them at bay. His grandfather lay next to him, coughing and wheezing, struggling to hold onto life, and all Tyson could do was watch. How pathetic he was. He balled his fingers into a fist and punched the ground, tears falling onto the wooden planks beneath him.

"I failed you," Tyson murmured, gazing down at his grandfather. The old man had taken his final breath. Never again would he lead his people. What would the people say? How was he going to explain to the village Kai had killed their leader? Would they even believe him? Would anyone dare to act? No. What could anyone do against the might of the empire?

Nothing. Only silence greeted his words. He shifted his attention away, turning his gaze on the Dragoon statue peering down at him. "Take the sword," Tyson murmured. Find Hiro. That's what grandfather wanted him to do, but how could he leave this village behind? People would want answers… Would they blame him for the death if he fled like a coward? Wiping tears from his eyes, Tyson moved towards the blade. He reached out a hand. His skin met searing heat, as if the blade had just been made. He pulled his hand back. "I am no warrior."

Do not be afraid, Tyson.

Tyson frowned, turning his head around, darting his eyes around the room. Someone had spoken. But whom? There was no one else in the room, but himself and his dead grandfather. "Who is there?" he demanded, mustering up his courage, trying to keep a brave face. But the voice had come from inside his head. How was that even possible? Perhaps he was losing his mind.

Look at me, Tyson. Young warrior. Pick up the blade.

Was it- He turned to the statue again. "Dragoon?" he murmured. No. How could a statue talk? He had prayed before the statue many times before and Dragoon had never responded, so why would he start talking now? "I must be losing my mind…" He rubbed his eyes and shook his head, as if that would somehow make him regain sanity.

I am real. Take the sword, Tyson.

Maybe this was some weird dream, but either way, it was better than standing in the room with a decaying corpse feeling helpless. Bracing himself for his hands to burn, Tyson clenched his jaw and moved his hands to the sword's hilt. He expected pain – but there was nothing but warmth. "…Dragoon?" Did the guardian live inside the blade? "Are you… the sword?" He felt dumb for asking – after all, how could a god live inside a sword? But what other explanation was there? How else could a sword feel alive?

Yes.

He tightened his grip around the hilt of the blade then held it up. The sword was slightly longer than his arm but was as light as a feather. Presumably because Dragoon lived inside the blade. He traipsed his free hand across the warm steel. As his fingers danced across the blade, strange symbols appeared. Nothing he could decipher. It was old writing of some sort. Did his grandfather know? Did Hiro?

This sword has been passed down to every male heir in your bloodline, Tyson. Now you are the wielder.

Tyson lowered the sword. "But I'm no fighter." Kai appeared in his mind. The man's smug face, a stark contrast to his own. His jaw tightened. "I couldn't stop him… I… I failed. I'm no warrior. You've got it all wrong."

You have the heart of a warrior, Tyson. You will succeed. I will guide you.

"I've never fought in a battle before. I've battled practice dummies. It's my brother you want. Hiro. He's a fighter. A true warrior." If only Hiro had been here, then his grandfather would still be alive. Hiro never would've allowed Kai to kill the old man, and he certainly never would've let him walk free. "What do you want from me?"

I am answering your prayers, Tyson.

A wave of heat poured through him. He narrowed his eyes and turned to the statue. "Only now? Why? You never answered anything! Why didn't you help when Kai walked through that door?!" Maybe it was dumb to rage at a god, but Dragoon was supposed to be a benevolent, protective force. Yet the great guardian had failed.

A sword cannot move without someone to move it. Your anger. Your pain. I will help you.

"And how can you do that? You're just a blade. A blade is only as good as its wielder." The best he could do was lop off the head of a practice dummy…. And that was only because it couldn't fight back.

I will guide you. I am a part of you. Together, we will succeed.

Tyson wiped his eyes again with his free hand. "Succeed in what? I don't have anything left now. I'm no leader. I'm no fighter. And now I don't have a home. My grandfather is gone, and my brother… I know he's alive out there. I know it in my heart."

We will find him.

"But I don't even know where to look. I've never left this village before…" And his grandfather wanted him to find Hiro? How on earth was he supposed to survive out in the wild? There were people like Kai everywhere.

Have faith, Tyson.

"Faith won't get me anywhere if I'm dead."

We must visit the place where the gods were born.

"I don't know where that is… I don't even know where to go." It wasn't as if his grandfather had ever spoken much about the world outside. Did the man even have a map of the area? The more Dragon spoke, the more he realized how little he knew about the world he lived in. "You're putting a lot of faith in me." As had his grandfather.

You must be strong. This is your destiny. You were born to lead, Tyson. To be a warrior. It's in your blood.

Tyson remained tight-lipped, unsure how to respond. Could Dragoon read his thoughts. What if he lost the sword? Would someone else be able to wield the Dragoon blade? There were so many questions racing through his head, yet no one could provide him with answers. He was alone. Still clasping the blade firmly, he shifted his gaze towards his grandfather once more.

"I need to bury him. The townsfolk must know."

We do not have time. You must leave at once or you'll never have the chance.

"But I can't leave him here!" To rot away. How long would it take for someone to find him?

Your people will have questions. They will blame you. No one will blame Kai.

"But I wouldn't kill my own grandfather!" Tyson protested, but the god had raised a fine point. Who would accuse of Kai of murder when it was much easier to accuse the grandson? "He needs to be buried though… We can't just… Let him rot like this. He deserves some dignity."

You must leave now. The path is long, and the night will shield you.

Tyson lowered his head and kissed his grandfather on the forehead. "I'm so sorry…" Climbing to his feet, he backed away towards the door, taking one last look at the house he had called home. Now it was a graveyard. He moved to the door frame and bit down on his lower lip. "All I wanted to do was make you proud… I hope you can forgive me…"

It was wrong. He knew it was. He should've buried the man, but Dragoon made a fine argument. Staying behind would raise suspicion, and Kai could easily accuse Tyson of murder. Why wouldn't he? It wasn't as if anyone would dare suspect the empire from committing an act of evil or death would await them too.

Casting one last glance at his old man, Tyson whispered, "I will always love you, grandfather."

Now he could leave.

.

It was the start of a new day, and Robert was greeted by the morning chill. Dense fog covered the kingdom making it difficult to see what was right in front of him. But he could still hear clearly. He heard the voice of Enrique speaking to another soldier somewhere close by. He moved towards the sound, wrapping his cloak around his body. "Enrique!"

Enrique rushed towards him, followed by another soldier. The boy was young, no less than sixteen years of age. "We've recovered the body of one of our scouts early this morning."

"Did you identify him?"

Enrique shook his head. "We saw his body only, no head. It seems whatever creature had done this to him wanted the head for some special purpose. Lead the way, Marcus."

Marcus nodded and led them towards the far right of the wall where the stone met solid rock. As they drew closer, Robert noticed patches of blood across the floor.

"We also found blood on the rock. I think he climbed up the side to head up to the watch post and was attacked on the way down," Marcus explained.

They reached the side of the mountain. Robert moved close and examined the rock, arching his neck back to look at the trail of blood. The trail travelled further up, but because of the fog, he could not see where it ended. "He was foolish to climb up to the post in this fog."

"That's the thing Robert, the fog wasn't here early this morning," Marcus said. "It only appeared an hour ago."

"It's not natural this fog. Created by magic," Enrique said.

"Zagart is a necromancer. Controlling the weather doesn't fall underneath necromancy."

Enrique shrugged. "Anything is possible now, Robert." He too arched his neck up. "We heard screaming early this morning. I rushed out but it was too late. The man was already dead."

"Did you catch a glimpse of his attacker?"

"No," answered Marcus.

The only creature that could live up high in the mountains was the shadow beast. At least, that's all Robert was aware of. "Where is the body? You said you had seen it?"

Marcus nodded. "It's over there," he said, lifting a hand and pointing a finger to a corner covered in fog.

Robert sauntered closer to the body. The aroma of decomposing flesh filled his nostrils. "Oh by the Gods... Necromancy," he muttered, as he moved into the vision of the corpse. The body was barely identifiable. It was as if the skin had been turned inside out, and even the face was badly disfigured. It was missing a nose, and the eyes had been plucked out. Maggots crawled out of the eye sockets. "Are they... maggots?"

"That is disgusting!" Marcus remarked, bringing a hand to his mouth and nose.

Enrique frowned. "It didn't smell this bad an hour ago nor were there any maggots." He cast a worried look in Robert's direction. "You think Zagart is behind this? It's got be one of his men. This is an act of necromancy, Robert… The enemy is closer to us than we thought."

Robert nodded, stroking his chin. "It was certainly not a shadow beast. They do not have the ability to turn a man's flesh inside out." Rather, the creature would eat the body whole and leave only bones behind. He arched his neck back glancing up at the blood trail on the mountain side. "I'm going to investigate."

"What? No! That's dangerous, commander!" Marcus cried.

"We need the watch post to keep an eye on the valley otherwise our enemy will have an advantage over us," Robert explained, reaching a hand underneath his robes fishing for his sword. "Do not worry about me – I am well armed. I need you to inform Oliver to prepare the men for an attack. Will you do this for me, Marcus?"

Marcus nodded. "Of course, commander." He bowed then left Robert's presence.

"I will accompany you," Enrique said knowingly.

"I need you to watch my back," Robert replied. "Whatever foul creature killed our scout will still be up there. We need to be prepared for anything." He placed both hands on the mountainside and looked for the secret pathway. It was hard to find since there was no real pathway leading upwards – sharp eyes were needed to find the right foot holes to grip onto. He continued to rub his hands over the rocky surface until he found a worn foot hole. "Found it. Follow me." He started to climb.

Enrique groaned. "I hate mountain climbing."

Fortunately, climbing upwards wasn't as difficult as it appeared to be. The foot holes were deep in the mountain making it easier to maintain balance. One wrong move and a person would fall backwards to their death. "Don't look down Enrique – you will lose your balance otherwise."

"We should seriously consider investing in a rope ladder."

"That'll make it easier for enemy spies to infiltrate our base… But it seems that might've happened already…" Enrique cursed, but continued to climb.

The climb up the mountainside seemed to take forever. Each movement drained Robert of energy – he could feel his muscles ache every time he pulled himself a few inches higher. It seemed hours had passed since they started the climb, but only thirty minutes had passed. Finally, they reached the watch post. Robert clambered over the edge then lay flat on his stomach and aided Enrique. Enrique grabbed his arm firmly and Robert lifted him up onto the ledge.

The two men picked themselves up from the ground and admired the view. They were high above the fog now. The snow-capped peaks of the mountains were clearly visible from their position. "I never realized it snowed up here," Enrique said, wrapping his arms around his body.

The mountains stretched across the valley as far as the eye could see. "We are quite high Enrique. It's only natural for snow to fall here." A powerful breeze blew through the valley. A shudder raced down Robert's spine. Instinctively, he wrapped his cloak tighter around his shoulders as if that would provide extra warmth. "Somewhere beyond these mountains our enemy prepares for another attack."

"What if there's an enemy within our walls?"

Robert frowned. "One of their men up here in the mountains?"

"It's just a thought. You know what we both saw – dark magic at work. What if a greater threat lies in wait for the right opportunity?" Enrique pondered, a hand resting on his sword. "I mean… That was one of our men, Robert. No animal would do that. Not so cleanly. It had to be another person, and certainly not one of ours. We don't have magic."

Robert didn't answer. Enrique's words made sense. But how would one of their people survive in such a rough climate? Was it possible something else lurked in the mountains? What if one of their scouts had stumbled across something they shouldn't have? He frowned. "We need to find what happened."

"But where do we look?"

Robert observed his surroundings. All he saw was a rugged snowy landscape. Then... he noticed a trail of blood leading to a destination unknown. He nudged Enrique. "Over there. We will follow the trail." He moved towards the trail while Enrique lingered behind. It didn't take him long to realize Enrique wasn't following behind him. Not hearing feet walking through snow behind him confirmed his suspicions. "Enrique – what are you doing?"

The blond's eyes were wide, his body frozen in place. "It's nothing."

Robert walked back over to his friend. "You are afraid."

Enrique shook his head. "No. Of course not," he replied quickly, his tone unsteady. "The people of Aduri are never afraid." His tone betrayed the fear he felt.

"There is nothing wrong with feeling fear, Enrique. You would be a fool if you didn't."

The blond rubbed his nose. "Fear is a sign of weakness."

"No, it isn't. Fear is designed to protect us from harm." Robert placed a hand on Enrique's shoulder. "Despite what some people may say, admitting to fear is a sign of courage, not of cowardice." He removed his hand.

"But you are never afraid."

Robert forced a dry laugh. "I am afraid every day, Enrique, but I must not let it be seen." Enrique's expression remained the same. "What brought this on?"

"It's just... so quiet up here, that's all. Can you imagine living in such isolation for the rest of your life? It would be horrible."

Robert simply arched a brow at him, surprised by Enrique's confession. "And?"

Enrique cleared his throat. "I guess we ought to carry on."

"Indeed, we shall."

Robert followed the trail in silence, keeping his ears trained on noises around them, Enrique following closely behind. Sometimes he wondered what it would be like to live in one of the other kingdoms away from the mountain. What sort of a life would he live? Would he still be a warrior? Or would he specialize in expanding his knowledge? It was hard to imagine a life away from the wall.

"Did you hear that?" Enrique suddenly asked, bringing a free hand to his right ear. "It sounded like a deep growl."

Robert froze. He didn't hear anything at first other than the gusts of wind blowing through the valley, but then he heard it. A faint growling sound coming from the path ahead. He pulled out his sword. "Quick – behind that rock." He rushed over to the large rock then ducked behind it, pulling Enrique with him.

The growling noise became louder as the creature came closer. Robert poked his head around the corner. That's when he saw it. A two-foot-tall humanoid creature covered in pale white scales stood a couple of metres away from their position. It wore a simple leather garment around its waistline while a crown of thorns sat atop its bald head. The creature had bat size ears and a crooked nose that curved downwards at the tip. Its eyes were round and black, but it was the creature's teeth that caught Robert's attention. They were large. Abnormally large. Two long sabres both at least a foot long, hung from the roof of its mouth, yet somehow it managed to walk perfectly fine.

"That doesn't look good... what the heck is that anyway?" Enrique asked, also peering behind the corner.

Robert tightened his grip on the hilt. "I don't know what it is... but we're going to destroy it." Before Enrique could stop him, Robert jumped out behind the rock.

"Robert!"

The creature turned to face Robert. His presence seemed to delight the humanoid creature. Its mouth curved upwards as if it were smiling. "You can't kill me, human," it hissed.

Robert froze. "You killed my scout."

The creature snickered. "It as is our Master demands."

"Why are you talking it? Kill it!" Enrique said. A gob of green saliva leaked out the right side of the creature's mouth. Enrique wrinkled his nose in disgust at the sight. "Ugh, gross."

Robert moved forward, eyes never leaving the creature's face. "Master? The necromancers?"

Again, the creature laughed. "You know little, commander Jurgen."

The foul beast even knew his name. Where had it learned how to speak their language? He lowered his sword, hoping it would convince the creature he didn't intend to fight. "Who is this Master you speak of?"

"The Master of Shadows."

Robert lifted a brow. "You speak of Zagart."

Now the creature looked confused. It shook its head. "I know not that name."

"Then whom?" He pointed his sword at the creature.

"Our lord."

Enrique hissed. "It's speaking nonsense, Robert. This is a waste of time."

"I can't be killed by an ordinary blade," the creature sneered, stepping forwards. "You will die here, human!" The creature lunged.

"Robert!"

For a miniature creature, it certainly moved fast. He brandished his sword in front of its face, just managing to avoid the tip of the spear. The creature lunged again. Robert evaded the attack. More saliva dribbled down the creature's jaw, falling onto the snow below. A putrid stench came from it making Robert's head spin. Enrique lunged. The creature jumped out of the way. Robert swung. The creature evaded the blow.

"I wish that bastard would stop moving so I could kill it already!" Enrique cursed.

Holding out his sword before him like it were a shield, Robert moved forward with caution. The creature hissed at him again, revealing a small set of sharp teeth covered in green saliva. Was it poison? Or acid? Whatever it was he did not want to have that stuff touch him. He lowered his blade and hung his head eyes closed.

"Robert?"

"Do not involve yourself further, Enrique. Stand aside." He waited. Engaging in a fight head on with such a creature wasn't going to work. He planned to lure it in closer by pretending to act vulnerable. There. Movement. Footsteps charged towards him. It lunged. Robert acted. He swung his blade directly at its waistline slicing it in half. "The blade I carry is no ordinary blade."

The creature gasped. "…Master…"

He pulled back his sword, then glanced down at the silver script engraved in the blade. The Jurgen Blade. Forged by a dragon's breath many centuries ago and passed down from generation to generation, the sword could kill any beast with ease.

"It's over then?" Enrique asked. "You had me worried there for a moment, Robert."

"Your commander knows what is best. You should have a little more faith," he replied, giving Enrique one of his slow rare smiles. "Come, we should head back down to the wall. I will send some scouts to collect the body."

"Right." Enrique looked at it. "What do you think it's speaking about?"

"I don't know. But we'll have to find out soon."

Without saying another word, Robert retraced his steps and started heading back down the mountain.

.

On a side note…

Because I am a sad person, I'm doing some advertising here!

I run a community board for writers, gamers, and artists, and I'm totally keen to reach out to more people.

I invite you to join with us and become part of a tight-knit community (I promise, we're a very chill and laidback place).

You can find out more by checking out my profile page and scrolling to the bottom where it says something about a forum.

We also have a Discord.

I really hope to see you there!