* More Than Life Itself *
It was very early morning and Atlantis was still embraced in the darkness of night as Kida approached Impesh, who stood guard in front of Salin's door. "Impesh..."
"My Queen?" Impesh bowed in proper respect.
Kida continued, ignoring his proper display of protocol. "I would like you and your bother to guard Milo."
"But my Queen. There is no one else on duty to guard Salin. Besides, Toka is more than capable of protecting Milo." Impesh pointed out.
"Are you questioning my orders?" Kida said as she placed her hands on her hips giving him a scornful look.
Impesh averted his eyes and held his freehand out to his side in a partial bow. "I do not mean to be disrespectful my Queen, but Rosha asked me to question any order that did not make sense."
"Is Rosha Queen or am I?" Kida said, now with her arms crossed.
"My apologies my Queen. I will go at once." Impesh bowed to take his leave.
"Impesh... Do not tell Rosha of this."
"You are going after Redic." Impesh said as he stopped and turned back to Kida. "You should not do this my Queen, it is a mistake."
"I have made many mistakes recently, but I do not believe that this is one of them." Kida said upset but then sighed. "Impesh... What else can I do? You know as well as I that Milo cannot defeat Redic in hand to hand combat."
"I will do as you ask... My Queen." Impesh bowed once more then made his way up to the royal quarters.
Kida opened Salin's door, stepping inside she saw Salin setting on the edge of her bed. She like everyone else in the palace that night had not slept at all.
"My Queen." Salin started to drop to her knees.
"There is no need for that." Kida said stopping her. "How many men does Redic have helping him?"
"The only one I am certain of is Likoosh. Most everyone else seemed to not like him much." Salin answered.
"Which temple on the east-side did you see him at?"
"It was the one that no longer has a roof."
Kida shook her head, "Salin, there are three temples on the east-side, and none of them have a roof."
"I am sorry my Queen, it was dark. But I am sure I could take you to it."
Kida started turning towards the door. "No, it is to dangerous..."
"Please my Queen...!" Salin shot up from her bed, but quickly averted her eyes as Kida turn back to face her. "...I wish to help."
Kida paused for a moment, "Very well, but after we find Redic, you must return to the palace."
"Yes my Queen..." Salin said daring to look up and break a small smile.
"Come, there is no time to waste." Kida grabbed her hand pulling Salin behind her as they left the room.
Kida, with Salin in tow, quickly made her way out of the palace. Once out in the city Salin took the lead guiding Kida to the right place. Stopping just outside of the old temple, Kida could see the shape of a warrior asleep next to a smoldering campfire. In the dim light of early morning it was difficult to tell if it was Redic or not.
Kida whispered to Salin, "Go back to the palace. You should not see this."
"Are you going to... kill him?" Salin gulped.
"I am going to do what needs to be done. Now return to the palace." Kida waived Salin back keeping her eyes fixed on the sleeping figure.
"Yes, my Queen." Salin nodded.
Kida crouched down and moved to the edge of the temple, hiding behind a pillar while eyeing the sleeping figure. She pulled out a knife from the back of her sash, quietly stepped out from behind the pillar, and slowly approached him in a half crouch, like a cat preparing to pounce on its prey.
Salin was about to leave when she noticed the outline of a second figure hiding behind a column just a few feet from where Kida was heading. She wanted to warn Kida but she was too far away.
When Kida reached the sleeping figure she raised her knife high in the air in anticipation of delivering a fatal blow. But as she rolled her intended victim over, Kida froze. "Redic You bastard!" It was a young fisherman dressed to look like Redic, and his throat had been cut. As Kida stood up to regroup, she found herself suddenly enveloped in a heavy fishnet.
"Looking for me?" Redic said. Holding on to the other end of the net, he quickly kicked Kida in the stomach sending her flying to the ground, knocking the wind out of her.
"No...!" Salin yelled out and instinctively ran as fast as she could to help Kida. Blinded by her singular purpose to help her Queen. She didn't see Likoosh who was blocking her path and ran straight into him. Knocking them both to the ground, sending the book Likoosh was holding flying out of his hands.
"Sa... Salin... The book! Take it and run." Kida said gasping for breath.
Salin scrambled to her feet and grabbed the book. Likoosh reached out to stop her as he struggled to get to his feet but fell short. Salin took a quick look behind her as she dashed out of the temple. She had only one thought; she must not fail Kida.
"Stop her you fool!" Redic yelled. With a snarl, Likoosh quickly took after Salin.
While Redic was distracted, Kida struggled to her feet as she began to cut herself free from the net. When Redic noticed Kida's attempt at gaining her freedom, he grabbed the wrist of Kida's knife hand twisting it. Then with a thunderous blow, he slammed his other fast into Kida's upper arm. The excruciating agony she felt ravaged her face as her arm snapped and the knife fell from her hand. Then without mercy, Redic forced her to the ground pinning her there as he slammed his knee into her back. "You have beaten me before my Queen, but not this time."
Using Kida's knife Redic cut some rope from the net and tied Kida's wrists behind her back. "This fight is not over yet." Kida said as she gritted her teeth from the pain. Redic merely smiled as he stood up to retrieve his spear.
***
Salin ran frantically not knowing were she was going. All she knew was Likoosh was coming after her. Breaking through the overgrowth she came to an abrupt stop. Before her was a twenty foot wide gorge with a waterfall that had more than a hundred foot drop to the bottom. The only way across was a thin fallen column that bridged the gorge. Hearing Likoosh slashing his way toward her, she ran up to the column and took four steps out over the gap. The column started to shake.
"Stop...!" Likoosh shouted as he cleared the overgrowth.
"Stay away from me!" Salin carefully took two more steps as he approached.
"Please stop child. I will not harm you. All I want is the book." Likoosh said calmly.
"No...! Stay away!" She moved out further sliding her feet to keep her balance.
"Foolish girl, come back before you fall!" Likoosh pleaded holding out his hand.
"No...! I have betrayed my Queen once, I will not do so again!" She was now halfway across.
"So be it." Likoosh stepped out onto the column causing it to shake even more. Salin almost lost her balance but managed to keep moving forward. Likoosh moved quickly after her seemingly oblivious of the danger. "This is your last chance child."
"No...! Never again... Never!" She was within a few feet of the other side.
Likoosh reached the center of the column. "When I get my hands on..." (CRACK!) Both of them froze at the sound. Salin looked back at Likoosh who in turn looked down at his feet to see a large crack growing under him. (CRACK! SNAP!) Salin jumped as Likoosh looked up and reached out for her. "Noooooooooo."
After a loud crash that echoed through the gorge which quickly faded and gave way to the rhythmic sound of the waterfall, Salin opened her eyes. She had made it safely to the other side and the book was still in her arms. Shaking, she sat up and looked back. The column and Likoosh were gone.
***
Redic turned back to Kida after retrieving his spear only to see her now standing free of the net. With her hands still tied and a warrior's glare in her eyes, Kida spun around throwing a kick at Redic's head. Ducking, he countered by sweeping the back of Kida's knees with the blunt end of his spear. Kida screamed in agony as she landed on her broken arm.
"Face it Kida, you have lost." Redic said standing over her.
"You may have beaten me, but it is you who has lost Redic."
"Lost... We will see who has lost after I kill Milo and take the throne." Redic said as he grabbed Kida by her broken arm, pulling her up to her feet.
After letting out an abbreviated scream, Kida replied, "You... you will not touch Milo, and you will never be King. You have lost the book, killed an innocent man and attacked the Queen. The people will never support the claim criminal."
Redic grinned, "The people will believe that you killed him, and..."
"Are you sure of that?" Kida motioned for Redic to look behind him.
Redic turned his head and saw a large group of men and women of all ages that had come to investigate after hearing the commotion.
Redic quickly stepped behind Kida and pointed his spear at her back. "Come any closer and I will kill her!"
"Release the Queen Redic!" The elder that had spoke to him the night before stepped forward. "We will no longer tolerate..."
"I said, back off, all of you!" Redic pushed the tip of his spear into Kida's back causing her to cringe and tense up.
"Do as he says, we cannot take a chance on the Queen's safety." The elder motioned for the other to move back.
Redic moved up taking hold of Kida by her broken arm and keeping his spear close to her. "Move... My Queen."
Kida cringed in pain as he forced her to walk towards the trail that led back to the main road. "Stop this madness Redic. You cannot win. You have nothing left."
"You seem to forget my Queen, I have you. No one will dare to touch me as long as my blade is at your back."
"You are a fool. Put down your weapon and release me and you may yet live to see another day." Kida tried to reason with Redic.
"Keep moving... It is you who are the fool. You allowed the outsiders to live, and by doing so allowed them to murder the King. It is also you who chose to care for an outsider more than for your own people." Kida started to reply but Redic stopped her with a squeeze of her broken arm. Then Redic continued, "Yes my Queen, it is you who are the fool. I tried to explain it to you but you would not listen. Intoxicated with... with love for an outsider, you chose to protect Milo over protecting your own people. You are not fit to be the Queen."
Kida tried to stop and reply a second time, but again Redic squeezed her broken arm. "Keep moving Kida... Very shortly you will watch me take Milo's life and I will become King. Then perhaps you will finally understand."
"You can no longer make your claim Redic." Kida countered with a last bit of reasoning, "Milo does not have to fight you."
"He will fight me. Your 'love' will do anything to save your life, and you know it!" Redic boasted.
Kida did know it. Milo would not hesitate to sacrifice his life for hers. She was out of options and time. She could not let Redic use her to kill the man she loved, much less take the throne. More and more people gathered around them as they reached the street that led directly to the palace courtyard. It was now or never.
Kida took a deep breath and quickly pulled away from Redic ignoring the pain in her arm. In a single move she jumped up, twisted around and landed a flying kick across Redic's face causing him to stumble back.
"You are wrong Redic, I am fit to be Queen. And unlike you, I have enough room in my heart for Milo and my people. I swear to you Redic, I will not allow you to harm anyone else." Kida proclaimed, prepared to make a warriors last stand.
Redic glared at Kida, "Still have some fight left in you I see."
"Enough to take care of you Redic." Kida charged, planting her left foot she spun and kicked her right foot out towards his chest. Redic quickly countered by ducking and spinning causing Kida's attack to miss its mark. In the same move Redic swept her left leg with his spear sending her to the ground. Still in the same fluid series of movements, Redic stood over Kida and thrust his spear into her chest. The pain she felt was so great that her entire body froze as she felt the cold steel pass through her body. A single tear ran down from the corner of her eye, "Remember me Milo."
***
Rosha and Milo sat in the kitchen sipping elsook juice. Milo had spent most of the early morning in Rosha's company, but nothing was said. Suddenly Milo shot up out of his chair, dropping his cup to the floor; he was as white as a sheet. "Kida...!"
"Milo, are you okay?" Rosha asked as she stood up startled by Milo's sudden outburst.
Milo took off running down the hall, Rosha quickly followed. Milo flung open Kida's door. "Kida...! No!"
"Milo, what is wrong?" Rosha asked as she followed Milo's every move.
"Kida's in trouble, I can feel it." Milo said quickly looking at Rosha then just as quickly looked around the sitting room as if to decide where to go next.
"In trouble?" Rosha looked in Kida's empty room.
Milo ran over and flung open the seating room doors that led outside, Toka and Impesh quickly turned. "Kida, have you seen her?" Milo was starting to become frantic.
"The Queen left the palace early..." Impesh started to explain when Salin appeared at the top of the stairs holding the book. "Redic. Redic has Kida!"
"Redic...! She didn't try to...?" Milo said almost pulling his hair out that this point.
Salin handed the book to Rosha then looked back to Milo. "Yes but... It was a trap."
Milo grabbed her hand and started running down the stairs. "Take me to her, quick!"
Rosha, Impesh and Toka quickly followed them down the stairs and through the palace, emerging outside of the throne room at the top of the stairs that lead to the courtyard. They all stopped when they saw a large group of people circling the courtyard. Milo's eyes where fixed on the two people standing in the center, the morning light was now bright enough to clearly make out who they were. "No... No!"
Milo ran as fast as he could down the stairs. Impesh and Toka could barely keep up with him. When they reached the center of the courtyard, Toka and Impesh leveled their spears at Redic while Milo stood in horror of the sight before him. Redic was holding on to Kida who was barely able to stand. Her hands were still tied behind her back and she had a large gaping wound below her left shoulder. She was bleeding so badly that the blood was pooling on the ground at her feet. "Kida...?"
"Forgive... me Milo... Do... do not fight..."
"Kida, I..." Milo stepped closer.
"One more step and your 'love' will meet her fate." Redic said as he put the blade of his spear to Kida's neck.
"Let her go Redic!" Milo demanded clinching his fists.
"I would be happy to..." Redic eyed Impesh and Toka. "Have the guards back off."
"You heard him, back off!" Milo waved them back without taking his eyes off Kida.
"But the Queen...?" Impesh protested.
"Just do it... Now!" They did as he asked.
"Good... Now proclaim to everyone here that you will fight me, order them not to interfere and I will release her." Redic said with a twisted smile.
"Milo no... Please." Kida pleaded, barely able to speak the words.
"I suggest you be quick about it outsider. She is losing a lot of blood." Redic sarcastically pointed out.
Milo looked around and yelled out, "No one interfere... I'm going to fight Redic!"
Redic smiled and pulled his spear away from Kida then let go of her. She took one wavering step toward Milo then collapsed to the ground. Milo reached out to her but Redic swung his spear around and blocked his path. "Not you outsider. You will never touch her again."
Milo eyed Redic as he stepped back to the guards. "Impesh, give me you spear and get Kida out of here."
"You are truly an honorable man Milo. I wish you good fortune in battle." Impesh said handing him his spear then quickly picked up Kida and carried her back to Rosha so her wounds could be treated.
"Keep both hands on the spear and keep it pointed at him. When he attacks, step back and to the side to evade, then jab your spear at him. These are simple moves." Toka said to Milo then eyed Redic as if to say, (My turn next.) as he backed off.
Milo took one last look at Kida then squared off to Redic, leveling his spear. "So are we going to do this? Or do you only beat up on women?"
"Ha... Those are big words outsider." Redic said as he walked around Milo in an ever-tightening circle, sizing up his foe.
Milo's heart began to race as adrenaline pumped through his veins. He had only been in one other fight before, the fight with Rourke. A fight in which he'd had had no time to think about the consequences. And it had been a fight in which he was lucky to survive. Now Milo was facing off with a man whose only goal was to kill him. The calm look on Milo's face was instantly betrayed by the beads of sweat that were now forming on his brow.
Redic, now less than a foot away from the tip of Milo's spear, suddenly slammed the base of his spear down in front of him angling the shaft so that it blocked Milo spear. At the same time, Redic stepped in to Milo hitting him across the chin with a left hook. Causing him to stumble back.
"I am going to rip your hart out." Redic boasted, "But first I am going to have some fun."
Milo spit the blood out from his mouth and the two squared off. Redic ran toward him and Milo stepped back and to the side, but as Redic passed him he stopped and thrust the blunt end of his spear into Milo's back, then spinning around he grazed Milo's back with the blade giving him a stinging cut. Milo stumbled forward but quickly recovered and squared off to Redic.
"A child can fight better than you. I was hoping for something more." Redic said, belittling Milo's meager skills.
"Sorry to disappoint you." Milo thrust his spear at Redic's chest. Redic quickly blocked the attack with a downward sweep of his own spear then reversing the motion; he pulled his blade back up and across Milo's right forearm cutting it deeply. Milo stepped back wincing from the pain.
"This is to easy..." Redic boasted. "I do not understand what Kida sees in you."
"It's called love..." Milo said as he squared off to Redic. "You should try it sometime. It'll change your life."
"Love is overrated." Redic thrust his spear at Milo's chest. Milo mimicked Redic's moves from before, blocking the attack and cutting Redic's arm.
"Forgot to tell you, I'm a quick study." Milo said with a grin.
"Play time is over, outsider." Redic thrust his spear at Milo a second time. But when Milo tried to block it, Redic pulled his spear back then spun it around. Then in a downward motion, he cut Milo across the chest.
As Milo stumbled back. Redic looped his spear around and cut Milo across his stomach. Milo tried to level out his spear at Redic as he continued to step back but Redic pressed the attack by sweeping his spear up words knocking Milo's spear up and back. Then with a spinning move, Redic landed a kick square in the center of Milo's chest sending him flying. His spear fell from his hand as he landed on the ground; his ribs were broken by the force of Redic's kick.
Milo struggled to catch his breath as Redic stood over him pointing his spear at Milo's chest. The people were stunned; the man that had saved Atlantis was beaten.
"This is the man you would have as King?" Redic yelled out to the crowd. He looked down at Milo, "You die now outsider!"
Milo closed his eyes as Redic lifted his spear up. "Remember me Kida."
Just as Redic started to plunge his spear at Milo's heart, Milo's crystal lit-up in a blinding flash of light. Redic was knocked off his feet and fell to the ground as if some one had just kicked him in the chest.
All Milo could see was the light that enveloped him and there was no more pain. Then a voice spoke to him, the voice from his dreams. It was Kashekim.
(Stand up Milo.)
(Am... am I dead?)
(No, It is not your time to die... Pick up your spear.)
(I don't understand.)
(You asked for help. I have been permitted to give you that help, but my time is short. Calm yourself and let my thoughts become yours.)
The bright light faded but Milo's crystal still glowed brighter than normal and he felt powerful, as if nothing could touch him.
Redic could not believe his eyes as he picked himself up off the ground. Milo was standing in front of him with spear in hand. And although his clothes were cut and blood soaked, there was not a scratch on him. "This cannot be."
(Remember, let my thoughts be yours.)
(I understand.)
Redic charged and swung his spear at Milo's head. Milo could hear Kashekim's thoughts, (Duck, twist and counter.) Milo calmly stood looking at Redic who was now bleeding from the left side of his waist.
Milo's moves had been swift and sure, almost fluid like. He drew upon Kashekim's skills as if they were his own. It felt so natural, Milo couldn't tell if it was him that was doing this or if it was Kashekim.
Redic checked his wound. Then with a growl, he came after Milo again. This time making multiple short jabs and quick sweeps with his spear. Milo, holding his spear like a staff, calmly blocked and deflected every attack. Then when Redic overextended, Milo swung his spear upwards hitting Redic under the chin with the blunt end sending him to the ground. Again Milo stood calmly looking at Redic as he got back up to his feet.
Redic spit out the blood from his mouth. "I do not know how you are doing this, but I will kill you.! Outsider."
Redic charged one more time. In one continuous move with his spear, Milo deflected Redic's attack and cut him high across the chest. Milo continued his counter attack by spinning and rotating his spear so the blunt end was swinging out, slamming it into Redic's right arm. Redic yelled out in pain and dropped his spear as he felt his arm break.
Milo stepped back and leveled out his spear at Redic. "This is for Kida."
Redic screamed out as Milo's spear plunged through his chest just below his left shoulder. He screamed a second time as Milo pulled it free. Before Redic could fall, Milo took a couple more steps back. Using his spear as a pole-vault, Milo launched himself feet first at Redic's chest. The impact, breaking most of his ribs, sent him flying back more than ten feet.
"That, was for me." Milo again stood calmly.
(I must leave you now. You must complete this task on your own Milo.)
(Am I going to speak with you again?)
(Not for a very long time. You have proven that your heart is Atlantean. These are your people now Milo, share the burdens I have placed upon you with my Daughter and rule with a kind heart. But be warned; do not abuse the powers of the crystal.)
(What should I do with Redic?)
(You do not need me to answer that. The Kings of the past will be watching you Milo. And remember your promise to me... My Son.)
The glow of Milo's crystal returned to normal and the power that he had felt quickly faded leaving him nearly exhausted.
Redic slowly reached for his crystal in the hope that he could heal himself enough to continue the fight but it wasn't there. Slowly getting up to his knees and looking around, he spotted it lying on the ground next to Milo's feet. "My crystal... Give it to me outsider."
Milo looked down seeing the crystal and thought for a moment. He looked back to Redic, lifted his spear up then slammed it down hard on the crystal. A collective gasp could be heard coming from the people as Redic's crystal shattered into dust.
"Now you are the outsider." Milo turned his back to Redic. Then as if on cue at a military parade, all of the people around the courtyard one by one turned their backs as well.
Redic watched in disbelief. Gathering what little strength he had left, Redic struggled to his feet and pulled Kida's knife from the back of his waistband. Raising the knife high he moved towards Milo as fast as he could manage in one last desperate attack.
Without looking, Milo leveled out his spear pointing it behind him and thrusting it backwards. The blade shot straight through Redic's heart. The only sound heard was the sound of Kida's knife echoing around the courtyard as it hit the ground. Milo pulled his spear free and Redic's lifeless body folded and fell. "And that, is for the people of Atlantis."
Milo sighed in relief that it was over. He quickly walked over to Kida who lay motionless in Rosha's arms at the base of the stairs. The crowd of people gathered around as he approached and Toka, Impesh and Salin all bowed in respect. Milo hardly noticed as he handed the spear back to Impesh.
"Is she...?" Milo gulped.
"Do not fear Milo, she will live." Rosha quickly said.
Milo kneeled down putting one hand behind Kida's head and moving her hair from her face with the other. "Kida...?"
Rosha gently took Milo's hand. "I have healed her wounds but she has lost a lot blood. It will take time for her to recover."
Milo cradled Kida in his arms picking her up, he carried her up the stairs. Impesh and Toka walked close to his side in case he needed help as Rosha and Salin followed. Although exhausted, Milo never needed their help as he carried Kida all the way to her room.
It was very early morning and Atlantis was still embraced in the darkness of night as Kida approached Impesh, who stood guard in front of Salin's door. "Impesh..."
"My Queen?" Impesh bowed in proper respect.
Kida continued, ignoring his proper display of protocol. "I would like you and your bother to guard Milo."
"But my Queen. There is no one else on duty to guard Salin. Besides, Toka is more than capable of protecting Milo." Impesh pointed out.
"Are you questioning my orders?" Kida said as she placed her hands on her hips giving him a scornful look.
Impesh averted his eyes and held his freehand out to his side in a partial bow. "I do not mean to be disrespectful my Queen, but Rosha asked me to question any order that did not make sense."
"Is Rosha Queen or am I?" Kida said, now with her arms crossed.
"My apologies my Queen. I will go at once." Impesh bowed to take his leave.
"Impesh... Do not tell Rosha of this."
"You are going after Redic." Impesh said as he stopped and turned back to Kida. "You should not do this my Queen, it is a mistake."
"I have made many mistakes recently, but I do not believe that this is one of them." Kida said upset but then sighed. "Impesh... What else can I do? You know as well as I that Milo cannot defeat Redic in hand to hand combat."
"I will do as you ask... My Queen." Impesh bowed once more then made his way up to the royal quarters.
Kida opened Salin's door, stepping inside she saw Salin setting on the edge of her bed. She like everyone else in the palace that night had not slept at all.
"My Queen." Salin started to drop to her knees.
"There is no need for that." Kida said stopping her. "How many men does Redic have helping him?"
"The only one I am certain of is Likoosh. Most everyone else seemed to not like him much." Salin answered.
"Which temple on the east-side did you see him at?"
"It was the one that no longer has a roof."
Kida shook her head, "Salin, there are three temples on the east-side, and none of them have a roof."
"I am sorry my Queen, it was dark. But I am sure I could take you to it."
Kida started turning towards the door. "No, it is to dangerous..."
"Please my Queen...!" Salin shot up from her bed, but quickly averted her eyes as Kida turn back to face her. "...I wish to help."
Kida paused for a moment, "Very well, but after we find Redic, you must return to the palace."
"Yes my Queen..." Salin said daring to look up and break a small smile.
"Come, there is no time to waste." Kida grabbed her hand pulling Salin behind her as they left the room.
Kida, with Salin in tow, quickly made her way out of the palace. Once out in the city Salin took the lead guiding Kida to the right place. Stopping just outside of the old temple, Kida could see the shape of a warrior asleep next to a smoldering campfire. In the dim light of early morning it was difficult to tell if it was Redic or not.
Kida whispered to Salin, "Go back to the palace. You should not see this."
"Are you going to... kill him?" Salin gulped.
"I am going to do what needs to be done. Now return to the palace." Kida waived Salin back keeping her eyes fixed on the sleeping figure.
"Yes, my Queen." Salin nodded.
Kida crouched down and moved to the edge of the temple, hiding behind a pillar while eyeing the sleeping figure. She pulled out a knife from the back of her sash, quietly stepped out from behind the pillar, and slowly approached him in a half crouch, like a cat preparing to pounce on its prey.
Salin was about to leave when she noticed the outline of a second figure hiding behind a column just a few feet from where Kida was heading. She wanted to warn Kida but she was too far away.
When Kida reached the sleeping figure she raised her knife high in the air in anticipation of delivering a fatal blow. But as she rolled her intended victim over, Kida froze. "Redic You bastard!" It was a young fisherman dressed to look like Redic, and his throat had been cut. As Kida stood up to regroup, she found herself suddenly enveloped in a heavy fishnet.
"Looking for me?" Redic said. Holding on to the other end of the net, he quickly kicked Kida in the stomach sending her flying to the ground, knocking the wind out of her.
"No...!" Salin yelled out and instinctively ran as fast as she could to help Kida. Blinded by her singular purpose to help her Queen. She didn't see Likoosh who was blocking her path and ran straight into him. Knocking them both to the ground, sending the book Likoosh was holding flying out of his hands.
"Sa... Salin... The book! Take it and run." Kida said gasping for breath.
Salin scrambled to her feet and grabbed the book. Likoosh reached out to stop her as he struggled to get to his feet but fell short. Salin took a quick look behind her as she dashed out of the temple. She had only one thought; she must not fail Kida.
"Stop her you fool!" Redic yelled. With a snarl, Likoosh quickly took after Salin.
While Redic was distracted, Kida struggled to her feet as she began to cut herself free from the net. When Redic noticed Kida's attempt at gaining her freedom, he grabbed the wrist of Kida's knife hand twisting it. Then with a thunderous blow, he slammed his other fast into Kida's upper arm. The excruciating agony she felt ravaged her face as her arm snapped and the knife fell from her hand. Then without mercy, Redic forced her to the ground pinning her there as he slammed his knee into her back. "You have beaten me before my Queen, but not this time."
Using Kida's knife Redic cut some rope from the net and tied Kida's wrists behind her back. "This fight is not over yet." Kida said as she gritted her teeth from the pain. Redic merely smiled as he stood up to retrieve his spear.
***
Salin ran frantically not knowing were she was going. All she knew was Likoosh was coming after her. Breaking through the overgrowth she came to an abrupt stop. Before her was a twenty foot wide gorge with a waterfall that had more than a hundred foot drop to the bottom. The only way across was a thin fallen column that bridged the gorge. Hearing Likoosh slashing his way toward her, she ran up to the column and took four steps out over the gap. The column started to shake.
"Stop...!" Likoosh shouted as he cleared the overgrowth.
"Stay away from me!" Salin carefully took two more steps as he approached.
"Please stop child. I will not harm you. All I want is the book." Likoosh said calmly.
"No...! Stay away!" She moved out further sliding her feet to keep her balance.
"Foolish girl, come back before you fall!" Likoosh pleaded holding out his hand.
"No...! I have betrayed my Queen once, I will not do so again!" She was now halfway across.
"So be it." Likoosh stepped out onto the column causing it to shake even more. Salin almost lost her balance but managed to keep moving forward. Likoosh moved quickly after her seemingly oblivious of the danger. "This is your last chance child."
"No...! Never again... Never!" She was within a few feet of the other side.
Likoosh reached the center of the column. "When I get my hands on..." (CRACK!) Both of them froze at the sound. Salin looked back at Likoosh who in turn looked down at his feet to see a large crack growing under him. (CRACK! SNAP!) Salin jumped as Likoosh looked up and reached out for her. "Noooooooooo."
After a loud crash that echoed through the gorge which quickly faded and gave way to the rhythmic sound of the waterfall, Salin opened her eyes. She had made it safely to the other side and the book was still in her arms. Shaking, she sat up and looked back. The column and Likoosh were gone.
***
Redic turned back to Kida after retrieving his spear only to see her now standing free of the net. With her hands still tied and a warrior's glare in her eyes, Kida spun around throwing a kick at Redic's head. Ducking, he countered by sweeping the back of Kida's knees with the blunt end of his spear. Kida screamed in agony as she landed on her broken arm.
"Face it Kida, you have lost." Redic said standing over her.
"You may have beaten me, but it is you who has lost Redic."
"Lost... We will see who has lost after I kill Milo and take the throne." Redic said as he grabbed Kida by her broken arm, pulling her up to her feet.
After letting out an abbreviated scream, Kida replied, "You... you will not touch Milo, and you will never be King. You have lost the book, killed an innocent man and attacked the Queen. The people will never support the claim criminal."
Redic grinned, "The people will believe that you killed him, and..."
"Are you sure of that?" Kida motioned for Redic to look behind him.
Redic turned his head and saw a large group of men and women of all ages that had come to investigate after hearing the commotion.
Redic quickly stepped behind Kida and pointed his spear at her back. "Come any closer and I will kill her!"
"Release the Queen Redic!" The elder that had spoke to him the night before stepped forward. "We will no longer tolerate..."
"I said, back off, all of you!" Redic pushed the tip of his spear into Kida's back causing her to cringe and tense up.
"Do as he says, we cannot take a chance on the Queen's safety." The elder motioned for the other to move back.
Redic moved up taking hold of Kida by her broken arm and keeping his spear close to her. "Move... My Queen."
Kida cringed in pain as he forced her to walk towards the trail that led back to the main road. "Stop this madness Redic. You cannot win. You have nothing left."
"You seem to forget my Queen, I have you. No one will dare to touch me as long as my blade is at your back."
"You are a fool. Put down your weapon and release me and you may yet live to see another day." Kida tried to reason with Redic.
"Keep moving... It is you who are the fool. You allowed the outsiders to live, and by doing so allowed them to murder the King. It is also you who chose to care for an outsider more than for your own people." Kida started to reply but Redic stopped her with a squeeze of her broken arm. Then Redic continued, "Yes my Queen, it is you who are the fool. I tried to explain it to you but you would not listen. Intoxicated with... with love for an outsider, you chose to protect Milo over protecting your own people. You are not fit to be the Queen."
Kida tried to stop and reply a second time, but again Redic squeezed her broken arm. "Keep moving Kida... Very shortly you will watch me take Milo's life and I will become King. Then perhaps you will finally understand."
"You can no longer make your claim Redic." Kida countered with a last bit of reasoning, "Milo does not have to fight you."
"He will fight me. Your 'love' will do anything to save your life, and you know it!" Redic boasted.
Kida did know it. Milo would not hesitate to sacrifice his life for hers. She was out of options and time. She could not let Redic use her to kill the man she loved, much less take the throne. More and more people gathered around them as they reached the street that led directly to the palace courtyard. It was now or never.
Kida took a deep breath and quickly pulled away from Redic ignoring the pain in her arm. In a single move she jumped up, twisted around and landed a flying kick across Redic's face causing him to stumble back.
"You are wrong Redic, I am fit to be Queen. And unlike you, I have enough room in my heart for Milo and my people. I swear to you Redic, I will not allow you to harm anyone else." Kida proclaimed, prepared to make a warriors last stand.
Redic glared at Kida, "Still have some fight left in you I see."
"Enough to take care of you Redic." Kida charged, planting her left foot she spun and kicked her right foot out towards his chest. Redic quickly countered by ducking and spinning causing Kida's attack to miss its mark. In the same move Redic swept her left leg with his spear sending her to the ground. Still in the same fluid series of movements, Redic stood over Kida and thrust his spear into her chest. The pain she felt was so great that her entire body froze as she felt the cold steel pass through her body. A single tear ran down from the corner of her eye, "Remember me Milo."
***
Rosha and Milo sat in the kitchen sipping elsook juice. Milo had spent most of the early morning in Rosha's company, but nothing was said. Suddenly Milo shot up out of his chair, dropping his cup to the floor; he was as white as a sheet. "Kida...!"
"Milo, are you okay?" Rosha asked as she stood up startled by Milo's sudden outburst.
Milo took off running down the hall, Rosha quickly followed. Milo flung open Kida's door. "Kida...! No!"
"Milo, what is wrong?" Rosha asked as she followed Milo's every move.
"Kida's in trouble, I can feel it." Milo said quickly looking at Rosha then just as quickly looked around the sitting room as if to decide where to go next.
"In trouble?" Rosha looked in Kida's empty room.
Milo ran over and flung open the seating room doors that led outside, Toka and Impesh quickly turned. "Kida, have you seen her?" Milo was starting to become frantic.
"The Queen left the palace early..." Impesh started to explain when Salin appeared at the top of the stairs holding the book. "Redic. Redic has Kida!"
"Redic...! She didn't try to...?" Milo said almost pulling his hair out that this point.
Salin handed the book to Rosha then looked back to Milo. "Yes but... It was a trap."
Milo grabbed her hand and started running down the stairs. "Take me to her, quick!"
Rosha, Impesh and Toka quickly followed them down the stairs and through the palace, emerging outside of the throne room at the top of the stairs that lead to the courtyard. They all stopped when they saw a large group of people circling the courtyard. Milo's eyes where fixed on the two people standing in the center, the morning light was now bright enough to clearly make out who they were. "No... No!"
Milo ran as fast as he could down the stairs. Impesh and Toka could barely keep up with him. When they reached the center of the courtyard, Toka and Impesh leveled their spears at Redic while Milo stood in horror of the sight before him. Redic was holding on to Kida who was barely able to stand. Her hands were still tied behind her back and she had a large gaping wound below her left shoulder. She was bleeding so badly that the blood was pooling on the ground at her feet. "Kida...?"
"Forgive... me Milo... Do... do not fight..."
"Kida, I..." Milo stepped closer.
"One more step and your 'love' will meet her fate." Redic said as he put the blade of his spear to Kida's neck.
"Let her go Redic!" Milo demanded clinching his fists.
"I would be happy to..." Redic eyed Impesh and Toka. "Have the guards back off."
"You heard him, back off!" Milo waved them back without taking his eyes off Kida.
"But the Queen...?" Impesh protested.
"Just do it... Now!" They did as he asked.
"Good... Now proclaim to everyone here that you will fight me, order them not to interfere and I will release her." Redic said with a twisted smile.
"Milo no... Please." Kida pleaded, barely able to speak the words.
"I suggest you be quick about it outsider. She is losing a lot of blood." Redic sarcastically pointed out.
Milo looked around and yelled out, "No one interfere... I'm going to fight Redic!"
Redic smiled and pulled his spear away from Kida then let go of her. She took one wavering step toward Milo then collapsed to the ground. Milo reached out to her but Redic swung his spear around and blocked his path. "Not you outsider. You will never touch her again."
Milo eyed Redic as he stepped back to the guards. "Impesh, give me you spear and get Kida out of here."
"You are truly an honorable man Milo. I wish you good fortune in battle." Impesh said handing him his spear then quickly picked up Kida and carried her back to Rosha so her wounds could be treated.
"Keep both hands on the spear and keep it pointed at him. When he attacks, step back and to the side to evade, then jab your spear at him. These are simple moves." Toka said to Milo then eyed Redic as if to say, (My turn next.) as he backed off.
Milo took one last look at Kida then squared off to Redic, leveling his spear. "So are we going to do this? Or do you only beat up on women?"
"Ha... Those are big words outsider." Redic said as he walked around Milo in an ever-tightening circle, sizing up his foe.
Milo's heart began to race as adrenaline pumped through his veins. He had only been in one other fight before, the fight with Rourke. A fight in which he'd had had no time to think about the consequences. And it had been a fight in which he was lucky to survive. Now Milo was facing off with a man whose only goal was to kill him. The calm look on Milo's face was instantly betrayed by the beads of sweat that were now forming on his brow.
Redic, now less than a foot away from the tip of Milo's spear, suddenly slammed the base of his spear down in front of him angling the shaft so that it blocked Milo spear. At the same time, Redic stepped in to Milo hitting him across the chin with a left hook. Causing him to stumble back.
"I am going to rip your hart out." Redic boasted, "But first I am going to have some fun."
Milo spit the blood out from his mouth and the two squared off. Redic ran toward him and Milo stepped back and to the side, but as Redic passed him he stopped and thrust the blunt end of his spear into Milo's back, then spinning around he grazed Milo's back with the blade giving him a stinging cut. Milo stumbled forward but quickly recovered and squared off to Redic.
"A child can fight better than you. I was hoping for something more." Redic said, belittling Milo's meager skills.
"Sorry to disappoint you." Milo thrust his spear at Redic's chest. Redic quickly blocked the attack with a downward sweep of his own spear then reversing the motion; he pulled his blade back up and across Milo's right forearm cutting it deeply. Milo stepped back wincing from the pain.
"This is to easy..." Redic boasted. "I do not understand what Kida sees in you."
"It's called love..." Milo said as he squared off to Redic. "You should try it sometime. It'll change your life."
"Love is overrated." Redic thrust his spear at Milo's chest. Milo mimicked Redic's moves from before, blocking the attack and cutting Redic's arm.
"Forgot to tell you, I'm a quick study." Milo said with a grin.
"Play time is over, outsider." Redic thrust his spear at Milo a second time. But when Milo tried to block it, Redic pulled his spear back then spun it around. Then in a downward motion, he cut Milo across the chest.
As Milo stumbled back. Redic looped his spear around and cut Milo across his stomach. Milo tried to level out his spear at Redic as he continued to step back but Redic pressed the attack by sweeping his spear up words knocking Milo's spear up and back. Then with a spinning move, Redic landed a kick square in the center of Milo's chest sending him flying. His spear fell from his hand as he landed on the ground; his ribs were broken by the force of Redic's kick.
Milo struggled to catch his breath as Redic stood over him pointing his spear at Milo's chest. The people were stunned; the man that had saved Atlantis was beaten.
"This is the man you would have as King?" Redic yelled out to the crowd. He looked down at Milo, "You die now outsider!"
Milo closed his eyes as Redic lifted his spear up. "Remember me Kida."
Just as Redic started to plunge his spear at Milo's heart, Milo's crystal lit-up in a blinding flash of light. Redic was knocked off his feet and fell to the ground as if some one had just kicked him in the chest.
All Milo could see was the light that enveloped him and there was no more pain. Then a voice spoke to him, the voice from his dreams. It was Kashekim.
(Stand up Milo.)
(Am... am I dead?)
(No, It is not your time to die... Pick up your spear.)
(I don't understand.)
(You asked for help. I have been permitted to give you that help, but my time is short. Calm yourself and let my thoughts become yours.)
The bright light faded but Milo's crystal still glowed brighter than normal and he felt powerful, as if nothing could touch him.
Redic could not believe his eyes as he picked himself up off the ground. Milo was standing in front of him with spear in hand. And although his clothes were cut and blood soaked, there was not a scratch on him. "This cannot be."
(Remember, let my thoughts be yours.)
(I understand.)
Redic charged and swung his spear at Milo's head. Milo could hear Kashekim's thoughts, (Duck, twist and counter.) Milo calmly stood looking at Redic who was now bleeding from the left side of his waist.
Milo's moves had been swift and sure, almost fluid like. He drew upon Kashekim's skills as if they were his own. It felt so natural, Milo couldn't tell if it was him that was doing this or if it was Kashekim.
Redic checked his wound. Then with a growl, he came after Milo again. This time making multiple short jabs and quick sweeps with his spear. Milo, holding his spear like a staff, calmly blocked and deflected every attack. Then when Redic overextended, Milo swung his spear upwards hitting Redic under the chin with the blunt end sending him to the ground. Again Milo stood calmly looking at Redic as he got back up to his feet.
Redic spit out the blood from his mouth. "I do not know how you are doing this, but I will kill you.! Outsider."
Redic charged one more time. In one continuous move with his spear, Milo deflected Redic's attack and cut him high across the chest. Milo continued his counter attack by spinning and rotating his spear so the blunt end was swinging out, slamming it into Redic's right arm. Redic yelled out in pain and dropped his spear as he felt his arm break.
Milo stepped back and leveled out his spear at Redic. "This is for Kida."
Redic screamed out as Milo's spear plunged through his chest just below his left shoulder. He screamed a second time as Milo pulled it free. Before Redic could fall, Milo took a couple more steps back. Using his spear as a pole-vault, Milo launched himself feet first at Redic's chest. The impact, breaking most of his ribs, sent him flying back more than ten feet.
"That, was for me." Milo again stood calmly.
(I must leave you now. You must complete this task on your own Milo.)
(Am I going to speak with you again?)
(Not for a very long time. You have proven that your heart is Atlantean. These are your people now Milo, share the burdens I have placed upon you with my Daughter and rule with a kind heart. But be warned; do not abuse the powers of the crystal.)
(What should I do with Redic?)
(You do not need me to answer that. The Kings of the past will be watching you Milo. And remember your promise to me... My Son.)
The glow of Milo's crystal returned to normal and the power that he had felt quickly faded leaving him nearly exhausted.
Redic slowly reached for his crystal in the hope that he could heal himself enough to continue the fight but it wasn't there. Slowly getting up to his knees and looking around, he spotted it lying on the ground next to Milo's feet. "My crystal... Give it to me outsider."
Milo looked down seeing the crystal and thought for a moment. He looked back to Redic, lifted his spear up then slammed it down hard on the crystal. A collective gasp could be heard coming from the people as Redic's crystal shattered into dust.
"Now you are the outsider." Milo turned his back to Redic. Then as if on cue at a military parade, all of the people around the courtyard one by one turned their backs as well.
Redic watched in disbelief. Gathering what little strength he had left, Redic struggled to his feet and pulled Kida's knife from the back of his waistband. Raising the knife high he moved towards Milo as fast as he could manage in one last desperate attack.
Without looking, Milo leveled out his spear pointing it behind him and thrusting it backwards. The blade shot straight through Redic's heart. The only sound heard was the sound of Kida's knife echoing around the courtyard as it hit the ground. Milo pulled his spear free and Redic's lifeless body folded and fell. "And that, is for the people of Atlantis."
Milo sighed in relief that it was over. He quickly walked over to Kida who lay motionless in Rosha's arms at the base of the stairs. The crowd of people gathered around as he approached and Toka, Impesh and Salin all bowed in respect. Milo hardly noticed as he handed the spear back to Impesh.
"Is she...?" Milo gulped.
"Do not fear Milo, she will live." Rosha quickly said.
Milo kneeled down putting one hand behind Kida's head and moving her hair from her face with the other. "Kida...?"
Rosha gently took Milo's hand. "I have healed her wounds but she has lost a lot blood. It will take time for her to recover."
Milo cradled Kida in his arms picking her up, he carried her up the stairs. Impesh and Toka walked close to his side in case he needed help as Rosha and Salin followed. Although exhausted, Milo never needed their help as he carried Kida all the way to her room.