Parker gulped. Every fiber of his being wanted to attack Mordru, find out why he was causing executions and why he wanted him dead. Was it due to his adventuring or the fact that he saved others' lives? Surely, someone would vouch for his safety and his release, even if he had to fight for his life to do it.

But no, fighting wouldn't be enough. He would have to bear and grin this, hoping for a pleasant, if not quick, death.

"You see what you have before you," Mordru spoke to the crowd, enticing them further, "is a traitor, a murderer, and a fiend who cares for nobody! He created chaos where there shouldn't be." Now that he mentioned it, Parker did upset the Kakamora when he threw water on their sacred fire. "He's a villain! Is this what we call a hero?!"

"NO!" The crowd answered, cheering on Mordru and throwing fruit at Parker.

Mordru faced Parker with resilience. "You don't deserve to live after the crimes you committed. Do you have any words to say, before you die?"

"Parker!" Lily cried in agony. She turned to Mordru, asking, "Please, let him go! He's done nothing wrong!"

"On the contrary, Lily Dragonkin," Mordru told her, "He's done everything wrong." He turned to Parker, telling him sinisterly, "You brought dishonor to your kin. For that, you must be executed."

Parker gazed at Mordru in sympathy. His brother hated him. That much was clear, but hate him enough to kill him? Did that go against family, go against anything brothers did when they were around each other? In a way, Parker didn't hate him. Instead, he pitied him. He wanted him to changed, wanted him to find the light, in the same way, that Corin and Elizabeth showed him.

Surely, that would be enough to convince him to end this feud.

"Any last words?" Mordru asked while the crowd fell silent.

Parker took a breath and then spoke, not in anger, but in humility, "You're right. I did do all those things." He announced. "I've made mistakes. We all have. I sought power once, lusted for it. I even showed a hobbit my past recently. That still wasn't enough." He faced his brother in determination. "I am willing to make amends. It has taken me years, centuries, to restore the balance I shattered. If I must die, then I would like to be remembered as the dragonoid I once was before I became Maranguan and after I was freed of that beast." He inhaled. "I regret every decision I made. So yes, that is my vow to all of you: to be a hero instead of a villain."

There was a pause. Parker stared at the crowd in agony. No one was going to vouch for him? No one cared? He sighed. Maybe the good deeds weren't enough to erase the bad. Mordru looked at him in earnestness and pride.

"That's it?" Mordru asked. "That's your vow?" He laughed. "That won't be enough to save you! You're already dead to me."

A lump grew in Parker's throat. His heart was heavy. A final blow that ensured he couldn't save his brother. He closed his eyes, knowing that death was near.

"What if a Shannara spoke for him?" a masculine voice said, startling the crowd. The figure pulled back his hood, revealing ruffled blonde hair, a fair face, and short pointy ears. This man was donned in a brown leather jacket, a black shirt, brown trousers, and brown boots. He turned to Mordru, telling him, "Let him go. Parker Dooley's done nothing wrong."

"Who are you, boy?" Mordru asked, fuming.

"My name is Wil Ohmsford!" Wil introduced himself. "My ancestor is Jerle Shannara, the Elven King of the Four Lands." The crowd whispered and cried out. That didn't stop Wil from speaking to Mordru. "Parker saved my life when he was in Shady Vale. I was about to be run over by a horse-drawn cart when this dragonoid came to my rescue. It was as if he knew I was in danger. His foresight saved me!" He pointed to Parker with courage in his heart. He looked at Mordru now in understanding. "So, if you must kill him over something he's done years ago, even for the little things, then let him die with dignity."

Parker nodded, unsure that dowsing the Kakamora's sacred flame was a small error.

"Putting his life on the line," Will told Mordru and the crowd, "in front of a crowd whose sole purpose is to humiliate him, is a pretty poor way to die. It's barbaric! You know that, don't you?"

"Bring the boy up here!" Mordru summoned his dragonoid guards. "Wil Ohmsford will join Parker Dooley! They will both be killed by the guillotine."

"What?" Parker cried, stunned. "He didn't do anything! STOP!"

He looked around, watching Wil summon a blue light to repel the dragonoids. Parker gasped, if only for a moment, for Mordru pressed a knife to his throat.

"I will kill you myself!" Mordru spat.

"Why do you want me dead? What have I done to you?" Parker asked, hesitantly.

Mordru released him in vain. "You had to go on your quests without me! You defied this family over and over again. You're a disgrace to the Dooley line!" He threw the knife on the platform in agony. "This isn't over! When I return, I will have my revenge." He waved his hands at the air, forming a bright portal a few inches away. He smiled, but the smile faded, turning into rage. "We'll see each other again, brother." He ran towards the portal, vanishing on sight. The portal disappeared after him, leaving nothing but traces of the bright gold light behind.

Parker looked at the dragonoid guards. They were dazed, looking at him as if they had seen a ghost. One of the guards, carrying the keys, rushed forward, releasing him from his bonds. Parker chuckled, glad to be free. He ran down the wooden stairs, rushing towards Wil and embracing him. The young man announced that he couldn't breathe. Parker released him fast with sheepish eyes.

"Sorry," Parker apologized. "I don't know my own strength."

"It's alright," Wil said, out of breath. "I saved you. That makes us even."

"Not by a long shot." Parker grinned deviously.

"You're right," Wil said, looking at the crowd. Parker saw it, too. Everyone was coming out of their trance. Even Lily was in a state of confusion. Parker smiled. Wil announced, softly, "You're welcome. I see you got your village back. I wonder what happened here."

"It was Mordru," Lily announced, approaching Wil and Parker. "He put us all into that trance, made us his slaves in order to attack Parker." She told the red dragonoid, kindly, "Parker, forgive me. This wasn't supposed to happen."

"It's alright," Parker said, shrugging. "This village is safe once more."

"Let's party!" one of the dragonoids announced, making the crowd cheer. Parker chuckled, smiling. It was going be a good day.

*.*.*

References:

Wil Ohmsford, Jerle Shannara, and the Elfstones are from Terry Brooks' book series, The Shannara Series.