Chapter 18

The Royal Forces were traveling back to Kandor. Kal-El rode in the back of a covered wagon with Kara, who was still unconscious. It has taken all the strength she had left to cross the border. Kal-El was furious by all the cuts and bruises his personal physician had discovered on her body when he examined her after the exchange.

He applied a wet cloth to Kara's face and she grimaced. Her eyes suddenly shot open and she tried to grab his throat but he blocked her lunge. "Kara, it is Kal-El. It is me." He began to stroke her hair. "You are safe now."

"No… No, we are not safe." She said weakly.

"What do you mean?" Kal-El asked softly.

"He took it." She said weakly.

"Who took what?" Kal-El asked.

"My s-stone… Lex…" She took two quick, labored breaths. "L-Lex t-took my s-stone. He took my stone." She said weakly and his eyes widened with fear. Kal-El knew his history and he knew he could not let it repeat itself, especially now that a source of an awesome power in the hands of a madman.

The House of Zod ruled Krypton with an iron fist for years by possessing a powerful crystal made from three stones of power. With this awesome power in their grasps, the House of Zod made it tradition to drop their true names when they took the throne to appear immortal. The last time the crystal was whole was during the reign of God King Zod VII.

Zod VII's oldest friend was Seyg-El, whom he had named his heir if Zod's wife, Alia, bore him no sons. Already a prominent family in Kryptonian society, his friendship with the king made the House of El the second most powerful family in Krypton… until they were betrayed.

About 250 Years Ago

Seyg-El wore his ceremonial white attire for today's session with the Council. His left arm was in a sling due to his wound from the Battle of Smallville last week and the Royal Army had just returned to Kandor. He stroked his beard and wished he had trimmed it.

He entered the throne room and saw he was the last to arrive besides the king. He took his seat, which was the closest one to the throne because Zod never made a decision with consulting Seyg-El. Just seconds after he had taken his seat, the herald announced, "Kneel before the God King, Zod VII!" They all kneeled as Zod walked down the red carpet. Zod wore his usual all black attire, even the hilt of his sword was black and gold. His hair and beard were freshly trimmed. The sunlight reflected off his crown.

Zod sat down on his throne on the right and motioned for them to rise. They all rose and took their seats. "I return victorious, my lords. The city of Smallville now under my control." He said in his rough, deep voice and they all clapped. Seyg-El noticed that their joy was not genuine but Zod was too full of pride to notice. Zod held up his hand and the clapping stopped.

"Yet… I am not satisfied. Are there no more lands that I am free to conquer? Perhaps Argos, Thanagar, or Themyscira… they would be a nice addition to my kingdom." The Council gave worried glances to each other and they were all too scared to speak. Seyg-El sighed and he grunted as he rose to his feet. "Ah, Seyg-El… what is your opinion of this?"

"Leave them be." Seyg-El answered loud enough for the whole throne room to hear, which made the Council members grow pale.

Zod's smug grin disappeared and he leaned forward. "Are you speaking against your god king?" He asked coldly.

"I am speaking for my king. If we declare war on one of these realms then they will unite against us and if they unite against us… Krypton will fall." Zod stood and walked down to him. The two men were the same height. They stared at each other coldly as everyone held their breath.

Then Zod grinned and began to chuckle, which was not the outcome the Council was expecting. Zod then patted Seyg-El's cheek. "Always looking out for me, my friend." He said and Seyg-El grinned. Zod leaned closer to him and whispered something in his ear. "There is something I wish to speak with you about in my chambers."

Seyg-El paced in Zod's private sitting room. Zod entered the room and Seyg-El bowed. Zod proceeded to remove his crown and he just dropped it down on the table. The two men hugged and he motioned for Seyg-El to sit. "What did you wish to speak with me about?" He asked as he took a seat.

Zod poured himself a goblet of wine. "I am going to ask the Council to grant me a divorce." He said and took a sip of wine while Seyg-El dropped his jaw slightly.

"Are you mad? If you divorce Alia then the people of Daxam may rise up against you! She has been a faithful and loving wife to you for nineteen years." Seyg-El argued.

"The woman is barren! She has only bore me a daughter that is now dead and two stillborn sons." Zod sat down and put his feet up on the table. "I wish Rao has blessed me as he has blessed you… How old is your son now?"

"Don-El is seventeen years of age now and my wife just bore another son… we have named him Jor-El." Seyg-El said with a grin but his face became serious again. "I am sorry for you, my friend, but this madness."

"Madness?" Zod scoffed and took another sip. "This is not madness but clarity. I have already chosen my new bride and she is far younger and more beautiful than Alia." Zod snickered.

"So there is no changing your mind?" Seyg-El asked.

"No… I wish for you to speak to the Council on my behalf. Make sure they come to the right decision." Zod said and finished the drinking the goblet of wine.

Seyg-El finished telling the Council Zod's demand for a divorce. The Council were as pale as ghosts and speechless. "Zod has gone too far! He is just as reckless as his father!" Min-Dar said and everyone looked at him like he was insane. "You all know I speak the truth. His and Alia's marriage was arranged to prevent Civil War and it will now surly happens if he divorces her… I believe it is time we spoke with you, Seyg-El."

"I know what you mean. I have already tried to change his mind but he is intent on marrying this girl in order to produce an heir." Seyg-El said.

"This is a different matter. The people are tired of Zod's tyranny and there are strong talks of rebellion. The people are calling for a new king… they are calling for you, Seyg-El." Min-Dar said.

"What?" Seyg-El was caught completely off guard and slowly sat down.

"Seyg-El, you too have a strong claim to the throne for you are a direct descendent of King Zod II… We both know that Zod is reckless and his appetite for power is insatiable. This rebellion will happen sooner or later; perhaps sooner if Zod does go through with this divorce." Rugad, another Council member, spoke up.

"Zod will send an army if a rebellion does rise. He believes every problem can be solves with the sword whilst you always look for a diplomatic solution and only use the sword when truly necessary." Min-Dar said as Seyg-El ran his right hand over his pale face.

"You have all the makings of a great king and for the first time in centuries, the Council is in full agreement." Rugad said and the Council nodded in agreement. Seyg-El knew they were right but he kept his hand over his mouth. Little did they know was this conversation was being watched by Zod's spymaster, Milton Fine.

Seyg-El lay his infant son, Jor-El, gently down into his cradle. Jor-El was fast asleep and he grinned as he stroked his dark hair. His wife, Jana-El, walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Come to bed, my love." She whispered in his ear and he smiled.

Seyg-El's face then became somber. "Jana, I want to send you and the boys to Smallville to stay with Samuel Kent. He respects me so he will open his home to you." He said quietly.

She unwrapped her arms from around his waist and he turned to face her. "Seyg-El, what is going on?" She asked him.

"The people are calling for Zod's removal from the throne and to place me in his stead as king." He said.

"What? Tell him you would never do such a thing." Jana replied.

"I plan to go to Kandor in the morning to speak with him but I know him. He will not take this lightly and he will do something rash. I do not want you or the boys anywhere near Kandor when he does." He caressed her face and she nodded. They kissed tenderly.

In the morning, Seyg-El exited the El Manor and mounted his horse. He waved to his wife, who was holding Jor-El, and Don-El. He gave his horse a kick and headed to Kandor.

He was almost half-way to Kandor when two men jumped off some rocks and knocked him off his horse. He landed hard on the ground but he rolled quickly to dodge a knife thrust. Seyg-El immediately stood and began to dodge both men's knife thrusts. Seyg-El could not get to his sword, which was still on his horse's saddle. He was able to block another thrust and wrestled the knife out of the assassin's hand before stabbing him with it.

The other assassin tried to run for it but Seyg-El removed the knife from the dead man's chest and threw it at the fleeing assassin. It plunged into his back and he fell dead. Breathing heavily, he grabbed the dead assassin at his feet. Both men were wearing all black with no sign of a family crest.

He pulled up the man's sleeve and much to his horror; the crest of the House of Zod was branded on his arm. "Jana!" He whispered and ran to his horse. He quickly mounted his horse and kicked him hard heading for home. Even at top speed, his horse was still not fast enough for his eyes filled with horror when he saw smoke coming from over the hill.

The El Manor was engulfed in flames and there were three bodies in the yard. His horse had not even slowed to a stop when he jumped off and quickly grabbed his sword off the saddle. He grabbed a handful of his hair and spun around in a circle as he saw the ghastly sight before him. The brand of the House of Zod was visible on two of the bodies but he froze when he recognized the third man.

Don-El lay dead with a dagger plunged into his chest. Lost for words, Seyg-El dropped his sword and dropped down to his knees. He held his son's body in his arms and kissed his warm forehead. He then laid Don-El's body gently down on the ground and closed his eyes. He wiped the tears from his eyes, grabbed his sword, and stood. "Jana!" He called.

He looked inside the windows of the burning manor but he could not make out anything. "JANA!" He yelled as he searched the grounds. Then he heard a baby crying and he turned around to see her coming over the hill. They ran to each other and embraced. He kissed her cheeks, her lips, and then he kissed Jor-El's forehead.

"Where is Don-El? He stayed behind to help us escape." Seyg-El could not say it so he shook his head to her and she cried in his arms.

The fire consumed the manor and Seyg-El used what wood was left to build a pyre. He dressed Don-El in his own white ceremonial attire bearing the crest of El. He placed his sword in his son's hands while Jana watched with a sleeping Jor-El in his arms. "I shall not find peace until your death is avenged, my son." He whispered and kissed Don-El's forehead one last time. He then lit a torch and lit the pyre.

The fire grew as he walked back to the wagon, where Jana was waiting for him. "Go to Smallville. I will meet you there shortly." He said and she shook her head. "Jana, please! I will meet you there… I promise." She nodded somberly and they kissed tenderly.

Lord Rugad finished drinking a goblet of wine and was going to refill his cup when Seyg-El appeared out of the darkness. He pinned Rugad to the wall and held a dagger to his throat. "Seyg-El, what in the name of Rao are you doing?" He exclaimed.

"I was attacked and now my son is dead. MY SON IS DEAD!" He yelled and Rugad flinched. "Zod tried to have me and my family killed. Did you know of this? Did you know?"

"What? Are you mad?" Rugad cried and Seyg-El applied more pressure to the blade on his throat. "No! You of all people should know what Zod is capable of for you have seen it firsthand." He said and Seyg-El removed the blade from his neck.

Rugad rubbed his neck. "I have served him faithfully since he ascended the throne. We grew up together. He was my friend… my kin." Seyg-El said somberly. Rugad placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"And he no doubt ordered your death and the death of your family not feeling a single drop of remorse. I am truly sorry, Seyg-El." Seyg-El nodded and Rugad crossed his arms. "What are you going to do now?" Rugad asked.

"I make my way to Smallville. A farmer named Samuel Kent is building a resistance movement there. I want you to tell the Council that I accept the call of the Kryptonian people. Zod is a tyrant who will be removed from the throne by force… and he will be punished for his crimes against Krypton." Seyg-El sheathed his dagger and Rugad nodded.

5 years later

Krypton was divided by the Great Civil War, half supported Zod and the other half Seyg-El. Two years after the start of the war, Seyg-El created his own crystal to open the Phantom Zone and free thousands of political prisoners, which tripled the size of his army. Zod's army was eventually overwhelmed by Seyg-El's forces and he retreated behind the strong walls of Kandor, where Seyg-El was now laying seize.

Seyg-El awoke from a troubled sleep, drenched in sweat. He had dreamed again of Don-El and watching his son burn. He threw back the blanket and swung his legs over the side of cot. He wiped the sweat off his brow and stood. He walked up to the water basin and splash water onto his face.

He could see the sun rising from the opening of his tents and he could hear the never-ending sounds of capaluts flinging their boulders and flaming bombardments. He had learned to sleep through the sounds of battle and that greatly troubled him. He had not seen Jana or little Jor-El in weeks and he missed them dearly.

Then he heard a loud explosion and the sound of cheering from outside. His commanders, Samuel Kent and Bar-El, rushed into the tent. "Seyg-El, we have breached the gates but the men will not march in without you." Kent said and Seyg-El nodded.

Seyg-El exited his tent in full armor and mounted his horse. The men cheered his name as he trotted passed them. He grinned and nodded to them although he was not as cheerful as they were. He was tired of war and was beginning to question of it was all worth it.

He rode uphill next to his commanders but before he could give the order to attack, a gray flag of truce was seen being waved from the top of the wall. Seyg-El looked at Samuel and Bar-El, who already knew what he was going to do. "Very well, cousin." Bar-El said and he went on to order the men to stand down but to stay alert.

Two riders exited the city and the three men rode forward to meet them. Milton Fine and his son, who is also named Milton, rode up to them. They all halted a few feet from each other. "Seyg-El, His Supreme Highness, God King Zod VII, orders you to surrender now or be destroyed." Fine said.

"I believe he should be the one surrendering." Samuel Kent said and Bar-El chuckled. Fine glared at them. Seyg-El shook his head to his commanders and they became silent. Seyg-El's horse took a step forward.

"Go to the palace and tell your king that I, Seyg-El of the honorable House of El and Duke of Argo challenge Dru-Zod of the House of Zod and Archduke of Kandor for the throne. And this is an official challenge so he must answer it or he forfeits the throne to me. He has until sunset to accept." Seyg-El said and rode back to his troops. Fine was now sweating because he had to deliver bad news.

Zod threw a vase against the wall when Fine told him about the official challenge. Fine's heart skipped a beat at the sound of the vase shattering but his face was emotionless. "Did the army hear his challenge?" He asked furious.

"Yes, my king… and he spoke your true name when he made the challenge." Fine said and Zod knocked over a table. A challenge was not official unless you called someone out by their true name. "If Your Supreme Highness is to keep the loyalty of your army, you must accept his challenge." Fine said.

"I KNOW!" Zod shouted and then Queen Alia entered the room. "OUT!" He yelled and she ran out. Zod ran his hand through his messy hair. "MY ARMOR!" He yelled and servants rushed out the room. "I will play his game for now but that does not mean I have to abide by his rules. If things start to go poorly for me… signal the attack." Fine nodded.

At noon, Zod exited the city walls with Fine and at least a dozen troops. Zod wore his all black armor with his family crest in white on the chest armor and red knight's cape. "Bar-El, stay here. Zod is not one to be trusted." Seyg-El said and Bar-El nodded. Seyg-El and Samuel rode forward.

Seyg-El wore his dark gray armor with his family crest in red on his chest armor and black knight's cape. They met in the center of a field with their troops at a distance. Zod dismounted, removed his cape, and grabbed his shield. Seyg-El followed suit while Fine and Samuel remained on horseback.

The two men walk to the center slowly and they stopped a few feet from each other. "It did not have to end this way, Seyg-El." Zod said.

"None of this had to happen at all. I served you faithfully and I have been your most loyal friend since we were children." Seyg-El said. The two began to circle each other and both sides waited to see who would strike first.

"Loyal friends and faithful servants do not rebel or conspire against their king!" Zod snapped.

"You brought this upon yourself! My family was your family until you ordered their deaths. I never would have turned against you but now my Don-El is dead because of you! But no matter how much I loathe you, my pity for you is much greater." Seyg-El said.

"Pity? I am the God King of Krypton and Smallville! Why do I need your pity?" Zod demanded.

"When we were young you once told me that you did not want to become your father… Well, I congratulate you for you are not your father. You are a more ruthless tyrant that your father ever was and that makes you unfit to wear the crown." Seyg-El said and Zod's eyes filled with fury.

The two then took a battle stance. "How more need to die for the throne, old friend?" Zod asked.

"Just one." Seyg-El said and lowered his visor. Zod lowered his visor and charged Seyg-El. Their swords collided with each others' shields and both sides cheered. Zod's fighting style was aggressive while Seyg-El's had more finesse and dodging for he was patient.

For five minutes, the sound of metal striking metal could be heard. Then Seyg-El cut Zod's arm making him drop his shield. Zod grabbed his arm as Seyg-El kicked the shield away. Seyg-El breathed heavily underneath his helm as he watch Zod's feet for he could tell that he was about to charge him again.

Zod charged him and Seyg-El dodged to the right slashing Zod's back. Zod cried out in pain but Seyg-El bashed his helm off with his shield. Zod stumbled back and Seyg-El cut his leg. Zod fell down to one knee and Seyg-El kicked the sword out of his hand. The tip of Seyg-El's blade was less than an inch from Zod's throat.

"Yield." Seyg-El said and his forces cheered by Samuel noticed Fine nod to his son, who lowered the visor on his helm. Kent nodded to Bar-El who discreetly signaled the men to prepare for attack. "Yield and I will spare your life." Seyg-El said. Zod stumbled to his feet but Seyg-El's blade was still near his throat.

"And be your prisoner for the rest of my days. NEVER!" Zod removed a crystal attached to a chain from under his armor. He raised the crystal up to the sun and there was a bright light. Seyg-El held up his shield to protect his eyes but then a fist punched through the shield. Seyg-El removed his left arm from the straps and stepped back taking a battle stance.

Zod lowered his arm with his fist still through the shield. The light has fragmented his armor so he tore off what was left so he was now shirtless. All his wounds had been healed so he threw the shield down onto the ground and began to walk to Seyg-El. Seyg-El thrust his blade aiming for Zod's heart but the blade shattered against his chest.

Zod smiled and pushed Seyg-El away with both of his hands. Seyg-El went flying through the air and landed roughly on the ground making his helm fall off. Then Zod's eyes became red and Seyg-El quickly dodged as the spot where he just was caught fire. Zod disappeared in a blur but before he could look for him, Zod grabbed the back of his chest armor and threw him again ripping off his chest armor in the process.

Seyg-El landed hard on the ground and his leg was in pain but he could still walk. Zod disappeared in another blur and then Seyg-El felt a burning excruciating pain. He was on fire! He could smell his own flesh burning as he ripped off his arming doublets while screaming in pain. Then he became extremely cold and he fell down to his knees shivering. Zod was walking to him blowing a large gust of freezing wind from his mouth.

Seyg-El now lay on the ground shivering and with lurid burns on his upper body. "Time to die… old friend." Zod said and his became red once more. Seyg-El removed a dagger from his fragmented greave and Zod chuckled. Seyg-El grinned at Zod's hubris because the metal of the blade was made from the same metal as the chain around his neck.

Seyg-El quickly dodged his heat vision and stood. He slashed at the chain, barely missing Zod's throat, and the chain shattered. Zod's eyes filled with horror as he watched the crystal fall from his neck and into Seyg-El's hand. Seyg-El then tackled Zod and began punching him repeatedly. "Protect the king! Charge!" Fine yelled and the army charged.

"Treachery! Attack!" Bar-El yelled and their army charged as well. Seyg-El never noticed the charging armies for he could not stop hitting Zod over and over. Zod was pinned underneath him and bloodied. Five years of suppressed rage boiled over and was being released with every punch. Seyg-El then grabbed the dagger and yelled while thrusting it downward.

Zod opened his eyes and saw the dagger plunged into the ground right next to his head. Then Zod began to laugh. "You have all the power in the world in the palm of your hand and you are still weak. You are no Kryptonian king." Zod said and laughed. Seyg-El grabbed the dagger and knocked Zod unconscious with the hilt. Then a spear flew over his head and he saw the charging armies.

Seyg-El raised the crystal to the sun and pressed it against his chest. There was another bright light and he screamed as he felt the crystal activating. Both armies stopped charging because they were blinded by the light.

Seyg-El emerged from the light with the crystal in his hand. His burns were gone as if they were never there. He then began to float upward until he was above both armies. The sun shined behind him that he could have been mistaken for Rao himself.

"Zod has been defeated in combat and tradition says that I am now your king. You may choose to follow tradition… or you may leave… now. I will not stop you." Seyg-El's voice echoed over the valley and city walls.

Zod stood up and removed his Phantom Zone crystal he had hidden on him. Seyg-El saw him and his eyes began red. The crystal exploded in Zod's hand and he cried out in pain. He fell down to the ground clutching his burnt hand and screaming in pain.

Milton Fine then took a bow and arrow, aimed at Seyg-El, and fired. Seyg-El heard the arrow being shot like it was right next to him. He tilted his head to side because the arrow was moving in slow motion to him and he caught it easily. Two knights then pulled Fine down from his horse and forced him down on his knees.

Seyg-El landed on the ground with a soft thud and crushed the arrow in his hand to dust. He pressed the crystal against his chest and there was a flash of bright light. He felt different without the powers but he felt better for the crystal had healed every battle wound that had been ailing him since his youth. Seyg-El felt reborn. Seyg-El then looked at Zod and began to walk to him.

Zod stumbled to his feet and Seyg-El could smell the burnt flesh. Zod picked up a dagger ready to defend himself. "This is for my son." Seyg-El said and his own Phantom Zone crystal. Zod lunged at him and Seyg-El punched him hard on the nose. Zod stumbled back and Seyg-El pressed the crystal against Zod's chest. Zod was gone in a flash of light, banished to the Phantom Zone for all time.

Both armies then proceeded to kneel before their new king. At this sight, Seyg-El heartbeat quickened and he felt overwhelmed. Bar-El rode up with a black gambeson for him so he look presentable when he entered the city.

"Thank you, cousin." Seyg-El said and put it on over his burnt shirt. Samuel rode up with his horse and Seyg-El mounted it. The Royal Army then cleared a path for him into the city. Inside Zod's loyalists and nobles were already preparing to flee.

Seyg-El and his men entered the city and the inhabitants kneeled before him. Fine was bound and gagged atop his horse. The rode through the city with no resistance and soon arrived at the gates of the Crystal Palace. The knights guarding the gates opened them and kneeled.

Queen Alia-Zod and the Council were awaiting their new king in the throne room. She glanced at her crown on top of her head and feared that it would be ripped from her head as soon as they entered. She could hear the noblemen shouting as they were rounded up and forced to the throne room. Then the great doors opened and they entered.

The noblemen were pushed in and put in a corner under guard. The Council kneeled as Seyg-El entered the throne room with Samuel Kent and Bar-El. Alia sat on her throne clutching the arms of the chair as they approached her. Seyg-El bowed his head to her but she looked at him sternly. "Where is my husband?" Alia asked.

"Your husband has been punished for his crimes against the people of Krypton and Smallville. Now he is my prisoner for all time in the Phantom Zone." Seyg-El said and Alia took a deep breath.

"How could you do this to him? He gave you everything." She said coldly.

"And yet he tried to take it all from me. The titles I could live without but coming after my family… I loved my son. I still love my son. I would give this all up just to have Don-El back." Seyg-El said. "Your husband is a murderer and like all murderers, he has been punished. I am sorry, Alia."

Alia nodded and sniffled back the tears. "What do you plan to do with me?" She asked.

"Nothing… You may return to your family estates in Daxam but you are stripped of your titles as Queen of Krypton and Archduchess of Kandor… No harm shall come to you." Seyg-El said and held out his hand.

Alia removed her crown and placed it in his hand. Alia then stood and walked out of the throne room with her ladies. She knew she would avenge her husband, the love of her life, for she was carrying his child.

Seyg-El handed her crown to Samuel Kent and walked up to the throne. He ran his hand over the arm as he remembered when Dru-Zod and him would sit on this very throne as children when the king was with his current mistress. He missed those days but it could never be that way ever again.

Seyg-El took a deep breath and sat down on the throne. Rugad appeared with the crown of the King of Krypton and placed it gently down on Seyg-El's head. Rugad then proceeded to kneel with the others. "Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king!" They chanted for a new era has begun.

Seyg-El first act as king was to have the crystal broken into the three stones that made it. They were kept among the necks of the royal family for protection. Samuel Kent was made a duke and Bar-El disappeared. Queen Alia secretly gave birth to a son but the House of Zod did not reappear until the reign of King Jor-El II.

Kal-El knew that Lex would not stop until he all three stones together. His mother's stone suddenly felt heavier around his neck as Seyg-El's greatest fear seemed to be coming true. Lex now had Zor-El's stone and Kal-El had Lara-El's but one was still missing.

Jor-El did not have his stone on him when he died. Where was it?