THE RETURN OF GENERAL KAI

Chapter 11

The walk to Maverick’s car was long and frightening for Maverick but the usual for Kai. It felt good to finally do what his mind had been telling him to, with a twist of course. He had a strong feeling that Sarah would not take lightly to him beheading one of her acquaintances. 

“Would you like to come to my settlement? It’s small but it would be a better place to discuss than the public.” Kai broke the silence as they entered into the car. “Certainly. Just let me know where.”

The two men arrived at Kai’s studio apartment after an almost thirty minute drive. Maverick took in the shabby building and could not shake off the awe of the state his general was living in. It was like the boonies in Nexarath. It was not suited for the commanding general of the strongest army the world had ever seen. It was not suitable for the lord of Nexarath.

“Why do you not return, my lord?” Maverick could not help but ask as they entered the cramped space. It was an eyesore to even him and he was not highborn.

“You can sit here.” Kai pulled out a plastic chair for Maverick and he took a seat, “why do you not return? Do you have unfinished business here? I can take care of it.” He asked again.

Kai chuckled, “you always spiraled out of control with your questions when you were confused. Water? We really didn’t get to eat anything.” He offered as he sulked, plopping down on his bed.  It sent shivers down Maverick’s spine. He could have killed everyone who was present in that restaurant and his demeanor was still the same. That was the general he knew.

“I only just got my memories back. I didn’t always have them.” He repeated what he told him earlier.

“You can return now. Your men are waiting for you.” Maverick said again, referring to the Vorgath.

Kai was filled with a sense of Nostalgia, “how is the border? Do my men still fight? Is there peace?”

Maverick scoffed, “Axel is running things to shit.” Maverick spat, “the Vorgath are nothing without you, general. We refuse to fight.”

Kai was amused, “was this unanimous or was this a decision made solely by Morticia?” He asked, referring to his second in command, Morticia Ravenwood.

Maverick hated Morticia only because she hated him and her reason was simple; he was a lowborn and had no business sitting at the same table with the nobles. Despite her very strong reservations, she could not and would never go against Kai’s wishes. To keep things in order though, he named Maverick as his second in command, despite the opposition. They were all silenced when they saw how efficient Maverick was on the battlefield. He still did not compare to Morticia in terms of strength though, she was ruthless against her foes.

“Morticia is running things in your absence. She has been lording over your house as well.” The air shifted and Maverick swallowed loudly, “it’s alright, speak.” He assured him.

“Yes. It was rebuilt shortly after you left. It’s ten times more fortified, with twice as many men.”

Kai nodded, “They’re guarding an empty house.” He said as a matter of factly, “there’s no need for that.”

“But-”

“I hope my parents had a proper burial. Elyria too.” He whispered his sister’s name.

“Yes, Elyria is under the oak tree she loved dearly. Kymani insisted she would have preferred it rather than your family cemetery.”

“Good. She would have wanted that.” Kai felt a deep wave of sadness overcome him but he was quickly consoled by the thought of Sarah and his unborn child. He hoped so much that it was a girl.

“What about Zalek? You have yet to mention him.” Kai asked about the last of his officers, his colonel who loved slaying his enemies almost as much as he loved being out in the wild.

“No one has seen or heard from him since you left. Zalek would not remain in your absence.” Kai laughed out loud, he really did have a life before Sarah and the Pierce’s. He missed it dearly and longed to return but it was not yet time. He would never be able to explain his life to Sarah. It was a different world from anything she knew.

“Astrophel. Astrophel is my-” Kai asked, for some reason, that was the only hole in his memories. He now knew that he was from Nexarath but still had no recollection of their relationship.

“Astrophel Blackwood. Your father’s best friend and your godfather.” Maverick said.

“He came to visit me here. Twice. Why?” Kai asked and Maverick shrugged, “I had no idea Astrophel knew you were in the capital. No one did.”

“Or at least that’s what I believed. I don’t know anymore.” He added. It was all so strange.

“So Astrophel knew where you were. That means that bastard, Axel knew too! And they both said nothing!” Maverick was getting angrier by the moment. He could not understand why they would keep such important information from everyone.

Kai watched Maverick, he hated to admit it out loud because he felt it made him look weak to his subordinate but he did anyway, “I’m not returning, Maverick.” He announced.

“Why?”

Kai sighed, “while I had my memories erased, I married. I have a wife and we’re expecting a child.” He broke the news and Maverick’s mouth fell open.

“What?! I mean, congratulations, my liege! That’s wonderful news.” He paused, “more reasons to return. If I may speak freely, the capital is a ticking time bomb. This false sense of peace is fleeting and dwindles by the day. Your house is the safest place for your wife and child.”

Kai had different sentiments. When he thought of Nexarath, he thought of suffering and war. He thought of his parents and sister burning in a strange fire. It did not speak peace at all and although he felt like a coward for refusing to return, Sarah’s safety was paramount and at the moment, the capital was safest for her where she knew nothing but what she already knew.

“You remember Thane Jackson, my lord? The bastard ruler of Nefaria? We have reason to believe he has been behind the attacks at the border. Possibly three years ago as well. We can take him on! Put an end to his wannabe army, the Thrakos as well but your men won’t fight unless you give the command.” Maverick urged.

Kai stood, “no more talk of Nexarath, Captain. My word is final.” Maverick shut up immediately.