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THE ROOT OF DARKNESS THIRTY SEVEN
I feel the ground rumble and shake as the loud thumping sounds appeared closer and clearer to Victor, Barrett and me. Even though I had string knights like them by my side, It didn’t help to calm my nerves. Not one bit. My mouth drops down in utter shock, leaving me speechless as my eyes bulged staring at the ugly creature Infront of me. Ugly, is even infact putting it politely. They didn’t look like regular people as it seemed to have extra sets of arms and legs. Plus, they didn’t look friendly.It was my first time seeing such an enormous creature, like it was the height of 10 men. The sight of it alone was enough to intimidate anyone that dared to challenge it. It’s bottom jaw hanged low and as it opened it’s mouth to let out a growl, long, sharp, visible fangs could be seen at either sides of it’s crooked jarred teeth. I stumble to the ground, not knowing when my legs even gave out as I started squirming and shifting backwards, my fear getting the best of me as I soon found m
THE ROOT OF DARKNESS THIRY EIGHT
The knights marched into the castle as they made their way urgently to the throne room. When they came face to face with guards by the entrance, they were questioned.”What reason do you have to be at the king’s presence?”“We have a disturbing news to give the king”. Said the knight who had communicated with the giant earlier. “Please, let us through”The guards by the entrance exchanged a look between one another before letting them pass through the golden door and into the throne room. Inside, the king laid on his golden throne as the two maids by either side of his chair fanned him slowly and continuously.He seemed to be enjoying the fresh breeze that came from the fan and also the conversation that ensued between him and his daughter as the corners of his mouth shot up with a smile. “That’s one too many tales, my princess”. The princess, hIs daughter whom he chatted with to hid heart’s content was strictly an epitome of beauty. She had a fair skin and long blonde hair. The lo
THE ROOT OF DARKNESS THIRTY NINE
The following morning, I wake up with a rough push against my shoulder. I open my eyes to see that it was Sir Barrett. “Ye sleep like a log lad because of the pretty princess?”. He teased with a grin.Before I could respond one of the knights interrupted us. “We have to get moving”. We all stood up, clearing up our belongings as we began our journey before the sun came up. Even though I rode with sleepy eyes, I could see clearly the beauty of the area we’d approached via the hillside.I see that the farmers were already up and toiling their soils, the traders already brought out their goods for sale. I was marvelled because I thought this island wouldn't have any of this as they seemed to be rich in gold. "Don't be silly". Christina says. "Father makes everyone on the island work. Have you heard that adage: 'No man is an idle island'?". I nod my head. "Pretty much". "Well here, 'no man on this island is idle' ". As we ride on, I see a waterfall that was simply magnificent to the e
THE ROOT OF DARKNESS FORTY
“Bloody hell, we’re all gonna die!”. Sir victor cries aloud unable to keep his mutters low as his anxiety seemed to have reached it’s peak.Never have I ever seen him so unsettled and unbalanced before as though he was being attacked spiritually. But what to do and what to say? I myself was thinking the exact same thing. That death awaited us all as the female giant neither stopped her yelling nor did she seem to be mellowing down. He throws his hands to his head, all hope lost as he ruffled his hair. “I’m never going to see my newborn baby boy again. I never even got to name him”. Sir Barret grabs Sir Victor’s collar slapping some sense into him. “This isn’t the end so don’t say things like that just yet, mate. Think positively. You are still going to name that little waggort of yours”. “Are you certain?”“I swear by god”. Those words seemed to calm Sir Victor down a notch. “We need to get out of here”. Aunt says concluding that it was best we start running if we were going to d
THE ROOT OF DARKNESS FOURTY ONE
Back in the sky kingdom, The king paced around in his throne room as his heart was filled with unrest. He needed to hear a news, anything at all that the princess was back within the castle walls.But he heard nothing of the sort. Except maybe the sound of ants crawling on the wall. Without so much of a warning, the king had quickly unsheathed the sword hanging loosely by his guard’s waist as he charged towards the ants with range. With a loud shout that startled the guards as well as the maidservants of the castle, he slaughtered the ants. He was very upset, way beyond words that his daughter had left the castle alone without her guards and could be hurt right this minute. Or rather, was he upset that the only thing that could bring him wealth could be in danger?. A million thought rammaged through his brain as he thought of what would become of him if per chance, outcasts, as this was what they called people that like me, who were still hiding in the palace found of what the pri
THE ROOT OF DARKNESS FOURTY TWO
The dinning table seemed like a feast for a king. Never in my life had I seen such different varieties of food where I was allowed to eat as much as I wanted to my satisfaction. “My king, this is too much”. My Aunt says, overwhelmed. “This is our last feast”. The king said. “It’s both an apology and a token of my gratitude to you and the rest of your family so please, this doesmt even come close to showing my emotions”. Air Victor chuckled nervously. “We thank you, my King”. “Please, dig in”. I look at the dishes one after the other. There was too many to choose from that I didn’t even know what to start with first. But luckily, Christina had come to my aid as she placed a green leaf on my plate. “Try this first, Jack”. I smile at her as I pick up the green leaf. Before I could put it in my mouth, I halt as I remember the last time Sir Victor, Sir Barrett and I had once eaten their meal. This was giant’s flesh. It had to be. “What’s wrong, Jack?”. Inquired the king. “Is the fo
THE ROOT OF DARKNESS FOURTY THREE
After we came back to the palace from the market place, I am being shown to a room that I had all to myself. But all the way, my mind was on the words of that young man I’d met earlier in the festival, his last words to be precise. After I’d rejoined Christina from the restroom, she’d inquired why I’d taken so long and I’d just told her that I’d lost my way . I tried to act as calm as possible not giving away any suspicious behavior. But I couldn’t help but think about it. The man had said that he’d flirted with Christina and that was what made the rich merchant not want to have her again and furious, the king had banned him from the island but he’d always stocked around Incase one day the princess might need his help. And I was grateful, I mean, I should be grateful that he’d saved the princess from getting married to that rich merchant who clearly wanted to take advantage of her but why was I burning with jealousy instead over the fact that he'd flirted with the princess!.“Snap
THE ROOT OF DARKNESS FOURTY FOUR
The following morning I wake up with Christina already awake nestled in my arms, holding onto me ever so tightly. “Goodmorning”. I greet with a smile but she doesn’t reply me which bothers me as we’d just spent an intimate night together. A million thoughts ran through my mind. Was last night not good? Was I bad at it?. It was my first time afterall so I wasn’t expecting to be perfect either but above average wouldn’t hurt. “Are you alright, my princes—”“I want to go with you, Jack “. She says in whispers. Audible whispers. More words didn’t need to be said to understand what she meant for I clearly knew. “I could just stay here with you if you would agree”. I say not wanting a dispute between her and the king but that didn’t sit well with Christina. Upset, Christina rolls out of my arms. “There’s so much more to this kingdom that you suspect, Jack. It’s not all rainbow and sunshine everyday”. She argues. “The giants you see all around aren’t enemies of this kingdom but rather
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- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
The urge to turn down Korn's invitation wad strong as I'd remembered Lord Nova's advise about Korn seeing me as a threat if he got to know about the power I wielded. But, I didn't have the boldness to do so. "The tale is bound to bore you, my king" "Trust me, Xagrel. This is a tale I'm well invested in no matter how boring it might appear to be" "If you say so, my king" A grin spreads across Korn's face."Then shall we?" I nod. Turning to face Xandos, I say. "Thank you for the clothes and for giving me a roof over my head. I'll be heading back with king Korn now" "Will you be back?" "I wil-" "He might not" Korn interjects. "I need my slave around me at all times if you get what I mean, Xandos" Xandos bows his head. "As you wish, my king. Do arrive safely back to the palace" "I will as always, Xandos" Korn extends his hands towards me. "Your hand; we're going on a very short ride" Placing my hands over Korn's, he teleports us to a strange and eerie place that re
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
"First we can't have you work on an empty stomach" Xandos states, leading us to the center of his living room. "So help yourself with breakfast" I glanced around the empty space buy see nothing. "There's nothing here" Xandos chuckles. "It seems like your sharp reflexes ended in the bedroom. You didn't notice it when you first walked in here last night so I assumed maybe it's because it was dark but that doesn't seem to be the case" Xandos points up at the ceiling. "Look up" Following his hand direction, I gaze up to see a well- rounded brown table suspended mid-air yet remains stable and secure. From where I stood, I couldn't see the top of the table but ethereal glowing moonlight hovered around it. The leg of the table was crafted to resemble curved wings with intricate carvings woven around it. The table almost seemed...alive. "Do you think you have what it takes to make it to the table top?" Xandos questions bringing me back to reality. I was determined to mak
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER SIXTY
His words made me feel warmth all over for some strange reason. "Why would you want to help someone like me?" "Because I can't have you messing with lives again" He replies as a matter of fact. "You said earlier you don't have a distrinct to stay in. Would you like to follow me home?" "Home?. You live alone?" "Of course I do" He responds. "I'm the last of my kind that's why immediately I felt the balance of time being messed with I knew it was an outsider doing such as there are no chrono mages in Eridoria yet" As he leads the way to his home, I inquired. "What is your name, by the way? I don't know how to address you" "You can call me Xandos" "Nice to meet you, Xandos. I'm Xagrel" Xandos gives me a disapproving look. "I hope you are more eager to train than you are to know my name" "We're here; home" Xandos announces as we stand infront of a swirling blue vortex. "Brace yourself up" He advised stepping into the vortex. I followed suite not knowing why Xandos had
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
"How did you do it?" The talking wall inquires in awe, staring at the now brightly lit room. "You didn't have any expectations of me, did you?" I shake my head. "Just like how I'd figured out a way to reach the magic book without lights, you should figure out how I'd managed to do this" Waving at the wall, I grinned wider. "See you around" Turning on the door knob, I stroll out of the door shaped shelf; re-entering the entrance of the book store. Still wearing the grin on my face, I walked over to the talking wall whom looked displeased. "I see you've outdone yourself" It commends. "You've proven me wrong" "You don't need to turn yourself into a stone" I assure. "I didn't intend to take on this challenge to get something out of it" "I know" It responds. "My brother and I are not just magical talking walls. We can read people's mind as well and so does magic" "People whom have pure desires and intentions just like you do tend to receive magic alot more faster than oth
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
The interior of the bookstore gave an eerie feeling as it was dimly lit with flickering candles. Walking down the aisle, the path leads to numerous bookshelves that were shaped like a door. Those bookshelves had no walls on them. "How can we help you?" A voice inquires, startling me. Turning sideways towards the direction of the voice, I come face to with a talking wall. Swallowing deep, I inquired. "Do you run this place?" "The store owner is out for some couple of days" The wall replies. "We don't know when she'll be back" "We?" The wall clears his throat, probably annoyed. "I take it that you are new then. What can I help you with?" "I'm looking for a book that can help me learn magic" There was silence before the wall lets out a deep hearty laughter. "Magic isn't just for anyone to learn, boy. If that were to be the case, I'd be a talking human not a talking wall" "You've come to the wrong place so see yourself out" The wall concludes. Anger coursed through
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
Do I want to take a look into my future?. What if it doesn't have Ophelia in it? Was I ready to face that kind of future?. "I would like to politely decline, Lord Nova" "Why? You're not brave enough?" Lord Nova closes his outstretched hands. "You need to work on your courage, Xagrel or else you are never going to grow even with the kind of power you wield" I furrow my brow, confused. "What sort of power do I weild, Lord Nova?" "That's for you to find out when you are ready to" Lord Nova alights from the bed. "Your leg is all healed up. You may leave now" Alighting from the bed, I bow my head at Lord Nova. "Thank you for your wise words" "Wise words without actions remains empty words, Xagrel. Choose wisely" Exiting the tent, I gazed around for Ryker but he was nowhere to be seen. I was a bit disappointed as I'd expected him to be waiting for me outside. I guess he meant it when he said we weren't 'close yet' Just then, I hear a loud scream coming not so faraway from wher
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
How did I know that my senses had been awakened?. That's because the light emitting from the strange artifact blinded my eyes so badly that the box had fallen from my hands. But just before the box could touch the ground; time stops and reverses settling the box back in my hands. "What the-" I say, bewildered. "M..o..v..e" came the giant's voice pushing me out of the way as they uproot a tree onto their shoulders. But do you know what was insane? The fact that I was pushed by a giant but wasn't moved from where I was standing. As if I suddenly had a strength par with a giant. I chuckled over my absurd thought. "That can't be right. Maybe the giant didn't push me hard enough" My gaze lingers at the giants as they go about uprooting more trees from their root as an idea creeps into mind. Placing the strange artifact back into it's box and tucking it into my pocket, I moved to stand infront of a tree exhaling deeply. "Here goes nothing" Placing my hands at either side
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
Witch Lyrik smack the back of my head head. "It's king Korn to you" I was having a hard time wrapping my head around everything; this new world development, Korn as king, the witch similarity to my manager. If I was in a different world with the people here similar to those in my past life, if everyone truly upgraded one way or another; why was I still ranked as a slave?. The lowest of all lows. Tightening my fist, I apologize." I apologize for calling you with disrespect, my king" "Apology accepted but you will be punished for trying to flee from me" Korn declares. "The question here is; In what way?. How about I do so by turning your little sister to one of my concubines" My eyes widened at the mention of my my sister. How had I almost forgotten that if Korn could be in this world so could my sister, Ophelia. "Please.."I plead, rubbing my hands against one another. "Not my sister. I'll do anything" "You will do anything I want whether you like it or not" King Korn co
- THE ROOT OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
In a split second, my eyes flash before my eyes and I felt regretful. Regretful for having lived a life that had no meaning whatsoever, regretful for having allowed Korn bully me out of my workplace, regretful for having exchanged harsh words with my mother. If only I could have a second chance...but then, would I do things differently?. I wouldn't know until I get that chance. "Damn, my head" I wince in pain, rising up to my feet while placing my hands on my head. Then, I remember that I wasn't even supposed to be alive. "What is going on?" Taking a look around my surrounding, I find myself in a place that I couldn't recognize. Surrounding me were high mountains whose peak were hovered glistening light. Water falls freely down the side of the mountain into a river of clear sliver water that flowed into a riverbank. There were different species of flower dancing freely by the bottom of the mountain. "What in the world is this place?" I questioned, filled with amuse
