Chronicles Of the Ren-Ky Warriors (Book 1)

Chapter 19

The sound of knocking caught Erin's attention. Turning to see who it was as Lovell sighed quietly as Kyle opened the door. Erin scowled as she went to ask what was his interruption was.

 “General Lionclaw, his majesty—Lord Damora—is waiting on the line. It would be wise if you don't make him wait any longer. As he has been wait for over an hour.” Kyle expressed his frustration.

 Erin huffed as she pushed him aside. Kyle rubbing his arm as he watched Erin and her men leave. Lovell sighed once more before looking at Kyle to say thanks for the distraction. Kyle put his hand up as he turned to leave.

“By the way, Lovell, I was not covering for your escape. That was real. I will come by later with something. For now, just stay here. Erin is one to not let her prey escape so easily. Nor is Hunter,” Kyle expressed his opinion. “I think…”

Kyle closed the door leaving Lovell in the room. Lovell growled at kyle’s words as he got out of bed. Dressing, Lovell walked over to the door and tried the handle. It was unlocked! Carefully Lovell opened the door and checked the hall to see if anyone was around.

There was no one in sight. Lovell made the decision to leave the room and see the fortress's grounds. Knowing that he was an unhappy guess. Lovell walked softly as he passed a doorway. Lovell was looking the other way when the door opened. Lovell froze as Hunter walked out. Hunter walked past Lovell as he went to grab something before stepping back. Lovell stood shocked as Hunter closed his door.

Lovell sighed as he continued to explore but was cut short once two of Erin's men caught up to him. Lovell knew Erin sent them to watch him. Lovell sighed in frustration as they escorted him across the grounds. Kyle walked down to see Lovell being accompanied, growling at Lovell before knocking at Hunter's door. Hunter did not answer, prompting Kyle to enter and check on him.

As Kyle entered, he could see Hunter sitting at the window watching the grounds below. Kyle sighed as he closed the door and walked over.

 “You seem lost in thought, Hunter?” Kyle asked as Hunter glanced at him.

Kyle leaned against the window frame to see Lovell already in the yard. Kyle could see Lovell trying to avoid the other men as they trained. Looking back at Hunter, Kyle folded his arms and stared at Hunter.

“Are you sure you are alright? You seem distracted by Lovell being here?”

Hunter looked at him, his eyes distant yet close as he turned back to the grounds below.

“Like I said earlier, I will be fine. Besides, should not you be somewhere, Kyle? Like in the archives?” Hunter growled, trying to wave Kyle away.

Kyle noticed a soft look in Hunter's eyes—a sense of awareness that seemed lost from times before. Kyle sighed as he towards the door, looking back once more to see Hunter furling his face in frustration.

“I know you're not Hunter,” Kyle muttered to himself as he left the room.

Hunter screamed from beyond the door. Kyle knew he was fighting himself and his identity within the Faremin kingdom.

Kyle checked the archives as he began to find a way to get Lovell out. Kyle shuffled through old books and found a tome on elven magic—on teleportation. Remembering that Lovell was part theyan, Kyle took a chance slipped the tome under his arm as he gathered other tomes as he left the room, knowing if someone noticed him taking the tomes, his plan would fail.

  Kyle walked the corridors, looking for a place for Lovell to cast the spell and escape. Each time Kyle found that either open areas were all closed off or heavily guarded. Kyle growing evermore worried as he walked past Erin’s office. The sound of screaming came from with. Catching Kyle’s interest. Kyle leaned in to hear the conversation. Noticing that door was cracked open, Kyle peer through and could see Erin hovering over her desk. Her face filled with anger as she slammed the top.

“You! You had to come here! Dam you, Azoth! I have things under control!” Erin’s voice curdled the air as Kyle watched.

Kyle felt a cold chill down his spine. Azoth walked into view. His long black hair tired back as he rests his hand on his sword. Kyle could see him in simplified oriental armour with an as white sleeveless trench coat.

“You mean to take the Lovell back to the castle?” Azoth's voice, cold and distant. “He is both my son and the next King. If anything was to happen to where we lose him, My father would have a fit. Besides, he can lead us to Luna, the current reincarnation of Lunatica. Her fate is to marry my father so that he can take her powers for himself. Controlling who lives and dies, making the King absolute in this world. You know the plan since you failed twice, Erin, plus you had Hans and Vann helping you twenty years ago.”

Kyle went pale hearing the plan as he knew they would hunt Lovell if he escaped. Kyle looked at Erin as Azoth moved to the right more. Erin, fuming at his commentary. Flexed her wings as she stood straight up, folding her arms in distrust.

“I know about the plan and of our major failure twenty years ago,” Erin began to set her point across, “but if we keep Lovell here as bait—as Lord Demora stated—his friends will come for him eventually. Plus, we will have them search for Luna. Not you or anyone else. It was ordered by our lord, not you, Azoth!”

Kyle knew that Lovell needs to hear what Erin and Azoth had said as he quietly walked away, jumping between the shadows.

Lovell sat on the edge of his bed, felt like a caged bird in his iron-walled prison.

“I wish I could just walk out the front door and leave.” Lovell sighed as he closed his eyes out of frustration.

Sating at the ceiling. Lovell began to think back on his magic training and how he wished they could learn while he was with Grailia and the others. A loud knocking at his door caught his attention. Lovell sat up as the knocking grew ever more intense.

“I heard you, stop banging!” Lovell shouted.

Lovell raised himself to his feet and walked over. The knocks turning into banging as Lovell reached the door. Opening Lovell sighed before answering.

“What is… it? Kyle, what are you—hey?!” Lovell tried to ask.

Kyle rushed past Lovell. Lovell stood confused as Kyle began to pace back and forth, fuming over something. Lovell reached out and grabbed Kyle by the arms. Stopping Kyle in his track as Lovell stared into his eyes.

“Kyle, what going on?” Lovell asked calmly.

Kyle stared into Lovell’s cautious eyes. Feeling the fear well up, Kyle took a deep breath before pulling Lovell’s hands away.

“Azoth is here, and they plan on keeping you here as bait for Luna,” Kyle answered as calmly as he could.

Lovell pulled back as he could see the fear turn Kyle pale. Lovell bit his thumb, knowing that Azoth’s presence would complicate things when Kyle's final words hit Lovell.

“Wait, what?!” Lovell raised his voice. “I am the bait, for Luna?!”

Kyle nodded as he cradled his head while sitting on the edge of the bed.

“We need to get you out sooner than later, but…” Kyle’s voice trailed off.

“But that seems almost impossible…wait, they don't know what I look like as a theyan.” Lovell turned to Kyle, smiling at the idea. “What if I turn into my small beast form, I'll look like a dog—”

Kyle shook his head at Lovell’s idea.

“They would figure it out in an instant. There are no dogs here because Erin is allergic. Besides, not even a rat could slip by without her noticing.”

Lovell sat down, feeling frustrated and useless as he growled at the knowledge. Before looking down at his hands and clenching them into fists.

“If only I could use my magic to its full capabilities?” Lovell snared.

Kyle stopped his worries as he slowly turned to Lovell. Lovell could feel Kyle’s stare burning at him as he turned to meet Kyle's eyes. Seeing the curiosity burning in Kyle's eyes.

“What?” Lovell asked slowly.

“Lovell? What elements can you use?” Kyle asked cautiously.

Lovell crossed his arms as he looked up in thought. Trying to remember every element he could use. Lovell then looked back at Kyle, remembering what types he could use.

 “Well, I trained in the five basics, but I can use all twenty-four from the tests, but a lass I ever learned how to use them. Since the people who trained me could only use fire, water, earth, wind and lightning. Though I have tampered in light magic from time to time. On my own time.”

Kyle blankly blinks in astonishment as Lovell answered, bewildered by how many elements Lovell could use and how little he knew. Kyle shifted himself to face Lovell. Kyle’s face stiffening as his tone turned serious.

“You do know that no one—and I mean no one—has ever been able to use all the elements, right?” Kyle stressed.

Lovell stared at Kyle. If to say that it was impossible? That there was no other person before him to use all twenty-four elements? Lovell felt some pride as he was an abnormality where he could use all the types of magic. Yet Lovell began to think on how come his teachers never called out on it?

Kyle sighed as he pulled out four tomes and handing Lovell one. Lovell looked at the book with the title reading The Basics Of Elven Psychic Magic. Lovell raised his brow at Kyle before taking it.

“This book contains the basics of physic magic—which includes the spell for teleportation. Just read over that spell. You will have all night as I will be here around four or five of the first rotation. So, be ready to leave at a moment's notice.” Kyle emphasized to Lovell. “You will leave one hour after we find an open area for you to cast.”

Kyle stood up and left. Lovell looked over the cover and could see the elven details. Feeling the surface, Lovell could tell it once was well used and well-loved. Lovell smiled, sensing things were looking up as he opened the book to find it opened to a spell on levitation. Lovell figured that Kyle might have used the magic a lot. Lovell turned the pages to the teleportation spell. Lovell laid down as he read over the bit through the night, trying to understand it.

Hours pasted, Lovell flopped the book to his side, frustrated that he couldn't understand the spell. Knowing that theyans have an easier time learning new spells and attacks over other races. But for Lovell, it seemed impossible to see the time to leave was in moments. Lovell began to panic within as the sound of his door creaking open caught his attention. Kyle walked in and was holding a bag of supplies. Tossing the satchel onto the bed, Kyle walked closer.

“Did you sleep at all?” Kyle asked.

Lovell shook his head. Kyle sighed as he scratched his head.

 “Well, it's four-thirty, and everyone's still asleep. We need to hurry before the court guards go on duty. Oh, and do not call out my name at all. Call me shadow from this point on.”

Lovell looked at him, got up. He hoped he understood the spell enough to let him get out of Erin and Azoth's grasps. Following Kyle to the courtyard. Kyle pulled a plain white-mask with black markings.

Kyle put the mask on before fixing his outfit. Lovell noticed that Kyle’s attire was not what he had seen him wear around. It was more roguelike than a man of knowledge and integrity. Kyle nodded at Lovell as they walked down the halls reaching the location Kyle picked out.

Once they reach the location, Kyle—now known as Shadow—noticed someone in the shadows across the yard. Hunter walked out. Lovell stood shocked as Hunter looked at Shadow.

“Well, I don't know who you are, but you won't help him escape.” Hunter drew his blade at Shadow.

Shadow gritted his teeth as he glanced at Lovell. Lovell stared in shock to see Hunter standing before him.

“Lovell, let me handle Hunter, so you can get ready to cast the spell.” Shadow quietly told Lovell as he pulled out a quarterstaff.

Lovell nodded as he left Kyle to handle Hunter. Lovell stayed back as Kyle moved in closer. Hunter sneered in the pale moonlight as he drew his blade. Kyle ready for the first strike.

 “I will take that mask off and expose you, traitor. After that, we will make sure Lovell never leaves!” Hunter barked as he lunged towards Kyle.

Kyle blocks Hunter’s attack allowing Lovell to open the spellbook, preparing to cast. Lovell opened his mouth when an arrow striking the book. Lovell stumbled back, dropping the tome on the ground. Then igniting. Destroying the only attempt Lovell had.

Lovell then sought out from where the arrow had come from. Lovell froze as Azoth walked forward. Lovell could feel his body unresponsive as Azoth gripped his bow.

 “You're not going anywhere as long as you're under the Krisnik Stare, son.”

Lovell was paralyzed from the Krisnik ability. Lovell knew the power was as strong as the user's will, or it failed. Lovell closed his eye’s in defeat as Kyle called out, yet Lovell could not make out what he was screaming. Azoth reaching out at Lovell as he grinned in glee.

'Terrance, that's enough!' Ulva's voice echoed out.

Hunter turned to see a ghostly beastwoman standing between Lovell and Azoth. Kyle pushed Hunter back with him, distracted. Lovell shot his eyes open to see Ulva standing before him. Azoth stepped back as he gritted his teeth at her. Lovell stood surprised that Ulva showed herself the way she did.

 'I will not let your father win, Terrance Krisnik. Come back. It's not too late to come back.' Ulva growled as she reached out to Azoth.

Azoth clenched his head. Breaking Lovell free from Azoths grasp. Ulva knew what was going on as she moved closer. Azoth waving his bow at her. Azoth's bow one fazing through.

“You wench! Get out of my face—” Azoth screamed out in pain.

Bringing Azoth to his knees. Hunter stood, shocked at what he was seeing. Kyle took the opportunity to disarm Hunter. Ulva stopped as she turned to look at Lovell. Smiling as her eyes softened with a loving embrace.

'Don't think about how to cast. Feel the magic around and cast the spell, Lovell.'

Lovell remembered Ark saying the same thing as he closed his eyes. Hunter snapped back as he tackled Kyle. The magic in the air became visible as Azoth tried to gain a footing. Yet Ulva stood in his way, knowing she would hinder him. Lovell could feel the magic calling out to him as he began to cast the spell. Lovell could feel the words wash over him.

“Telefairra, Almariyonus.”

Hunter raced forward as he reached out to grab Lovell. Only to catch nothing but the air while Lovell completes the spell. Hunter screamed as the frustration that they failed overwhelmed him. Hunter then turning his attention towards Kyle but was nowhere to found. Kyle glanced from beyond a corner, smiling as he returned to his room. Ulva stood over Azoth as tears began to stream down her face. Azoth looked up at her as his face softened as if he was a different person reaching out to Ulva as she left. Hunter walked over to Azoth for a plan of action. Yet Azoth shoved Hunter away. Ferrous with the fact that Lovell got out so quickly. Azoth stormed off, leaving Hunter confused and not knowing what to do.

Lovell landed beyond their grasp. Lovell glanced around to see where he was. The morning air cooling as the sun peaked over the trees. A sense of relief washed over Lovell. Yet, it was short-lived as Lovell's body became weak. Lovell could feel his strength waning, realizing that he used too much magic to quickly. Lovell fell quickly to his knees.

Feeling his body giving out, Lovell began to start losing consciousness. The sun rose, Lovell could barely make out someone running to him. Calling out towards him. Lovell could not hear them as he fell to the ground. The person’s voice muffled as they asked if he was okay. Shaking Lovell's weakened body. Everything around Lovell growing ever dark in the brightening worlds around him.

Lovell woke to his body aching. Lovell sat up, his body sore with every movement. As if he was hit by a dragon swaying its tail in his direction. Lovell glanced around to see pristine marble and gold floor, sliver-maple and dark evermore-maple wooden walls, and evermore spruce furniture. Lovell sat stunned to where he was. Questioning to where he landed.

“Oh, your awake, sir. Give me a moment to fetch the young miss.” Lovell looked over to see a servant set down some food on the nightstand. “Please rest, when the young miss fond you. You were in terrible shape.”

Lovell looked out the large windows, feeling some relief of safety.

“If you don't mind me asking, ma'am, but where exactly am I?”

The servant smiled as she rests her hands in front of her and bowing Lovell.

“We are in Fallmist Village. About three day's trip from the city of Summerwind. In the Gold Heart Empire.” Curiosity peeked as the servant as she answered Lovell’s question, “why do you ask?”

Lovell sighed quietly as he felt some relief waft over him. Lovell looked at her with relief as he thought of a way to explain his situation. Lovell cleared his throat as the servant waited. Lovell realized that if he told them that he was an escaped prisoner of the Faremin, it could cause trouble.

“Well, I had used a teleportation spell without thinking of a destination, and I um—well—I ended up here, that's all.” Lovell sheepishly answered.

'Well, it not a lie, but it's not the whole truth either.' Lovell thought to himself. ‘I just hope I can find Luna before Demora and keep her safe. Besides, I will need to find a method to deal with Azoth's stare. AS I am too weak to stand against him as I am?’

The servant smiled as she bowed once more, taking her to leave. Lovell sighed before looking at her once more. Lovell could feel the uneasiness wash over him as he smiled at the servant.

“Oh, and thank you for the food. It looks wonderful.”

“Thank you, and now, if you excuse me. I must be going.” The servant turns to bow again.

Lovell felt odd as he never dealt with servents like her or any of the matter. Lovell leaned back and looked down at the food. The selection was of a standard noble meal made up of lots of vegetables and minimalistic amounts of preserved meats. Lovell recalled having a dinner like once when he was in Marewood for the first time. The meal that Margret made him the day he found statuary Moments later, Lovell had just finished eating as the servant returned.

“The young miss is here, sir.” The servant bowed as she looked at Lovell.

Lovell nodded as he sat, waiting to see his savour. Taking a deep breath, Lovell answered the servant.

“You can let her in. I won't bite.” Lovell joked.

Lovell smiled as a red-haired woman walked in. Lovell was shocked to see how young she was as the young woman walked closer. Curtsying before Lovell as she lifted her head. Her eyes were emerald green, and her skin slightly tanned. The young woman wore a simple fall dress with little to no lace. Lovell seemed more surprised that she would have servants as she did not look of nobility.

 “It good to see that you are okay. My name is Scarlet de Rosier, the daughter of William de Rosier of House Rosier.”

Lovell felt his body turn to stone as the shocked that Scarlet was of House Rosier. One of the leading noble houses within the Empire. Lovell shudders as he collected himself.

“Well, Miss Rosier, my name is Lovell Quacey Krisnik of the Krisnik clan. I thank you for saving me.” Lovell bowed to the best of his ability.

“Your welcome, sir Lovell.” Scarlet smiled at Lovell before turning to the servant. “You may leave. I wish to speak with him in private.”

The servant bowed as she left their presence. Scarlet sighed heavily as she walked closer to Lovell. Lovell sat surprised by Scarlet’s reaction.

“Finial free. Sorry, but formalities were always boring. Now, you look as if you have travelled lots from beyond the four great seasonal villages? What is the world from beyond like?”

Lovell leaned back, only wince in pain. Trying to relax, Lovell could feel that his body still needed time to heal after the strain.

“Well, harsh where ever the Faremin go and yet, hopeful,” Lovell answered.

Scarlet noticed Lovell was in discomfort as she watched him. Lovell groaned as he tried to ignore the pain.

“One moment,” she pulled out a salve, “Put this on where it hurts. The pain will subside temporarily.”

Lovell thanked Scarlet as lifted his shirt. Lovell was surprised that he was hurt at all as he rubbed the ointment over his chest. Once Scarlet finished, she began to think about Lovell’s words. Turning to the windows, Scarlet stared into the unknown.

“The way you say harsh and hopeful sound like the people are suffering because of the war and senseless bloodshed. But I cannot see where the hope is?”

Lovell smiled gingerly as he could see Scarlet’s face filled with concern and heartache.

“Not all of it, some people live happy lives, and there are those who suffer because of famine and disease more often than through killings. Besides, there is—”

Scarlet became deeply agitated by the idea as she snapped at Lovell.

“So, why can't they get help for that? There are food and medicine at everyone's disposal?! It is not like they are cut from their lords and kings to where they cannot get the help they need!?” Scarlet ranted off.

Lovell realized she was a sheltered child, closed his eye as he leaned back. As he sighed deeply with a saddened outlook for Scarlet.

“Most people can't afford food or medicine regardless of there is a war going on or not. I remember going to the town of Stonebeak—an old mining town within the Faremine Kingdom—was not doing so good. The people might have been unhappy and ravaged by drugs or sold themselves for s*****y just to survive, but some people do help them even if they have nothing to offer other than their care and support.” Lovell smiled at Scarlet, seeing her uneasy, “I can tell you want to see more from beyond your birdcage?”

Scarlet turned to Lovell, her face red. Lovell seeing Scarlet’s expression, Lovell knew he hit the mark. With Scarlet becoming flustered.

“Well, I-I would—”

Lovell laughed as she tried to find the words. Seeing Scarlet’s face turn red as Lovell laughed hysterically.

“Okay, yes, I want to leave, but my father won't let me.” Scarlet turned away from Lovell. Huffing at Lovell's reaction.

Lovell caught his breath, wiping the tears from his eyes. Seeing that her mood had changed.

 “Sorry about that. But it sounds like your father is a little overprotective. Why is that?”

Scarlet's eyes darkened. Turning the once joyous mood turned into a deep sadness. Lovell could feel the tension in the air.

“Well, it is more like he is afraid that I will end up like my mother.” Scarlet paused as she looked at Lovell. “Dead.”

Lovell turned away as he could understand the feeling of wanting to protect someone. Taking a deep breath, Lovell closed his eyes.

“You know, I lost people close to me, and if I were in your fathers' shoes, I think I would do the same.” Lovell gripped the sheets thinking of his past. “But holding you back is unhealthy for anyone's growth…as a person and for their well being.”

Lovell sensed someone had entered the room. Looking up, he notices a scruffy man stare at him.

Scarlet turned to look at what Lovell was staring at; she gasped to see her father,

“Father?! when did you—”

The words falling short from Scarlet’s mouth as she stared in horror. William stared at Scarlet as she shrank back.

“A short time ago, daughter, you should bring in strangers to our home without consulting me first,” William demanded at Scarlet.

Scarlet began to protest as William slapped her across the face. Tears streamed as Scarlet looked at her father before ran away. William growled at her action as he turned to Lovell. Lovell sat stunned as he watched Scarlet slam the door open.

 “NOW, as for you, you shall stay away from—”

William froze as he turned to berate Lovell. Lovell slowly turned to William as his eyes glowing from the anger welling up. William stood stunned as Lovell opened his mouth.

“That was worse than the Faremin would have treated her. A father's love can be a double edge sword, mortal.” Lovell growled as he tried to compose himself.

William stepped back, hearing Lovells wolf-like growl erupt from his throat. Seeing that he was in hot water, William could not believe what was before him.

 “No…you—you cannot be?” William's voice shakes.

“I am. I am a half theyan, quarter human and quarter beastman.” Lovell could not hold back as he blurts out. “I am also the current Warrior of light and darkness, one of Lunatica's chosen.”

William could feel the tension in the air as Lovell grew agitated. Lovell narrowed his eyes as he continued. While a servant walked in.

“One other thing, do not piss me off. That would be a terrible idea.”

William looked over to the servant and began to walk away, but Lovell cleared his throat to regain William’s attention. William stopped as he listened to Lovell.

“Oh, while I have your attention still. I want to offer you something. A deal that involves your daughter. Scarlet”

William turned to Lovell, waiting to hear what he had to say.

“Speak theyan?” William asked.

“I would like you to let Scarlet be free to spread her wings and grow as a person. What you are doing does more to hurt her relationship than preserving it. If she takes over with ignorance of the outside, she will be killed.”

William paused after hearing Lovell's words. Lovell stared at William as he stared back. William could see that Lovell was willing to help. William smiled att he had an idea to let his daughter leave him. William turned away as he closed his eyes.

 “Then I want you to take my daughter with you, young theyan. It would be better if she had a theyan guardian protecting her. Besides, you need to find Lunatica and protect her. What is one more person?” William smugly taunted Lovell.

William glanced back to see Lovell stunned by his answer. William continued out the door as the servant closing the door behind them. Lovell sighed as he felt a huge weight lift from his chest while a new problem arose for him.

 “Great, I now have new baggage to carry around. Yet at least Lord Rosier was reasonable, even though…” Lovell paused.

Realizing how he acted in front of William, Lovell turned red as he slid under the covers. Feeling the burning rush across his face.

“I'm a kynroc(i***t).”  Muttering under the covers.

Lovell took a deep breath before lift up once more. Looking over to the window, Lovell could see the garden just outside. Lovell could see many fall flowers and plants growing as well as blue roses.

A typical flower in the fall seasons in Serl's northern areas, Lovell admired the garden from the bed as his mind drifted towards his friends.

 “I hope I can meet up with Gale and Lance soon. Plus, if they found Luna, that would be even better as it would make finding her a whole lot easier.” Lovell cheered up as he thought about them.

“But first things first. I need to recover before searching for them. Heading to Summerwind might not be a bad start. The hunter's society might have some intel where they have been seen at.”

Lovell smiled as he pondered.

“It would be even funnier if they were in town at the same time as me.” Lovell laughed as he thought about how they would meet.

Lovell sighed as he felt his body become tired. Lovell yawned as he laying down to rest. Knowing that thing were looking up. Lovell slowly closed his eyes, thinking if Kyle got out okay and if he would ever meet with him ever again.