CHAPTER 003
1172 Words
“GWAAARG!!”
The cyclops struck Adam, sending him shuttling across the arena like a waste can. Just then, his birthday glowed, activating his superhuman powers.
“Good gracious God!”
“Is that the mark of a god?”
“He is superhuman!”
Everyone gasped.
Emperor Snotlehon half-rose from his throne. The royal parliament froze, and mouths opened. Even the Cyclops paused mid-laugh, his single eye narrowing as the mark on Adam’s arm surfaced fully, dark lines twisting into the ancient sigil every war chronicle said was myth.
“That mark…” Snotlehon whispered. “Impossible.”
Adam flexed his left iron arm once and it answered him with a low metallic groan.
Princess Hilda looked more thrilled than afraid. She took an apple from the ceremonial platter, the apple of discord, weighed it in her palm, then tossed it toward him. “Catch,” she said, anxious like she already knew the ending.
Without looking, Adam caught it with his mechanical arm and crushed the apple straight into the Cyclops’s eye.
There was no roar or flourish.
Just a wet squishy sound followed by a scream, and a massive body crashing onto the sandy floor.
For half a heartbeat, nobody breathed, then the crowd erupted into cheers. Cups were raised, names were shouted, some cried, some laughed.
The Black Warriors did neither; they booed in defeat and shame.
“Enough!”
Emperor Snotlehon lifted both hands. His voice carried the weight of law and excitement. “The Cyclop is defeated. By the rules, the Black Warriors are expelled. They should leave Whumcastle at once.”
The commander of the Black Warriors stared at Adam with naked hatred, then turned and they all marched out without resistance.
Emperor Snotlehon was pleased and by evening, a party was held to celebrate the city's newfound freedom.
Music, meat, dew, rum and beer flowed like forgiveness. Adam stood near a pillar, watching people celebrate around him, but he must find water for his sister; as soon as possible.
“You’ve given my people hope,” The emperor said pleasantly, walking towards him. “What is your name, boy?”
“Adam…just Adam.”
“From?”
“Gamoth, the kingdom of the Rising sun.”
The Emperor smirked. He didn't like that city, but he was pleased Adam saved his peopled, but then, he didn't like him as well.
Hilda appeared at Adam’s side, too close, fingers brushing his arm. “You fight like a legend” she said. “Or like someone who doesn’t know he’s one yet.”
“I know what I am,” Adam replied. “I just don’t advertise it.”
Snotlehon’s smile thinned. “That mark on your arm, where did you get it?”
Adam took a sip of wine and set the cup down. “I was born with it. I descend from from a special lineage.”
The emperor laughed too loudly that tears swirled in his eyes. “That mark belongs to an ancient god of war.”
The court priest stiffened. “Not a god,” he said. “A warlord. One who burned down empires.”
Silence crept back in.
“That makes him a threat,” the priest continued. “He must leave by morning.”
Adam turned to Snotlehon now. “I saved your city, sir.”
“And which we have thanked you for.” The Emperor interjected. “You came here a prisoner, but now, I lift that title. You must go.”
“Before I go,” Adam began. “Can I at least have a bottleful of water?”
There was silence, then laughter followed. The type of laughter that convinced you you just said something foolish.
“You are greedy, boy.” Emperor Snotlehon patted him on the back as the died down.
“But I just saved this city.”
“We’re mortals, you're a semi-god. You cannot stay!” The priest replied.
Adam clenched his mechanical arm threatenly. Hands drifted to sword hilts and guns clicked somewhere behind him.
“I’m not your enemy.” Adam’s voice was more calm.
Snotlehon leaned in, whispering just enough for Adam to hear. “Well, you don’t get to decide that.”
“I don’t belong here,” he said gently. Then he left.
Princess Hilda followed him. Behind them, Snotlehon bent toward the priest and whispered softly like a prayer, “I don’t like that boy. Make sure he dies tonight.”
The priest nodded and a wild smile crossed his lip. It would be a pleasure to test his new axe.
Adam entered the court and began lifting baskets, cabinets and cupboards, searching for water, even a cupful.
But he found wine, beer, brew and dew; everything except what would heal his sister.
A servant shrugged at him. “Water is for those who can afford it.”
Godammit!... Adam cursed under his breath.
Suddenly, the gate to the city opened with a grind of iron and Friday the goblin, drove in with a truck, beaming atop a massive water tank.
Good! This was an answered prayer, Adam smiled.
“Adam!” Friday shouted. “You look taller.”
Adam clasped his shoulder. “My sister?”
Friday’s grin faded. “When I left Gamoth, she was barely breathing.”
Foolish goblin! Adam cried out loud.
“Why didn't you take this water to her?’
Friday twitched his eyes as an Emperor's soldier approached his truck.
“I stole it from Zooro, somewhere along the plains of Axita.”
“Then why didn’t you take it to her?”
“Gamoth isn’t safe anymore,” Friday said, turning off the truck. “Wellington is dying and Prince Eric left to find a cure.”
Adam grew irritated as the soldier mounted the truck.
“So now what? You're giving the water to Emperor Snotlehon?”
“It is business.” Friday flashed a smile.
As the soldier drove the truck away, Adam watched like a starving man watches a locked door, anger boiling within him.
Maids arrived, busty and polished, and led Friday away into the Emperor's court and luxury.
Later, Adam sat with court elites as they drank themselves senseless.
“You should drink,” the priest slurred. “You’re a hero!”
Adam lifted the cup, barely wetting his lips. His mind was on the water tank.
By morning, soldiers burst into his chamber and clicked cold handcuffs into his wrists.
“You are under arrest.” Snotlehon announced coldly, “with the murder of the high priest.”
“The priest is dead?” Adam was as surprised as everyone else.
“Yes!”
“So in what way I'm I responsible for his dead?” Adam was bewilded.
Snotlehon stepped forward with hate in his eyes. “Well, you were last seen with him last night, drinking beer.”
“Yes, but…”
“Take him away!”
Soldiers shoved him towards the imperial cell, he stood no chance.
- Writer
