Demon King: Awakening

Chapter 13

Areana was awakened by a roar, gasps, and applause coming from outside her window. Slowly, she opened her eyes, trying to adjust to the light streaming in from the windows, her head pounding slightly. She blinked trying hard to focus and clear her foggy mind. She felt a sharp pain surge through her side. It would start with a throb then a sudden shock would burst from her wound reminding her constantly of the injury. Sighing, she pulled herself together far to curious to care much about the pain. Hearing the commotion outside drew her attention away from her own circumstance. She placed her hand to her side, slightly pressuring the wound as she slowly pushed herself to a sitting position. She winced, panting slightly, beginning to sweat from the motion. She continued to force herself up and gingerly made her way over to one of the windows in her room that was across from her bed. Breathing heavily, she reached it and sunk down to partially sit on the windowsill, taking some of the pressure off her wound.

Her sudden motion had gone unseen by Leonard and Nurse Chaiun, who both appeared to be sleeping somewhat peacefully. She glanced back nervously, not wanting to be ushered to bed before she could see what was happening just outside her window. Peering out she saw the king standing at the center of the square surrounded by his subjects. Her heart pounded hard against her chest as she peered down at him. His clothing resting gently on his body. It was easy to see that he was a king by the way he stood, the way he dressed, and his presence. He was strong, demanding, even handsome. Quickly, she stopped herself. Even though she believed demons to have the ability to be able to hold some human emotions, there were still lines that should not be crossed.

Refocusing she noticed that there was a group of powerful demons stationed on the square approximately six feet away from the king. She watched, clutching her side, wondering what was happening. It didn't appear to be a friendly gathering. Many of the demons on the stage seemed very displeased with the king and even a few of the subjects' expressions mirrored that of those on stage. She slowly reached to unlock and push the window open. Gently and carefully, she nudged it just far enough for her to hear more clearly what was being said.

“It has come to my attention that some of my advisors stand against me and have made plans to take the throne.” He spoke with his long white hair standing on end, the wind beginning to swirl around him. She watched in amazement. She had never seen wind dance around a single person. It only made him appear more handsome in her eyes.

“Your majesty, we would never...” an advisor began to speak but was quickly cut off. His words dismissed.

“Enough!” Kobel bellowed. “I have heard enough. You will soon understand, why I continue to hold the throne.” He growled, his voice shaking the stage slightly.

She watched from above in shock. Every subject had been huddled around the square. There were easily ten thousand in the small courtyard. It was so crowded that demons were pressed against stone walls around the courtyard. There were demons of all sizes. She had never seen so many before. Some were rather grotesque in appearance while others practically glowed in the sun. She continued to peer around, taking in everything. There were guards stationed around the courtyard, their swords were already drawn. “This is not a friendly meeting,” she murmured to herself.

As the wind flared around the king, the demons all took a step back nearly crushing those at the rear, which were already pressed against the stone walls. “Who wants to prove themself a better king than I?” He dared anyone to take the chance and step forward.

The crowd grew quiet, eyes shifting from one to another searching for who would be brave enough or foolish enough to challenge the king. Suddenly, an arrow came zipping through the air toward Kobel's head. Areana gasped, instinctively reaching for her sword, but it was not there. She watched fearing for the king’s life. However, she quickly realized she had worried over nothing. Kobel gracefully grabbed hold of the arrow in midair and threw it into the wooden stage next to his feet. He peered around the area, searching for the archer. His eyes settled on a demon located on the stairway, going up the side of the stone wall near the back of the courtyard. “Step forward.” He commanded, his voice booming as he spoke. The archer descended the stairs and slowly made his way to the square. He walked with his head held high as though it were some great feat to shoot at the king. “What is the meaning behind your actions?” Kobel demanded, his eyes darkening.

The archer cleared his throat. “Many of us don't believe you are fit to lead.” The demon spoke strongly, filled with confidence and pride in his actions. “A king who will not engage in a coming war, is no king at all,” he declared, speaking as though he had some authority in this situation.

“Those who stand against me, step forward. Those who stand with me, step back.” Kobel ordered, daring anyone brave enough to step forward and stand with the archer. His eyes soon shimmered blood red. He watched as twenty or more demons stepped up, while the rest took steps backward, trying not to crush those in the back, but also making sure it was clear they remained on the king's side. Half of the advisors took a step forward, while the other half slipped back into the crowd. Areana watched, shocked. She found herself holding her breath while she waited to see what would happen next. “Bring out the prisoners, now.” He demanded. Four guards rushed away, immerging a few moments later with the demons previously sentenced to the dungeons for standing against him.

“I had promised you would never see the light of day again, however, it would appear that your comrades do not agree with my ideas as well. It is fitting that you all meet the same end.” Kobel grinned as he explained. Something was different. The handsome demon that held her attention had changed. He appeared demonic, almost frightening, but Areana reminded herself of the demon who had saved her from death. Trying hard not to see him as a monster, as all other humans would.

The demons and the archer were brought to the front and pushed onto the stage to stand before Kobel. “You want to remove me from my throne, we'll do it in the traditional manner. Who would like to take the lead?” he jerreed, enjoying what would come next.

Without batting an eye, the demons from the dungeons launched themselves at Kobel. Areana winced as they attacked the king. She wanted to save him. One was two-headed and part goat, one similar to a harpy, and the smaller one, an imp. They made their attack, fighting in unison. She closed her eyes afraid that she was about to watch him die. Waiting a few minutes, she then opened her eyes only to see he was unharmed. However, the gasp of the crowd drew her attention further to the stage where three bodies and blood had been spilled over the wooden boards. Blood dripped from Kobel's claws, his eyes glowed red, his ears and tail had straightened, while the air around him was thrashing with small sparks starting to fly.

For the first time, she began to truly feared Kobel as a demon. She wanted to stop the fighting, but she didn't have the strength to whisper, let alone yell. “Who's next?” He gazed out over the crowd. All remained silent, with the closer demons, who had declared themselves against the king, glancing from one to another, nervously. Slowly Kobel raised his hand, the archers stationed along the stone walls raised their bows and knocked their arrows. When Kobel let his arm fall, the arrows were released. Areana watched in horror as three arrows were shot at Kobel. She leaned to yell a warning out the window, but it proved unnecessary as he swirled to rip them from the air and drive them into the wooden platform to stand next to the first arrow.

Within seconds three archers were brought forward, which Kobel had motioned to. They were forced to their knees in front him. She watched as his eyes wandered for a moment to look beyond the three archers to twenty or more other demons that slumped to the ground riddled with arrows. Blood had spilled darkening the wood boards, lifeless bodies had fallen into a pile with a few slipping from the stage. His eyes rested on four who had evaded being shot. Pained expressions lined their faces. He let out a frustrated sigh, “Shall we continue?” He asked the four demons who still stood in opposition, they took steps back, fearing for their lives. The three archers, who had fired arrows at him, shifted uncomfortably near his feet.

“You four.” He said addressing them, “If you really do wish to back down then you must serve time in the dungeons for your dishonorable actions.” He paused allowing his instructions to sink in. “If you agree, walk to the knights that stand next to the dungeons gate, immediately. If not kneel with these three.” He motioned to the three archers that were only a few feet from him. The four demons looked from one to the other before one stood and walked toward the dungeon's entrance. A moment later, the other three followed, but the three archers that were kneeling before the king remained stone-faced and motionless.

Before Areana could see what would happen next, she was pulled gently, but quickly away from the window by Leonard. He closed the window and locked it. “Areana, you can't be up and moving.” He grumbled as he placed her gently back into bed, covering her up.

“Please, tell me what is going on outside.” She begged. “Why are demons trying to kill the king?”

Leonard, took a moment, thinking about whether or not to respond. “Those who have been executed were trying to overthrow the king. He was making an example of them, reminding the demons that he is their king and to not attempt to overthrow him, ever again.” He informed her.

Her heart ached at his words, “If he hadn't done that, would they have killed him?” she worried.

Leonard only gave her a nod as a response, “I see. Thank you.” She said, pulling the covers over her face, praying she could just fall asleep and forget the bloodshed she had just borne witness to.