The Trial of Kings

Finish the Mission

The Celebrations halted the moment he got it. Hands were over mouths and some mouths agape staring at the screens willing him to get up. The rock was a part of a boulder which he had used to shield him moments ago. The irony manifested in the pain he felt from the impact of the rock slamming into his chest and depleting his HP. He crouched and gripped his chest in anguish only to have that feeling disappear as he immediately checked his HP gauge. Had that shot done its job? Had he lost the challenge even though the Black Dragon was defeated? The crowds stood in silence waiting for Anne to reveal the damage.

Time seemed to stop and the moment dragged as Anne delayed the result of the Final Battle. The rubble began to move as the General rose from where he’d landed. He had already seen his HP gauge and needed to stand to absorb what it all meant. And as the meaning of the result hit him, the overwhelming swirl of emotions brought him to his knees. Sir Damon lifted his head and screamed at the top of his lungs letting out a battle cry that struck terror into those who watched.

Anne turned on the Public Address system and began to speak.

“Sir Damon, General of the Dungeon and Red Dragon. Congratulations on completing the Trial of Kings. Go and rescue the Goddess Luna and exit the Dungeon - as the first King of Eros.”

His HP gauge was displayed on every screen in Oron, showing a depleted Magic gauge, depleted skill gauge which powered his Red Dragon skills, and 1% remaining on his HP. He had not been defeated and even though the Black Dragon struck the final blow, he was able to deflect it enough to survive the shot. And with the enemy defeated, he had won the Final Battle.

The audience lost their minds, jumping on each other and hugging whoever stood next to them.

The streets exploded and the air was electric as the inhabitants celebrated the victory. It was just passed ten in the evening and the new King of Eros had finished the 36-hour challenge in just over 12 hours. All the vendors and bar tenders received a message on their Oron communicators from Anne. They could serve as much as they want and not charge but record the sales, then submit it to the Guild Headquarters and the City of Oron would cover the charges, for a week. Anne was following protocol and had done the calculations of how much this celebration would cost. She also calibrated into her calculations that the revenue from this event going forward would dramatically increase for the city.

“Play the song,” said Goddess Luna unable to contain her excitement. She bolted out of the control room and headed for the chamber that she was meant to be in. Her bare feet felt the cold concrete of the hall that led to her chamber and she almost fell into the dark room where she was meant to be held. She ruffled her hair and scrunched up her dress, then sat against the wall that she was last “seen” and attached the shackle to her wrist.

The way to the Goddess was lit up as a part of the wall showed red lines framing an entrance. He instinctively gathered his swords and sheathed them, heading towards the entrance. He pushed against the wall and the stone slid to his left. The gust of air being released was cool and he feared that she was not well after being so cold and jogged down the tunnel into the large room finding Goddess Luna chained to the wall. She held up her arms and he dashed into them, squeezing her in relief that she was okay.

Their lips had touched before they even realized it, their tongues darting in each other’s mouths, breathing each other in like they’d never before. A kiss to begin the reign of a new era. The kiss lasted for what seemed like forever as the crowds roared in celebration and their intensity slowed but remained passionate. Like a slow burn they exchanged soft kisses and pressed up against each other. Their bodies yearning for more in that moment. The Goddess was the first to speak, “I knew you’d save me.” He smiled and kissed her again and again between each sentence.

“Nothing will keep you from me. Not Demons, mythical beasts, Monsters or even Dragons,” he said softly. Sliding his hands from her waist up her back and into her hair he kissed her again. Breathing her in she leaned into his kiss, savoring him, tasting the fruity flavors of his potions.

Looking into her eyes he held one hand in her hair cupping her head and slid the other down her back, “I’m never letting this happen again.” She tilted her head, knowing that it wouldn’t happen again, that’s what Anne promised. She even guaranteed that she would protect them from outside forces as she always had. This needed to be done to complete the Trial. It is necessary, to ensure his victory. She remembered Annes’ words that day. And she was right. The man in her arms was officially the King of Eros.

He then realized that she was still chained to the wall and as she inspected the shackle on her wrist he went to the wall. Checking the link that held the chain in place, he carefully withdrew his right sword and slashed it from the wall. The Goddess gave a startled yelp which he didn’t even acknowledge and asked her place her arm on the stone where she sat and she did. Holding the shackles with his left hand keeping her out of harms way he struck the shackle and cut through the bulk of the chain leaving behind a manageable piece attached for them to escape. Sheathing his sword and holding out his hand he asked her, “Ready to end this for real?” She smiled broadly and let out a short gasp. She put a hand over her chest, she replied, “Of course I am - my King.” The words made his heart soar coming from her. Even though he had always felt worthy of her, in that moment, he truly did feel like – a King.