The Guardian (Coranite Chronicles) (38 page)

“Finally,” said Darek, “some peace and quiet.” He smiled to himself. “Maybe now I can go to sleep…” His voice trailed off as soon as the silence was broken by the sound of echoing footsteps in the corridor. He stared at the barred doorway with wide eyes.

“W-who’s there? Another one?”

The footsteps stopped. A silhouette formed by the doorway. The light from the corridor made thick shadows form over the man’s face. The shape over his head was distinct. The man was wearing a black wide-brimmed hat, like a cowboy hat.

Darek stared long and hard at the man’s face. He couldn’t see much except for the eyes. But that was enough for Darek to recognize him. Darek scoffed, “What’s this? Playing with my memories now? What other stupid tricks do you have up your sleeves?”

“What happened to you, Darek?” said the man.

“Don’t talk to me,” Darek said bitterly. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“You don’t look okay,” said the man.

“I thought I told you to leave,” Darek growled.

“I won’t leave, not this time,” said the man.

“You’re dead. Just like Slade. You are dead.”

“No, Darek. I am alive. You see me, don’t you?”

“I see everyone…even the dead.”

“I’ll prove it, any way I can. Tell me how. I did not die that night, Darek.”

“You did. I saw you die.”

“My son,” said the man. “Did you really see me die? Or did you see me get hurt?”

“I…” Darek blinked. “I don’t know.”

“You didn’t see it. Tell me, Darek. Tell me how to prove it to you.”

Darek laughed. “You want to prove you’re real? Do what everyone else in this room can’t.”

“And what’s that?” asked the man.

“Free me from this prison,” said Darek, smirking. “Do it, if you can.”

“That’s easy enough,” said the man.

Darek heard another voice coming from the corridor. “Hey! What are you doing? I brought you here like you asked. Don’t point that thing at me. Don’t even try it, Khris. I’m warning you.”

Darek goggled at the doorway when he heard a sudden gunshot followed by the sound of something falling to the floor. BANG! There was another gunshot. Then the beams of light that barred the door vanished. Darek trembled as the man stepped into the room.

Now that the man was in the room, Darek saw him face to face. It was no wonder that Darek could only recognize the man by his eyes. It looked like he hadn’t shaved in years. His hair was down to his shoulders, his face covered by a long beard. It was his father, Khris. Though Darek didn’t understand why he was here, that didn’t matter. All that mattered to him was that his father was alive.

“It’s good to see you again, son,” said Khris. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“You’re real,” Darek gasped. “But you’re a Fallen! Heroes that betray the Legion must die! That’s the rule. No one has ever escaped that rule.”

Khris shook his head. “The Legion has been deceived from time to time. Do you know where we are? This is…the Hollow Grave.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“No one has,” said Khris. “This is a Federal prison shrouded in secrecy, hidden inside an asteroid near the center of the galaxy. This is where they hold the strongest and most dangerous criminals.”

“And that’s why you’re here?”

Khris nodded. “All those years ago, the Federation had spies trailing me when they noticed my suspicious behavior. They found me half dead in the forest. They captured me and, months later, gave a false report about my death.”

Darek looked confused. “Why? Why would they do that?”

“Because they wanted to use me, like they want to use you,” said Khris. “This prison is more than just a place to hold criminals. They…reeducate you.” He pointed to the collar on his neck. “See this? More than just identification for prisoners. When you get out of control, it’ll inject a powerful poison. They have us on a tight leash. Serve them, and they reward you. Disobey, and it’s torture…or death if you’re not useful enough.”

“Even the Federation is like this…”

“For the greater good, they say,” said Khris. “That’s why I’m breaking you out of here. I could’ve escaped from Hollow Grave a long time ago, but I had a feeling I might find you here if I waited long enough. But I can only take you with me on one condition.”

Darek listened intently.

“You must join us in our battle against the Federation.”

“Us?”

Khris smiled. “I’m talking about the Anarchists of course.” A young woman and a large, hulking man came up from behind Khris and entered the cell. The woman wore a protective headband over her disheveled hair. The large man had pieces of metal and wires sticking out of his skin.

“You’ve met my friends, haven’t you?” said Khris. “I’ll introduce you properly. This is Kaye and Wardon. They’re here to help. But they’ll only help if you join us in our cause. So how about it, Darek? You up for it?”

Clenching his fist, Darek stood. “Sure. But only on one condition.”

Khris raised a brow.

Black gloves appeared on his hands. Darek growled, “I’ll only come along if you help me burn this place to the ground.”

Khris laughed. “That can be arranged.” Khris beckoned with his hand. “Come, my son. Let the chaos begin.”

EPILOGUE

Windzer stood in front of two tall gates—the entrance to a huge mansion. Giant statues of knights, covered in snow, watched over the gates. Windzer breathed deep. The icy air sharply filled his lungs. He furrowed his brow.

“I don’t remember it being this cold,” Windzer breathed out a visible vapor, his lips curled. “I remember specifically picking this planet because of the wonderful tropical climate.” Windzer sighed. “What happened?”

A voice replied, “It’s been several centuries since we last set foot here.”

The tall gates opened wide. A large bald man passed through and bowed.

“Ah, Hortmel,” said Windzer. “Good to see you again, friend.”

The large man nodded. “Did it go as planned?”

“So far so good,” said Windzer. “Darek took the bait, fell into the spirit realm, and even managed to wipe out quite a few planets with that power of his. He performed quite admirably. I couldn’t have done it better myself.”

“We were lucky,” said Hortmel.

Windzer laughed. “Lucky? You still don’t believe in the prophecies—even after all that has happened? Luck and cunning are not enough to pull something like this off. Something that goes so perfectly can’t be anything but destiny.”

Hortmel stared at him, but said nothing.

Windzer motioned with his head to the gates. “Let’s go inside. The throne is waiting.”

They entered the mansion and walked quickly through the corridors. Windzer had hoped to find some warmth. But even the inside of the building was covered in ice and snow. As they walked, Windzer glanced at the rooms. No one seemed to be around.

“Where is everyone?” asked Windzer, sounding disappointed. “Is no one here?”

“The Immortal Alliance has abandoned this place ever since the planet experienced a tremendous cooling,” said Hortmel.

Windzer grumbled, “And no one bothered to tell me this?”

“I was caught unaware as well.”

“Great,” said Windzer. “I leave for only a couple of centuries and already they do as they like. Well, can’t blame them for not sticking around. It’s like a freezer in here.”

“Would you like to relocate?”

“No,” Windzer sneered. “I’d rather call everyone back.”

Windzer stormed into the throne room. He had expected to find it empty. But a single person in long robes was kneeling by the side of the long carpet leading to the throne.

Windzer smiled. He nudged Hortmel. “So you did call someone back, old friend.”

Hortmel shook his head. “He was already here when I arrived.”

Windzer commanded the man, “Raise your head, immortal. Let me see your face.”

The man lifted up his head and looked at Windzer.

“Ah, I remember you,” said Windzer. “Okran, was it?”

“Yes, my lord,” Okran replied. “I am honored you would remember me.”

Windzer grinned. “You have been my loyal general for nearly a millennium. I would never forget. And now this act of dedication, waiting for me when all have left—this will not go without reward.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Okran gestured with both hands toward the throne. “Now that your Excellency has returned, please take a seat on your throne.”

Windzer nodded. He walked up to the throne, turned around and sat down. He placed his hands along the armrests and leaned back on the throne.

“Now, my lord,” said Okran, “as you are the leader of the Immortal Alliance that spans the stars, as you are the king of all immortals, please give your commands. I will carry them out for you, my lord.”

“First, tell me,” said Windzer. “Have our plans been successful?”

“Yes,” said Okran. “About five worlds gave their light without trouble. About three hundred thousand immortals have been added to our number because of this. We have begun teaching them in our ways. If we wait one hundred years for them to gain power, I’m sure they will be unstoppable.”

“We’re not waiting a century,” said Windzer.

“But…my lord, they—”

Windzer said, “I know. I know they will be weak. But we cannot wait. I have been observing Kedaro for the past hundred years, and while they do become quite strong, they become too independent. Now that they are still young and naïve it is better to use them.”

“Then…your command?”

Windzer smiled mischievously. “We will begin the civil war in the Federation. In their confusion, we will steal ourselves a fleet. Then, when we have amassed a great military force, we will go to the final phase—the death of the Legion of Heroes.” His eyes gleamed. “Just you wait, Dionus. You cannot hide behind others forever. The king of immortals or the lord of the Coranites—who will stand victorious in the end?”