The Lord of Shadows Rises (16 page)

Yuan walked to the balance beam and jumped on with Yandi doing the same. The two stare each other and then rushed forward. Yandi threw the first punch which Yuan blocked. Yuan went for a kick, forcing Yandi to twist his body, making the kick sail harmlessly past him.

Yuan walked forward as to not lose his balance. “It seems that balance is not your strong suit. What’s wrong?” asked the small man, hopping around as if it was nothing.

Yuan rushed forward as the man continued to hop and landed a punch on him, sending him to the edge of the beam. Hoping to get a victory, Yuan pressed his charge and threw a punch. Yandi, jumped over Yuan and kicks him on the back making him lose his balance.

Yandi looked over as a hand grabbed his foot and throws him off. Yuan dangled underneath the beam holding to the underside in a bear hug. Yandi stood up. “Well done, using the unorthodox to overcome you own weakness.”

Yuan lands on the ground as the previous master approached him. “You passed the second test, Yuan. I hope to see great things from you.”

Getting to his last test, he sees the empty room morph into a meadow. Standing in the meadow was a man with a bamboo hat and a peasant’s garb. He was a dark-skinned Pacific Islander. He was digging, using a hoe. Turning his head, the man stopped what he was doing. “Welcome to the final test, young master. My name is Budi, from Indonesia.”

“Yuan. Yes, I have come for the last test.”

Budi twirled his hoe around. “Last test is a battle. You must beat me into submission, or I concede.”

“Any rules that I should be aware of?”

“No, any weapons are allowed.” Budi brought his hoe up in a guard.

Yuan took out his sword and rushes forward. Bringing his sword up for a strike, he swung it only to have the master block the attack with the wooden handle of the hoe. Budi threw his arm up, unbalancing Yuan. He slammed the dull end of the handle into Yuan chest making him gasp. “Come now. Mistress Wu was able to fight me better than this,” taunted Budi, twirling his hoe over his head.

Yuan growled and charged forward. Budi sigh. “How did you pass the first two tests with such a brash nature?” asked Budi as he parried the blow.

Yuan sent a palm thrust into the master, catching him off guard. The master recovered quickly

“Interesting use of your tactics; it would have worked against a weaker enemy. But I am different,” Budi commented. He slammed a foot in Yuan’s chest, sending him back.

Yuan hunched over. He saw his opponent right in front of him, getting ready to strike with the metal part of the hoe. As it comes down, Yuan caught the wooden shaft with his hands and growls. With one movement he slams the handle into the master chest making him gasp.

Seizing the momentum, Yuan sent a right hook to the master’s jaw, throwing his head back from the force. Following with a strong round house kick to the side of the body, Yuan knocked the master down. He grabbed the master’s hoe and points it at the master.

“I pass right?” asked Yuan, blood dripping from his mouth.

Budi smiled. “You pass!” he exclaimed, getting up. “You are now the master, well done.”

Yuan bowed and turned to a door that opened. “Go through the door and up the stairs.”

Yuan goes up the stairs and gets to the top as a shroud forms. “Well, the student has become the master,” said a female voice. “My blade hasn’t tasted much blood since your teacher was killed.”

Yuan gripped his curved sword. “Face me!” he shouts in anger. A female with metal claws attached to her hands walked out.

Wearing blue battle armor made of leather, she grinned evilly. “You are the one who murdered Mistress Wu?” he asked.

“It was a wonderful bloodbath. By the way, you can call me Shun Xian.”

Yuan, brandishing his sword, ran forward. The female general does the same, scraping her claws on the stone ground. Yuan, going low, tried to take her leg from under her. Jumping over the sword, Shun flipped, kicking Yuan in the chin. “Is that it, young Master? Mistress Wu would be so disappointed.”

Yuan looked at her with rage-filled eyes. “No more talk. You will pay for the blood on your hands!” Yuan blocked a claw with his sword. He kicks her back with a round house. Running forward, he slammed the pommel of the handle into her chest sending her back.

Shun got up slowly and rushes forward, claws behind her. Showing great speed, she came down with a swipe over Yuan’s head. Yuan blocked it with his sword and feeling himself start to lose ground as both weapons are in a lock. Yuan saw the insanity in the assassins eyes as she pushes down on the sword.
I will not lose to this madwoman,
he thought as he spins to the side and brings his blade to Shun’s back. She slowly turned her heads as she slumps over dead. A big gash where sword hit her.

Yuan sheathed his sword as the shroud dissipated and the sky could be seen. Looking around, he sees the other masters there, with Alexander wearing the robe of Grand Master. “I was wondering which of us would be given that rank,” he said as he got on a knee. “I am honored to serve you, Grand Master Alexander Theodorson.” The other masters do the same.

“We have to get back to camp,” Alexander says as the tower disappears and they found themselves on solid ground with no trace of the temple. “Huh.”

Bain walked up. “So you five have passed. And you have passed the Grand Master’s test, Alexander.”

“What happened to the temple?” asked Lenora.

“When the trials are over, pass or fail, the temple disappears.”

.Xxx

The group heads back to the hidden cove were the Order of White Rose is stationed.

Outside the base, Alexander saw about fifty thousand soldiers being trained by the White Rose warriors. They where currently practicing martial arts.

“Some are training in covert operations in order to give us an edge. We will use hit and run attacks to soften them up,” Bain told him.

Alexander sighed. “So it is finally come. We are going to war. To think I would be fighting to the death at my age.”

“Life throws unexpected curve balls at you. It is how you handle them that will determine your path. Come; it is time for your coronation as Grand Master,” said Bain.

The two walked into a room and Alexander saw the Order’s members numbering in the thousands, standing at attention. “Head to the altar, Alexander.” Bain motioned to the altar which had a white rose made of metal on top.

Bain walks up. “Today is a proud day to announce the new Grand Master. It has been over one hundred years since anyone has passed the trials. Today the new Grand Master has been chosen by the temple and his name is Alexander Theodorson. Let’s assist him in this war as others have done before him,” Bain said. The room responded with a roar of applause. “Now will Alexander please make a speech.”

Alexander walked up to the altar, flanked by two masters on each side. “It has been a hard battle, so far, and we have lost good people.” He pauses. “However, we must preserve, and as Grand Master I shall fight until we are victorious.” The congregation of members cheered.

***

In the Order of White Rose base, Grand Master Alexander was wearing his robe as he sat at the head of a rectangular table with the other masters at the sides. “I don’t have the experience to lead such a coalition,” said Alexander.

Bain was sitting in a master’s chair left vacant by Alexander’s promotion. “Leadership is thrust on those who don’t want it but have earned it. We still need to figure out a way to stop the Lord of Shadows.”

Alexander sighed. “Do we know how he was beaten the first time?”

Bain looked down. “No one saw that battle except one person. The Grand Master who faced him is the only one who knew the answer.”

“Little good that does us,” said Lenora. “We know he did something but he died in the process.”

Bain put his hand under his chin. “There might be a way to talk to him, or his spirit, at least. However, his hut is in the Lord of Shadows’ territory in Norway.”

“Getting there will not be easy,” Guan pointed out. "The Lord of Shadows military has grown due to his proxy governments.”

Alexander stood up. “Then it is settled. We need to get to his hut and talk to him.”

“The only one who can commune with Master Eirik is a Grand Master. Until then, we must be on our guard.”

After the meeting, Alexander headed to his cabin. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see Lenora. “Alexander, what’s wrong?”

Alexander sat on the cabin stoop. “I can’t do it. I thought someone like Guan would be a better choice as a commander and Grand Master.”

Lenora looked at him. “Alexander, you were the one who brought us together and fought with us. You are more than capable and we will be with you all the way. I will be with you all the way.”

Lenora wrapped her arms around him and he leaned into the embrace. “Thank you, Lenora. You remember how we first meet?”

Lenora smiled. “Yeah, we fought a bunch of thugs and I acted like a bitch to you.” Alexander frowned as he saw her cry. “I just wish we could...” she started as Alexander places a finger on her lips.

“Shush. Lenora, I want you to hear this. I love you.”

Lenora’s eyes widen. She smiles. “Alexander, I was waiting for you to say that.”

They close in and finally have a meaningful kiss. “I would love to spend my life with you. After the war will you marry me?” he asks.

Lenora smiles. “Where is the ring and you on one knee?” she asked and gets a surprise.

Alexander took out a box. “Well, since you asked.” He gets up and knelt. “Lenora, will you marry me?” Alexander opened the box. Inside is a beautiful ring made of silver with five gems in the middle: a ruby, diamond, sapphire, emerald and amethyst.

Lenora was mesmerized by the ring as a tears rolled down her cheeks. “Yes, I will,” she whispered.

***

The Lord of Shadows was stood in front of a fleet of ships, his sights was on island nation of the United Kingdom.

“Attack!” The ships launched and they made landfall under a mist created by the Lord of Shadows, but are greeted by the British Army.

Xxx

Back at the Orders Camp, Bain runs up. “Master Alexander, England is under attack.”

“Can we send troops to assist them? Do we have time?” asked Alexander.

Bain shook his head. “We don’t have a lot of time. They have taken over the southern portion and have placed London under siege.”

“I want a unit to go there and assess the situation. If you can, help in any way possible.”

Xxx

The Lord of Shadows slaughtered many soldiers in London as they tried to hold back the dark lord and his formidable army. The commanders of the royal guard finally signaled for a full withdrawal of the remaining troops. They fell back to the Tower of London for a final stand. “These things are m... monsters,” frightened soldier said just before he is shot in the chest.

The Lord of Shadows smiled under his helmet. “Time for a test run.” A goliath figure appeared holding a trident. “Water Golem, you know what to do.”

The creature slammed his weapon on the ground creating a torrent of water to hit the building. The British soldier’s eyes widened. “What is that thing?” asked the private with pure fear as another wave slams into the tower, shaking the building to its foundations. The wall began to crack from the pounding. “Yes, the might of the elements,” said the Lord of Shadows. “Test run is successful.” He turned around and walked out as the defending troops were drowned in the tower.

The Lord of Shadows is approached by a scout. “We have found Kevin. Orders, my lord?”

“Send our best assassins to get rid of him. He knows too much.”

Xxx

In the channel, the ships of the Order saw the flags in London “We’re too late. Let’s head back and report what has happened,” The ships left the channel.

Xxx

Kevin strolled in a forest near a German town when a black portal opened up.
So it has come to this,
thought the former general. Pulling a pike from his holster he gets on guard as one hundred men decked in black armor walk out.

“Kevin of the Wind, by order of the Lord of Shadows you are to be terminated for failure to complete the mission,” said a soldier.

Kevin growls and pulls out his second pike. “You will have to earn this victory.” Kevin started spinning both pikes, blasting wind at the men killing many on the front line.

One got through his guard and grazed his chest, Grabbing the assassin, he stabbed him and threw him away. They all attack at once as Kevin grabbed his second pike and spun it, creating a vacuum bringing them closer and hacking them on their chests, arms and legs.

One of the soldiers shot an arrow into Kevin’s leg and he flinched, continuing his assault taking scores of assassin out with his pikes.

After the battle, Kevin was on the ground, bleeding, with a hundred bodies of the lifeless army before they disappear in a black smoke. A young boy about eight with dirty black hair walked by the forest and saw the general on death’s door. “Mister are you all right?” The boy grabbed a stick to poke him.

“Wilhelm! There you are.” A young woman with black hair approached and stopped as she saw the downed general. Rushing up to Kevin, she flips him over and sees several wounds on his chest. “My god!” she whispered then turned to the boy. “Get my medical kit from the car!”

The boy rushed out of the forest and then runs back in minutes later, carrying a first aid kit. The woman took out bandages and gauze, and then removes Kevin’s holster and see the two pikes laying next to him.

She applied the bandages and stopped the bleeding. With a rush of adrenaline, she managed to get him into her car.

Xxx

Kevin woke up. “What happened?” he wondered as he tried to move his arm, but found himself in too much pain to move. Looking around he saw a room of sterile equipment and white walls.
A hospital,
he thought.

“I see you are up,” said a feminine voice.

“Huh. Were you the one who bandaged me?”

“Yes, and you are in my clinic. May I ask your name?” said the woman.

“Kevin. I must go.”

“Why? You are not able to walk, and as a doctor I must order you to stay put,” said the woman.

“I have bad guys after me and you’re putting yourself in danger by letting me stay,” said Kevin.

“Oh, who is after you? Where are my manners.” She covered her mouth, realizing she forgot to give her name. “My name is Lucy. Now who is after you?”

`“I don’t have time for twenty questions. I can’t say for your safety. Can I please leave?” he said gently but with urgency in his voice.

“I am not giving you a choice. You are staying here until you are completely healed,” Lucy held her hands on her hip, like a mother scolding a child.

Kevin sighed in resignation. “Fine, but once I am healed I need to leave.”

The next morning Kevin was eating some food when Wilhelm walked in and asked, “Mister Kevin, how did you get those cuts?”

“I was attacked by a wild animal, but I fought it off. It got me a few times,” Kevin lied

“Wow. You must be strong,” said the boy.

Kevin chuckled, “Maybe.”

The boy was excited. “Can I be like you, Mister Kevin?”

Kevin got a dark look. “You don’t want to be like me. Besides, you are you and no one else. What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the former general.

Wilhelm thought for a bit. “I would like to be a doctor and save people’s lives.”

“Listen to my words. A noble goal is the best goal to achieve; never lose your determination.”

“Yes, Mister Kevin,” said Wilhelm.

“Just Kevin.”

The boy nodded his head rapidly.

In the doorway entrance, Lucy smiled and walks away, unknown to Kevin or the boy
.

That night, Lucy came in with a serious look. “Kevin, I need to know the truth about who you are and who is after you.” She sat on a stool beside the bed, checking the his vitals.

“Do you know of the war brewing outside?”

Lucy’s eyes widen. “It is all over the news. The war with the Lord of Shadows. Kevin, were they the ones who attacked you?”

“Yes. My former master, the Lord of Shadows, wanted me out of the way because I failed a mission I was given. Do you still want me around after telling you this?” He asked.

“I am a doctor and I can’t with good judgment let you die from your wounds. Plus I see you are different from most of dark soldiers,” said Lucy.

Kevin looked down. “I am not so sure.”

“Anyone with advice like you gave to my son can’t be all bad,” she said.

“I thought I heard someone eavesdropping,” said Kevin with a smile.

“Are you going to kill me?” she asked with a teasing smile. “You do know I control your life at the moment.”

“That you do,,” said Kevin.

“You are definitely a good person and I hope you keep that heart of yours.”

“Lucy, I wanted to leave for another reason. I have killed innocent people; despite being under orders, I pulled the trigger. The stigma of helping me will hurt you in the long run,” said Kevin.

“I will say it once. A doctor should never refuse help to anyone. That includes criminals. But you are different. You feel remorse for the killing. I don’t associate you with being a monster.

“I am not following.”

“Monsters don’t feel remorse and enjoy the killing. You feel remorse and want to protect those not involved.”

Suddenly a few men with black robes kicked the door in. Kevin jumps up ignoring all pain in his body. “They’re here! Get yourself and Wilhelm out of here!” said Kevin as he grabbed a scalpel from a draw in the counter.

Lucy covered her mouth and rushes Wilhelm into a room

Kevin goes to the staircase and sees five men down in the foyer. “Kevin of Wind, surrender. If you don’t we kill the other two occupants in the house.”

Kevin slipped the scalpel in his hospital gown sleeve and walked down the stairs “All right you win.” said Kevin putting his head down.

The leader turns his head to the other assassins. “Kill the rest."

“You said no harm would come to them,” growled Kevin.

“I said no such thing; I said they would die if you did not surrender. I said nothing about sparing them at all.” The man grins.

Kevin threw a punch, revealing his weapon, slicing the leader’s throat killing him instantly. “You will pay for that, General,” said the other soldier as they charged.

Kevin cuts another one and moved on the third, slashing the scalpel on the man’s neck. He cut the fourth man down. He was unable to see an attack in his blind spot, and was hit on the back of the head by the butt of a gun.

Kevin struggles to get back to his feet. “Say goodnight, General,” a man said, pointing his gun at Kevin’s head. Kevin saw the man grin, and growls in frustration.

A shot was heard and the man fell to the ground. Behind the body was Lucy with a pistol in her hand. “Never underestimate a former soldier of Germany and never mess with a mother." Turning her head, she saw Kevin on the ground. “Let’s get you back to bed.” Lucy flips the safety on the gun and sets it down. As she helped Kevin she saw the dead bodies disappear as if they were not there. “Weird.”

A week later, Kevin was in front of the clinic. “Thank you for everything. I am in your debt, Lucy.”

Wilhelm runs up. “Do you have to go, Mister Kevin?”

Kevin smiled at the young boy. “I have things to do. Keep your mother safe, okay?”

Wilhelm nodded. “Good man,” said Kevin ruffling the boy’s hair before he walked away.

Xxx

Alexander sat in his room.
I am not strong, at the moment, but I need to get to that hut and learn what I can
, thought the young Grand Master.

He grabbed a backpack full of provisions. The other masters are waiting. “Are you really going?” asked Lenora.

Alexander sighed. “We all know our chances at victory are slim at best. If there’s a small chance that any information that can help us, we must take it.”