Redemption Run

Chapter 19

We still had a lot to do. I knew that going in, I even knew it after beating Easton, but I also knew it was going to be the worst part. Before that though, I wanted to celebrate the win. As Rhys finally let go of me and allowed us to walk over to Rogal, he looked happier than I'd ever seen him.

"After all these years," Rogal said, "We've finally done it, and it's thanks to you, Riley Newman. You're truly worthy of your title of Oktu's Second."

"I did what I could to help." I said, "I'm just glad we're finally done, and that means I can go home now."

"You certainly can," said Rogal, "I'll arrange to have Avarice create the portal as soon as we get back to Redemption's camp and give the big news."

"Good to hear." I said, and then something occurred to me.

"What happened to Sallaena?" I asked, "I thought you went off after her?"

"We fought for a bit, but she managed to knock me down," said Rogal, "She ran off when Rhys jumped in to keep her from killing me."

"We'll worry about that later." I said, "With her boss down, she's not much of a threat anymore."

I turned to Easton, who had re-positioned himself up into a sitting position, looking up at Rogal, who stepped over and stood over him. Baugh and Jagos were over there too, staring at the man.

"You don't look so tough." Jagos said as he leaned down and examined the fallen former orc emperor.

"Baugh, Jagos, stay away from him!" Rhys said as she rushed forward and ushered the boys away from the mad emperor.

"Ah, Rhys." said Easton, "I haven't seen you either. It had been so fun to see you hide from me whenever I did one of my inspections of the castle."

"How do you know?!" Rhys yelled, "Mama kept me hidden from you!"

"I've known you were running around in my castle this entire time," said Easton, "That silly elf's feeble attempts to keep you hidden from me were about as pathetic as her attempts to smuggle you out of my castle."

"Don't you dare talk crap about Tarja like that!" I said, pulling my sword, ready to cut the bastard down myself.

"Riley, stop!" Rhys said, "Let him talk, just for a moment."

Rhys walked over to stand next to me, then knelt down to Easton's level.

"My tough little boy." said Easton, "You're exactly what I expected you'd be.

"Not a boy, and not yours, asshole." Rhys said, "What the hell were you talking when you said I was exactly what you expected to be?"

"You'll soon see." said Easton, "No, rather, you won't. Not anymore. I might be too early, and I might not have all the sacrifices I need, but this should suffice."

Easton kept talking, but I couldn't understand what he was saying, it was in a different language. The Runners looked concerned, but then Felice suddenly spoke out.

"NO!" Felice yelled, "NO, EASTON, NO!"

Felice took control of me and brandished our sword.

"Hey, what the hell?!" I said as Felice made me charge at the man, but I stopped her and retook control when I heard Rhys yell. I turned to her just in time to see her double over clutching her head.

"Rhys...? Honey, what's wrong?" I pushed Easton away and caught Rhys as she fell to her knees, clutching her head and screaming. Then she went silent, frozen in my arms, just as Baugh and Jagos made their way over to us as well. The Runners stayed back, obviously - this was a family affair.