The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 37: An Ode to a Hero. (Part 2)

"What say you!" the Clan leader, Callus, roared as he stood proud and strong before his throne. He gestured rudely to the other leaders of the Clan, daring them to act against him. "Come! We've gathered now just like you all wanted but none of you dare to fight? Challenge my right to lead, challenge my choices! I will face you all."

No one spoke out against him, not yet at least. Some mumbled, whispered to those beside them. Some scowled, frustrated by their won weakness as the powerful figure dared them to act. They all knew however who the top of the chain was. Callus stood shirtless, his right arm covered in bandages but now mostly healed. His eyes were vivid with joyous anger.

"The moment you hear I'm injured you plot against me but once I stand before you, no one speaks?" He laughed, "What cowards has this Clan raised? Cowards who hold themselves to the old laws. I have bought prosperity to the clan like no other. It is time we usher in a new age, an age where we sit on top the entire world's throne!"

Some looked at him with anger, as if he were mad but within the crowd many agreed. They nodded, an itch to prove themselves, an itch to step out of the shadows.

"We've seen the strength of the world beyond these halls, and they are weak. Our laws forbid us to interfere, but I will crush those laws. We must rise brothers, rise! All of this starts with the boy. His power can take our home to new heights, the power to interfere with dimensions. So, tell me now, who has hidden him! Bring Ardent to me now!"

A shuffle and silence as those in the hall eyed each other both with curiosity and accusation.

"Tch," Callus clicked his tongue. "I see it. Some of you are angered I broke the pact and acted against the old Princess. Zen," he smirked, "it was my failure that allowed her to leave our arms. But she will return for her disciple. Do not worry for her."

"That's enough Callus!" Master Powel's voice boomed from in front of us as he strode into the light of the great hall, standing on the field of battle. "You have broken our laws for the last time."

"Do you accept my challenge than Pien? Do you dare fight me? Let me remember what happened before," he paused to think, acting and smiled, "oh yes. When your daughter was Princess. Indeed, she brought great 'prosperity' to the clan."

Master Powel refused to become agitated, "You are strong Callus, but you are blinded by greed. We have survived by living in the shadows. If we were to act out against the world, all the secrets we carry will be revealed. That is not the way."

"Then try stop me!" Callus gloated.

"I will give that glory to someone more fitting." He stamped his cane to the ground and on cue Zen stepped out from the shadows, throwing the robe that had hid her to the ground. I stood back, watching and waiting.

"I will accept your challenge Callus." Zen stood beside Master Powel, glaring at Callus. "I will be taking my disciple home."

Callus' eyes widened, "Interesting. Just how did you get inside, did Pien help you?"

"No, I broke through myself. Master Powel has only given me this opportunity."

"You broke through the door to our dimension?" Callus' grin only grew larger. "Amazing. Like disciple, like master." He strode to the centre of the stage, arms wide. "You Zen were our masterpiece. A woman capable of so much. When you broke my jaw, I revaluated myself. I thought myself indestructible and here I am, stronger than ever."

"Hmm," Zen smiled. "And yet my disciple gave you quite the wound."

"Indeed," Callus chuckled. "You know what happens if you lose."