The King's Gamma (#Wattys2024)

Ninety One

Dennis and Fenrir moved quickly, both men immediately putting up several shields in front of the Emperor and his men. The older woman who had ridden on the bear quickly placed a giant icy shield as well, her eyes on the light spear that was quickly closing in on them.

Commander Havenhell and his men quickly moved to make their own shields as well, their instinct telling them that without their assistance she would land the next hit and kill the Emperor.

The giant came to stand in front of the shields, and Harley crashed into him a moment later. The giant fell backwards, into the shields, as if his size was no more than a small bump in her way. The shields shook and shattered one after the other as she continued to badger the giant with her attacks and forcing him back. Two other beasts appeared as well, one a strange hybrid of man and shark with sharp teeth visible for everyone to see, and the other another giant. The giant launched the shark man at Harley, catching her off guard and gaining her attention.

They watched as the group of berserkers continued to fight three to one, the light spear seeming to have no affect on her at all. They watched almost in awe the destruction caused by the fight as the bear finally seemed to regain conciousness. It shook its large head before looking at the situation as well, and a fifth beast appeared. This one was covered in scales similar to Harley, but when he opened his mouth and hissed, long snake like fangs were revealed.

The bear and snake berserkers quickly joined in, trying their best to keep her back because none of them were as agitated as she was, and all of them realized one misstep and she might end up killing them by accident.

"How is she so strong?" Commander Havenhell asked as he watched his daughter continuously attack them without tiring.

"We're fine as long as she doesn't... Do that." Dennis immediately seemed to become more vigilant.

"Oh fuck." Fenrir shouted.

They watched as her body coated in fire bit by bit and as the other berserkers started to back away from her. None of them were able to handle her soulfire. Seeing the others back off her attention returned to the Emperor. She walked slower this time, the spear finally shattering from where it was still lodged in her body, and she walked forward through the shields as though they were nothing.

"They're in the cellar! They're in the cellar!"

She stopped just as the last shield shattered, leaving the men around the Emperor either fainting or coughing blood.

"Was that so difficult? I expect you to leave my Duchy by daylight." The fire on her skin slowly faded, her skin still glowing as she stood in front of him.

They watched the Emperor take a deep breath before puffing his chest out again. Harley's back was turned to the Emperor, but the rest saw his deflated ego reinflating while the naive bravity at her calm demeanor returned.

"You think you can kick me out? Next you will plan to take over the Empire and kill my children so you can have it all to yourself." He gave a scoff, folding his arms across his chest with his eyes on her like a beast watching its prey. After all, she must fear him and his power to have stopped. "You claim you came to an agreement with Vexhelm, and you think I would believe that and allow you to keep your Duchy after you threatened me? I will have you killed for your conspir-"

She had him by the throat the same way she had Commander Havenhell a few weeks before, her eyes shining a brilliant gold as she glared at him.

"You? You think you can take my Duchy? To do what with? To give to one of the snakes you choose to keep by your side so they may squeeze every bit of tax they can from people who can barely afford to breathe? Also, why would I want your empire? That place is so ridden with ass kissing snakes that I wouldn't touch it with a spear if I could. Scheming is not my forte, I would rather kick your door in and take the seat from you fairly. And even if I do that I would need to deal with the aftermath of vassals and schemes and possible assassination attempts. I don't have an inclination to deal with that either."