Solace and Nox: A New Light

Chapter 37

The execution was getting started.

The three unknown cloaked men put cuffs on Raiden's wrists, with a chain leash. They were done carrying him. He needed to walk on his own, or he would be dragged behind, and would be in worse condition than he already was.

Raiden checked his pocket to see if the small object that Cytra had given him was still there. It was.

He sighed in relief. He didn't know why it was so comforting. Did he think it was some life line? He didn't even know.

Moldark led Ebony, two of the cloaked men, and Raiden into the city. Moldark would give the third man a signal when it was time to attack. For now, it was only those five.

Moldark was marching straight into the beautiful city of Shodon. He was marching straight into Raiden's home. He wasn't worried about guards, soldiers, citizens who would call the authorities, nothing. He was completely calm. In fact, he was confident.

Raiden tried to keep up with their long strides, but he would trip often, and would have to pick himself back up quickly. He was in no condition to do any of this, but he had to. He had to be ready for Cytra's signal... whatever it was.

The five of them walked right up to the gate casually. The guards looked confused, especially when they saw Raiden. They were about to stop Moldark from entering, but he waved his hand and the guards were immediately thrown to the walls, like he did the night he attacked Lotharius.

The guards hit the back of their heads on the walls, knocking them out instantly. They didn't even stand a chance. Raiden gave them a sympathetic look before Moldark kicked the front gates down with an enhanced, magical kick. A dark light formed around his body, like Cytra, and the doors ripped off their hinges and slammed into the nearest buildings.

It was like this all the way up the city. Anyone who tried to oppose would get thrown out of Moldark's way. Even if they were just walking across the street, Moldark wouldn't care and throw them too. He wasn't taking any chances.

People gasped when they saw Raiden chained and following Moldark. Raiden saw many familiar faces, and wanted to break down and let them take him in. But he had to remain strong. He walked behind the dark enemies as best as he could. He still hunched over, and had difficulty breathing, but he still did the best he could.

Raiden knew the real challenge would come when they reached the castle. Everyone that Raiden cared about would be there. The king and his family, others he protected, Markis, and Trace would all be there. He wished he could get them all out before he was executed. He wished he could warn Markis, Trace and Lotharius. He wanted nothing more than to escape with them, and Cytra.

But he had to save them. It was his job.

They finally approached the castle gate where guards that Raiden had trained personally were waiting. They turned their spears towards Moldark and Raiden yelled, "Stand down!"

Raiden winced as he yelled. Moldark and the two guards faced him.

"Let us pass," he commanded.

The two guards looked unsure, but they stepped aside anyway. Moldark opened the gates and continued forward. Raiden passed the two guards and mouthed, "Wait for the signal."

There was no way of knowing if they got the message, because Moldark was in such a hurry. The guards watched them go, and Raiden continued to attempt to keep up.

The castle gates opened and several guards rushed out with King Lotharius right behind them.

"Moldark!" Lotharius screamed. "Let Raiden go, this instant!"

Moldark gave him a devilish smile. He waved his hand and all the guards, including the Elite Guard, were thrown back into the castle wall. They were pinned there rather than just being tossed. The sun had finally set behind the horizon, and Moldark was absorbing as much darkness as he possibly could. He almost seemed to grow as the darkness filled his body.

Lotharius stood alone against the most dangerous man in all of Aleudia. He was shaking, but he tried to stand strong. He wore his battle armor, which was unusual. Lotharius hadn't been in battle for years, but he wore his Ciamas branded suit of metal.

Direl, full plated armor on, and weapons on the floor, tried to stay strong, like Raiden. His metal fists were clenched, the gauntlet scratched against itself as it clenched. Direl's helmet visor was up, making his face visible. Raiden looked him in the eye, and his dark skinned face was full of fear. No matter how hard a soldier tried, if they were incapable of fighting the enemy, they were scared. Raiden was about to look around at the other soldiers when he saw Direl nod slightly. Raiden winked, and he let out a deep breath.

On the wall was Trace. He, too, looked frightened. Raiden had never seen anyone shake in fear as bad as he did. Although he was completely immobilized, he shook. The fear in his eyes screamed louder than he ever could.

Raiden wouldn't let him die.

He couldn't.

He started glowing slightly, his strength slowly returning. Moldark took noticed and shook his head with a smile. He approached Raiden, trying to intimidate him with his yellow eyes.

"You think your little light show is going to save your friends?" he asked.

Raiden stood silent. His light progressively grew brighter. Moldark threw a punch to his face, and the light faded like it had when Cytra slapped him.

"Moldark," Lotharius said. "I know you are here to kill me, so just do it. Leave these men out of it. Take me instead of Raiden, and my men will not attack."

Moldark turned to face Lotharius, and laughed. His evil laugh filled the courtyard, and the king looked surprised.

"Lotharius, this was never about you," he said, once he was finished laughing. "I'm here to destroy your entire kingdom."

Without further explanation, he drew the familiar jagged, obsidian blade. He turned to face Raiden. He immediately kicked Raiden back. The two cloaked men let the chains fly. Raiden crumpled to the floor like a rag doll, his light diminishing completely.

"I told you Lotharius," Moldark said, putting his foot on a deeper gash in Raiden's side. He pushed down, and Raiden cried out in pain. "Raiden here is the first on my list. When your people see that their hero is dead, their hope will be lost, and they will lose faith in you. Your kingdom will fall apart. It will walk itself to the cliff, and we will just give you that little shove off."

Lotharius stared in horror, as did everyone pinned to the walls. Ebony seemed excited, like she enjoyed every second of Raiden's pain. The two cloaked figures still had their hoods on, so Raiden could not see their expressions. But he assumed they were excited about his pain as well.

Moldark lifted the obsidian blade into the air and he thrust down. Raiden closed his eyes as the last second of his life played out.

ROAR!

The bellowing roar shook the entire kingdom. Everyone had to cover their ears, and the roar literally knocked everyone off their feet. Even the guards on the wall fell to the floor.

In the distance, something could be seen flying toward Shodon. Whatever it was, it was white like snow, and bigger than most anything Raiden could think of.

Was this the signal? Moldark was down, and no one was attacking him at the moment, so Raiden considered it the perfect opportunity.

Did he dare wait?

No.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a miniature egg shaped berry, and shoved it in his mouth.

It was time to fight.