Hero of Ranora

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Emperor Neyom stared down at his Commander in chief, his eyes filled with disgust and blazing hatred. "You did what!?" The emperor shouted. The commander backed away, unable to speak of the incident the night before. "How dare you! I give you shelter, food, an army to lead! And how do you repay me? By disobeying my orders!" Neyom screamed.

The commander bowed his head in respect for his emperor. "My master, my father," He said to Neyom, "I am terribly sorry for failing you. I will gather my men and we will...'

“Enough!!!" Neyom was steaming now. “You have never failed me before. You have brought justice to my kingdom, killing those who foolishly refuse to join us. But now... what to do with you..." Neyom unsheathed a bright-gold sword. “Do you know what this is for, commander?" Neyom clashed the sword against the wall, making a horrible screeching noise.

"N-n-no, my lord," The commander replied. Neyom stepped forward, facing his terrified official. The commander gave a sigh of relief as the sword clanged to the ground.

"Your troops will be executed immediately, of course," Neyom muttered. The commander regained posture and looked at his emperor with a new respect.

"May I go now, sire?" The frightened imperial asked nervously. Neyom's eyes glinted, making the dingy throne room seem more menacing, as shadows were cast onto the floor.

"Of course," Neyom stated calmly. “You may go." The commander gave a slight bow and quickly backed away from his emperor.

"You are so gracious, my lord. I shall tell the whole kingdom of your good deed," the commander said.

“Alas, I never said where you could go'" Neyom muttered. "SHLORMNANOR IKA SHAKKARA HASHARA ILLION SHOR!" As the words flew from Neyom's mouth, the commander began heating up, reaching temperatures that no living being could withstand. Fire and burning magma covered him from head to toe. In just mere moments, the commander was melting.

Neyom roared with laughter, his low voice echoing off the walls. The commander screamed and begged for mercy, but his temperature only rose, causing more flames to spew from his melting body.

His cries were heard from across the palace. Over and over, the citizens of the palace heard the words "MAKE IT STOP!!! HAVE MERCY! MAKE IT STOP!!!!!" By the time the screams had stopped, nothing but melted armor and a charred skeleton remained in the company of Neyom.

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Derrik had been travelling for two days when he finally came across a town. As he entered the gates, he felt that he was being eyed suspiciously from the townspeople. Can't blame them, Derrik thought. After all, I am a stranger to them.

Derrik approached a young woman. "Excuse me, ma'am, but do you know where I can get some good rest?" The woman gave him an odd look before answering his question.

The woman brushed her long, light hair out of her face before giving him a quick smile. "My father owns the town inn, right across the way." The woman paused for a moment before she spoke again. "You look vaguely familiar, though I don't know why. Have we met before?" The woman asked.

Derrik couldn't help but feel that he knew her as well, but he didn't know from where. "No, I dont believe we have," Derrik said.

The woman gave Derrik another smile before speaking. "Well then, my name's Sharelle. Nice to meet you..."

"Derrik," Derrik responded. "My name is Derrik. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sharelle." Derrik returned Sharelle's kind smile. The two of them stood there for a minute, apparently lost in the moment. Derrik felt at ease, more so than he ever had in all his life. Still, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he knew this woman.