Legend of Antalasia

Chapter 4

King Charles darted into the forest when he heard his daughter scream. Terrified that a Rhazaqat was attacking Antalasia, King Charles ran faster than ever before, only to come upon a scene that shook his core. His heart pounded, perspiration dripped, hands shook and he forgot to breathe.

Antalasia was lying on her back on the ground desperately trying to crawl away from a giant ladybug with thin, long spider legs. The ladybug was the size of three large watermelons with six spider legs and each had a sharp claw. Five of them surrounded Antalasia - three on one side and two on the other. The sixth leg was on top of Antalasia's chest. Antalasia was clutching the leg on her and trying her best to push it away.

Even as King Charles drew closer, the sharp claw ripped Antalasia's top apart, drawing out a thin line of blood. 

Everything stilled and began to move in slow motion. With a fierce war cry, King Charles sliced the creature in half with a single stroke, killing it immediately. Enraged and unable to rid his mind of the terrifying scene, he continued to hack into the creature until only small chunks scattered the ground.

Taking a deep breath, he turned around towards his shaking daughter. His heart broke looking at the state she was in. Antalasia was pale as snow and sat against the tree clutching her knees. Her eyes were dazed and she was breathing choppily. Removing his bloody jacket, King Charles dressed his daughter gently and took her into his arms, trying his best to console his terrified daughter. 

"Come, little one. Let's hear what the villagers have to say," he said softly. 

Antalasia unwillingly let out a shuddering sob and a single tear rolled down her cheek. She covered her face with her palms and sat quietly. The poor King was lost. He looked around desperately for inspiration. He had never needed to console his fierce spirited daughter. 

"Antalasia" murmured the King.

Antalasia wiped her face and looked at her father with a solemn face.

In a grave voice, she said, "I'm okay. Let's go."

Hand in hand, the father-daughter duo walked back to the village.

The village Chieftain dressed in long white robes with a thick red border came forward with arms folder one on top of the other in a U-shape. The bald-headed Chieftan was short in stature. His face was round and wrinkled with kind, pale-grey eyes. 

He nodded at the king and said, "King Charles, I believe this is the first time you have engaged in dialogue with my tribe, the Karas. Ask what you wish." 

"Why do you support them?" asked King Charles nodding toward the half breeds. 

The Chieftain smiled sagely and replied, "We do not support all Rhazaqats. We only protect the innocent, be it half breeds or humans or Rhazaqats. The human-Rhazaqats were once humans. Do you not think that the same goodness and evil that exists in humans exists in those Rhazaqats as well?"

King Charles frowned, gave his daughter a long look and with a reluctant sigh, invited the Chieftain into one of the few remaining upright tents.

The soldiers and Karas believed that King Charles was simply humoring his daughter. Thus, it came as a surprise when the hours passed and neither leader stepped out. 

Princess Antalasia went to the little girl and tried to talk to her. However, the little girl just kept cowering. The terrified little whimpers broke Antalasia's heart. She felt lost, guilty and furious that it was her Papa who was the cause of the little girl's terror. She sat quietly next to the girl and offered what comfort she could.

Late into the evening, the leaders stepped out. 

King Charles said, "The Chieftain and I have discussed a great many things. The Karas have officially sworn their allegiance to us, The Dragon Kingdom."