THE LAST LIGHT

CHII : Hope Is Lost

CHAPTER II

King Amun stepped out of his tent to find that the snow storm had stopped. On the sky hung the image of a ghastly creature, shadowing the world beneath. He sighed and went inside. After all those weather changes, he had not least expected to see this. Inside, his army general stood in a respectful posture.

“Are the preparations ready?” He asked him.

“Yes your majesty. The army is ready. Shall I order to pack up?” The general inquired.

“It is of no use if we delay. Tell them to pack up.” The King ordered.

The General bowed humbly before turning away.

King looked up once again towards the sky. For days, there had been no sign of any birds. But now he could see a tiny speck, flying towards him. It flew closer and closer till it was close enough to make herself comfortable on the King’s outstretched arm.

“Say Emmy, what news do you bring for me?”

The bird made a series of clicking and chirping sounds, occasionally poking its beak against the king’s skin.

“So they have reached Down Barrow and would be heading towards Milimi next.” King Amun interpreted. At least they were going at expected speed. Emmy was looking expectantly at him. He picked up some nuts and offered it to Emmy. She happily nibbled on them, sitting on the edge of table.

“I have a message for Herod.” He told Emmy. She looked up from the nuts, tilting its head a little as if receiving the message.

“Tell Herod that King Willis and King Roemer have declined to help us. Now we are heading towards Svedra, it is a mighty kingdom and we hope that King Kuld would offer us help.”

Emmy picked up a nut and flew away to find Herod.

***

The army of King Amun marched past the plains of Horul to reach Svedra. Their footsteps heavy with despair. The weather has not been a boost to their mood as the repugnance still hung in the air.  The flag had been frayed due to the snow storm and many had lost their boots. Their heart ached for what they had left behind. Their beloved ones, whom they had lost all hopes to see again in this world. The King himself was in the rear of this massive army of 7000 horsed men and 3000 on foot. A soldier may feel proud to give up his life for his master. That is what they do. Serve and die for the King whom they hardly know. Of whom they have only heard of, whom they have had only a few glimpses. But the King has to bear the weight of this sin. Knowing that he is leading his followers to their death and they eagerly follow, for their master who will perhaps, never know their names. That is what he was doing. War is a folly, a bitter pain. A victory at the cost of lives of thousands. An illusion of victory. While the reality is pain, destruction and loss.

The long silence except the sounds of boots and stomps stretched on. The King mind as usual returned back to his resentful past. Her beautiful smile. The way she blushed like a red rose. Her chestnut coloured ringlets and gorgeous blue eyes. Arina, his late wife. He had loved her dearly. But fate was cruel. He had watched her wither away. He tried everything. Doctors and healers from all over the world could not cure her disease. Even Chero-genum had failed. She had smiled sweetly before she was gone forever. The King had never had a child. He never married again. How could he when the wound of the past was as fresh as ever? Now he had no descendent he could trust. No heir to his throne. When he had heard that the Sword bearer had returned, he had thought that the throne would be claimed by Abadon’s bane. But Aerien was a completely different person. Responsible. But she was still young. It seemed cruel to put the weight of yet another responsibility on her after she defeats Abadon. If victory indeed be ours. He told himself.