Wings of Grace

Chapter 17

      "Once you have located the Sword of Troner and found the six activating crystals, a door will be opened, releasing the Deathbrone." This was always Ennar's favourite part of the test. "Who's only purpose is to...."

     "Whoa! Back up a minute. I have to save Lyon? From whom?" This was getting more bizarre by the minute.

     "More like from what. Its every Arlentoran's worst nightmare. A Deathbrone."

     "A Deathbrone?"

     He slowed his speech pattern, as if speaking to a child, "The Zenaltra Laws govern over many worlds, their trials are legend. They cross forbidden boundaries to ensure the desired results are obtained. A life for a life, is their axiom, no matter what the cost.

     "In Arlentora, the chosen executioner is the 'Deathbrone'. It is a minion of The Keeper of nightmares. It taunts the haunted dreams of the past. Preying on their fears, destroying all hope. Striking with a knife to the heart, when the weak finally demand an end to their terror. It is silent, deadly, and cares for no one. Collecting nightmares like scalps, to feed The Keeper, after the victim has succumb to their demise."

     "What does a Deathbrone look like?" Just the sound of its name sent shivers up Lara's spine. And she was expected to kill it?

     Ennar was in his element "It's a shadow of a creature, ethereal like, skin so smooth, almost translucent, that walks on two legs but hunts on four. Apparently, it smells like nutmeg."

    "Don't look at me like that... It's what they say."Ennar retorted.

     "The door opens only during the night hours, but it had been sealed by the Elders for centuries for good reason. It has been justified for the Trial, and under the Zanaltra protection, that at the rise of the Blue Moon, it can be unlocked."

     "But how will I see to fight this Deathbrone at night?"

     "The Blue Moon actually rises at first light in the morning. This is the only time that the door can be opened during the day."

     "And... King Lyon is ok with this?!" Lara was thunderstruck. She couldn't believe such a barbaric trial could really exist. Killing someone in their sleep in a dream? A life for a life?

     "He doesn't know."

     "What?!"

     "And he can't find out. The King is unknowingly given a hallucinogenic potion, the night before, that will render him unconscious. But still allow his mind to be triggered by some past traumatic event. It is your love that will bring him back to you. If you succeed."

     "He needs to be told."

     "NO!" Ennar actually yelled, silencing her. The harsh-spoken word echoing in her eardrum.

     "It is not your place to disrespect Zanaltra Law. There will be consequences for your actions if you do." Ennar's anger quickly dissipated. With a heartfelt sigh, he continued. "If you want to pass the test, then you have to follow the rules. It is the only way." he added earnestly.

     "But I know Lyon. He could never live with himself, knowing that I died trying to save him."

     "That is why, upon waking- if you are unsuccessful- his memory of you will be instantly erased. You will have never existed..."

     Lara's shoulders drooped as she dropped to the cushion on the floor, trying to get her mind around all Ennar had said. This whole trial was becoming a nightmare, and she hadn't even started.