The Web of Iron

Chapter Twenty-seven: The Iron King

They were guards, and they had been cut with many wounds by thier own weapons. On their faces were wicked smiles. William walked among them, wondering what had happened as the scent of blood assailed his nostrils. He felt a presence in the air, but it slipped away, laughing before he could grasp it. At his feet were large puddles of blood and many hewn limbs.

The bleak stone walls reeked of death and were utterly forlorn and silent. William peered around, as Felix kneeled by several fallen man. What had happened in this place? Who had done this?

"These men killed each other," said Felix. "Look there." He motioned, and William followed the gaze. There was a man who clutched a spear that had been driven into the heart of his fellow. He'd taken a dagger to the neck.

"Not all of them," said Tanith, largely unaffected. This realm had destabilized her. "This one killed himself." Willliam looked at her and saw a back who had fallen on his sword. There was no horror or grief on his face; he was smiling.

"A fight?" asked Kiyora. "Was there a coup?"

"No," said William, feeling a chill. "This was not any civil war. These men were made to kill each other by dark magic."

"Well, obviously," said Arraxia. "The Iron King is practicing his powers on his people. Either that or he cannot fully control them."

"What powers?" asked William.

"One of the abilities of the Axe of Fortenex is to send people into killing frenzies," said Arraxia. "It seems to have done wonders for Tanith lately."

"Oh, she's always like that," said William.

"Pretty much," said Tanith. "Though I am enjoying myself on this adventure." Bitter laughter ensured, and William wondered if he'd gone mad.

Who wouldn't?

"The strong-willed may resist, but in the hands of one such as myself, it would be unstoppable," said Arraxia. "Come, let's keep moving. He'll probably expand his gaze to other realms soon."

They walked through many halls with weapons near at hand. The palace could not have been more different. There were colorful and ornate paintings and tapestries on every wall. There were vast decorations on the walls. There were pictures of angels of light standing high over cowering mortals. They might have been very beautiful to look at. But corpses could be found here or there, hewn down by guards who killed themselves in the aftermath: young girls and old men. There were boys not much older than William. Something was in the air, that presence again. They were laughing.

"There is something evil in the air," said William. "This sensation, I've felt it before."

"It is like with Laughing Wraith," said Kiyora. "Except different. It has changed."

"We are all the Dark Dreamer," said William.

"What?" said Kiyora.

"Something a demon told me," said William. "The Vulture of Melchious he was called. He said that Melchious had many faces."