The Bad Seed Read online

  Upon reaching the farm, Rodderick found the men he had left and listened to their report.

  "The animals, sir, have gone insane. We killed dozens, all trying to make their way to the tree. We burned the carcasses because we were not sure if they were tainted," Lucas said, while pointing to a smoldering pile of ashes.

  "Good work, men!" Rodderick began to set orders. "Lucas, you and the men from the original group, stand down. Take your rest. This time, that damned tree is coming down."

  As Lucas and the others took their leave, Rodderick wasted no time.

  "Front line at the ready! Aim true and make it count!" Rodderick said.

  When the new guards saw the tree, some prayed to their gods, a few cried, and others vomited at the sight of something they couldn't understand. This could be the end of their world as they know it. All the men were willing to lay their lives down for their king and the people of their realm.

  The front-line archers set up with the swordsmen behind them at the ready. They dipped their arrowheads into poison at their feet, and with the order, they fired. All arrows found their mark in the trunk with dozens of thuds as the tips buried into the bark. Blood spewed from the wounds, coating the ground and shrieks of pain rang out as the tree began to move again.

  "Help us, Gods of old. We need you now," one of the swordsmen prayed softly.

  The sounds shifted from pain, to laughter, to a piercing howl. The dreadful plant stopped its movement. The same voice as before surrounded them all; unnatural, booming in their ears the men turned to find the source.

  "Try as you may, he shall rule this day. The light will go dim, all shall kneel before him!"

  "That voice, where is it coming from?" one of the men shouted. Seeing this, Lucas and the others, although tired, came to aid their commander.

  The tree started to move again. The limbs now grabbed the arrows and pulled them from its trunk as if it had hands. Once all were out, the limbs began to hurl them back at the knights.

  "SHIELDS!" Rodderick commanded. The swordsmen moved in front of the archers. It was too late for two of the men. The arrows found their mark deep within their chests. "Hold your line! Back battalion! Post your arms and get ready!"

  As the tree threw the last arrow, Rodderick shouted, "BATTALIONS MOVE IN! DO NOT cross that line! Let's see how it handles itself without its branches!"

  The swords battalion moved in. The sharp elven blades severed the smaller limbs with little effort. Suddenly, it was as if the demon could learn from their movements. The next soldier moved in and slashed. Then a larger limb swooped down, acting as a shield on a gladiator's arm. It blocked the sword as a smaller limb thrusted up and pierced his armor, tearing him asunder. The tree acted as a seasoned fighter. One by one, it bested them, throwing their lifeless bodies to the ground haphazardly.

  Seeing his men being laid to waste, Rodderick felt the blood boil inside him, sending him into a rage. The knight took up his great axe and charged the demon.

  This is what the tree wanted. It threw all the other warriors aside. Their battered bodies scattered about and the limbs opened in invitation. With a resounding battle cry, Rodderick swung his axe, making sure he was clear of the circle. Roots sprung from the ground, grabbing at his ankles, sending him to the ground with a thump. The roots began to tear his armored war boots away, rendering him helpless, and began to pull him closer. All the limbs wrapped around him, dragging him into the trunk, while tearing at his body. The poor knight screamed in pain as the tree controlled him like a puppet master with his marionette.

  Zachery watched in horror. With a violent tug, the limbs pulled him into the trunk. Like the deer, they could see Sir Rodderick's face from inside the trunk. In a flash, he was gone. Everyone could still hear him screaming in pain. Black smoke filled the air around them. The ground began to rumble and quake, with the consumption of Rodderick, the tree expanded to fill the circle of ash. A loud boom shook the entire farm.

  Suddenly, the tree appeared to stop and wilt before their very eyes. At that moment, Rodderick's mortally wounded body slammed onto the ground spewed out and rejected. The tree shook, limbs fell off, and the bark slowly turned black.

  As they watched with wondering eyes, the tree burst into flames. Within moments, the tree was gone, but the circle remained. Rodderick's naked body lay motionless inside the circle. Blood trickled from the wounds, staining the grass a crimson red. The few remaining knights and people around began to shout:

  "RODDERICK! RODDERICK! RODDERICK!"

  Sir Rodderick had given his life in sacrifice to save them all, a true champion of the realm. Songs would be written in his honor. Men would name sons after him. Oh, the feast they would have for him tonight in the great hall.

  Sir Lucas sent the men in to collect the body of their fallen champion, but as they drew closer, Rodderick, moved.

  He stood with his bare back to the people. Slowly standing fully upright, he began to twitch. His skin started to darken the color of soot, turning to bark. You could hear his bones breaking inside his body, molding and conforming to a form that was not his. He turned to the guards, and they watched him fully transform. The bark hardened as armor; no longer the king's shining Champion, but a dark and sinister being. His eyes seem to have burned from their sockets and now replaced by red, glowing coals. A fiery cloak appeared on his back with the symbol of a dark tree upon it.

  He reached down, grasped Rodderick's mighty war axe and proclaimed: "I am Dori'naur, the first. We will deliver this world unto our own. You will serve us or suffer."

  Hearing this, the remaining knights took up arms.

  "Suffer it is, then. So be it!" Dori'naur stretched out his left arm and a mighty shield appeared to grow from his forearm. The same dark tree of his cloak graced the front of the bulwark. Knights rushed in, and the demon slew them like insects drawn into a flame. Such power had never been seen before. Dark magic of this kind was thought to be long gone since the War of the Gods. These were King's Guards and War Council members, swatted away like children. The massacre was gruesome. The men lay dead around the demon like the proud first kills of a hunt.

  Then Dori'naur turned to the Morelys and rest of the farm folk. "Serve us or suffer. We will bring pain to all that defy us. Kneel, or be struck down."

  As the people began to fall to their knees, George grabbed Zachery and told him, "Run, get the horse and warn Gabriel. Tell him I will take care of everyone here as best as I can. GO!"

  Zachery bolted for the barn, George stood between his son and the demon, ready to defend him. Zachery grabbed a horse and started for the castle, thinking he would be stopped, but Dori'naur released him.

  The dark demon sneered. "Good, run boy! Tell your people we are here! Tell your king I am the new ruler, and I will be taking my castle soon. Now, we find the vessel and destroy the Champion of Light."

  I didn't want to leave my family, but someone had to warn the king. The way that Rodderick's body had been disfigured and maimed turned my stomach. I was on my way to Castle Whitehold, possibly for the last time. I had always craved adventure as a King's Guard. It seemed adventure found me. My horse's every stride was a prayer sent to protect my family. I look back now and wonder what would have happened if I had stayed.

  6

  Mother of the Champion

  Zachery rode that poor horse harder than it has been worked in its life. He knew he had to make it to Castle Whitehold and warn King Gabriel. He made the day and a half ride in record time.

  He reached the castle gates, and his poor horse collapsed under him. The animal had served his purpose for the greater good.

  "Quickly! I must see the king!" Zachery shouted.

  The guards escorted Zachery straight to King Gabriel's war room. Once all were present, Zachery told his news of the tree's growth, the animals drawn into it, and of Rodderick's bravery only to fall to the demon now known as Dori'naur the First.

  "The first of what?" asked Antoine.

  "He didn't say. J
ust that we would be delivered to their world. All would serve or suffer. He saw me leave and told me to say that he was coming to claim his castle," Zachery finished.

  Gabriel slowly stroked his unshaven beard, thinking aloud. "How could one creature defeat almost a whole squad of King's Guard? And Rodderick? You say this demon is using his body now?"

  Zachery nodded. "It is as if he is no longer Rodderick. He acted like the demon has taken his mind, body, and soul. Please, you have to remember that."

  Antoine added, "Something has to be done about this Dori'naur. Or not only will this realm and kingdom fall, but all of Amundiss will be at his mercy."

  Gabriel looked to Antoine, "Gather what men we have left and wait for me. We will make plans to travel to the Morely farm and I will see to this Dori'naur. First, I have to take care of Zachery."

  THE KING TOOK ZACHERY to his private dining room and called for some food and drink. When Queen Natallia came in to check on him, Zachery noticed something. He leaped to his feet and exclaimed, "She has red hair!"

  Natallia turned sharply, startled by his outburst. Long, bright, red hair flowed down her back. Gems and ribbons were braided into the plait. Zachery's head spun. He could now clearly hear what the old man had told him over and over.

  "Do you remember the prophecy from the old man? He said the Champion was not born yet. That he would be delivered from a mother with hair of flames, skin of the pale moon high in the sky. My lady, your hair is the brightest red I have ever seen, and you have skin of porcelain! Clearly beautiful." Zachery ventured a guess, "Any chance, my Queen, would you be with child?"

  Natallia was startled and began to blush while resting a hand on her stomach.

  Gabriel stood. "Natallia, my love, is it true? Are you with child?"

  Natallia sat down, looking at Zachery."How do you know? I have told no one, not even Antoine. My handmaidens and I just recently left the physician. Our child cannot be this champion, for that would mean this demon would be hunting for us and stop at nothing to strike me down!"

  Gabriel stopped and asked Zachery, "Wait, was there not a third detail as to the identity of the mother?"

  Zachery hung his head, starting to doubt himself. "Yes, that she would be protected by a dire wolf that would lay down its life to protect her."

  Gabriel started to sigh in relief. Zachery insisted, "She has to be the one, my Lord. Why else would the fates lead her to you, and you to us at this moment?"

  Gabriel looked at Zachery. "Dire wolves are long gone from this land, my boy. All were killed or driven out."

  Natallia agreed. "Yes, the men of our village back home would set out in hunting parties to rid them. The wolves would terrorize the village; some took children from their homes. Our father always warned us to stay clear of these beasts if we ever heard their howls," she added.

  "Why would the orcs and dire wolves attack your village so often?" Zachery asked, but was interrupted.

  Just then, the door opened. "Apologies, my king. I heard a commotion." It was Antoine, looking after his sister.

  "Sir Antoine, clearly we are quite well. Feel free to see for yourself." Gabriel scolded.

  "Wait!" shouted Zachery. "Your cloak? What is that fur? I have never seen it in these lands."

  Antoine stroked the fur, "My boy, this is the pelt of a dire wolf. These skins saved our lives during the orc attack. That is why I wear it as a symbol that I will protect my family at all cost."

  I knew it! I knew she was the one! Antoine was the dire wolf! Clearly, he would lay down his life for the queen, just like the prophecy said.

  Zachery leaned back into his seat and smiled. "Do you not see? It is the last detail. She is protected by a dire wolf! She carries the hope of us all and must be protected."

  Antoine looked very confused. "She carries our hope. This is not possible. Natallia, are you with child? Why have you not told me?"

  They did not want to believe; they did not want the safety of all Amundiss to fall to them. With it said aloud, they could feel the truth surrounding them, comforting them, as well as scaring them.

  Antoine, seated now, had both hands rubbing his temples. "How will we protect the Queen and her unborn child? If Dori'naur gets word of this news he will stop at nothing to kill her, even if she is not the true mother, he would kill her just to cross her off as a possibility."

  Zachery suggested, "We need to find a safe place. Surely there is someone who could help us. Do we know of anyone that could have knowledge of this Dori’naur?"

  "I may know of one who could help us,” Gabriel said. “If he will help us. We have to go in secret and hope to the Gods we can travel unnoticed."

  Zachery looked to his king. "Where is this place?"

  Gabriel responded, "We travel to the country of Kelendar, to a city called, Weelinn. Last I heard, he still lived there. I hope he is still there."

  "Who is this man? And can he be trusted?" asked Antoine.

  Gabriel replied, "His name is Benzoete. Possibly the last High Elf wizard in Amundiss. He may be our only chance." The king summoned his most trusted adviser, Xavier.

  Once inside the war room, Gabriel explained. "We must leave, Xavier, the kingdom is in danger."

  Xavier was a wise old man. He had learned, over the decades of serving the kings of Whitehold, his place was to advise, not to meddle. "What can you tell me of these plans, sire? Your people will need to know of these dangers."

  They explained to Xavier of their need to travel in secret, and of Dori'naur's presence. "Please, make sure the people of the realms know of this danger so they can try and prepare. The people of Whitehold will face these dangers first. They will rise up in my name, but we cannot have that. I feel if they think I have fled, they will not resist."

  "Some will still stand for your honor, my Lord...others will fear they have no choice. I will do as you ask, sire." Xavier bowed to his king.

  Gabriel motioned for him to rise. With a warm embrace, Gabriel whispered in his ear, "You have served me and my family well. I love you like family, dear friend."

  Xavier exited, and they set out on their way.

  A real elven wizard? I had never seen an elf, let alone a wizard. If this Benzoete could help us, we needed to find him fast. My family, and my world were in danger. I had to try to save them. This adventure started with a battle of King's Guards, and now I traveled to meet a High Elf wizard. My life would never be the same from that day on.

  7

  Wizard of Weelinn

  The king laid a book on the table that held accounts of all major events, places, and people of Amundiss dating back centuries. He opened the book and read:

  "Once, the High Elf wizards were a large and powerful group. They were handpicked by the Gods to serve the Light. Centuries past, the group was nearly destroyed in battle against the fallen God, Craotonus. Craotonus fought for supreme rule of Amundiss, and only by the wizard’s sacrifice was he conquered, and sealed inside a tomb deep in the center of the world. The battle nearly wiped out the order of high wizards. Only three remained, and none were ever named to take the other’s places."

  "My father wrote that passage. He spoke of meeting an elven wizard. Benzoete was one of these. His knowledge spans the thousands of years he walked this life, fighting evil and caring for others. If anyone can help us, it must be him," Gabriel told them.

  They set out on their journey to Weelinn with handful of what was left of the King's Guard. They traveled in small groups, apart from each other as to not draw attention.

  Xavier sent out royal messengers, carrying the message: "Danger is at our door. Prepare your home for the worst, but do not resist. King Gabriel of Whitehold has fled and will return when possible. Your king asks this of you: May the Gods be with the king!" The people in Whitehold respected their king and would be crushed to hear that he fled, but still will have faith in their ruler.

  King Gabriel hoped this was the best way to help his people and keep them alive. He thought with him gone it would b
e easier for them to serve Dori'naur and not rise up in his honor against the monster. There would be less bloodshed if they were to do as Dori'naur commanded. If he only knew what the demon was capable of.

  Along the way, Zachery overhead the quiet moment between Natallia and Gabriel. Natallia asked Gabriel, "How are we going to help our child? How can we protect a baby when we cannot protect ourselves or our kingdom? Can this wizard ensure us safety?"

  Gabriel took her hand in his. "I promise you; we will do all that is possible to keep our child safe. I will shake the heavens to grab the God’s attention if I have to."

  I wanted the God’s attention already. I needed to protect my family but did not know how to do it. We were a ragtag bunch of heroes following a notion to a wizard that may or may not even still be there. If he was there, I hoped we could convince him to help us.

  ALONG THE WAY, THEY detoured and stopped in a small dwarven village called Bronze Valley, where the noble Black Clan Dwarves mined for precious gems and hidden treasures. There was a dwarf here that Gabriel wanted to visit, a blacksmith by the name of Bainebeard. They got a room for the night at the local inn under false names. As the Knights tended to the horses and wagons, Gabriel, Natallia, Antoine, and Zachery went to the tavern for food and ale.

  The dwarves had a taste for ale. The pub was filled with dirty miners sharing stories of treasure they had found. Zachery looked around the room, noticing that was taller than most of the patrons having never seen a Dwarf before he found this humorous. Suddenly, something caught Zachery's eye, or someone rather. It was the crazy old man from the pub in Whitehold that told him of the prophecy of the Champion.

  "YOU!" shouted Zachery. "I saw you die! I saw you burst into flames and dragged out of the pub!"

  The old man turned to face Zachery, the same milk-white eyes, and the burning stench even worse now. "The child will be known. He will be coming. Protect the champion at all cost, or all lives will be lost."