Page 29 of The Last Knight

Chapter Eleven

The Yorian Realm

Generals Joc and Kel urged their nervous, wooly steeds forward across the top of a narrow ridge. In front and behind, their Torant escorts formed a single row. There was no room for protection on their sides for fear of falling to a deep chasm, a combination of jagged rocks and swirling waters. Steam from the water below rose, forming a hazy fog that added to the rather strange beauty of the surroundings.

This realm was nothing like from whence they came. It was composed of what looked to be floating islands connected by bridges constructed of a white claylike substance. Looking closer, it became evident that the land masses were inverted mountains that scaled downwards from a flat wide mass to jagged peaks that ultimately narrowed to a stem planted into whatever was far below.

The sky was a stark contrast from that of the Dark Realm. Hues of orange, and reds filled one side of the expanse, whilst the other was made up of lateral shades of blues, from light to dark. There were no moons or suns visible, yet light emanated from the reddish side giving the realm a surreal glow.

Their Yorian guides rode six-legged creatures that were much larger than their own huge mounts. The creatures were obviously bred for war, with oversized fangs and a horn protruding from between their eyes. The beasts’ muscular bodies were covered in thick black hide from the neck down to their legs. A gray hide enveloped the heads.

Attacks on the Yorians’ realm would prove very difficult as the only way to infiltrate would be crossing the bridge structures. Although an impressive array of spans, the Yorians could easily destroy them, making it impossible to reach them.

Following the Yori guides, they headed toward a large land mass in the center of the realm. Upon it, a castle with high turrets that jutted to dizzying heights stood proud. Much like their own ruler’s castle, Indros’ home was built to impress and intimidate. Joc looked over his shoulder at Kel, whose expression reflected his thoughts. There was no going back, the plan to remove the Dark Realm’s current unworthy ruler was about to be set in motion.

Upon arriving at the castle, they were greeted by the sight of hundreds of Yorian warriors, both mounted and on foot.

Joc took in the sight calculating that their armies were about equal. The thoughts quickly vanished upon noting that, on two other land masses, just as many warriors stood watch. If the Torants went to war against the Yorians, there was little doubt the Yori would win. Why, then, had Indros not attacked their realm? And, more importantly, would the Yorian ruler keep his word allowing Joc and Kel to share rulership of the Dark Realm?

After they dismounted, Kel waited for Joc to near and spoke in a soft tone. “We must convince Gunther to conjure double the warriors, if we are to stand a chance against them.”

“Yes, we must ensure to keep them from overtaking our realm,” Joc replied.

Just then, Indros emerged and stood at the entrance, not moving forward, expecting them to address him as he stood atop a flight of stairs asserting his position of power.

Together the generals fell to one knee bending their heads. That done, they ascended the stairs to begin the meeting that had been arranged during Indros’ visit.

Joc slid a look to Kel. One step at a time. First they would overthrow Gunther. He would ensure to deliver the killing blow so that the powers would be his. Then, he would dispense with Kel and become the ruler of the Dark Realm. It would take careful and deliberate plans, but it was all falling into place.

His ultimate plan was to become ruler over the Yorian Realm as well. It was much more desirable than the Dark Realm.

“Welcome to Yorian,” Indros said upon them entering the throne room. With towering ceilings and ornately decorated walls, the space exuded wealth. The throne consisted of a high-back chair with a set of chrome wings that extended wide and high. When the ruler sat upon the seat, it would look as if he bore wings.

Joc studied the mural behind it, which consisted of a battle scene. Interesting.

Indros wore intricately embroidered burgundy robes over loose fitting leg covers of the same color. He went to the throne and lowered himself upon it.

“Please sit,” Indros motioned Joc and Kel to a pair of chairs that had been set facing the throne behind a table that was covered with platters of food and pitchers of drink.

Without waiting for them to finished settling, Indros motioned to the female. “This is my wife Sundi.” Sitting on the left side of the throne was a beautiful female. She had flawless dark brown skin, amber eyes and long black silken tresses that were wrapped in golden threads. The female, dressed in flowing soft robing, studied them without expression.

The ruler motioned to a male on his right who remained standing in front of his chair. “He is my brother Rondo.” The male was dressed similarly to Indros, only his clothes were not embroidered. He stood in front of his seat, arms crossed. He had the same coloring as Indros and Sundi, except his eyes were gray.

The brother’s eyes narrowed. He turned to look at Indros. “Why are we hosting Torants?”

“Because we have a mutual interest at the moment,” Indros replied patiently. “Sit, brother, so we can commence with discussions.”

Rondo looked each of the generals in the eyes. It was not hard to read what he thought in regard to their presence. The male would gladly spear them without a second thought.

Sundi rang a bell and immediately three pairs of servants rushed over holding trays, which they held in front of the trio. Indros plucked something from his tray and ate it. Only then did the two flanking him begin to eat and drink. The servants remained still, allowing them to eat from the trays they held.

A second set of servants brought food and placed it on the table in front of the generals. By the looks of disgust, even the servants did not care for their presence.

As it would be insulting not to eat, Joc and Kel ate from the offerings, which were not the Torant’s usual fare that consisted mainly of meat and root bulbs. The fare before them was elaborately constructed from greens and brightly colored floral dishes. The only meat was sliced so thinly, it was hard to identify.

As was their custom, Joc and Kel ignoring the eating utensils and ate with their hands, not caring about the curious study of the Yorian rulers and others who stood around the room.

“I can easily guess why you came seeking my counsel. What I do not understand is why you would feel compelled to,” Indros stated.