| Author's Note: I had some major inspiration for this fic and it helped me add much faster for the next chapter. Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone for all of the reviews, they really helped. You guys are great! Also, this chapter is a prelude to the war that's coming and some sad things will happen here.....please keep that in mind as you read. Well anyway, enjoy! **This chapter is Rated R for heavy violence and gore** The Dark King Chapter 6: A Knife in the Dark Korinthos, South of the Capital City The cold, freezing weather that had plagued them for weeks had finally passed. The sun had come to them suddenly, surprising them, but also giving them a measure of relief. They'd had food and supplies brought from the Dark King's city to them, but the roads had turned too deadly for travelers to come. If the snow and storms had persisted, they would have soon died of starvation. It had been months since the Dark King had come to them, months since he had brought his army of men and taken the Silvery Maiden with him. Since that time his soldiers had remained, patrolling the borders and making sure to keep Miles' men and his threats away. Peace had come for them and given them hope that a future under the Dark King would not cost them there lives. Four young women, remarkable women who had braved the treacherous mountain and brought back there salvation, had never forgotten the Silvery Maiden. Nor had there guilt ever dispersed. They had taken her from her home, from her life, and thrust her into a world full of death and war, full of a never ending sorrow. They'd prayed to the gods above for forgiveness, and also forgiveness from this girl. They sat together on the borders of there village, speaking and laughing over men and the happiness which had come into there life." I want to marry one day." Mina whispered it, leaning back on her elbows as they all lay across the green land, gazing up at the clear sky." For love, of course. A handsome man who will take care of me, and also need me as no one ever has." Raye rolled her eyes." Your thoughts are much too romantic Mina. You should be able to take care of yourself." "A woman is entitled to her dreams." Mina merely smiled at Raye's scowl." And someday mine will come true." Lita had been sitting, listening to there banter, when she noticed a thick gathering of clouds descending over there village. Suspicious and confused, she rose to her feet, shielding her eyes against the sun that was rapidly disappearing behind the clouds. "What is that?" she murmured it under her breath, the other three rising to stand next to her. A fierce wind, icy and chilling them to the bone, blew in from the south, surprising them as the sky darkened and the sun vanished behind the thickness of the black clouds. They watched as lightening shimmered, cracking across the sky and splitting the earth so close to them they jumped, huddling together as thunder suddenly boomed above them. "What's going on?" Mina shouted it to be heard over the storm that had moved in. "We have to get back. Something's coming!" The attack came without warning. The village was quiet, women walking with there children, laughing together and gossiping over news. The men worked with one another, moving through the streets, earning what they brought home daily for there families. None suspected of the army that had moved in without there knowledge. The soldiers bearing the mark of Adonis burst through the trees, riding there stallions into the village and toward these people. Screams erupted, the people scattering like ants, racing for the safety of there homes. But the attack had come from all sides and the soldiers closed in on them, drawing there swords as they rode, swiping them through men who attempted to retaliate and protect there families. Blood flew and spilled onto the ground, cries of agony heard as the soldiers went into fierce combat with the soldiers of the Dark King. The clash of steel echoed throughout the valley's and hillside, the stench of sweat and blood mingling with the icy breeze sweeping through the village. The battle had begun suddenly, and was over almost as quickly. Hundreds of soldiers had come and attacked the Dark King's small army, slaughtering his soldiers and the men of the village. The weeping of wives and whimpering of children could be heard, the oppressive smell of fresh blood causing some to keel over and vomit at the bodies that surrounded them. The four young women could only stare in horror from there hiding place at the sight that had greeted them as they rushed back. There fathers each lay on the floor, dead and covered in blood. Several friends of there's also lay murdered, mothers holding there children to them protectively as the soldiers of Adonis closed in on them. "We have to get away." Amy gripped Lita's arm, swallowing the fear and sorrow that rose in her throat. "Come on." Lita took Raye and Amy by the arm and quickly shoved them back into the shadows." I know where there are some horses. We can escape on them." she had taken two steps when she turned back to see Mina still standing, staring at the horror before them." Mina! Come on!" she hissed at her. Mina quickly turned and followed the others, the four slinking through the shadows toward where horses were tethered. Lita gripped the reins of the stallions, assisting Raye and Amy onto there backs. She quickly mounted, making sure Mina also jumped onto her horses back, before motioning for them to follow her. Silently, she led them through the outskirts of the village, away from the sight of where the soldiers were now chaining and forcing the women and children into a single line. And remaining in the shadows, they didn't see the lone soldier dressed in the ranks of a general emerge from the dark and toward them. It was Lita who first saw him, coming to an abrupt halt and forcing the other three to stop behind her. They watched the large figure of a man come into the small light that was appearing behind them, the soldiers setting fire to the homes there people had grown in all of there lives. "And what's this?" he spoke casually, but the menace in his tone was evident to them all." Four women attempting to escape." he brought up his sword and pointed it at them, the glint of steel caught in the reflection of the fires." I think not. Get back in line with the rest of the women and children." Lita had always carried a dagger on the inside of her thigh, hidden by the layers of clothing she wore for protection, a means of defense her father had insisted on. And reaching inside her skirts, she whipped it out and slashed out at the stallion he rode, frightening and confusing the animal, causing it to rear and give them enough time to take off at a neck breaking speed. Terrified of being captured, they rode as hard as they could, none seeing when the general's arm whipped out and gripped Mina by the throat as she rode past, jerking her back so hard that she fell from her mount and to the ground below, her ride following the other three women's. Horrified, coughing for air and holding her burning throat, she crawled backward and away from him, cowering beneath the hard stare of the general, who was eyeing her with both contempt and interest." No matter. I have one who will please me." And backing away as a sudden circle of soldiers surrounded her, there bloody swords drawn on her, she could only pray and stare in horror at the general whose mocking smile seemed to fill her line of vision.... Alexandria, Capital City of the Northern Regions "Did you not see the bloody sky Adonis sent us?" Kendrick spoke desperately, knowing full well what would soon come to them." Adonis will not take her back easily, as we all know he could. He will kill you and your people, everything that belongs to you! He will be relentless!" The Dark King listened silently, standing with his back to his Generals. The five stood in his study, discussing what news was brought to them, and also the threats they now faced. War was coming and there was nothing they could do to stop it. Endymion stared out the window, his eyes, as hard as granite and dark as night, scanning the city below. He folded his hands behind his back, standing straight and tall, quiet even when his Generals began arguing amongst one another. They had been apprehensive lately, patrolling daily and making sure to have a guard surrounding the borders of each of his lands every minute that passed. They knew Adonis would strike one day, but when they did not know. This was where he thrived. His name had been born to him on the battlefield, his skills and cleverness with a sword known throughout the whole of Earth. The darkness, the evil and tyranny that consumed his heart served him in these moments of constant battle and strategy. "Cease!" he snapped the order, his voice like a whip, causing the Generals to all halt and turn there gazes on him." I know of Adonis' threats and also what will come to us." he turned back to them, his face cold and remote." And I will meet him, sword against sword." "How can you? He is a GOD!" Julius believed in his Lord with every fiber of his being. He knew the Dark King could slay any man, any mortal. But one of god like power and strength was impossible." He is an immortal, a god, not a man!" "And he will fight me as a man." Endymion's smile was slow, edged with cruelty and malice." He will come to me and demand a fight by sword, by skill and knowledge, not power." "How can you be so sure?" Gregori asked quietly, his dark eyes surveying his Lord's ice cold expression. "Because he wants the satisfaction of cutting me down beneath his blade." his smile turned thin." I will oblige him in a battle, but not in my death." "Adonis is a skilled fighter, my Lord. Can you not give him back the priestess and end with this?" Kendrick insisted. None of the Generals saw him move. Unsheathing his dagger from his side and bringing it up in a split moment, he pointed it at Kendrick's neck, holding it just below his chin. Kendrick immediately froze in submission, horror gripping him that he had unleashed the terrible temper the Dark King was known for. "Don't EVER suggest that again!" his voice was low, a near growl as his face turned dark with fury, pressing the sharp dagger into the other man's throat." I will not submit to Adonis' wrath, not now nor in this future. This world is mine, all of it! And she belongs to ME!" "My Lord." Malachite spoke carefully, keeping his eyes trained on his sovereign." Release him. Kendrick merely wish's for this war not to come, to find a way to avoid it." "There is no avoiding it." a muscle ticked in his jaw, his hand steady as he held the dagger poised, ready for attack." He threatens my reign, my woman. For that alone he will fall." slowly he withdrew the dagger, resheathing it at his side." If you doubt me Kendrick, then perhaps you would find your loyalty lies elsewhere." Kendrick stiffened." My loyalty is with you, my Lord." "Then never question my authority again." he ran a hand carelessly through his dark hair." Were finished here. Malachite, send out the patrols. I want each of you sent to my lands and watching how the men are progressing before you return tonight." "And you, my Lord?" Malachite asked before he could leave the room." What will you do?" The Dark King was silent, his back to them." I will go to Selenity." opening the doors, he left the room and them. He knew his men were questioning him, doubting him because of his desire for her, but he would not give her up. He refused too. Let war come, let death and destruction come, but never would he lose her to Adonis or another man. He found her in there rooms, standing out at the balcony and looking to Alexandria below. The wind was fierce, blowing to her and sending her hair to fly out behind her, cascading in waves of silver and white. She wore a white gown, a gown he'd given her sometime ago that would accent her slender curves and ivory skin. It clung to her, billowing out at the waist and sending it swirling about her ankles as the wind picked it up and the breeze went cooling over his own dark skin. Since Adonis had sent his warning in a blood red sky she'd been more quiet, more drawn into herself. She seemed to always be thoughtful, always sad and remorseful, and always alone. The sorrow he saw in her he knew he caused because of this world he had brought her into, but even he had his needs. Few believed a man of power, a King of his cunning and strength, would need anything. But he needed her. He'd never had a weakness before. One who didn't love, who fought only for power and gain, had no weaknesses'. It had been his triumph over others, had been his glory in his battles. It was why his army had swept through the Earth and taken lands with such ease. Loss of men meant nothing, only attaining the power he'd always craved in his heart. But his weakness lied with her. His one downfall, the one loss that would matter, that would drive him mad with rage, was found in her. He had no doubt Adonis knew of this and would use it against him. He remained silent, watching her, drinking in the glorious sight of her. She was the most beautiful woman on this Earth, the most exquisite creature and of utmost importance to him. He felt desire, strong and ferocious; heat his blood, and his bodies' response to her. His appetite for her, his hunger would never be quenched, never diminish. It was a realization he had come to over the months that had passed. He strode to her, wrapping his arms about her and bending his massive form over her smaller one. He felt her stiffen for a moment before relaxing into him, leaning her head back against his broad chest. His hands came to rest on the stone railing of the balcony on either side of her, caging her, her own small hands coming up to rest on his dark forearms, his muscles tensed beneath her touch. They remained quiet, watching the sun descend over the land, the cool breeze that came to them sweeping across the plains. They could hear the laughter of children, the murmurs of women, and the discussions of men. In the distance the sight of cattle grazing, green grass and large trees blowing gently in the breeze sent peace through both there hearts. It was a moment of mutual silence, and a moment when emotions were stirred to life. He bent his head, his lips brushing across her neck, inhaling her scent into his being. She was soft, creamy and a pure light. His hands came up to capture her waist, his hands sliding over her flat belly, caressing her through the thin material of her gown. He felt her shift, felt her sigh and turn her face into his chest as one hand went lower, between her thighs, stroking and inflaming, the other coming up to capture a breast and mold it into his palm. One slender arm slid up his chest, circling his neck, her fingers diving into his dark hair and holding him to her. She arched into his palms, restless with rising passion, a little moan escaping past her lips as her eyes drifted closed and his lips captured hers in a searing kiss. His mouth was hot and insistent, growing more savage, more demanding as the kiss deepened and his palm moved faster between her thighs. She could feel the dampness he was causing, the answering call to his lust, his hand plunging deeper inside her, the hand at her breast squeezing, his thumb flicking over her nipple. The small nub hardened in immediate response, her body moving back against his, her bottom cradling his hips and the swelling at his groin. "Do you like that?" he whispered it, his hot breath fanning out against her delicate skin, his hands moving with practiced ease over the softness of her body. He could feel her response, feel her pressing into him, and with his hands caressing her came unbidden the image of her in the arms of Adonis, the hands of the bastard god running along her as she ached and pleaded for him. Muttering a savage oath, he turned her swiftly and took her lips, forcing her smaller body back toward the bedroom, away from the city that stretched out in a fading sunset before them. He could feel her surprise; feel her tense as he practically shoved her onto the huge bed, his massive frame blanketing hers. And using his hand, he stroked her to a quick, ruthless climax, her cries of joy muffled against the muscles of his chest. They were both breathing hard, breath blasting out, his hand still stroking her, but with a teasing touch that kept her on the brink of restlessness. Her hands fluttered to his chest, smoothed along the steel of his shoulders, nails digging into muscle as his hand suddenly turned savage and demanding. He bent to suckle her through silk, tasted her rising passion and let his own simmer, boil inside as her climax neared its brink. And just as she froze, as her nails dug deep, a tremor seemed to ripple through the room, a current of electricity, a snap in the air. The prickle of unease, of warning ran along his spine and sent a sliver of mistrust and suspicion through him. Tensing, stiffening above her, he slowly withdrew his hand, keeping himself bent over her in case a sudden attack came from the threatening presence that had just passed through. He could hear her breathing return slowly to normal, could feel her hands relax and her smoky eyes searching his as he closed his own, expanding his senses to scan the room and area. But nothing came to him. No warning, no unease. The cool breeze of Alexandria drifted in through the open balcony doors, washing over the heat of there bodies. Something was coming. Something was heading to his city there, a dark omen meant to frighten, meant to warn. The Earth was changing and another was rising to snatch that advantage in hand. "What is it?" her whisper was quiet in the room, a sudden stillness having gripped them both. "Something is coming." angry, savagely angry for this disruption, he crushed her lips beneath his, the rage inside causing him to force her softer form into submission." I must see to this." he ran his hand along her cheek a moment, his eyes, as deep as the sapphire's he had bestowed on her as a gift, searching hers for a moment. His intense stare unnerved her, the hand that had suddenly turned gentle at her hair sending a softness coursing through her to pool and linger inside. Frightened and needing distance, she placed her hand on his chest and pushed gently. It was the moment shouting was heard outside, footsteps racing down the hall and to there room, someone banging on there doors." My Lord!" Malachite's voice came to them, worried and desperate." My Lord, riders approach from the south!" He didn't move, didn't seem to hear Malachite's shouting, instead remaining with his eyes on hers. Curling the hand she had used to push at his chest, she stared up at him, transfixed by the dark emotion she saw there. Slowly, so slowly, he bent and touched her lips with his, coaxing her response, tempting her lips to part and welcome him inside. The heat that enveloped him, the desire, sent such a strong ripple of longing through him he felt something in his chest move, constrict, and tighten. The insistent shouting of Malachite drew his attention, clearing the white fog that had clouded his senses a moment ago. Violently angry at the intrusion to his moments with her, he stood from the bed, turning and striding to the doors to throw them open. Malachite was raising his fist to rap it against the door when his Lord suddenly yanked them open, startling him." My Lord, I apologize for the disruption, but riders-" "I know!" he snapped the order at his head General, cursing savagely beneath his breath." Come, we go below to meet them." The Dark King stepped from the room, reaching back to close the doors, and was distracted when Malachite took a sudden step forward. Turning to scowl at him, he noted the intense, deeply enthralled rapture in his eyes, the Generals expression turning soft. Suspicious and growing more furious by the moment he swung around to see Selenity standing in the middle of the room, her robe clutched tightly together, her smoky eyes fixed on him and filled with both vulnerability and fear. The snap, the fury born so suddenly inside shocked him. But he was a man who allowed savagery and rage to dominate, and riding on that high, he whirled on Malachite, snarling menacingly and shoving him from the room. The General was caught off guard and stumbled back, slamming into the wall and stiffening when the Dark King took the lapels of his shirt and gripped them tightly, nearly choking the breath out of him. "Keep your thoughts and eyes away from her," It was the voice of a man who had won many battles, spilled blood and felt no remorse. And in his eyes Malachite saw death itself, a cold, bleak end that would come to him if he attempted any movements toward Selenity," Or I'll cut your throat myself." He swallowed, choosing discretion over what was building so strongly inside of him." I apologize, my Lord." "An apology won't save you if I ever see you near what belongs to me Malachite." he released him, turning back and shutting the doors with a definitive click. And striding down the hall and toward the front of the palace, he shouted for his horses to be brought to him and readied for his departure to meet these riders coming to them. He rode out with his Generals and an army of over one hundred men, galloping out into the borders of Alexandria and coming to a halt, bringing his hand up in a sharp signal for his men to follow his move. And sitting atop his stallion, the reigns in one hand, his sword and dagger ready at his side, his bow and arrows at his back, he watched the fast approach of four horses, three with bodies sitting atop them. As they neared he realized they were women, and when they were close enough he saw it was three of the girls who had brought Selenity to him, in the village where he had left a small army of men to guard. Suspicious and with a growing feeling of unease, he pressed his knees into the flanks of his stallion, urging the massive animal forward as the three girls came to a stop, panting and sweating, there eyes filled with fear. "What are you doing here?" he asked it bluntly, not bothering to check if they were hurt. "Our village." Lita panted it out, struggling to catch her breath." We were attacked." His face darkened, his grip on the reigns of his stallion tightening." Attacked? I left men there. Did they not dispose of the threats?" his voice was carefully neutral. Raye shook her head slowly, sorrow darkening her eyes." They were out numbered. They were.....there were none left." He remained silent for so long the girls began to shift, growing apprehensive and nervous of his unwavering stare." Malachite, assign a group of men to escort them back to my city. We will ride and see what has been done." A quick signal from Malachite had the girls surrounded by soldiers and being led away from the army that swiftly followed there liege. The thundering of horses was heard well across the lands, clouds of dust rising to be left behind as the army made its way toward the southern lands, nearing the borders of Korinthos. And just as they came to the rise of a hill, the Dark King leading the men over the plains of endless shadows and a brutal frost, a sight greeted them that stopped the men and King dead in there tracks. Silence followed, only the whisper of wind heard as it swept through the high reeds of the grass and over the blackened earth before them. Bodies, hundreds of bodies of men who had once lived, who had once fought for the Dark King and raised families of there own, were stretched out before them, sprinkled across the land that had darkened as they came. There bodies had been impaled on pikes, the sight of the agony they had endured still etched across there faces, filled only with a quiet death now. Some showed signs of a fight, bloodied and having already been killed before being driven through the stakes, slaughtering them in one blow. Beneath the bodies the earth lay, black and having been burned, a sea of darkness that slept in painful memory of what had occurred only hours before. The livestock was gone, taken by Adonis and Miles, the women and children also missing from the sight before them. The Earth seemed to tremble beneath them, groan and shift ominously, cracks forming in the dirt as the groaning turned to a near roar. The horses grew restless, tossing there heads, eyes rolling as the soldiers and Generals struggled for control of the animals. The Dark King remained still, his huge, black stallion pawing at the dirt, tossing its head and snorting, white gusts of frost billowing out, neither aware of the rumbling earth nor rapidly darkening sky above them. Gregori controlled the animal easily, his dark eyes sliding over everything before moving to his Lord, quiet and thoughtful." A slaughter such as this could not have been generated by Miles alone. Perhaps your suspicions are true, my Lord....perhaps Adonis has allied himself with Miles." The Dark King was silent, nostrils flared in a quiet rage he was suppressing, his blue eyes darkening to a near black." Perhaps you're right Gregori. Miles does not have enough man power to risk a battle such as this. There is only one other who would aide him in this dispute....one other who wish's for my death. A strike such as this is meant more as a warning, instead of the sorcery Adonis had shown up until this moment." his stallion moved restlessly, sensing his master's growing rage." They struck like a knife in the dark, a village sworn under my protection and reign. I expected this alliance, and welcomed it......very well then." he smirked, nodding slowly, the hint of menace evident in his eyes and cruelty etched into the planes of his face." The war has begun." Last Notes: here are the usual explanations I give at the end of each chapter. 1. First things first: I got inspiration for the title of this chapter from The Lord of the Rings soundtrack to the first movie. I forgot to put that in before and a kind reviewer reminded me of it! I didn't copy that title, it just FIT. You know what I mean? Not my fault it was a coincidence. Anyway, that’s all for that! 2. WOW! I actually brought the girls back! When I was struggling to find a way to start this chapter, the idea of bringing them back flashed into my head full force. The way that I would be bringing them back though would be painful and sad, but it's all part of the set up. As for Mina....I know you guys are wondering what happened to her so I'll just let your imaginations run wild with possibilities. But I will say not too think to negatively about it either. Who knows what could happen? The possibilities are endless. ;) 3. Hhmm, the violence and gore in this chapter. I realize there was A LOT of it, but trust me I did warn you guys at the beginning of this chapter. I hope it didn't offend anyone too much or even gross anyone out too much. 4. The relationship between Selenity and Endymion.....I didn't focus on it too much in this chapter because...well, this chapter wasn't really MEANT to focus on them. It was meant to introduce the start of the war, the start of Adonis and Miles' alliance and the power that they have now. Basically this chapter was to show the Dark King that he's no longer fighting just a man, but a god as well, so he's got his work cut out for him. Um....I apologize for the lack of romance and emotions on their part, but don't fret; I'll make up for it in the next chapter. Please try to remember this story is an epic and the romance is definitely part of the story, but not the entire thing. 5. I like how a lot of people tried guessing what it was Endymion had done in the last chapter that was weird, something I pointed out. No one actually guessed right, but it was nice either way how you guys tried. I'm still not saying what it was, adds to the guys mystery. I'm hoping that more people are beginning to wonder more about him other then the outer appearance. 6. And now the war. I've built it up, I've been giving the right touch's here and there, aaaaaaaaaaaaaand.....it's still a bit off! Sure, he said 'the war has begun,' but I'm not having a full scale thing for another little while. But when it does happen, it's going to be good! So stay tuned for that! 7. Thank you so much for everyone's reviews and e-mails, you guys are fantastic! Especially those who understood about the rape flame. I'm over that, oh well, but thanks to everyone anyway. So now, please review and tell me what you thought! I'm definitely eager to know. I prefer the longer reviews, the one's that really give constructive help and also feedback.....but I do understand their are those who leave the usual five word reviews, which are just as great. I guess I'm just hoping for longer one's (keeps fingers crossed). So bye and thanks! |