Part 1

The further they went the more the lands in Kligira to the south turned barren and lifeless, dusty and dry as far as the eye could see. Atop the hill, they paused, gazing over the lands of Kligira. To the north, they could just make out the trees and mountainous lands of the Tykin border. East was also a barren wasteland, the soil brought no life, dust storms could be seen in the distance.

The Xerian party was just south of the fortress Pekris, it was hidden beneath their sight but Henry knew from his study of his maps that it was there. He looked down at the map in his hands, noticing a large patch of land that seemed to be green and rich with life due to the rivers and lake in the middle, where several small towns made their homes. Henry had gone through a bit of trouble to obtain this map, which was color-coded, with graphs and legends. It was a rough estimate but so far was fairly accurate but he wouldn’t know for sure until he saw it for himself.

For now, he would trust the map, green represented grass and forests, blue was water and brown was the bleak dusty part where he was now. He saw the land past Yidor was rich and full of forests and rivers which always struck him as odd and inconsistent with the rest of Kligira. As was the land between Fenon and Devrish where a large lake and small cities resided, according to the map of course.

Henry sighed, wiped his forehead of sweat with a cloth, and urged his horse forward, catching up with Kyburn and Erik. The heat became overwhelming during the days, forcing them to pause for several hours to escape the hottest part of the afternoon. Ideally, they could travel most of the night and sleep during the day but there was so little escape from the scorching sun it made it near impossible to sleep during the day. They slept for three hours during sunset, woke then traveled most of the night then slept for another three before sunrise. Whenever possible, and any sort of shade could be found they would rest, if sleep came it was a blessing but it rarely did during the day due to the unbearable heat.

It was treacherous for no other reason than the heat. They had been ill-prepared for it, even though they had taken measures to do so. Plenty of water and food wasn’t the issue but rather their skin. Henry was somewhat unfazed due to his skin already being dark but his friends were cooking like tomatoes. Everyone’s lips were cracked and constantly thirsty. They all were now wrapped in a layer of thin cloth covering their entire bodies, as hot as it was, the extra layer was necessary to keep them all from being cooked alive.

Each night was a relief as the sun went down, giving them the sweet respite of cool air and the warm embrace of sleep. Exhaustion was their second most concern, keeping this pace and little sleep would drive them to madness so when Kyburn announced they would sleep the whole night, there was an audible sigh of relief from them all. Kyburn was the least affected by it all as he had done this very thing in his younger years. Henry couldn’t imagine fighting a war in this unforgiving heat and desolate lands.

Kyburn’s words broke Henry from his thoughts. “We have another three or four days to go by my best guess.” another sigh of relief followed.

“Once we reach the mountains there will be more shade and water. Food will still be scarce so we will rely on our backup food supplies. We are running low on water so until then, we will start water rations tonight.” groans of complaints came from his last statement. “Our journey is nearly over. Bear with it men.”

“Yes, sir.” half-hearted mumbles responded.

Henry flopped to the ground onto his bedroll and tried to sleep without a word. People buzzed around him for several more minutes when they quieted down and went to sleep themselves. Two guards were on watch at all times, rotating shifts each night. They were all so exhausted the camp fell completely silent in a matter of minutes and Henry drifted to sleep.

Part 2

After several more grueling days of intense heat and thirst, they arrived at the base of the mountain where they found a small stream. It was like finding gold, the relief and joy of finding water was a boost to their morale, though at this point the Kligirian soldiers were in clear sight, watching them gather water from a distance.

“They're still following us.” Henry groaned.

“Kligirian’s are relentless, I’ll give them that,” Erik murmured.

“They haven’t made a move against us yet,” Arne said, the captain crouching next to them, filling his canteen. “I doubt they will pose a problem for us now.”

“Saddle up men!” Kyburn shouted. “We move out in two minutes.”

“He’s pushing really hard.” Henry groaned again. “I wish we could just rest for awhile.”

“He’s pushing us because he doesn’t like being out in the open,” Erik said to his right. “The sooner we get to Riqun the better. We will have plenty of time to rest once we get there.”

“I know.” Henry sighed. “I’m just so tired is all.”

“We all are, son.” Arne sighed. “Kyburn knows what he’s doing.

Henry didn’t know Arne well but he seemed to admire Kyburn. The captain obeyed his every order without question or hesitation. He was tall but slim, he had the build of a man who seemed to be extremely spry on his feet but not so good when it came to physical strength. His sword was much slimmer and lighter than most which gave him more control and accuracy than a heavy sword. He was young for a captain but Henry guessed he was in his late twenties.

Blonde hair blues eyes gave him the face that any girl would fall for. He was tall, handsome, and a captain. It was the first time Henry really spoke to him and he wondered why he was chosen for this mission, Xerath must have his reasons for doing so. Regardless of why Arne was a decent fellow and he was a good soldier, Henry trusted him enough to believe him.

“Make sure you fill all your canteens,” Arne shouted to everyone. “Bix, Will, and Zeen get those jugs filled and back on the horses asap.”

Everyone gulped down water and hurried to do as they were told, while Henry kept drinking the lukewarm water from the stream. He was glad to have a position that was important but not to the point where people looked to him for leadership. As a perk, he never was assigned duties unless it was necessary so he leaned back and enjoyed the short rest as everyone busied themselves.

They set out at a swift pace but slow enough as not to push the horses to death. Water from the streams filled the horse's belly with fresh water and the party alike. The mood had changed for the better, unworried about running out of water now, and judging from Kyburn predictions they would shortly arrive in Riqun within two days.

Henry longed for a bed to sleep in with cold water and fresh food. They had been living off of dried meat and dried fruit for over a week.

Passing over rough terrain, the ground turned more lush and habitable. Grass grew and thick clouds provided ample shade which they all counted themselves blessed after that. It looked to be almost over, their journey was nearly over. Riqun could be seen sitting halfway up the mountain and Henry then knew why Kyburn said it had never been taken by Tykin. Its location was nigh impregnable. Narrow pathways led up the mountain to the very gates of Riqun. Steep cliffs on either side making it impassable without going through the fortress.

It was a sight to behold and Henry took in the sight with awe. He made a mental image that he would sketch later. Sasha would have loved to see it. Henry tried to remember every detail to tell of it to her later when he saw her again.

Kipath was another fortress to their left as they passed, their northern border was extremely well fortified. At first, they thought they would be stopped by a patrolling Kligirian scouting party but they veered clear of them when they saw their fellow soldiers following behind them not a mile behind.

The north was not a populated area for good reason, Tykin was a threat on a daily basis. Most if not all civilians lived to the south, the greatest population living in either Slulor or Aetoth. Aetoth was the Kligirian capital at the very tip of Dragonhead Pass as far south as the continent would reach. The further north people went, endangered them more in fear of small raiding parties of Tykin soldiers slipping through the border.

Henry saw perhaps two small villages in total on their journey to Riqun. There were very few people this far north apart from a strong military presence.

After passing Kipath, Henry sighed in relief, in fear of being stopped, questioned or attacked. The group behind them posed enough anxiety for him, let alone entire armies at their backs.

Suddenly a soldier shouted up their ranks informing them of approaching riders.

Henry whipped his head around to see three men on horseback catching up with them. He could only recongnize one of them. The man with the thick beard, Hazam.

Kyburn urged his horse back toward the end of the line along with Arne and Erik. Henry turned his own horse to follow behind them but kept a short distance behind them.

Hazam rode up, stopping two horse lengths from Kyburn who sat waiting for him. Hazam’s men waited a quarter mile back waiting for their leader to speak with the Xerians. Henry took a deep breath, praying nothing would go awry. He listened carefully as Hazam spoke.

“I lead you from here.” he said casually. “You follow.”

Kyburn’s horse shifted and leaned right, trying to eat grass off the path. “We can find our way from her as you can see.” Kyburn gestured behind him to Riqun. “We thank you but do not need your guidance.”

“Not request.” Hazam said coldly. “You follow.”

All three men raised their eyebrows in disapproval. Arne looked worried but Kyburn and Erik were relaxed and unperturbed.

“Very well.” Kyburn said after a moment of silence. “We will follow you.”

“Wise.” Hazam sniffed. He raised his arm in a strange gesture and his men retreated out of sight.

“Where are they going?” Erik asked.

“They go home.” Hazam gazed at him. “No more question.”

Hazam dug his heels into his horse and his two men followed closely behind him, passing Kyburn and his men.

“That… was odd.” Arne commented.

“Indeed.” Erik said. “I don’t trust these people.”

“Neither do I.” Kyburn pursed his lips. “Let's play along for now. I'm curious as to what Regent Trygve has to say."

“Do they know why we are here?” Henry asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine I’m afraid.” Kyburn shook his head. “Though, I wouldn’t put it past them that everyone knows of our visit and why we are here.”

Henry’s anxiety shot up for a moment, unsure why that bothered him. He forced himself to calm down and keep a cool head.

“Come.” Kyburn shrugged. “Let’s… follow.”

Part 3

The path was wide but steep, horses had no problem climbing it however and soon they rode up to the gates of Riqun. The air was warm but the wind brought the temperature to a tolerable level. It looked as if it would rain soon, which Henry almost wished it would. A pouring rain would cool them all down and clean them of their stink and sweat. He was just happy to be in a place where it would rain and with clouds overhead.

Hazam’s two men had rode on ahead, probably to inform Regent Trygve of their arrival. The bearded man waited in front as the gates slid open with a loud squeak as the hinges scrapped against each other.

Inside Riqun was a large stone area where the stables lined in a semicircle around them. It smelt of horse manure but they dismounted, waiting for Hazam to lead the way.

He was talking with several guards in a heated discussion. Their voices raised and arms flinging toward them more than once made them all nervous. Dozens of Kligirian soldiers lined the walls looking down on them, weapons at the ready and bows nocked, casually at their sides.

Kyburn’s men stood nervously in the middle of the cobblestone clearing as the Kligirians argued. Finally, Hazam shoved a finger into the chest of the man arguing with him, which seemed to end the conversation and he scurried off into the fortress.

Hazam turned to them and pointed at Kyburn. “Follow.” he tilted his head.

There was a hesitation from everyone as Kyburn stepped forward, tensions growing. Hazam only wanted Kyburn to join him as the rest of them stayed here which didn’t sit well with his men.

“It’s alright,” Kyburn said. “Wait here. Don’t do anything stupid.”

Arne looked annoyed but huffed in defeat without a word. Erik leaned against a hitching rail, still relaxed and seemingly unfazed by being left outside.

“Why are you smiling?” Henry leaned up next to him, whispering.

He shrugged. “I’ve learned that there’s no use in worrying over something that hasn’t happened yet.”

“How can you say that?” Henry frowned. “What if they are taking Kyburn to kill him. Then kill the rest of us. Who knows what they will do to us.”

“What if they don’t kill us?” Erik pursed his lips. “What if they are in there talking about what they will feed us, huh?”

“Okay… I see what you mean.” Henry admitted. “But how can you be so calm?”

“Practice?” Erik shrugged again.

“You’re hopeless.” Henry scoffed. “You have been acting very strange these past few weeks.”

“I’m a strange man.” Erik commented. “Relax Henry. That doesn’t mean don’t keep your guard up but rather stop stressing over something that is out of our control now.”

“He’s right,” Arne admitted, though he looked stressed himself.

“That’s easy for you two to say,” Henry said. “I’ve got my whole life ahead of me.”

“Are you calling us old?” Erik smirked.

“No… Uggh.” Henry said frustratingly. “Nevermind. I give up.”

Erik chuckled along with Arne and a few others, doing their best to keep one eye on the Kligirians surrounding them and the other on Erik’s teasing.

After what felt like an eternity Kyburn, along with Hazam, walked out of the fortress entrance and approached them. The sun was disappearing over the horizon, shadows covered the area in which they waited.

“Lord Kyburn.” Arne stood. “What did they say?”

Kyburn gestured for them to wait, “I’m afraid only myself, Erik, and Henry are invited inside.”

Arne looked almost hurt along with the other soldiers. “Where will we be staying then?”

“Below,” Hazam stated, pointing to the ground.

“Below where?” Arne asked.

“They don’t like having well-trained soldiers under their roof, so I agreed to let them keep you where you can be watched. Their dungeons.” Kyburn winced at the last part.

“What!” Arne almost shouted.

“Calm down. You will be well treated and cared for.” Kyburn assured. “Only, you won’t be allowed to leave until our… visit here is finished. Trust me. You must comply with their wishes and I am ordering you to do so.”

At that, the men shifted uncomfortably, obviously disliking the idea of staying in a dungeon but also unwilling to disobey a direct order from their superior. They nodded and Hazam shouted orders in a different language which brought over a dozen guards shuffling forward to corral the Xerians to their temporary homes.

Kyburn looked upset and slightly angry with the idea that his men would be caged like animals in the dark while he was given somewhat freedom to roam. Henry sighed in relief as he wasn’t forced to also stay in the dungeon, that was the last place he wanted to be but felt guilty for feeling that way.

“Follow,” Hazam said.

Henry and Erik stood to follow Hazam and Kyburn into the fortress, which led upstairs, down hallways in every which way until Henry hadn’t the slightest idea where they were or how to get out. It was like a labyrinth, one which Hazam seemed to know perfectly as he turned left, right, up and around until finally, they stopped at a large steel door. It was poorly lit inside but enough to easily see. Hazam shoved the doors open and gestured them into the room, which was where Regent Trygve was, sitting in a large wooden chair.

“These are the men you spoke of?” Trygve said suddenly, leaning forward in his chair.

“This is Erik, king of Vulkira and Henry.” Kyburn introduced them. “I’ve done what you’ve said, now… will you show us?”

“Hmmm. King Erik.” he squinted. “You are either very brave or very stupid to come to our country.”

“I’d say a little of both,” Erik remarked, casually.

The room fell silent for a moment and Henry held his breath, hoping Trygve wouldn’t be offended.

“Ha!” Trygve burst out laughing. “Yes. I will show you the ruins that our king and queen kept secret for all these years until you slaughtered them.”

The tone turned completely over, Trygve obviously goading them and mentioning their bitter past. Kligira hadn’t forgotten anything and clearly disliked their neighbors but Trygve was here, talking to them which Henry hoped would be enough to push them through any misgivings of the past.

“I was only a child at the time,” Erik responded calmly. “I had no part in the war. A war in which I wish never happened. As much as I loved my parents, they were fools to start a war in which they had no hope of winning.”

“Instead, they turned to Xer for rescue,” Trygve said. “Vulkira was weak and powerless without its allies. And now once again, Vulkira crawls on its feet for aid.”

Kyburn winced at the insult and Henry shifted in place, wondering where this conversation would lead and how to de-escalate it but dared not speak a word. However, Erik seemed unfazed and Henry realized what he had been doing outside. He had anticipated the insults and past transgressions from the Kligirian Regent and prepared himself mentally to respond calmly and collected, without starting a fight.

“Vulkira was attacked by a threat unlike you or I have ever seen. Unimaginable power lies in the hands of these creatures which is why I stand before you today. I wish to find out what the Vog want and the ruins beneath this great fortress will hopefully provide answers.” Erik paused, composing his thoughts. “I am not afraid to ask for help when my people are suffering. My only wish is to bring peace to my country and return my people to their homes.”

Trygve was taken aback by Erik’s words and honesty. He clearly expected a far different response from the young king. A look of respect crept into his eyes as he gazed into Erik’s face. An impressed shrug showed he wasn’t as aggressive as he was before and he leaned back into his chair.

“I admire your willingness to do anything for your people,” Trygve said. “Even if it means begging… but I will not dare force you to beg. You have my respect, young king.”

“Thank you.” Erik bowed slightly.

“Tonight I will show you what you came here for but first… eat and rest as I prepare,” Trygve said. He gestured at Hazam who immediately opened the doors again.

“Follow,” Hazam said again. Henry guessed his vocabulary was limited when it came to having people follow him.

Hazam led them through several more layers of the fortress coming to stop deeper down into the mountain at a door. He opened the door quickly and tilted his head. “Wait here.”

All three men stepped inside where a small table full of food and drinks were set before them. Henry’s mouth instantly began to water from the smell and look of the food.

Hazam closed the door behind them without another word, leaving them to themselves.

“Well, that went better than I expected.” Kyburn sighed. “I was impressed that you didn’t lose your head and let your anger loose.”

“I wasn’t angry in the slightest,” Erik said.

“You weren’t?” Henry asked. “But he kept insulting you and your parents.”

“That was a bit annoying I must admit but he has every right to.” Erik shrugged. “Kligira has been mistreated long before the war and they have more reasons to hate us than people would think.”

“Do you mean Tykin?” Henry continued to question.

“Yes and no. Tykin is barbaric and an unruly country which only seeks glory through killing and raping but it was also my father and Xerath who stood back and let it happen.” Erik said. “Kligira may have been too proud to ask for help from Xer but Xerath should've done better. He knew of the atrocities committed by Darius yet stood by and did nothing.”

“Xerath was young and inexperienced during the war. He was barely a child himself.” Kyburn defended his king. “You of all people shouldn’t lay the blame on him.”

“Perhaps. I suppose we could play the blaming game forever, however, it doesn’t change that Xer stood by and watched as Kligira struggled to protect its people whereas once Vulkira married into the royal family we were untouchable.” Erik explained. “The most powerful country in Isulia stood by and watched.”

“You harbor ill will against Xer?” Henry asked. “But without Xerixes defeating king Galton, Zula would still control all of Isulia.”

“I am aware that the Zulian Empire controlled Isulia and king Xerixes defeating Galton was for the benefit of us all but it still doesn’t make what’s happening to Kligira right. We are repeating the same mistakes our grandfathers made.” Erik frowned, pausing, his emotions boiling over from years of contempt. “Forgive me. I am eternally grateful to Xerath and his kindness to Vulkira. I don’t mean to speak ill of him as I am to blame as well.”

Kyburn sat at the table and munched on a grape as he listened to Erik. “I understand your frustration. I really do.”

Erik nodded and joined Kyburn. Henry also joined them, confused by the conversation. A lot of it went over his head. More secrets that kept him in the dark which frustrated him to no end.

The conversation died and the room fell silent as they consumed delicious food and drinks. Sweet lemon water that tasted of honey, wine, and other beverages included. Food was stacked, completely filling the table which consisted of plates full of chicken and beef, vegetables, and fruits. Bread layered in a buttery garlic paste, along with jam and honey. It was like a feast and they devoured the entire table between the three of them.

Part 4

Several hours past but the fortress walls made it impossible to tell the time from down inside. Kyburn passed back and forth from one corner to the next, continuously. Erik leaned back in his chair dosing on and off, his belly had a small pouch from all the food he had eaten. Henry had neatly stacked the plates and laid them on the ground giving him room on the table to write in his notebook or sketch in his art book.

He had taken notes from the day to the best of his memory and was starting on the sketch he mentally remembered as they approached Riqun from the base of the mountain. Henry couldn’t remember every detail but was confident it was a decent replica of his memory. He leaned back and sighed, satisfied with his drawing when footsteps approached from outside.

Tapping Erik’s shoulder, Henry stood and quickly placed his notebook and artbook into his satchel, waiting for whoever approached to open the door. Erik shifted in his chair and frowned, looking exhausted but forcing himself awake.

The door pushed inward to reveal a familiar face yet it was a face that wasn’t welcoming but rather blank and stern.

“Follow,” Hazam said as he always did.

They all sighed at the bearded man who kept saying the same thing over and over again but did as he said. Following behind the dark-skinned man, they were once again led through dozens of hallways and down endless flights of stairs. Henry truly felt that if he was left alone down here he would never find his way out, doomed to wander the labyrinth forever.

After at least twenty minutes of walking, even Kyburn and Erik seemed flabbergasted at the complexity of the fortress and were hopelessly lost with Henry dragging behind.

Finally, Hazam took them down a hatch which led into a cave untouched by man. The walls were cold and dark, however, it was lit up by a glowing blue light further down. It dimmed, then brightened again, pulsing light blue.

Erik’s face looked utterly shocked as they approached a massive metal door in the shape of a pentagon. “This is exactly how Zepper described it,” he whispered.

Their boots echoed off the metal ground which was a moment ago stone. All three looked down to examine the metal which looked nothing like they had ever seen before.

“So this is the ruin.” Kyburn looked awe shocked alongside Erik.

Henry however was so fascinated by it all he didn’t have time to be shocked, he was making mental notes in his head of the door and surroundings. He reached out a hand toward the large door but Hazam grabbed his wrist which sucked him from his imagination.

“No touch,” he said. Stepping forward, Hazam stood in front of the door and waited patiently as they watched. A tiny blue light flickered and the door hissed and began to open on its own.

Mist burst from the door and it opened wide to reveal Trygve bending over a table full of papers and books.

“How does it open on its own?” Henry whispered.

“Machine,” Hazam answered.

Hesitation stopped them all from following after Hazam who stopped next to Trygve.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Kyburn said. “Only the ones in Xer but they weren’t alive like this door.”

“It’s beautiful,” Henry said, a smile creeping onto his face. “Is a machine alive? How does it move like that? And the lights from the torches.” he pointed at the long cylinder lights on the roof of the ruin.

“Not torches,” Trygve said. “Those are electrical lights that are powered by energy. A limitless amount of energy.”

“What is a machine?” Kyburn asked. “Hazam said the door was a machine.”

“It’s a mechanical contraption that moves with the power from the energy in this ruin,” Trygve answered. Everything in this place is powered by an energy source that on one understands.”

“Does this mean… that the Ancients are truly alive down here?” Erik asked.

Trygve smiled, watching their expressions. “Would you like to see them?”