Vilmo's Wrath: Deglon Blood (22 page)

“You are—are you the hunters?” he asks.

Robbie nods.

“If you know about us then why are you afraid?” Nora questions curiously.

“Wouldn’t you be afraid if people popped up out of nowhere and frightened your dog away?” he answers.

Everyone smiles.

The boy then takes a deep breath, he straightens his dirty clothes and slicks back his curly red hair with his hands, walks up to Zen and bows.

“My name is Miller and I am a gifted. I’d like to fight for you, my lord. I can blind anyone. It does not last long, but it is a gift that comes in handy.”

Everyone laughs.

“How do you know about the new gods?” Zen asks.

“Chris. Chris Studdon. He is one of my dad’s good friends.”

“Chris is alive?” Zen asks.

Miller nods.

“Will you take us to him?” Robbie requests.

Again Miller nods.

“Can I fight with you, my lord?”

“You’re too young to be a warrior,” Robbie answers.

“I am talking to my god,” Miller replies.

His small nose crinkles and annoyance rest on his brows. Robbie laughs and he, Nora, and Jonny start walking away.

Zen stares down at Miller and smiles.

“You are a very brave young man. I am not Robbie,” he says.

Miller’s eyes expanded and his cheeks blush with embarrassment. He shakes his head and looks to the ground, then looks back up at Robbie.

“Let me guess, I just insulted my leader?” Miller asks disappointedly.

Zen laughs.

“Insulted no, but my guess is that you didn’t earn any points with him.”

Miller races to catch up to Robbie and Nora.

“I am sorry, my lord. Allow me to make it up to you. I will fight for you,” Miller insists jogging along the side of Robbie.

“Thank you, but no,” Robbie says sternly.

Miller stops. He drops is gaze to the ground in disappointment.

“The prince has been acting differently. The king has been missing for years and no one seems to question where he is,” Miller calls.

Everyone stops and turns around. Zen and Robbie look at one another with concern in their eyes.

“Dumont?” Robbie questions.

Zen shrugs his shoulders.

“I feel nothing, you?” Zen asks.

Robbie and Nora shake their head.

“Chris knows a lot more than I do,” Miller says.

“Can you feel Chris, Robbie?” Nora asks.

Robbie closes his eyes and then nods.

“The signal is mild, but yes, I feel him.”

“The town is covered in rubies, which will make your friends powerless here. Using any of your powers will weaken you. I suggest you live today as we do. If not, you will not make it out of here. From here we walk,” Miller says, walking away.

Robbie looks out toward the palace and then at Jonny.

“Jonny, Zen…go home. Something is …”

“I am going nowhere, Robbie. Save your breath. I am just as good a warrior without my powers,” Zen replies.

“Same here,” Jonny says.

“What good are you to us or the kids if the both of you are bound and weakened by rubies?” Nora asks. “Please one of you needs to be sure the twins are safe.”

Jonny nods, kisses Nora on the jaw, and leaves. Robbie looks at Zen and Zen shakes his head.

“Don’t give me that look. You two are the closest I will ever come to having kids. I will give my last breath for the two of you. I will fight until I can no longer move, and even then I will keep fighting. No need to carry on with a pointless conversation.” Zen says.

Robbie and Nora laugh. Nora kisses Zen’s cheek and the three of them follow Miller deep into the nearby forest.

“How far?” Zen asks after an hour of walking.

“On foot, two days. Through these woods is the fastest way and the safest,” Miller answers.

“Why are you so far from home?” Nora asks.

“I was running away.”

Nora looks at Robbie and frowns.
He’s lying,
she thinks. Robbie nods.

“We don’t have two days. Miller stop. Come here,” Robbie orders. “Nora and I will find Chris. We will weaken slightly, but not enough to completely drain us. Hold on to Nora’s hand.”

Miller races over to Nora and smiles.

“With pleasure,” he says, sliding his hand in Nora’s.

His smile is wide and when he thinks Robbie is not looking he gives her a wink.

Robbie and Zen grin.

“Don’t get too happy, little Romeo,” Nora says.

Outside Old-town Milton village. The group stands on dry, rocky land. The small village is perfectly centered in a valley between many large mountains. The valley is green and the streams are welcoming, but not even the lavish beauty of the small town can cover-up the darkness that has disguised itself within its glory.

“Wow! That was amazing,” Miller exclaimed.

After a few moments, Nora’s chest starts to tighten, and she struggles to breath. Robbie helps her sit on the ground.

“I can’t breathe.”

“Yes, you can. Look at me,” Robbie coaches. “It’s the rubies. You just have to become one with your powers. Fight,” Robbie says.

His eyes glow brightly. Nora looks deeply into them and hers also glow and soon her breathing is controlled.

“Not for one minute can you lose strength here. Every moment you have to give your all or the stones will bring you down. Do you understand, Nora?” Zen asks.

Nora nods.

“How are you holding up?” Robbie asks Zen.

“I’ll be fine,” he responds.

“A young Vilmo with Szion power. I never thought I’d see the day,” Chris says.

Robbie and Nora slowly stand.

“It’s good to see you old friend,” Chris says hugging Zen.

Zen gives him a concerned look.

Chris bows to Robbie and Nora. They can almost feel a concerning plea in his bow. Never once does Chris meet their eyes and unlike any Szion, Chris carries an abundant amount of despair within his heart.
What does he hide?
Nora thinks to Robbie.

We will soon find out.
Robbie answers.

“You three need rest,” Chris says.

“Chris, is Dumont here?” Robbie asks.

Chris hesitates and then nods.

“He is always close. This village is safe. Come with me. You need rest and food,” Chris says, walking ahead.

Zen Grabs Robbie’s arm.

“Something is not right. How did he know we were coming?” he asks in a whisper.

Robbie nods.

“Let’s see what he is up to,” Robbie says, giving Zen a pat on the back.

Chris welcomes Robbie, Nora, and Zen to his home. A charming small cottage on the edge of the village.

“Would you like to come in?” Chris says, leaving his door open.

Cautiously, they follow him in with Miller slowly walking in behind them. They look around. Although the home seems like any other love-filled home, Chris’ odd behavior is more than disturbing.

“Uh, make yourself at home. I—I will get you some water or whatever you like. What would you like?” Chris says.

Small beads of sweat form on his forehead and every so often he clenches his fist to keep his hands from shaking. His obvious nervousness makes Robbie, Nora, and Zen uncomfortable.

“Water will be fine,” Robbie says.

Chris nods and rushes to the kitchen.

“I’ll help,” Miller says with a smile.

On a wooden tray, Chris places 3 glasses of ice water. Miller grinds up a ruby and pours a little into each glass, then whispers into the glasses. As the ruby powder dissolves, he smiles. Chris turns away and sorrow fills his heart.

“Please forgive me,” Chris whispers.

As Miller carries the drinks out, Chris gathers control and slips on the best smile he could conjure.

“Would you like something to eat? I can whip something up in no time,” Chris asks.

Robbie stares at him.

“No, the water is fine,” Zen says.

They each take their water and finish it quickly.

“How about some beef and potatoes? I have a fresh pot on the stove,” Chris insists.

“I have to go, but I will be back soon,” Miller says racing out the door.

“Is there something you want to tell us, Chris?” Robbie asks.

Chris stares at him and his eyes start to water.

“Yes, my lord, but I’m afraid it will do no good,” he answers.

Zen starts to stagger and then Nora. Robbie’s eyes glow with fury and he too is hit with lightheadedness.

“What did you do to us?” he yells as Zen and Nora fall unconscious.

“I’m sorry, my lord. I hope one day you can forgive me,” Chris says catching Robbie as he falls.

Robbie is the first to awaken. Wild-eyed he looks around the dim room. He frantically races toward Nora, who lies in a glass box. Hundreds of rubies are implanted deep into her flesh, and she barely breathes.

Moments later, Zen awakes and wastes no time in helping Robbie pound at the box. With each strike at the impenetrable glass, they get weaker.

The cell door creaks loudly and Chris, walks in, locks the door behind him, and cautiously walks down the stairs.  Pain lingers in his eyes. Zen gives him a cold stare.

Robbie slowly turns toward him. More than fury rest in his bright eyes. His anger so fierce that every vein in his body has darkened. Flames flicker from his hands and the way his next words rumble throughout the room seem to burn Chris’ ears.

“If you don’t let her out of that box, I will kill you right now,” Robbie threatens.

Chris drops to his knees.

“I’m so sorry. I can’t no matter how bad I want to,” he sobs.

“Let her out!” Robbie shouts.

He grabs Chris by his hair. Chris doesn’t resist, nor does he beg for his life.

“Please. Do it. Just promise me you won’t let my daughter die in that dungeon. I can’t take back what I’ve done, but it was all for her. I’d rather die by your hands than his, so please, do it,” Chris begs.