Chapter 3 03

From an aerial view; the midlands lay in a sprawling mass. A wide expanse of land to the north west broken into several pieces by waterways. It is the homeland of men of diverse nature and origin united only by location and the need for survival. The constant wars and pockets of unrest over the last few centuries constantly weakened the joint might of the midlanders until a king emerged.

Yet king Wigworf of the midlands did not emerge on a plater of gold. Bloods were shed -both red blood of humans and life fluids of other underworldly beings. He was the second in command of a group of bandits. Always had a vision of one day ruling the midlands, something that appeared impossible. After urging Xerdan to conquer and unify the tribes of the midlands to become the lord over all, it was time for his second move. The now weak and aged Xerdan was swiftly eliminated by poisoning and his secret killer reigned supreme over all.

With brute force and naked ruthlessness Wigworf crushed every opposition before him, pronouncing himself king. Knowing how he ascended his position he trusted no man, preferring his two sons as his assistants and confidants. His power and authority spread northward to the Krakaan hills and beyond to the edge of the land of the underworlds. The Krakaans were the only tribe king Wigworf did not challenge for they dwell in the mountains and the underworlds remained the only region he dare not trespass fearing the might and sorcery of the half-beasts.

King Wigworf's reign was further preserved by his allegiance to lord Scott of the underworlds. His war with the Ssakan army would have been a disaster but for the aid of his stronger ally lord Scott who had a different agenda. After the death of lord Scott and the rise to power of The black bat, lord Karius, the allegiance of king Wigworf has swiftly followed suit. And that is the source of the conflict in the kingdom of King Wigworf.

King Wigworf sat in his garden -or what looked like a garden, with sprawling plants oozing strange but sweet lavender smell. He watched his son Lundorf pacing in front of him in defence of his opinion on the allegiance of the kingdom. And the quiet but stubborn Zigzorf sitting on a stone stool in deep contemplation of his brother's argument. This has been an ever recurring scene since the emergence of lord Karius. Rather than worry, the king has found it amusing believing it shows the character strength of his future successors.

"It yet remains the wise thing to do" Lundorf stated, "We simply alligned with the present power of the underworlds"

"What happens to integrity? Where is the place of confidence in self? I still disagree on this" Zigzorf replied

"Brother, you forgot that the underworlds are stronger and we don't need their wrath" Lundorf persisted.

"I will rather die a true warrior than live my life feigning allegiance not from my heart" Zigzorf's voice was raised beyond usual.

All the while King Wigworf sat with a bemused expression, watching the emotion of his sons rise in a show of sheer will for the survival of the midland kingdom.

Lundorf, his dark beard quivering stared at his stubborn younger brother and responded almost in a hiss "You are foolish youngman. It is only he who survives today that live to rule tomorrow".

Zigzorf only shook his head in disagreement, throwing back his ginger flaming hair. "I live by my sword and i'm prepared to die by same".

"Enough" boomed their father.

After carefully studying the facial expression of his sons. He motioned them to calm down then cleared his throat audibly.

"Wisdom is needed in this matter. We maintain our allegiance until we can seize power from the grasp of lord Karius". His face splitting in creases as he spoke.

"So what about the rebirth"? It was the turn of Zigzorf to look bemused.

"There is no such thing as a rebirth"! screamed Lundorf.

"How dare you believe such fabble"? He continued, his eyes now bloodshot red.

King Wigworf held his head in his right hand, obviously worried.

There is nothing like a rebirth. No man has ever returned from the dead. Besides, his body was badly dismembered. Nothing like a rebirth". He tried to sound convincing to his young son, but the tone of his voice betrayed him.

Even King Wigworf secretly feared that the rebirth may happen. Zigzorf stood from his seat, spreading out his hands before him as he walked towards his brother.

"Well, we need not fear a rebirth. And i know that the signs that must preceed the rebirth will give us ample time to act if need be".

His submission quelled the tension temporarily, as he patted his elder brother's shoulder. He then hugged the future king of the midlands lightly, secretly knowing that his brother will not rule for long. He the youngrr of the two is the one who must one day conquer both the Underworlds and the Ssakans. He is the one who must one day rule over all.

Days roll on and the land continued to yield to the biddings of The black bat, lord Karius. King wigworf rule over the midlands but in open submission to lord Karius. Despite the seeming peace in the land, many still feared a rebirth of lord Scott as was prophesied. It was not out of place to see a few people glance into the sky in expectation of a green hue. A green hue that never seem to be there.

Just when the tension began to ease among the lesser tribes of the hintherlands, many staunch believers of the rebirth prophesy began to exercise doubt, the unexpected stole in on the midlands.

The day started as expected. The moving to and fro of intermingling tribes continued as cultures mixed along with transactions. Then suddenly the sky darkened. The greenish shade set in. It was a shade never before seen in the skies. Awe struggled with the fear of the unknown. Many called on relatives and friends to witness the signs in the heavens. Flashes of lightening and the accompanying cracking sound of thunder drove home the chill down the spine of the unlookers. Will the impossible happen? Is the rebirth going to happen? Is this the beginning of the end?

At the palace of King Wigworf, the king stepped out to the open court to view the sight himself. Flanked by his chiefs and courtiers, he struggled to hide his fears. Recalling all he knew about the rebirth, he instinctively feared the worst. Amidst exclamations of awe and fear, the king remained silent as he watched greened bulbous clouds sail by.

The rebirth was said to restore the reign of lord Scott. Who will reign with a never before seen iron fist, crushing kingdoms and finally merging all into a single kingdom. It will lead to the demise of every royal family and a completely new order. No king will survive the rebirth. Lord Scott will with the powers to enable the dwellers of the underworlds come out into the daylight sun without fear of perishing. The only limitation to their powers gone forever.Then shall the underworlds roam the world freely and their wickedness shall know no bound.

Prince Zigzorf stared into the skies, soaking in the mood of the moment. He seemed the only one who could muster a smile. He knew the rebirth will happen, he knew he had won the forever argument with his elder brother, he knew the dreaded end had begun. With a toss of his ginger red hair, flowing to his shoulders he gestured into the gently increasing wind with both hands outstretched.

"Aah! Let the end begin".