The Rebirth Of The King

The Midlands was still for the next few days. All was quiet with palpable tension in the air; as the news of the rise to power of Lord Karius slowly permeated the land. Will his reign be worse? Will he brandish his now seemingly endless might like Scott did? Time will tell.

Days slowly run into weeks and then months as the tension in the Midlands ease, paving way for an athmosphere of uncertainty. The wide gulf between the Midlands and the real underworld prevent a first hand knowledge of possible activities going on behind the shadows.

The possibility of a rebirth of the former Lord of the land slowly disippated into oblivion as his followers began to lose hope. The Kraakans who had stood firm behind him and supported him through out his reign however remained resolute. The rebirth will come. Their Lord will rise again and when he returns the Kraakan army will be ready to fight on his side.

The underworld slowly adjusted to the new power over the land. Man, beasts and half beasts troop to pay homage to the new master of all. As his power grew, so his followership. Soon his rule will know no end nor his kingdom know any boundary. It is indeed the dawn of a new era- the final era. Soon he will gain full status of immortality and will rule forever.

As the land shapes to the will of Lord Karius, the followers of the former Lord go further into hiding. Unlike the Kraakans of the Midlands, they love too close to seat of the opposing power to dare declare their belief in a certain rebirth. Such was the dread with a stranglehold on their pitiable souls.

Lord Karius reigned supreme. Brandishing less of his power, reigning in his devilish side in wait of the full moon when he shall attain full immortality. Daily his eyes he sets on mountain Versuvius, in anticipation of the expected erruption of its peak at full moon. The erruption will not fail, immortality shall be attained and the power of the Lord of the land shall know no end; unless the unthinkable happens, unless the dead to life come again.

When on the twenty eight day the dark world was awaken by a trembling seemingly emanating from mount versuvius, and spreading fast to the Midlands and beyond; it became apparent that the deed shall be done. Lord Karius will indeed reign forever.

All was set for the new order. The pockets of followers of Lord Scott are in full mourning while untold fear of the unknown gripped the Midlands until the sign darken the Eastern skies.

Several miles away on a boat plying the Cordan waterways, the only waterway link to the Midlands; Sarzan the bounty hunter laid swinging lazily in a hammock. The rocking deck underneath, the wafting salty tang of the river water and the gentle breeze lulled him into a light midday siesta. Suddenly he shot up from the hammock with a look of worry written all over him. It was as if he had seen a ghost. Captain Haeler standing close by noticed and motion at him with a wave of his hand.

"Seen a ghost or something? There are stories that these area is haunted" Captain Haeler said.

" I have seen a sight or two myself that has baffled my eyes" he continued.

Sarzan remained quiet, staring into nothingness. Then he turned towards Captain Haeler with a worrying look.

"I have lived my life guided by visions. It is a gift my mother bestowed on me" he began

" And my visions have never failed me. What I have just seen will change everything forever" Sarzan said, almost as if forcing breath from his lungs.

"And what have you seen if I may ask?" Captain Haeler retorted, with a bemuse look on his face.

"I see the beginning of the end, I see the death of a nascent reign... I see a phoenix rising from the ashes of a ruin... I see embers of fire flaming into a deadly inferno... Captain, the rebirth is on the way"

Now obviously confused, Captain Haeler stared at his friend and old travel client, wondering what to make of what he just heard. He had not finished composing his response when he heard it. A loud noise from nowhere and everywhere. Ripping through the mod day air. Then the greenish hue of the Eastern aky, spreading overhead right before their eyes. Not even the shouts of the sailors on a close by boat could force Captain Haeler's eyes away from the strange sight.

As the green sky thicken and the sun disappeared, fresh fear spread over all living. Then the moon appeared at midday with an accompanying six stars shaped like a bear. It is the sign of the much contested rebirth. The obvious can no longer be hidden, the future has finally come, the unthinkable is happening, the rebirth has begun.

The parade had started already when he entered the arena. All seats were occupied with raucous chants resonating through the arena; mostly from the standing stragglers watching from behind the row of seats. The only vacant seat was the central and most coveted seat, reserved for King Esimorp, known as Lord Bissaka the ruler of the kungdom of Ssaka.

As he made his way to his vaunted throne, a wave of attention flowed through the crowd as each man stood up as he got closer. Clothed in his ceremonial flowing red garment signifying blood of many shed in the past to sustain his kingdom. He had his ceremonial sword by his side but not the magical Wan-bissaka sword. The Wan-bissaka is not to be brandished on such a day as this.

As he sat on his throne flanked by his chiefs prominent of which is Lord Thaiff, the arena rang with his praise. He earned his respect through many battles. Behind his throne remains the drawing of his great grand father, King Bih-zaz, standing on a pile of skulls. It is a constant reminder of the legacy of the Bissakan lineage.

The parade soon continued with different cadres of the Ssakan army matching by in their full attire of war. Helmets, drawn swords shimmer in the glaring sunlight. It is always the pride of every Ssakan family to have a son take part in this annual parade. Soon the contests will start, hostility will again erupt in the arena as of old, a new leader of the Ssakan arena will emerge- if the former loses out.

As the contest began, King Esimorp's mind wandered from the arena. He could not help feeling the guilt of the last war he waged. Even though he has never lost a war, but this one leaves a feelong of defeat in his mind. The loss of the Wan-bissaka chain was worse than the loss of a thousand soldier. The loss of the chain means he carries a partially innefective Wan-bissaka, the magical sword carried with pride by many before him.

"Thaiff" he murmured, his husky voice sounds calmer in a murmur

"Here my King" Lord Thaiff answered crouching forward in obeisance.

"Have your seat my noble warrior, my heart yet feels heavy"

"Is it over the same matter my King? Our chain shall not be lost forever" he said with some assurance.

"Every year I watch this parade I can not but be transported in my mind to the battle of Mizarah. We fought well, our men resisted the cheating cowardly midlanders like men should do... But somehow we made that mistake..." The king stared with flaring nostrils and eyes vacant of expression.

Remaining silent for a moment, also deep in thought about the war and how the Wan-bissaka chain was lost. He still could not wrap his mind around the misery. But he had to calm his kingdom down.

"My warrior king, the wielder of the great Wan-bissaka, the only surviving heir of the great lineage of the Ssakan Kings. I assure you, the chain shall return" he uttered his words with confidence but not really knowing how best to actualise his words.

"We shall see, we shall see... There has to be a way... " The king's stare soon focused back on the event in the arena below him.

A sudden roar of the crowd as a young Ssakan soldier acrobatically defeated another gave Lord Thaiff the brief respite he craved.

Shortly after the ascension of King Esimorp, war errupted between the Ssakans and the dwellers of the Midlands. The Ssakans are born-warriors, skilled in battle with every male wielding a sword. Despite the support of the Krakaans the midlanders still could not prevail, until King Wigwolf seeked the help of Lord Scott of the underworld. Little did he know that Lord Scott had a different agenda.

As the half-beasts of the underworld fiercely matched the Ssakan army and began to drive them back, Lord Scott put his plan to play.

He was curiously missing at the war front, with many believing that his presence would have tipped the battle. He journeyed through adjoining forests -sometimes in the form of a leopard, sometimes in the form of a fierce looking rat -further away from the battle ground towards the Ssakan palace. He soon gained entrance easily into the pallace in the dorm of a black rat and made for the king's chamber. The battle has given him all the distraction he needed to steal the Wan-bissaka and it's magical chain.

Little did he know that both were kept far apart in different locations, and he was only able to get the Wan-bissaka chain before exiting the palace without a challenge as king Esimorp and his men were busy fighting against the half-beasts of the underworld. As he made his way past the last bored-looking guard, he transformed into a big black bat with the chain in his beak as he flew away into the dark skies.

At his death, his magical powers and the chain now belong to the ruling Lord Karius.

Lord Thaiff's thought was broken by a loud guffaw from the king, as he got distracted from his worries by the event in the arena. He realised he is the one to provide an answer to the question at hand.

The event continued long into the night with Captain Yluck retaining his championship as he defeated the young acrobatic soldier in the final. As the king made his way out of the arena, he glanced at his trusted right-hand man almost absentmindedly.

"Tomorrow, we solve the misery of our stolen Wan-bissaka chain. Whatever it costs, tomorrow we solve the misery" he said, barely audible over the noise from the excited crowd around him.

"Surely my lord, tomorrow shall birth for us a solurion" answered lord Thaiff, obviously worried. The sweat on his brow had nothing to do with the temperature on the arena.

It was a long night for lord Thaiff as his path with sleep did not cross. He wondered on his bed, tossing this way and that. There has to be a way of retrieving the Wan-bissaka chain without a battle. The Ssakan army can handle the dwellers of the Midlands if not assisted by the underworld beasts but defeating the beastly underworld army is a different prospect entirely. There has to be a way through he thought.

He rose up, going through a list of names by his bedside. He could barely see in the early morning hue of his room but a name stood out -Sarzan. Most of the men on his list are of the Ssakan army except a few, like Sarzan the bounty hunter. He was credited with many daring acts. His dexterity in handling a sword and his descendance from a lineage of sorcerers stands him out. Some say he was exceptional because he is left handed.

Morning soon came and Sarzan was surmoned before King Esimorp. Sitting before the king in his popular leather jacket and boots, his sword by his side and that illustrious little bag that has become a permanent part of his features. He listened to the request of the king with a wistful smile, making him look boyish. He had his head cocked to one side as he drank in the details of the request. The king could not help but wondered if this boyish average hight man in leather boots with no armour is the notorious Sarzan. The same Sarzan who brought great warriors to their knees, killed dreadful beastly and half-beast rulers; often without a sword.

Looking at Sarzan's beardless face and short flowing hairstyle packed to the left, he recalled how this same man was said to have climbed the wall of the tower of Bhazuz to rescue the princess of that land. To make matters more complex, he often operate alone. How could this be?

"You look rather young and a bit smallish for all I have heard about you" King Esimorp confessed.

Sarzan's grin only grew wider.

"Do you think you can do this"?

I don't make rash promises. But I have always delivered on my word.

Lord Thaiff promptly interjected. "He has carried out similar acts in the past. My king he will do it. Our chain chain shall be restored"

The king remained doubtful. "I'm a warrior, won many battles from my youth, from the lineage of warriors and my scares tell the story. How come you carry no scare? Not a single scare on your young-looking face. Are you sure you are the same Sarzan? Ahhh! I give up"

Sarzan held his chin up, opening his two palms upward in a gesticulation of confidence. "Wisdom, dexterity, mystical powers far exceed bruth strength. I shall deliver your chain back to you."

Advance payment was made, Sarzan the bounty hunter left the palace, leaving behind a doubtful king Esimorp and lord Thaiff who held on to his belief that Sarzan was the last hope of retrieving the lost chain. As Sarzan set out into the horizon on board a boat belonging to his old friend captain Haeler, he conteplated the job ahead of him. Avoiding the Midlands and unnecessary suspicious glare will be the best, he reasoned. Advancing to the underworld by the Cordian waterway will be the best.

As the boat sailed on lazily with a crew of five men, Sarzan stared above the waters. In his mind he had a nascent plan, one he hoped will work. It was all he could lean on. Yet there is the little matter of a possible rebirth of lord Scott of the underworld. Turning his handsome face gently in the gentle breeze, his smooth face and chin dimple catching the emerging sun, he gently tapped his sword beside him with his left hand.

"You have never failed me, this will not be the first time" he whispered, as if to an unseen protector.

And so the journey to retrieve the lost Wan-bissaka chain began.

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".