The Last Heru

The empire city Himaya (He-maya) stands as an ivory pearl set in the harshness of a desert. The city stretches out radially from the base of the great pyramid Himaya, the grandest Pyramid in all the dunian (world). A stone archway bridging two Obelisk marks the border of the Draja Kings Dwelling. Beyond the Archway the Yezwe bridge crosses over a moat that surrounds The Royal Commorancy. Once across the moat the Yezwe bridge becomes The Yezwe Path, an elevated pathway that leads to the Entrance at the Base of the Pyramid. Two smaller Pyramids sit on both sides of the Yezwe path just before the Entrance into Himaya.

Mid assent the Pyramid a large flat area accessible only by the royal family and their charges. Elaborately designed guard rails line the edges of the flat except for a small break at the very middle of the front edge.

Daraja King Ayize the divine leader of the 9 dynasties. A young dark mahogany skinned man of average height, hairless face and low cut hair, a golden band around his head. An ivory cape trimmed with golden borders drapes over his lean body. He steps through the large rectangular opening. He looks out at the city taking in the golden sunset, he breathes deep warming his nostrils with the desert air, Ayize steps out into the sunlight. He is greeted by the guards at the doors borders, with a synchronic “Daraja” Ayize slightly lowers his chin in acknowledgement. In that moment a sudden coldness is in the air.

Standing at the edge of the flat a taller and more muscular man, browner in complexion, long locks hanging down to the middle of his back, a close beard on his face. Heru Dakarai holding the Skydda staff. Ayize smiles as he observes the sun's rays gleaming off the Skydda Staff. A weapon famed for its power and count of enemies slain. Ayize looks on Dakarai, his face grieved into distortion. All warmth in Ayize’s gaze leaves. Dakarai breathes deep and Ayize feels a chill come over him again.

“What is wrong Dakarai?” Dakarai blinks hard and turns to Ayize.

“The Kivuli (Darkness)... The Kivuli has claimed land and lordship in the east.” Dakarai answers in a low dreary tone.

“What news is that?” Ayize scoffs trying to lighten the tension between he and his old friend

“You and I used to quell those rallies easily as youngsters”

Dakarai swells his chest with a deep breath before speaking. The setting sun shining on his face, A single twilight roles down.

“They claimed one more thing Ayize, My son Thamani, My son’s life has been claimed Ayize”

Dakarai crumbles under his grief and Ayize catches him…

In the paleness of a late night moon Dakarai is sitting in a wooden chair, his fingers brush against the golden embroidery rimming the chair. Dakarai is staring at the moon through a small window, he is still and his breath is shallow. Ayize hands Dakarai a cup and seats himself in a chair on the other side of a small iron table draped in Kanga cloth.

“Tell me what happened, how could it have come to this, your son, so mighty he was be routed by Kivuli filth”

Dakarai dips his head and squeezes his eyes shut, he presses his lips white and clench his jaw before letting out a breath.

“For a small count of years the priests have been yammering about a restlessness in the eastern shadows. I thought nothing of it since there is always restlessness in the east. Despite my feeling I investigated. A familiar foulness lingered in the air... Dakarai pauses and catches his grief in his chest like vomit. he parts his mouth and a broken breath escapes “had i paid attention to my feelings”...

Dakarai slams his fist on the table and grits his teeth holding back tears.

“Have mercy on yourself Dakarai, what’s done is done” Ayize pleads. Ayize’s face is frozen in disbelief of this broken man before him.

“You don’t understand Ayize, there is no mercy left”

“What do you mean.?” Ayize sits up in his chair taken aback

“After the uprising breached the shadowed land, I ordered Thamani to wait for my arrival before battle. The horde was led by an acolyte of Anubis fully bathed in his foulness the Acolyte slew my son and dragged his body into the abyss. I gathered all the mercy I could and walked into the enemy camp with hands open. I tried to appeal to the humanity of their leaders but there was none left and they threw to me the severed head of my son…”

A long pause, Dakarai’s face becomes stone, no pain, no grief in his next words “I killed them, all of them and after all, the acolyte was nowhere to be found”

Ayize’s posture crumbles under Dakarai’s report

“Oh Dakarai my friend... my brother in light, what has become of you?”

“I will find that Acolyte Ayize, and i will end it”

“Dakarai there is no way to pinpoint an Acolyte. so long as there is darkness in the hearts of man, They can be here and there all at once, if the shadow grows in the east as you say there will be no shortage of forms for the acolyte to take.

Dakarai rubs his beard and takes a sip of his drink

“Then we must shrink the shadows, in every corner of the land in every crevice of the 9 dynasties i will diminish the darkness until I corner the filth that killed my son”

Dakarai’s is tall in his seat, his strength returned to his posture. Ayize looks intently at Dakarai for compassion in his eyes, but there is none.

Ayize gently drags his hand across his forehead “This line of thinking is.... what you're talking about defies principle of freedom”

“principles are flexible”

Ayize winces his eyes firing his glare at Dakarai, Dakarai comes to attention meeting Ayize glare.

“Dakarai this is an unacceptable course of action for a Heru to take”

“Don’t tell me what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable, Where are your sons now? Safely tucked in their beds sleeping with dreams of tomorrow. You don’t tell me what’s acceptable until your child's head roll at your feet.”

Ayize back broden's, outrage pulls at the hairs on the back of his neck, he stands up from his seat shrinking the room with his gall

“I can do nothing but allow you to grieve, you have suffered a great loss that is still fresh in your heart and mind, but understand that who I am comes before our friendship” the two stand at each other, their energies filling the room. Dakarai sits back in his chair and smiles at Ayize.

That cold embrace in the air returns but this time it never releases.

Ayize walks towards the door, his ivory cape catching breeze like a sail, it whips the air and settles to Ayize’s left side, Ayize diminishes his demeanor and softens his voice

“For all that you have lost you still have much to gain, your successor is still to be born, your wife still lives.. Love them Dakarai you all need it”

Ayize leaves the room, Dakarai sits staring out the window at the bright moon finishing his drink.

Ayize is marching through the hallowed halls of Himaya. Every inch of the walls are covered in etchings of a dead language, telling the tales of the 12 tribes of the Dunian Nishati. A pocket of air is stuck in Ayize’s chest; his compassion is stifled by his outrage. The hall opens up into the main thrown room. Four guards come to attention as Ayize blows past them, never slowing his pace. The guards cut their salute short just to keep up with their King. Ayize marches across the throne room. The orange flickering from the torches just outside the main entrance glow over the emerald green marble floor. The Yezwe path seems to continue into the throne room as a sandstone colored marble that streaks through the Emerald green straight onto the throne.

The thrones back consisted of 9 Obelisk pillars each adorning the symbol of beach Dynasty the middle obelisk is the brightest and at its point a symbol for the sun carved in. Twelve stone slabs each proportionately smaller as they ascend creating 12 steps to the Daraja’s throne. Ayize wisps through the thrones

A year has come and gone, Dakarai’s vengeful resolve has not, He has moved through the land with an indomitable will till now, The rulers of the 9 Dynasties have been exhausted beyond Decree of Jurisdiction. They have called upon the Daraja King for conviction.

A grand threshold of smooth highly polished gray black and brown stone. A long hallway with walls 80 feet tall. large Ivory pillars split the hall, rimmed with a thick gold ring at the top and bottom. The walls are completely covered in carvings illustrating times passed. Ayize moves through the halls like a breeze, lanterns glow as the king approaches, reflecting off of his highly glossed black chest plate and Arm bands trimmed with gold rings. Intricate carvings depicting fabled battles of old aborn The Kings Black Onyx War armor. He comes to his destination. A big heavy wooden door fitted to a stone archway. Ayize smiles at the sight of his wife “forgive my lateness”

Ewe takes a long blink her lush eyelashes fondle the air as she blinks “The king who cannot be on time for anything” Ayize smiles but Ewe gently averts her gaze turning her head towards the door her long jet black locks fall from her shoulder down to dress her bosom. Ayize reaches to stroke the side of her face. He takes in the softness of her caramel skin. He runs his finger down her jaw line. Ewe turns back to face him, her stone grey eyes piercing Ayize

“They are not pleased or amused Ayize” Ewe raises a brow waiting for Ayize to put on his dutiful demeanor Ayize straightens his posture and expression

“I have heard their complaints, they are grave and serious matters. Even Dakarai’s cousin Gowan fears what the Heru has become”

Ayize’s face tightens as the truth of the matter surfaces in his mind.

“Its true, this has gone on far enough”

Ayize adjusts Ewe’s black breast plate over her black war dress Ayize pulls on her shoulder straps drawing her closer. Ewe catches herself placing her hands on Ayize’s hips and running her hands along the brim of his black shendyt into a full embrace. They hold each other for a moment.

The heavy door swings open, Ayize’s black cape catches the wind and enters the room before he does Eight rulers sit awaiting sparsely seated among thirteen chairs that line the circular room.

Ayize taking in the air of the room he can feel the haze of discontent. Ayize steps into the room meeting eyes with Queen Sanura The ever beautiful Queen of the Northern tchwa Dynasty. Ewe reaches out to Sanura and they embrace hands and smiles. Ayize flatters her

“as gentle and graceful as the wind you command”

Ayize gently presses his hand against his chest plate slightly lowers his eyes to King Tau The stone King. lord of the southern lands of Ta, headstrong and solid as the earth, his courage is respected across the land. Tau strokes his rough beard with a raised brow as if impressed by Ayize’s regal presence.

Ayize moves through the room taking in the depth of the characters that surround him. Kings and queens from the surrounding territories of his kingdom. King Ki-Sol of the eastern Mu Dynasty also known as the river masters holds his chin looking at Ayize through the bottom of his eyes, Ayize silently scoffs knowing Ki- Sol is a respected strategist and has won the day many times without having to unsheathe his sword. He can't help but eulogize his own intellect. King Gowan sits furthest from everyone pensive and still, he looks at Ayize as he passes and bows his head.

Ewe passes Gowan, The King of the northern Ta. She softens her eyes at him and smiles. Gowan’s tension melts under her beauty. Northern Ta known as the dynasty of metal King Gowan a very Prolific ruler and Dakarai’s cousin.

Ayize feels the disapproval of his subjects sticking on him like wet cloth. Ayize straightens his expression to meet the gaze of King Sizwe The Ruler of the southern Ra Dynasty thought to be birthed from fire as his mastery of the desert climate exceeds belief. Across from him King Bakari former Ruler of the eastern Mu dynasty his benevolence is admired by all sitting next to him young King Ekon, current ruler of the eastern mu Dynasty or commonly called the Baharia masters of the sea. Upon spotting Queen Ajani Ewe smiles exceedingly they embrace and press their cheeks together Ajani, Mistress of the winds and ruler of the Western Tchwa Dynasty. Whispers in Ewe’s ear, “A Wolf lurks in the mind of a sheep”.

Ewe pulls back somewhere between greatful and startled, Ajani, Elusive in her ways but her foresight can’t be denied. Her dark oak wood complexion dressed with her cascading gray hair, signature to the people of Tchwa. She and Ewe have been friends long before crowns and titles. Ewe took to her royal duties a little more stringently than her old friend. Ajani remains as wild as the wind

Ewe joins her husband at the top of a small rise she climbs the two steps grasping Ayize hand as he awaits. Her mind is numb wondering what did Ajani mean by what she said, Ewe doesn't break eye contact with Ajani till she is atop the rise. Ayize keeps his back to the room until Ewe is seated allowing the royal symbol large on his cape to brandish a little longer. A Black Pyramid encased in a golden circle “A reminder for the room, I am the Daraga King”. He turns to the room..

“Rulers from lands afar Welcome to Himaya city!!” Ayize greets his guest.

“We’re not here for pleasantries Ayize”.

“Of course King Tau” Ayize says with a slight smile on his face, “I forget your temerity ... Someone is missing”

Queen Sanura says softly, her voice gracefully carried across the room

“King Faraji has joined the Heru in his campaign for dominance”

“Your general of generals has lost his ascendance and fallen to this imperious endeavour” yells King Tau.

“He does not belong to me, nor is he my

responsibility” Ayize cuts in. “Listen well”

Ewe sinks into her seat bouncing her eyes around the room She settles her eyes back on Ajani, Ajani is fixed on Ayize as he speaks. Ewe’s heart thumps hard in her chest as she searches the room for Ajani’s meaning.

“This quandary belongs to us all, Dakarai’s heart has been ailed by grief and death. Not six seasons of Mu has passed since Dakarai’s seed was murdered by the Kivuli... the Anubis cycle has returned”.

There was a long pause, “death is all around us, especially as of late... Ayize this does not excuse his actions’ King Ekon breaks the silence.

“ I’m not looking for a Pardon” Ayize groans “I’m supplying details to give way to compassion and a solution, without going to War”

King Ki-Sol cuts in “War has already been waged, The Heru has been inserting himself around demanding our obedience, this is not greife, this is tyrannical, a deep fall off balance. He must be stopped”

After a pause Queen Sanura speaks “The Heru is a powerful enemy to make , He is meant to protect us all, now we mean to campaign against him ”

“what then do you expect us to do” King Tau retorts sharply, “we should gather now while our strength is still formidable”

“King Tau is right” King Ki-Sol agrees, “we have already lost one dynasty, why wait till more fall before we act”

“No!!” Ayize barks “Sanura is right, challenging the Heru now would only fuel the flames... we must give him time.

“TIME!!” shouts King Tau “and all the while we are suppose to roll over like dogs!?”

“I know it seems... it's a very delic-”.

“Daraja!!” King Bakari cuts in “Dakarai is abusing his authority, making light of our legitimacy, placing his loyals above us.... rooting sentries in all of our cities. he is stifling us”

Ayize lowers his eyes as he realizes that war is becoming more and more likely.

King Ki-Sol speaks calmly, “Daraja if you will not act we will do what’s necessary to uphold our freedoms.”

Ayize breathes deep as his plans for a peaceful resolution slips between his fingers. The room almost unanimously leans toward war. Ewe’s eyes cut to King Gowan … silent. Gowan’s eyes are fixed on the ground. Ewe catches Ajani’s eyes on her, Ajani nods her head at Ewe. Ewe stares at Gowan till her eyes feel heavy in her head. She calls for Gowan’s attention with her mind. Everything blurs in Ewe’s vision except Gowan “ngilalele” Gowans eyes snap up to meet Ewe’s. Her consciousness falls into Gowan’s mind as if the floor was pulled from under her.

She feels the pressure of her weight on her knees, she looks up through a wisp of dust in the air tickling its way into her nostrils, She shoo’s away the dust from her eyes, through the haze

“I know this place… Bandari Castle, I am in Bandari!”

She springs to her feet, a horrid shriek rips through the air Ewe spins around to see the edge of the precipice that begins the deep drop to Bandari City. The coarse dust in the wind pelts her caramel skin. She squints to make out two figures standing on the precipice

“Gowan...Dakarai”

The air grows colder the closer she gets, Dakarai has his massive arm draped over Gowan’s shoulder slumping Gowan under its weight. Ewe’s face winces in the whipping sand as she moves closer. The coldness is now numbing, Ewe falls to her knees almost paralyzed. She catches herself on her hands, the cold seeps into her. She looks up, Dakarai is standing over her, his stature large, blocking out the sun. His shadow over weighs heavier and heavier on Ewe until she is barely able to sit up, her very bones bend under the tremendous pressure.

“I am being crushed under his gaze” She wheezes and coughs as her lungs fight to draw breath

“i will not be bested here”, his bright yellow eyes prying its way into her. A foul voice fills the air deep and intrusive. Its rumble threatens Ewe’s consciousness

“ulahlekile” the voice commands again “ulahlekile!!” Ewe draws in a deep breath filling her lungs, she contracts every muscle she can manage and glares back at the hulking figure standing over her. Face clenched with rage

“You dare come on to me!!” a white glow in Ewes eyes erupts into a luminescent dome of light around her. The pressure lifts off her. The relief breathes new life into her body. Ewe clambers to her feet, her heart beating against her chest like a hammer. She stands through the ache of her muscles. A dreadful deep laughter fills the air, Ewe’s body shiver’s. The massive figure of Dakarai darkens to a featureless silhouette with bright glowing eyes. Ewe feels her power growing in her, inflating her body with strength.

“nciphisa ebumnyameni”

the dark figure shrinks till there is nothing but the glowing eyes

“nciphisa ebumnyameni!!!”

a dreadful moan rumbles through the air louder and louder rattling Ewe to her bones until in a brilliant burst of light and force the figures eyes explode.

Ewe’s lungs empty and she nearly falls out of her seat, she grabs her chest and fills her lungs again. Tears stream from her eyes she is trembling under the toll taken on her. Gowan grunts and grabs his head, his temples pulsing in his helmet. He snatches his helmest off and sends it across the room he lets out an exasperated cry of relief and pain.

“Ewe!!” Ayize cries out catching her by the shoulders he throws himself to his knee examining his wife. The room erupts into a startled wonder.

King Tau springs to his feet

“What is happening!?” he belts “What is the meaning of this”

Tau grabs his sword “Are we under attack?”

The question turns from wonder to fear.

Ayize presses his forehead to Ewe’s, his hand frimley behind her head “Buyela kimi, i am here my love, Buyela kimi ...you are safe”

Ewe breathes in deep and opens her eyes. The white glow in her pupils fades away. She feels the air of the room her body warms as she comes to know her husband's face. Her heart dives deeper into her chest she wheezes.

“Ayize! the Kivuli is here! Dakarai has… the Kivuli has returned in new form… I almost could not fight….. By the ethers... Gowan…”

“He dares attack my family” Ayize says barely audible

Ayize turns to the room with his chest swollen with breath.

“Steady yourselves!!” his voice filled the room with a boom “ Prepare for War!!”

Gowan is clamoring to his feet, gripping his chest. King Tau glares at Gowan drawing his sword. In a single bound he is on Gowan with the tip of his blade on Gowan’s neck.

“I would have expected the cousin of Dakarai” Tau pushes the tip of the blade harder breaking flesh “Traitor”

He pushes the word through his teeth Ewe pushes pass Ayize

“ Stop! Stay your blade!”

she loses sense of her muscles and stumbles. Ayize catches her and the room freezes. Tau is unmoved by Ewe’s words

“TAU!!” Ayize voice slams against Tau’s back “You heard your queen's command”

Tau removes his blade and sheathes it “we would allow this traitor to live?” Tau poses the question to the room.

“He is free now”

Ewe breaks through the suspicious tension with compassion

“His mind was not his own, Dakarai has evoked the Kivuli and it is now works through him”

“By Anu that the darkness would return through the Heru”

Ajani almost comes to tears

“This is no time for tears Ajani” King Sizwe’s voice so deep you can barely make out what he’s saying

“Sizwe is right, allow yourself some rest and time to gather your thoughts, War Council will commence first thing on the rise”

The room begins to clear. Okorro comes in helping Ewe along, Ayize looks out to Gowan “King Gowan” Gowan slowly turns to acknowledge Ayize’s call. “Walk with me”

Gowan and Ayize are walking down a golden stone hall

“How is your mind”

Gowan blinks hard as if trying to find an answer

“It is … well, i guess in time i will be fine

“Gowan i must ask something of you”

“What is it?”

“Dakarai is your cousin”

Gowan responds immediately his voice welled up at the top of his throat holding back pain

“I’ve already spoke to him Daraja, you have seen how far he is willing to go, he will not listen, ”

“Dakarai will not bend to reason and War is imminent, In the event of the worst you must ensure that his successor survives.”

Gowan lets out a grunt pushing both hands up over his face and through his hair.

“Why not Queen Ajani, her lands are far more suited for hiding things”.

“Dakarai would believe he already has your allegiance. Find the successor and hide him from your Cousin”

Gowan looks away, he nods his head in agreement,

“I will do this for you, I trust your wisdom”

“Thank you Gowan, remember no one must know this.”

Many moons would pass between that day and the madness that followed. War shadowed over everything, all peoples of the Dunian were engulfed in its embrace. Dakarai stood as an opposition to Ayize and has rallied a formidable force. Both of the Ra dynasties and one Mu dynasty has joined his ranks. The poison of the Kivuli is deep in him now. Its infection flows fluidly from his lips as he spreads ideas of dischord. Preaching promises of a rule that will obliterate the existence of the Kivuli for good. Ayize and those true to him battled Dakarai for thirty years till this day his heart has feared.

Ayize stands at the edge of the flat in front of the entrance to Himaya Pyramid looking far over the kingdom to the outer walls. There, a sea of men, Akam and wro-Jak march on, and in the epicenter of it all, glimmering like a twilight star in the night sky: Dakarai leads.

“So it has come to this” Ayize says softly.

“My husband remember who you are and everything else will be as it's supposed to be”

a soft voice from behind with words of encouragement from Ewe. As she places the crown of war on his head.

“A sadness that would stop my heart has come over me my queen. This war has claimed two of our sons. Everything around me succumbs to darkness... To think my house would be the last house of Himaya”

Ewe presses her face on Ayize back and embraces him

“A shadow set upon Himaya Ayize, it shrouds even my visions. But I can feel the warmth of the sun beyond the shroud. Whatever darkness may befall us the light will shine again. We must play our part”

“ Dakarai will know my wrath Ewe i will have no mercy on him for this... I will not leave this world to his madness”

The Battle at Himaya lasted for seven years, Seven years of war ravaging the city and its resources. The times were moot and for the first time in ages the Shadow of Himaya Pyramid stretched over the city. The outer border was completely destroyed. The market and residential borders deserted. the enemy army stood at the cusp of the final border locked into a bloody battle with Himaya’s elite warriors. Ayize amiss the battle wielding the sword Nishati.

“ amandla akho amandla ami”

The Nishati combined with Ayize’s royal blood is a force of nature. Men crumble under his might, Ayize has lost track of how long he has been fighting. The adrenaline has numbed his body, He can only feel his focus. He peers through the battle making way towards his enemy. A poor soul throws himself at Ayize. He lets out a cry, jabbing his spear at Ayize. Ayize brings down his sword and cleaves straight through the mans spear and skull. Four more men make their intent clear, more cautious than the last. Ayize drops his guard and sticks the tip of his blade into the ground.

“ come!! I'm sure you will find better luck than the last two hundred men”

One guy lunges at Ayize. Like a falcon. one of the royal guards drop down on the attacker with a splash of blood he is dead six more royal guardsmen appear around the remaining three attackers. In seconds they are dispatched. Arrows wisp through the air. A brilliant light shines from Nishati, the arrows halt mid air and fall. The seven guardsmen and Ayize take a spear head formation with Ayize at the apex of the triangle.

“Push them back men!! To the water”

The Nishati’s power warms Ayize’s blood; it drives him forward as he plows through the enemy.

Blood pools together taking the form of a massive gangly hand, A thin framed bastardization of a man comes from the blood as if there was a hole in the ground. A monster feeding off war, blood, and violence Ayize taking sight of the grey skinned red eyed abomination. The sight stalls the heart of Himaya’s soldiers, fear creeps into their bodies and seizes them. The smell of blood saturates the air, the monster lets out a chilling roar.

Ayize leaps 30 feet, plunging Nishati into the acolytes chest. The power of Nishati burns the Acolyte, crumbling its anatomy, Ayize can feel the power course through him

“Take heart men, your king is here! These Acolyte filth will not change the outcome of this battle!! Advance!! ”

Two more Acolytes leap from the sea of warring men and land on Ayize’s position. One Acolyte immediately attacks Savagely slashing his clawed hand. In a single swing Ayize runs Nishati through. A violent tug at Ayize’s garb sends him to the air. He lands on his feet. The other Acolyte comes down on him with inhuman speed, Ayize knocks the attack away with Nishati and plunges it into the Acolyte. The men roar for their king's victory. Ayize jabs his fist in the air and the men rally.

Through the haze of bodies Ayize catches a sight that dries his throat. His breath becomes solid in his chest as an Acolyte is making its way up the stairs to the Pyramid entrance. The Acolyte savagely rips apart any soldier that faces him. Ayize releases his breath and blade, He fights through the crowd towards the acolyte climbing the stairs. An Akamian Soldier dashes its way into Ayize’s path. The torso of a man built off the shoulders of a rhino, a nine foot beast, 3 tons of muscle and power holding a short staff with the tusks of an elephant tied to it.

He lets out a war cry and charges Ayize, each step rattling the ground. The Akamian slashes down with his weapon, Ayize evade the strike, pounces off the brutes arm and leaps into the air. The Akamian catches Ayize’s foot and slams him back to the ground, the akam brings down his weapon. Nishati sings through the air cleaving the Akamian weapon. The Akam rears up on his hind legs and comes down hard, Ayize rolls backwards from under the monster's feet. Ayize slashes his sword across the beast's eyes. As it bellows in pain Ayize hears Ewe’s scream from the Pyramid entrance.

Urgency and fear scribes across Ayize’s face. He can not feel his heart, he cannot think he can only act. With all the speed he could muster he makes his way to the pyramid entrance cutting down any along the way.

Ewe armed with a blade and her craft The Acolyte throws the corps of his last victim at Ewe, she evades the falling corpse. The monster roars a defining shriek. Ewe’s blood runs cold but she breathes in her focus. The acolyte slams down its gangly clawed hands, Ewe slashes severing a finger. The monster doesn't even wince lunging again with the other hand. Ewe drive the sword into its palm but it doesn’t stop it. The gangly creature compresses Ewe into its grip, Ewe lets out a scream pushing the pain out of her mind. Her bones begin to bend and break under the grip of the Acolyte. Ewe extends out her arm and lets out a concussive force of white light. The force knocks the Acolyte of its feet ripping flesh from it face and chest. Ewe falls to the ground mangled. Her body is alive with pain, she is trying to stand, her limbs are slow to respond to her will. The Acolyte climbs back to its feet, blood pouring from its face. The beast pulls the sword from its palm like a sheath and walks towards Ewe. She gathered herself to her feet on an unsteady gait. The beast slashes down, a blast of light shields her from the strike but the toll is too great her legs buckle and she falls to her knees. She looks up at the monster reeling back his arms to strike again. She cannot feel her body, she cannot muster another defense, a tear rolls down her cheek. Her eyes go white with bright light.

When Ayize reached the entrance, Ewe is bloodied on the ground. The Acolyte staggers over her body its flesh and anatomy severely damaged.

“Noooooo!!!” screams Ayize, he charges the Acolyte and Viciously cuts it down.

As the body of the Acolyte dissipates Ayize stares at his fallen wife lost in the absence of mind. In the moments that follow the sounds of the war were unheard by Ayize, grief dominated his senses.

“If I lay down my weapon and offer you my head freely is it acceptable for you to take it oh Daraja King.” Dakarai voice swell out of the silence. He’s walking from the corner of the room with his arms open releasing his weapon from his grip, but it never falls.

“Is it ACCEPTABLE!!! Now that your wife lay dead at your feet or should I defile her body and throw it to the wolves!!.

Ayize grips his blade tightly and stands to face Dakarai, with tears in his eyes he advances towards Dakarai every stepp charged with rage.

Dakarai stops walking and smiles, Ayize stops just out of reach and stares deeply into Dakarai’s eyes. A powerful blast of energy erupts from the Nishati, sending the Heru soaring out of the entrance to the Pyramid. Dakarai lands on the flat outside tumbling over laughing like a child.

“Dakarai look around!!... look out at the destruction you have wrought upon this land, look at the rivers of blood... I have lost three sons to this war!!” Ayize voice breaks under grief, his throat raw from dehydration as he shouts.

“Is it not enough now?!... think of all the fatherless children and widowed wives, all in the name of your pain and ambition, look at the death you’ve dealt, TO WHAT END!!!! …” Ayize lets out an exhausted sigh before he speaks again

“You have become what you set out to destroy. The Kivuli is YOU!! Dakarai, your are the enemy in new skin”

“For freedom” Dakarai says, “Freedom from your naivete, your weakness, your close minded ignorance, you lack the integrity to eliminate your enemy while they are allowed to kill, infect and fester on our lands. And for that freedom, for a time where things like fatherless children and widowed wives will be as rare as precious stones-”

“you no longer understand ANYthing”

Ayize barks out cutting off Dakarai,

“The darkness has twisted your mind too far out of shape.”

Akanni, Ayize’s last and youngest son peaks around the far wall inside of the pyramid and sees the body of his mother and cries out

“MOTHER!!!”

He runs to her side and throws himself over her body sobbing. Ayize see’s this and turns back to Dakarai with rage in his eyes. Nishati’s power sizzles and pops in his grip

“Dakarai!!” Ayize shouts, his voice seems to shake the whole pyramid “By Decree of the Daraja King you are ordered to death for the crime of war against the lands and its people. For the departing of countless souls and worst of all the betrayal of the Twelfth kingdom, Death will be just the beginning of your suffering...”

Dakarai works his way to one knee and bows to Ayize whispering under his breath “not mine”.

The Skydda staff bolts through the air and lodges itself in Ayize’s back. A sinister smile stretches across Dakarai’s face as he stands to his feet. Ayize grabs the golden Falcon head protruding through his abdomen gritting his teeth trying to get a breath into his lungs. The staff violently dislodged itself from Ayize’s back, retracting so hard it sends Ayize’s body through the air landing near Ewe. Ayize scrambles to his son and pushes him away.

“Run Run,” Ayize urges Akanni. Akanni cannot lift his eyes from Dakarai approaching. Ayize grabs Akanni’s collar and brings his eyes to his.

“Akanni” Ayize whispers, his breath is labored as his blood pools around him “flee and live to see the day this darkness is undone... Remember this day... for the absence of love not for the presence of hate. Act from your heart not your mind.

Ayize gasps and coughs out blood he lets out a cry of anger and frustrations. Tears start to stream down his face. He looks back at Akanni.

“Run to see the day!” Ayize shouts through the pain.

Dakarai loud laugh echoes through the halls

“Young King Akanni... you will certainly live on, but to see... hmmm I think not.” Dakarai slams the butt of his staff on the ground and the gold falcon head at the top illuminates. The light spans out from the staff like wings. The light intensifies quickly and brightly to a blinding force. Ayize musters enough strength to lift Nishati and drag it across Dakarai’s face. Dakarai’s blood hits the floor and he stumbles. The light of Skydda extinguishes. Ayize looks up at his son. Akanni is hunched over covering his eyes.

“AKANNI!!!” screams Ayize

Akanni snaps his head up to his father's voice, his eyes glazed over with paleness. “Its dark! i can't see father!!, I can't see anything”.

“Be thankful you won’t see what comes next” Dakarai grumbles. a bloody gash stretched across his face. Dakarai turns the power of the Skydda on Ayize. The entrance to himaya lights up with the light of Skydda.