The Obsidian Prince

Tragedies strike the land of Crete. Hundreds cut down by the sword. Not by an army or any battle known. The morning cries of those weeping over the dead. The wailing was louder than the rooster crowing. Another city... Agios was decimated. The city was in ruins, but not by an military invasion. A survivor bore witness to the atrocity; "He cut through our defenses- destroying all in his path. The apocalypse has come and the fury of the gods is upon us! He fought with the strength of ten thousand... bellowing out a war cry... "I am "Fierce!" sweeping through the east region. The populous grew in terror. They pressed the gates of Grecian, the king of Crete, begging for him to bring the suffering to an end. They cried for their champion...

Valor.

Prince Valor is the adopted son of the king. He was found as a boy by the queen, Enyo. She found him while riding on the Kairos Road. He laid unconscious with a pair of gold bands next to him. As she drew close to him she was astonished. He had a unique dark bronze skin with gold eyes. Enyo describe him as being kissed by the sun god. Their was a message inscription next to him; "This is my son, Valor. Care for him as a mother panther would her cub."

Enyo brought him before the king. He was reluctant to receive him though he wasn't fearful of his appearance. "Did anyone see you?" He asked. "No," she said. "This will not replaced your barrenness Enyo," the king emphasized. Nevertheless, he conceded to the queen's plea to keep him. "Keep him in the secret quarters of the palace," he ordered. The servants were sworn to secrecy. The king feared Valor's appearance would cause unwanted conflicts. "What will you be to him, your majesty?" Enyo asked. Reluctant to answer, he told her; "You are his mother."

Young Valor spent his days with Enyo in the secret chambers of the palace. She loved him as he grew in wisdom and stature. She taught him philosophy- how to care for the world which he took to very quickly. Valor had a gentle heart for nature. He had few encounters with people... mainly the servants. He was kind and charming to them. Their initial reactions to him were apprehensive but they were quickly drawn to him. They couldn't resist playing with him or giving him gifts. Enyo attested; "He has a way... I can be in a vexing mood or even vexed with him when he gets into trouble, but when I'm around him... an overwhelming sense of peace comes upon me. It saturates the whole palace.

Enyo and Valor shared an inquisitive spirit for exploration. They would wander the land- finding whatever to explore. Not to cause attention, they'd disguise themselves- sneaking out of the palace, and navigate secretly. Curious, Valor would ask; "Mother, why do we always cover ourselves before leaving?" Disinclined to answer, she would say in a gamesome voice; "Because we don't want the monster to get us." He would laugh and they would go. The older he got the more they explored. Enyo knew she couldn't lie to him forever. So, they started leaving the palace without any covering. But there was a moment Valor faced the reality of being different.

One day Enyo and Valor were exploring the land. They found themselves close to a nearby village- closer than they've ever been before. Enyo, urged Valor to stay close. Suddenly, Valor heard a noise. A noise he never heard... the sound of children. He discovered a group of them playing in the fields. Valor never played with anyone outside of his mother and the palace servants. Overcome with excitement, he runs over to go play with them. Enyo unaware, turns and sees him run over to the children. She tries to stop him but it was too late. He was too far. Enyo's heart starts to palpitates. She runs over in a frenzy only for her fear to turn into joy as she sees the jubilant expression on Valor as he play.

Abruptly, someone yells "Get away from them!" The children, startled, stop playing. Two villagers run over yelling at Valor. Enyo stands in front of Valor who stands unaware. " Get away from him children!" One of the villagers yelled. "We will go, just let us be," said Enyo, trying to avoid unwanted attention. "What is that!?" as the villager points at Valor. "He's a child." she yells in disbelief. "That is demon from Hades! He tried to attack our children! We need to do something!" The villager said. Enyo firmly warns them to walk away. The villagers took no heed, not realizing she's the queen. "Take him!" one of the villagers yells. Enyo tries to hold them back. "Run Valor!" She shouts . Valor doesn't move... stunned by the situation. One of the villagers knocks Enyo down. Valor countenance begins to changes; from scared and confused, to intense aggression. As one of the villagers attempts to grab him, Valor quickly grabs him and throws him fifty feet across the field. Everyone looks at him in awe. Valor fixes his eyes on the other villager. Petrified, the other villager runs back to their village yelling, "Help! There's a demon in our village!" Valor calms down. He stands stunned. Tears began run down his face. He turns and stares at Enyo in shock. She quickly grabs him by the hand and runs before more villagers could return. They ran until they got to a safe distance and walked the rest of the way.

The rest of the walk was quiet. Enyo looked over to Valor as he held her hand. She was processing what she witnessed. "Those men called me a demon... why?" Valor asked. Hesitant to answer, she says, "Because your different, my son. And some people become afraid and foolish when they see someone different," Enyo replied. "I must not be that different. The children didn't care," said Valor. "Sometimes children seem wiser than adults," Enyo morosely states. As they approach the palace, Enyo stops, kneels down to Valor, and says; "I want you to promise to always remember this... You are not cursed, or a demon, you are boy... and a good one at that. Remember that." "Yes mother," Valor says. She always encouraged and reminded him how she saw him... beautiful... "kissed by the sun god. how you radiate and shine," she would always say.

When he was a teen, one early morning, Valor got up and wondered the palace. Curious, he went out into the restricted area of the palace while everyone was asleep and came across the king's guards training. He saw them and was immediately fascinated. He went down for a closer look. Hiding behind a pillar to observer, he was intrigued as the guards were sparring; Their movements, the intensity, the sound of the sword, shield, and spear against each other, and the fray of combat. Suddenly a guard spots him. "Intruder!" He yells. Valor realized he's spotted and steps back from the pillar. The guards, getting a clear visual of him guard themselves; grabbing swords and spears. Their perception of him was off-putting. In the private chamber everyone is familiar with Valor, but the rest of the palace didn't know he existed. They began to surround him. Valor adrenaline runs high as he slow paces back. "I didn't mean to come down here! I'll go back!" he pleads. The commander shouts, "seize him!" One of the guard attacks. Instinctively, Valor quickly parries the attack and disarms the guard. "I'm sorry!" "I didn't mean to!" he apologized. He attempts to help the guard up but it was too late. The guards converged all at once. Valor attempt to flee but pathways to escape were blocked. His adrenaline increases. His instincts rises. Backed in corner he defends... quickly parrying one after another. He movements were fast and fluid with each engagement as if he could read there movements. The more conflict ensued, Valor's aggression grew. It was if his body was awakening. Like a craving, it was yearning for combat.

Seeing it becoming more difficult to subdue Valor, the Commander had the alarm sound to summon more men. It woke the whole palace. The king and queen awake frantically. "What's happening!" the king commanded. "There's an intruder, your majesty!" a servant informed. More guards began to engulf the training area. Valor took down thirty men. He was defending and countering. He became the aggressor... going on the offensive. Yet, he did not killing anyone; he incapacitates them as he fought them off using two broken ends of the spear but not using the sharp end.

The king and queen received word Valor was fighting the guards. They rushed to the training area. Enyo feared for his life, but to their amazement, Valor is toppling shields, taking men down. The queen attempts to intervene. "Wait!" the king says. He intently watches in awe. "How is this possible... A mere boy taken out highly trained men. What is in you...?" he says to himself. "Their going to kill him!" the queens pleads. "Not likely," The king replies. The king notices the concern on Enyo face. He sees Valor increasing aggression- his blows becoming more devastating. "Stop!" the king commands... fearing he would destroy his whole armed guards. The men try to withdraw, but Valor, engulfed in the fray, doesn't hear him. Enyo yells, "Valor stop! Please!" Valor hears her voice among'st the chaos, looks to her, and ceases. He keels over and his hands begin to shake.

Word spread quickly throughout the palace about Valor and soon the whole city would find out. Enyo told the king about the incident in the village. He was mildly disappointed that she didn't tell him sooner, but he was more curious. "Is he a demigod?" he asked. "I don't know." Enyo answered. "If he were a demigod, what god do you think he the son of?" Grecian asked. "I don't think he's the offspring of the god of the underworld." Enyo replies. Grecian fascination was peaked. "Where did he get this power?" "His speed... his strength... the boy fought like the gods."

King Grecian saw Valor's power as an opportunity. He sought to sharpen Valor's skill by enlisting him in his army. Valor had a strong affinity for life and love. It was the reason why he was apprehensive about joining. "It would be a great honor." Grecian enticed. "I used to be in the army." " You were?" Valor asked. "Yes." Grecian answered. "I wasn't greatest but fought hard. But I can tell you this... If you to devote yourself, you could become a great warrior... forever remembered. I can see that in you. I can also teach you if you'd like." Valor smiles. Encouraged by his words, he decided to join.

Valor affinity for war was strong. He was drawn to it naturally... born to battle. As he sharpened his skills he mastered ever weapon; from the sword to the spear, to the spear to the bow. He was strategic in battle and had a way of galvanizing his men to have immense courage. His exploits were being noticed; He drove every warlord out of Crete and also battled inside a Hydra's nest defeating them (Yet these are stories for another time). He climbed through the ranks and grew into man - becoming General. Grecian knew he found a treasure in Valor. Valor led his army. In battle, he wore platinum plated armor with red trim. His shield was the same with an emblem of a panther. He carried a spear and blade made of unique marble which he had found mysteriously in the temple. He struck fear in his enemy and his fame grew. Peace had come to Crete. Their were parades honoring him. They gave him the name... "The Obsidian Prince." For like the sharp dark rock... he was swift and sharp in battle. They would chant his name in the streets. The king embraced him. He was seated with the king, and received as a son - given the title of prince. It would seem the world loved him.

Crete was made up of three kingdoms. Grecian, Aegeus, and Urion were the three kings. Though Grecian was a king, he needed the support of the other two kings. But, since Valor's rise to glory, it placed him in a powerful position- making him supreme ruler over Crete. The other two kings conceded willingly. They paid tribute to Grecian while gifts were given to Valor. The other kings did not oppose. For Valor had a keen ability to be diplomatic. He was able to bring peaceful terms without conflict.

As the kings paid tribute, the priest of the king Aegeus stood and yelled; "Its not good for man to pay homage to demons. This is great sin we are partaking in and the gods will punish us for it!" The priest points at Valor and continues to protest; "When has a man been able to break through shields with one stroke of his sword or kill a Chimera's?" "They were actually two!" Valor humors as the court laughs. "You are no man," the priest cries, "Yet our kingdom treat's you as such." The priest slams a vase onto the ground and says "You're a curse on us all! As I have done to this vase, so will you do to Crete" Valor is taken back by the words. Grecian stands insulted; "Seize him!" Grecian commands. The guards seize the priest. The priest cries, "You will bring destruction upon us all! Destroyer of the world!" The priest is hauled out of court. Valor, dismayed by the comment, leaves court.

Later that night, the king and queen sat with a down-trotted Valor on the bench in the palace square. "Pay no attention to him," Grecian said. He laments to Valor, "I know I have not been the man- the father you needed. In some way I was like that priest... thinking you a curse. I thought the gods were mocking me for having no heir. I don't know why the gods brought you here, but know that you are a champion, a prince, and a son. And I couldn't be prouder." Valor rises his head- taken by the kings words. Grecian kisses him on the forehead and leaves. Enyo, sits next to Valor. Troubled, Valor tells her, "I've been having those dreams again. I haven't had them in a long time. but lately..." Concerned, Enyo asked, "The ones you use to have as a boy?" "Yes," he answered. He explains; "It's starts the same way; I'm standing in a large hall... a marvelous sight. A woman stands behind me and embraces me. She was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Then she vanishes." "Does the other part of the dream happen?" Enyo asked. Valor nods yes. He continues, "I look over and there stands a man across me. He's armed with gold armor and has silver eyes. He charges at me and I feel this overwhelming aggression. I charge back until we collide. We fight frantically. Then the large hall shakes and begins to crumble. Next thing I see, is a lightening strike and I awake." "I remember those dreams kept you up for months," Enyo said. Uncertain and dismayed, Valor conveys, "There's more to the dream than before; before the man charged me, I see his face... He looked like me." Valor laments, "There was time all I wanted was to be a great warrior, but after the battles... the things I've seen... I would want nothing more than to find a wife, have a family, and live quietly till I'm old. I have done things on battlefield... things that would lead me to believe... Remember what happened when I was child fighting those men in the training court...? There was a side me that wanted to break and destroy all of them. Maybe I am a danger. Maybe I am vessel of destruction." Enyo reassures him, "Both a hero and a villain reside in all men- who you decide to become is in you power alone." Still disconcerted, Valor asked; Do you think the people really love me?" Enyo ponders and answer, "The trials of life, reveals all men's hearts." In time you will know the truth.

It was three months later when the creature "Fierce" arrived. He campaigned his rampage through Crete. His mass slaughters started in the east region and was headed towards the west. He had no remorse or regard for life. Therefore, all the kings and commanders gathered in counsel to combat the threat. Aegeus reports after fleeing his kingdom; "My soldiers rallied to the palace. He cut through them like branches. He busted into the throne room. His abilities were like I've never seen except from the story I've heard about prince Valor, your majesty. He stood over me and took his helmet off... stunned, he resembled the prince only he had a scar over his left eye and they were silver. That malicious stare still haunts me." Valor reflects on his dream as Aegeus continued, "With threatening intent, he asked; "Where is my brother?" The name he gave was Valor. He told me we have three days to bring the prince to him or the kings will watch their cities be destroyed before we take our last breath." Many wanted an explanation from Valor. Some gave unsound accusations of him conspiring with Fierce. "I know nothing of him!" Valor exclaimed, "I will confront him to ensure no more bloodshed and end this." "Wait!" Grecian said. "We do not know how strong he is." "I'm the only one that can face him father," Valor urges. Nevertheless, Grecian insisted he wait. He dismissed Valor from counsel, though he insisted on staying. Only the kings and the commanders remained. "There's more to the story, your majesty," Aegeus said. "Fierce gave me these bands... They are "The chains of Tartarus," bands able to render Valor powerless if banned to his wrist." Grecian recollects seeing them. They resembled the bands Valor had when he was brought as a child. Grecian began to ponder why they were not on him and why they were present to begin with. Maybe they were meant to be on him to prevent something... Maybe something terrible.

The kings felt the mounting pressure and were indecisive on the matter. "Why don't we allow prince Valor to fight him?" Urion asked. Aegues replied, "Who's to say he would fight him...? He may turn on us." Their fear began to build false scenarios in their hearts. They counseled, "If we send Valor to fight, he could join forces with Fierce and destroy us all. But if we refuse Fierce... he will destroy us." "Valor wouldn't betray us," Urion stated. "Brotherhood can be a powerful bond," Aegeus replied. " He doesn't even know him," said Urion. Nevertheless, his words were disregarded. Grecian ponders, "What if we can harness their power? Think of what we could do if they were under our control. Also it would keep us all safe" "You would betray your own son?" Urion asked. Grecian states; "Valor and Fierce are powerful beings. If they wanted, they could destroy us all. Fierce has already shown us that he will not hesitate to do it. It would be even worse if both shared that belief." Valor has never been like that. He has always protected and loved you as a father." said Urion."Then he will understand why he should relinquishing his power freely." states Grecian. And if he doesn't?" Aegues inquires. "Then we will bind them both by force and if necessary... kill them."answers Grecian. "This is for the sake of people of Crete." A still silence came over the room. Urion cautions, This could provoke him. Careful we don't push him to the brink." Nevertheless, knowing the risk, Grecian devised a plan in secret to ensnare Valor and Fierce; On the second day, the king gave Valor orders to take a convoy and confront Fierce on the third morning. In secret he gave "The chains of Tartarus" to his commander.... one for Fierce and the other for Valor. He managed to grab hold of the other ones Valor had as a child. Enyo found it unusual why he was so eager ask for them. Yet, she gave them to him.

Valor marched with a convoy of five thousand men. He ordered the men to stay back and keep a volley going to assist him in the fight if needed. They marched until they got to Kairos Road. "Where it all started...," Valor reflected to himself. Suddenly, a figure starts to walk towards him. He sees the gold armor from a distance... It's Fierce. He approaches until they stand yards away from each other. The convoy of men begin to get anxious. Valor calms them and urges them again to stay back. "Hello brother," Fierce greets. Valor treads softly as he sizes him up until they draw up face to face. "I finally get to meet the Obsidian Prince," Fierce condescends. "You're my brother?" Valor asked. "what gave it away," Fierce answers. Seeing the obviousness of their resemblance. "You're not my brother. My brother wouldn't be so cowardly to attack the innocent," says Valor. Fierce scoffs, "Innocent!" "Their innocence is nothing more than a mask. I been all over... I've seen what people can do to each other and so have you. Give them and ounce of power and see if they don't turn on each other... see if they don't turn on you. I hear their bitter prayers for vengeance- for power. It's why I'm here." "Your thoughts are cynical towards them." Said Valor. Is it...? Fierce retorts. "I've also seen what you can do. Hades is filled to the brim of the souls of your enemies." "Nevertheless, I can't let you destroy another city," Valor proclaims. He get into his battle ready stance. "behold..." Fierce presents.

Valor turns to see the commander ordering the men into battle formations. "I ordered you to stay back!" Valor commanded. The commander nor the army took heed to his command. He sees the soldiers begin to surround him and Fierce. Another twenty thousand men ordered by Grecian, appear with another twenty thousand by Aegeus and Urion. They drew their arrows, swords, and spears on them. "By order of king Grecian, you are both ordered to surrender your arms and be taken." orders the Commander. Valor and Fierce are out in the open... easy targets for the archers. "Still believe them to be innocent," Fierce said; "We are here brother to bring war. It's why we were born. War brings out the truest intention of man." Valor sees the commander pull out "the chains of Tartarus." Seeing them ignites the full recollection of his dreams.

Meanwhile, Enyo went to the temple to pray. She was praying for Valor's protection, when a woman cloaked approaches her. "It's good for a mother to pray for her son," The Woman says. The Woman looks over to Enyo. Her beauty shined; her gold eyes pierced right at her. Her luminosity causes Enyo to fall back. The Woman calms her as she speaks; "The truth must be made known to the queen of Crete. Valor, is of the gods. He and his brother Fierce were born of Aphrodite (the goddess of love) and Ares (the god of war). When they were young, an intense rivalry brewed between them. Even in the womb of Aphrodite the fought. Even as children, their quarrels were so intense it would shake the halls of Olympus. The gods feared they would bring destruction. So, it was decided that one be banished. A duel was set and the defeated was struck down to earth by Zeus' bolt. That is how you found Valor. The gold bands you saw laying next to him were "The chains of Tartarus," bans able to dim his power so he could live as a man. Zeus' strike was meant to erase his memory. Somehow he broke the bands and is recovering his memory... He's stronger than we expected. After Valor was banished, we told Fierce he was dead. Fierce became a great warrior in the heavens- rivaling even his father. I don't think he believed Valor to be dead. Yet, he roamed the earth searching for someone worthy enough to fight. When he found Valor and saw his rise to glory, it provoked him. It was only a matter of time before they clashed... Bringing the prophesy to life; One wants war, the other peace. One protects the other chaos." "Are the gods going to intervene?" Enyo pleads.

"The gods understand now, The Woman laments; "Their products of their parents... love and war." The Woman turns and informs Enyo; "I have come to tell the queen of Crete that king Grecian seeks to seize Valor and Fierce with "The chains of Tartarus." He believes he can subdue them. They will find out he's plotting against them, and they will destroy all of Crete. The treachery of king Grecian will bring forth the judgement of Crete for his thirst for power and trying to bound gods." Enyo despairs, "Was the priest right?" She then argues, "No! Valor will fight for us. As you said... one protects." "Perhaps... nothing is certain," The Woman says. She comfort Enyo; "Take heart. Stay here where it's safe. Whatever happens you and your child will endure." "A child!?" Enyo questioned. The Woman touches Enyo belly and then vanishes.

Concurrently, Valor, fully recollected, observes the army surrounding him. He speaks; " Men of Crete, I urge you to think carefully of your actions today. Do not waste your lives for kings that would throw it away so easily!" Valor points his spear at Fierce... directly at the scar on his eye; "As for you... We will finish what we've started so long ago." With an anticipating grin, Fierce confirms, "yes." With exploding speed Valor and Fierce charge each other. The earth shakes. The commander takes no heed to Valor's warning and orders a volley of arrows to rain from the sky. Valor and Fierce go back and forth- blocking the arrow and combating each other. The commander order a full scale attack. The army charges them. Valor and Fierce fight with intense ferocity. The draw close to them. Valor and Fierce begin to hack down the soldiers attacking. They were no match. At the same time, they were fighting each other.

Soon, the dead stretch across the field. The kings armies were decimated by Valor and Fierce. Survivors attempt to retreat. Fierce tries to stop them looking to pile up more bodies. He throws a spear at one of the soldiers but Valor stops it his Shield. Seeing an opening, Fierce knocks down Valor. While on the ground Valor sees "The chains of Tartarus" hanging from the Commander's corpse. He crawls over and quickly grabs them undetected. Fierce attempts a finishing blow but Valor parries, grabs him by the wrist, and binds him with the chains rendering him powerless. He places his blade against his neck. Fierce, knowing he's vulnerable, pleads for mercy. "You wouldn't kill your own brother?" Fierce pleads. "It's funny how those who are quick to do harm are so quick to ask for mercy." Valor conveys. He drags him to a nearby cliff near the ocean. Valor tells him, "If Poseidon decides to give you mercy, then you shall have it." He kicks Fierce over into the deep tide.

Valor returns to the now destroyed city. Walking through, he observes as the populous cries... seeing many mourning over their dead. He attempts to help but they run frantically away from him, shutting their doors upon his passing in fear of him. They yell "You are the destroyer of the world!" As he reaches the palace, an already troubled Valor is indecisive on whether he should kill Grecian and the other kings. He then looks up and sees Grecian, Aegeus, and Urion hanging from then palace gates. Curious to know who did this, he enters and sees a mysterious man sitting on the throne... He had silver eyes. "Grecian and the other kings are judged for their actions," The Man says. He observes Valor; "Now you know who you are. Since you're stand here, it must mean you finally defeated your brother." They walk out and look over the land. "War is coming. The Man says. "Since you and your brother decided to destroy the armies of Crete... you leave the land defenseless. Word will spread. Many from all over will seek to take power... kings... warlords. You could rule them, but being a king doesn't seem to suit you does it...? You'd rather be a subordinate them believing to bring peace... that's your mother's compassion in you." The Man sizes him up, "You defeated your brother... Do you think you can defeat me?" The Man begins to leave the palace. Valor then replies, "I'll see you on the battlefield." The Man recapitulates, "I will see on the battlefield... son."

And so, the battle for Crete begins....