Aurix the Bold

In the last of Shura’s light, Ra Xu’ul looked down on the site of his new castle with no small amount of disgust. As he watched, large bonfires bloomed in the camps. They would work on through the night, but if their efforts thus far were any indication, they’d accomplish next to nothing. The new foremen kept their teams moving at a frantic and frenetic pace, at least twice that of their human counterparts, yet if anything, they appeared to accomplish less. Xu’ul seethed at their ineptitude, but he knew that he couldn’t just continue to slaughter his foremen. Eventually, there would be no one left to build a castle worthy of his reign.

His had bigger endeavors to deal with at the moment in any case. He turned from the window. “Tell me again,” he commanded.

The man before him was beyond filthy. His head was bowed and he swayed on his knees with exhaustion. “Banjax sent me posthaste, Ra Xu’ul. He wanted me to let you know that he has acquired the Helm. But he requires a bit more time to obtain something else that you desire greatly.”

Xu’ul frowned. “And what might that be?”

“He said only that you would be most pleased upon his return, Your Majesty.”

“I would be most pleased, were I to have the Helm in my possession already. Why did he not send it with you?”

The rider hesitated. “He did not feel I was worthy to carry such a Relic, my Ra.”

Xu’ul laughed, but it was an empty and humorless sound. “Looking at you, I would have to agree with him. A glory hound, that Banjax. How long?”

“He said if all went according to plan, he would be on his way home by the time I arrived here.”

“Then he had better hope that things went according to plan.”

“Banjax will not fail you, Ra. He is a great warrior.”

Ralin appeared at the chamber door. He was smiling from ear to ear. His excitement was impossible to miss.

Xu’ul held up a finger instructing his regent to wait. He took two steps toward the kneeling rider. “Rise.”

The man stood on shaky legs, his head still bowed low.

“You’ve done well by your general. I can see you’ve not slept or bathed in days. Did you ride straight from Grimvale?

“Yes, Ra. Forgive my appearance and stench. I wanted to bring you the news immediately.”

Xu’ul looked at Ralin and rolled his eyes.

“Banjax would be proud of your dedication, I’m certain.” He took the man by the throat and lifted him into the air. “I, however, have some concerns.”

The man’s head rose. His eyes bulged as he looked at the Ra in terror and in confusion. His legs kicked, as if they might again find the floor beneath them.

“Tell me, you useless quat, if Banjax did not trust you to bring the Helm to me, then why should I trust you at all?” He squeezed harder.

The man made noises in the back of his throat. Spittle flew from his lips. His legs kicked out more frantically.

“And you’ve dirtied my rug.” The king frowned. “I don’t appreciate that.”

In another minute, it was over. Xu’ul tossed the limp body onto the floor.

“I’ll have someone clean up,” Ralin said. “One of Banjax’s men, I presume?”

“Yes. He has obtained the Helm, but has chosen to stay behind. Apparently to retrieve something else that will please me.”

“Banjax is no foon, Ra Xu’ul. I’m sure he has a good reason. Perhaps he has found a way to obtain one of the other Relics.”

“Yes, perhaps. I suppose that would please me. He’d better hope it is worth the delay or he’ll soon join his soldier in Amezduleq. You look as if you know something that will please me as well, Ralin. What is it?”

Ralin’s smile returned. “I think I should show you, Majesty.”

“Very well,” Xu’ul said with an exasperated sigh.

Ralin led them to the southern tower and then down a dark and winding, spiral staircase. Along the way, he grabbed a lamp from a recess in the wall. “I’ve had masons making repairs to the castle since the earthquake. Some of the stones crumbled, some fell out and had to be replaced. One of the masons came to me this morning.” Ralin stopped and held up his lamp. “He found this.”

At first, Xu’ul thought it was a trick of the light flickering from the lamp, but then he realized it was anything but. The cracked and broken stones appeared to be moving. They shimmered as the air around them shifted and bent.

“Oh, ho ho!” Xu’ul said. His eyes flashed ominously in the lamplight. “That wily old skane. By it’s size, it can only be the Shield. Dig it out. Bring it to me.”

“Yes, Majesty.”

“If indeed Banjax has the Helm and another of the Relics, there is but one remaining, Ralin. The Octad is almost complete. I shall rule forever.”

“May we be so fortunate, Ra Xu’ul.”