Rune System: The Crimson Knight

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Arise, Draàl—Commander of Flames, Herald of the Dark Queen. Arise and fulfill your destiny as her chosen champion—the Crimson Knight!”

Ruby-red eyes flew open suddenly, glowing with power. Scanning around, Draàl noticed the change in scenery—the mist had become blue-green water that completely encompassed him, and the flames below had transformed into a murky, obscure mass drifting slowly beneath him. It didn’t take him long to realize that he’d returned to the river below the Brooklyn Bridge, where it all ended.

And where his new life was set to begin.

Summoning a powerful explosion from his hands, Draàl propelled himself out of the river like a rocket, with a great trail of fire forming behind him. He sliced efficiently through the air, traveling in a parabolic path as he began to descend swiftly. With as little as a grunt, he landed solidly on the bow end of a cruising yacht, tilting the ship and jolting the sunbathing occupants onboard.

“What the blazes was that?” a blonde jock cried. He’d risen from his mat in a flash, his wide, bare chest glistening with sweat as he tore his sunglasses off to reveal surprised blue eyes. “Who the heck are you? And why’re you—?”

“Clothes. You need clothes.”

Draàl tilted his head slightly, clearly recognizing the quiet voice echoing in his mind. When a gust of wind tingled his skin, causing him to look down, he immediately understood the inward suggestion.

“My, oh my,” a short-haired woman crooned, sitting on a separate mat and running hungry light-brown eyes over the unexpected visitor. “Now that’s something.”

“Melisa!” the jock exclaimed. “It’s barely twelve hours into our honeymoon and you’re already gawking at a buck naked guy!”

“It’s not my fault!” she claimed, looking up at her apparent husband. “You saw it—he just landed on the boat like freaking Superman. What was I supposed to do, Jason?”

“How ‘bout trying not to look at him? That would definitely help. And… wait. Where are you going?”

Jason directed the question at Draàl, who’d promptly left the arguing couple and was descending into the inner cabin of the yacht.

“Clothes,” he said monotonously, without turning around. “I need clothes.”

After he’d vanished below deck, Jason turned to his wife, who still looked flushed. “Do you think we should call the cops?”

“Huh?” She jerked, pulling herself out of her fantasies. “The cops? Are you crazy? He hasn’t even done anything wrong. He just wants some clothes, surely we can help with that. Matter of fact, I should probably head in there and make sure he gets what he needs.”

Jason gave Melisa a glare that would’ve melted a block of ice. “Don’t. You. Dare.”

Below deck, Draàl had found the master bedroom, wasting no time to rummage through the open wardrobe. When he’d picked an outfit he thought was decent enough, he shut the door, only to find a full-length mirror attached to it.

With only a minor hint of astonishment, he stared at his reflection for a while. Everything about him had changed.

For starters, he stood much taller than he remembered. Then he noticed his hair—snow-white and long enough to perch on his shoulders. His skin appeared pale, almost gray, and full, dark eyebrows hovered above eyes as red as brilliant jewels, which emphasized the menacing appearance of his matured, sculpted face.

His body had transformed into a work of art as well, with chiseled, robust muscles adding width to his intimidating frame. Even the shirt he’d thrown on did little to hide his physique.

“Interesting,” he muttered, scarcely conscious of his deep voice as he flexed his right arm.

“Indeed. Such is effect of the power which you now wield.”

Draàl raised an eyebrow. “You. And how, if I may ask, did you find your way into my head?”

“My objective wasn’t just to grant you your abilities,” the voice explained. “I am also meant to act as a guide in your quest.”

“Hmm, I see. And I suppose you have a name?”

“You may call me Zha’irah.”

“Zha’irah,” Draàl repeated. “Definitely not a mouthful. So, what’s the plan now? How do I go about setting the Queen free?”

“First, you must leave this vessel.”

“Obviously.”

“Then you will go to the very edge of the city, in the direction of the rising sun. There lies a man you must meet.”

“Could’ve just said Queens.” Draàl took another long look in the mirror. Then he wheeled around and exited the bedroom.

“Yeah, yeah,” Jason was saying, his phone pressed to his ear as he glanced over his shoulder cautiously. Then he groaned in frustration. “I’m telling you the truth, officer. He just showed up from nowhere. Falling out of the sky and stuff like an alien.”

“Tsk,” Melisa shook her head. “If only you knew what you sounded like. I wouldn’t believe you either if I were the cops.”

“There’s no need for that,” a deep voice droned behind them. They both spun around, facing the huge stranger who still looked bulky despite wearing Jason’s oversized black shirt and plain black pants. For some reason, though, his feet remained bare.

“I’m already leaving,” he continued. “In which direction is the dock?”

“That way,” Melisa squealed quickly, pointing towards her right. “But you’re more than welcome to stay. No need to leave in such a hurry.”

Draàl said nothing. His gaze shifted from the brooding face of Jason and settled in the direction his wife gestured towards. Despite the distance, he could see the piers clearly, with choppy waves lapping on the platform’s vertical beams.

“Enhanced vision,” he muttered. “That’s interesting.”

“Amongst other abilities,” Zha’irah supplied. “You’ll get to learn how you use and synchronize them in the best way that suits you. Now, jump.”

Pouring all his concentration into the heat forming in his palms and feet, he leapt overboard, breaking the surface of the water cleanly. Then, like a speeding missile, he thrusted himself forward underneath the surface of the river, shooting towards the direction of the docks.

“Are you shitting me?” Jason gawked with wide eyes, his jaw hanging with disbelief. “Now he’s Aquaman?”

Equally stunned, Melisa’s wordless reply to her husband was a brisk shrug.