The Chronicles of Kelor: Book One; The Boy Alpha

Chapter 28

As the sun rose, Sif and the coalition army prepared to descend on the city. We sent a few scouts ahead but it didn’t take long for them to return.

“We have a problem.”

“What is it?” I asked.

“A large group of shriekers are attacking the city.”

“From which side?”

“The eastern side.”

“Well, there goes our element of surprise.” Sif said.

“True. But we can still use this to our advantage. Sif, I want you to attack the shriekers from behind and support the werewolves.”

“Wasn’t I supposed to be attacking the wolves’ army? Why am I helping them now?”

“We can’t let the city fall. If the shriekers win, it’s over for all of us and Kelor. Support the werewolf army while my team sneaks into the castle.”

She set off without another word. Moments later, our army of mixed creatures attacked the rear of the shriekers while I led Leon and A’el to a secret entrance on the northern side of the city.

I had my doubts about the route we took. I was sure that Valark would have had it guarded but to my delight, the entrance and passage were left unguarded. The passage led us straight to the centre of the City. From there we made our way to the castle. I chose not to use the main gate but the back gate and even then there was no resistance. It felt too good to be true, or maybe Valark and Gunther were too busy dealing with the threat that the shriekers brought to the city walls.

Inside the hallway, we moved in the shadows behind the columns. Seeing as the city was facing a lethal threat, I assumed that Gunther and Valark would be in the war room. My assumptions turned out to be correct as I approached the war room doors.

“A message from the front lines tells us that humans, vampires and fairies are aiding our soldiers,” Gunther said.

“You seem upset. Isn’ t it a good thing for our allies to assist us?” Valark asked.

“Our allies are always welcome. What worries me is the timing. How is it that they put an army together in such a short time? Not only that but they are being led by a woman who swings an axe. I’ve never heard of such a soldier.”

“So, what should we do?”

“I’ll go and see this human for myself. You stay here and wait for me to return.”

“Looks like it will be easier for us to split them up after all,” I whispered to the others. “Seize your moment when it comes, Leon. A’el and I will follow Gunther.”

Leon nodded and dashed to the other side of the hall. He was able to slip in before the doors shut when Gunther came out.

A’el and I followed him and once we were in the throne room, I gave A’el a signal.

Immediately she shot a torrent of flames at Gunther, but he leapt out of the way.

“Fairy Queen! You would dare to attack your allies?”

“Only my enemies are worth incinerating,” she shot back as she ascended a few feet away from the ceiling.

In an instant, Gunther transformed and began to climb one of the pillars. Ae’l fired another flame at him and again he dodged it, jumping onto an adjacent pillar and scaling it out of her sight. He jumped out of the shadows, lunging at her with teeth and claws at the ready. She dodged his attack, but he gravely injured her wings causing her to rapidly descend. I leapt out and caught her in my arms before she crashed to the floor.

“Wonderful! I get to crush a half-breed and a traitorous Queen in one day,” said Gunther.

He lunged again and this time I pushed A’el away and ducked under Gunther, but he landed, turned and lunged again. I caught his arms and pivoted, causing him to fall onto his back with me on top of him. I made a fist and struck him in the chest. I heard a snap as he cried in pain while reflexively swatting me away with his big paw. I landed hard on the floor and slid into the base of a pillar. Before he could stand a tornado of flames engulfed him. The general, though severely hurt, managed to escape the flaming tornado by charging straight at A’el. Immediately a gust of wind blew past me and slammed into the general who gave a painful howl before going still.  Leon had dashed into the throne room and driven his hand like a spear into the general’s chest.

“What would you two love-birds do without me?”

“Don’t be full of yourself,” A’el retorted. “We did all the hard work.”

“You made quick work of Valark?” I asked as I got to my feet.

“I knocked him out and locked him in the cell that the Queen Mother was in.”

“You found her? Where is she now?”

“I’m right here my little one,” she said as she embraced me. “I thought you were dead.”

“Me too,” I said. “I’m so glad you’re alive.”

“I have another gift for you,” Leon said, tossing me the crown as my mother and I separated. “Let’s go and introduce your kind to their rightful king.”

---Epilogue---

The shriekers attacked the city five days ago. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for a kind and brave human creature. She fought well and I saw her get hurt, like me. There was nothing I could have done for her. I quickly made my way to an orphanage and laid my child at the door. I hope he grows up to be a strong healthy boy some day and not bother with searching for his mother. His mother, who had one blue eye ad one red one. His mother, who was an outcast. His mother, who fought against fairies, humans and shriekers, just to make sure that he stayed alive. His mother, who left him with nothing, but a necklace made up of a silver string and half a golden pendant. His mother, who left him with strangers to raise him. His mother, who turned into a monster. His mother, who loved him with all her heart.

Standing under an oak tree on the far outskirts of the human capital city, I etch my name into its strong bark, hoping that one day someone, anyone will remember me and all the good I have done. May Kelor never forget the wrong I have suffered nor the good I have done. I am Lisra, the wingless fairy.