The Light of Edaylon (Part Three) Chapter Two: The Prince of Exadon

Chapter Two

The Prince of Exadon

"To me, my Hunt Master!  Methinks I’ve found something," a man cried out, slicing his way through the foliage.  

  For within his hand, he held a hatchet carved from the very bones of that which he’d slain.  A weapon, which granted him the confidence to step forward, slowly drawing closer to his findings with each passing step.  Still fighting his way through the shadows, as he approached the now discarded pile of wood.  His eyes still surveying the perimeter as he made his way towards the messy display.  For a decent number of sticks and logs had already been collected, yet there remained an insufficient amount for a proper bonfire.  A sight, which triggered an alarm from deep within the man before he sighed, turning back towards the tree line’s makeshift entrance.  

As if on cue, the Hunt Master then emerged, followed by three of his most trusted warriors.  Yet his eyes spoke more than his words ever could, as he assessed the situation, studying the scene of the disturbance as he looked around.

“So much commotion, yet where have thou vanished to?” the Hunt Master pondered aloud.  

But the only answer he received, was silence. 

“Fan out and search the perimeter; venture no further than the eyes of thy Hunt Master.” 

His hunters then nodded in agreement before walking off in four different directions.  The man who led the group now stood tall, watching as the individuals separated.  His observant gaze was all-encompassing as they searched for answers, seeking to uncover the source of that which had brought them here. 

Yet as their investigation continued, he couldn’t help but turn towards the scorch marks, which still crackled in the distance.  The mystery of their origin was enough to bring him pause as he stood there, focused on the source of their creation. 

Suddenly, he heard the cries of one of his warriors, so he rushed forward in response, racing to rejoin her side as she sat examining a strange substance, which had grown large enough to stain the dirt.  It was warm and shone with an emerald color as the Hunt Master bent down to analyze it for himself.

“It’s blood,” he said, bowing his head.  “Too thick for an animal, which marks it Edaylonian.”

“I would venture to agree, my Hunt Master,” the Amazonian-like woman answered as she stood to her feet.  

The Hunt Master then sniffed the air, turning his gaze towards a nearby crater.  Smoke still steamed from its scorched interior.  Yet it was the fresh blood, which truly intrigued him as it sat dripping from the trees and bushes, which rested silently in the distance.  So, with a steady hand, he made his way towards the wreckage, pressing his tongue against the inside of his cheek as he looked about.  His sight only focused on the large row of trees; all of which had been destroyed by something far greater than he.  

Slowly, his eyes scanned the area, noting the large chunks of broken bark and melted tree trunks, which sat smoking from an intense heat. 

He then raised his pointer finger, motioning through the wreckage.  His eyes still focused on the debris as he motioned through the burning trees, assessing the damage as his finger moved towards the crater, which now sat blistering with a heat unlike any he’d ever known.

"What is it?" one of the hunters asked, emerging through the trees.

"The source of such madness," he answered, looking back towards the crater. "For it struck here, seeking to make prey of our most trusted comrades."

"With but a single blast?" another warrior inquired.

"No," he answered, pointing towards the large, yet person-sized dents.  For each one was scattered across the dirt; blood still shining amongst its grassy exteriors. 

"For their instincts spared them of such cruelty.  Although such mercy didst not join without injury.”  

The Hunt Master then walked over to the smaller crater, examining the still-smoking hole as he approached it.  Yet his focus slowly began to turn towards the line of fallen trees, studying the manner in which they’d been toppled, before concluding that it was nothing more than brute force that had served as the instrument of their destruction. 

"It was here, death claimed her first victim," he murmured.  His mind finally began to piece together what had transpired as his finger remained locked on the small crater. "Yet their foes dispatched their weapons with a force like none I’d seen before."

"Thy theories seem reasonable, Hunt Master, yet what force could yield such might?"

"How foolish of you, Cry-Tar.  For it’s you who was spawned from the village’s chief historian.  Yet such knowledge seems lost to you," the Hunt Master replied. "For this planet hosts a plethora of weapons that could achieve feats much worse than this one."

"Perhaps, but such powers are lost and unknown.  If they were ever real at all," he said, throwing his arms up in frustration. "For all that's left are ruins and legends, nothing more."

"Then let this serve as the proof," a woman suggested. "For I've heard tales of a cult who pledged themselves to the allure of technological godhood."

"Nonsense," Cry-Tar said. "Such a force was not one, but many."

"Regardless, the group is still missing," the Hunt Master interjected. "Exadon seeks our return.  As does our prince.  For our tributes are needed, lest his celebration be lacking that of two hunting parties in place of one."  

He then placed his hand on the shoulders of Cry-Tar and Ama-Zar. "I'll inform the Chief King of this horrid news but tonight must go on as planned. Do you understand?"

"Aye," they both replied.  

"Very well, then go fetch the meat and gather the others," he ordered. "For the signal has already been lit, and thus, our arrival’s foretold."

The two hunters nodded in agreement before hurrying off to collect their supplies and assemble their companions.  And as the Hunt Master watched them work, he couldn’t help but grin with the slightest of smiles before gripping his axe and gazing towards the sky.  His eyes counted the six-neon green smoke-like trails, billowing out from the various points inside the Jungles of Roartagor.  And yet a sigh could be heard escaping his lips as the weight of what he’d soon reveal became like a burden, crushing him from within.  For he knew that such a truth needed to be spoken, and thus, he elected himself to do so.  Before finally, returning his gaze back towards the skies above, with nothing more than a heavy heart, reflecting in his eyes.

“On guard, my son,” the Chief King yelled as he thrust his metallic blade towards his eldest son.  Yet the boy quickly rolled to the side, watching as the tip of his father’s weapon just narrowly avoided his cheek.  Jadai then leapt up, spinning his body like a quick-moving drill before his sword struck his father’s.  The force of the blow knocked his father off balance as he stumbled backward.  The prince then immediately pressed his advantage, sweeping his leg, yet his father countered, jumping upwards and kicking his son’s lower jaw.  Jadai then fell backward as he struggled to maintain his balance.  Yet his father refused to show mercy, instead, lunging forward for yet another attack.  

A move, which left Jadai with no other choice than to twist his body back around, avoiding the attack before he raced towards the open balcony.  His father yelled out, “Jadai, you won’t escape me!”  

"What's wrong, frightened of a little daylight," Jadai joked before rolling onto the balcony.  He then leapt to his feet just in time for his father’s sword to collide with his own.  For the two men were now locked against one another, blade to blade, as the superior strength of his father forced the young man back into the marble-like railing of the balcony.  

However, before his father could land the finishing blow, the young prince rolled to the side, as his father struck the ancient stone.  Pieces of the railing then flew through the air as the Chief King ripped his sword free of the stone’s icy grip.  

Jadai then turned towards his father, assuming a defensive stance as he slowly backed away from the man.  

For his father was impressed by his son’s efforts, yet still he stepped forward, slashing his sword rapidly in every direction as his blade moved through the air like a blur of metallic motion.  

With widened eyes, the prince swung his sword, desperate to block the barrage of attacks, for with each successful counter, an explosion of sparks flew forth from the force of his opponent’s blade.  The prince then felt his footing begin to slip as he sidestepped his father in an attempt to escape his explosive fury.  Yet his father was much wiser than he, and thus, he kicked his son in the stomach, delaying his counterattack.  Before spinning around as his son sat four feet away from him; his sword still outstretched.  For the prince now had one knee on the ground as his father stood proudly waiting to strike.

Yet it was in this moment, that the prince’s eyes began to wander, noticing the neon green smoke-like trails, which decorated the skies.  However, this brief moment of hesitation was all his father required, racing forward, knocking his son’s sword from his hand; he then grabbed his son’s jade-colored hair and used it to pull his son forward, slamming his nose into his knee.  Jadai then groaned in pain as he fell to the ground.  Little drops of emerald blood dripped from his nose as he lay there, staring down at the blade of his father’s sword.

“Yield,” he said.

"Aye, victory’s yours," Jadai said, raising his hands in surrender.  His father then chuckled before extending his hand, helping his son to his feet.  

Once standing, the young prince began to dust himself off before retrieving his sword from the balcony.  He then turned towards his father.  A look of pride could be seen in the king’s eyes as a faint smile began to form on Jadai’s face.  For the sight of his father’s approval had grown rare these last few months, despite remaining a much-needed sight for the eldest prince. 

"You've done well, my son," his father said, applauding him. "I hast little doubt that one day soon, it will be I who yields to you."

"Thank you, but my nose might venture to disagree," Jadai jokingly answered, wiping the blood from his face.  His father soon laughed in response, patting his son on the back.

"As a Chief King, thou shall endure many injuries, my son.  So, be glad that thy nose is only bloodied in place of broken," he said.

"Such is the occasion.  Had the day been different, then a shattered nose would be all but assured."

"Aye," his father jokingly replied. "As for thy lesson, always remember, my son: thy eyes should’st maintain their focus on the battle at hand, lest you crave the sting of defeat."

"Very well," Jadai said, rubbing his head. 

And with that, the match was officially finished, so he turned away from his father, approaching the balcony railing before gazing upward, tracing the smoke’s location with nothing more than a glance. 

"They'll be entering the village soon," he said, using the breeze to gauge their positions. 

For the wind had already begun to distort their shapes, and with their twisted forms came an estimate of the passage of time.  One that even his father picked up on, as he approached the prince, joining him on the edge of the balcony.

"It would seem as though you’re correct, my son.  For their arrival marks the completion of our plans," his father said, studying the trails. "Now come, let us return to the main hall."

Jadai then nodded in response before his father brought him back towards the doorway, closing it behind them.  The king then brushed the sweat from his forehead as he made his way over to his people’s royal headdress.  He reached up, pulling his graying, ultramarine colored hair back before he lifted it from its wooden stand.  Gently, placing it upon his head before he returned to his makeshift throne, which was forged from the bones of the jungle’s mightiest predators. 

Finally, he looked toward his son and smiled. “Thou hast made me proud, Jadai.  For my lessons may be hard, yet thou never fail to impress,” the Chief King said. “One day thou shall wear this crown and sit upon this throne. On that day, the people will cheer thy name like all those who have come before you."

"Thank you, Father," Jadai said, bowing.  His eyes lowered towards the floor, and a look of sorrow filled his face.  His father then raised an eyebrow, looking at his son with a bewildered gaze.

"Now, what troubles thou, my son?" 

Jadai then looked up and answered, "Forgive me, Father.  But today marks a strange day for the People of Exadon.  For we raise our glasses in the name of Syrus, yet he remains a phantom to our people."

"Thy brother is sick, Jadai.  The venom which runs through his veins ravages his body from within," he said. "Thy mother and I felt it…"

"I know the reason.  It’s just... Syrus should be allowed to share in the festivities.  For they’re to honor his twenty-fifth year, are they not?"

"He lacks the strength to stand, let alone socialize."

"Aye, but… Who are we to deny him such pleasures?  Especially now, when the Mark of the Devra is upon him,” the prince responded, his voice racked with guilt.

"Perhaps you’re..."

The doors to the main hall began to slowly slide open, as the two men turned to see a warrior clad in full hunting attire standing in the doorway.  He then approached the Chief King and knelt down as a sign of respect. 

"Forgive mine intrusion, my king, yet I fear a sad discovery hath been made.  One which requires your present attention." 

Jadai's father could immediately hear the shift in the man’s tone, sensing his growing seriousness as the king stood from his throne.  His face now matched the demeanor of his faithful Hunt Master as his eyes studied his subject.  Yet his warrior quickly averted his gaze, shifting his focus towards the young prince.

"For the sake of the mood, I would seek a private audience with his majesty,” the man said, still looking towards Jadai.

The Chief King pondered the man’s request, nodding in agreement before waving his son towards the door.  A strange confusion soon gripped the young prince as he felt himself being removed from the conversation, yet he agreed to leave, nonetheless.  So, with a heavy heart, the prince turned, approaching the door as it creaked, sliding open before he looked back towards his father, who now stood, piercing his soul with his all-mighty gaze.  The prince quickly sighed in response, turning as he left the room, leaving only the doors as they slid to a close behind him.

Elsewhere, deep within the Chief King’s palace, there lies a room dimly lit by candles and cloaked in shadow.  For Amethyst-colored curtains blocked its glassy windows, while a large bed, hidden by a wooden head and footboard dressed in custom blankets, served as its centerpiece.  While the man within those blankets lies covered by the curtains.  

Ancient bookshelves lined the walls surrounding him, while the mounted animals above served as his silent protectors.  Yet despite its cracked and scarred appearance, the room remained magnificent.

For beside the bed sits a chair belonging to the Chief Queen, Successa, a kind woman with jade-green hair, a striking contrast to her red skin and Dustamore dress. While on each of her arms, she wore several pieces of jewelry. 

Yet today, like many days before, she sits alone, watching the silhouette of a man shrouded in shadows, a look of sadness had filled her face. For she was helpless to cure the ailments of her son, and thus, she was left powerless as the prince was choked by coughs filled with blood.  Her loving hand could simply reach for a tissue in response, stopping the bleeding.  Allowing the young man to finally express his gratitude before falling back onto his pillow, weakened.  Upon seeing his frailty, she bowed her head, desperate to mask her sorrowful sighs.

"Tis alright, mother," the sickly man weakly said, taking his mother’s hand.  "Death comes for us all, even those such as I."

"Please, Syrus, don't say that," she said, tightening her grip against his hand.  For a moment, he winced in pain before looking towards her with the faintest of smiles.  His bloodshot eyes were riddled with dark circles from many sleepless nights, while his faded ultramarine-colored hair remained messy.  As if the illness itself had robbed him of something as simple as a normal hair color.  Yet despite the pain, faded muscle, and frailty, he still found the strength to smile, bringing comfort to his saddened mother, knowing that his final days were fast upon him.

For his positive demeanor was enough to bring a faint smile to her face, fighting back motherly tears as she watched her son wither away.  Yet he could see the tears forming in her eyes nonetheless as he smiled, touching her shoulder.  "Hold thy tears, mother.  For today is one of joy, not sorrow.  And I… I refuse to share in such torment."

He then lowered his hand from her shoulder, turning his head towards the sheets.  The young prince finally took a breath before he turned away from her; slowly twisting his body to escape the confines of his bed.  As one by one, his sheets began to slowly fall to the floor.  His mother immediately jumped to her feet at the sight of her son leaving his bed, raising a hand to stop him, but he quickly urged her to stay back, standing tall for the first time in over a month.  As his mother slowly made her way towards him, watching as he took his first steps.  His motions, while at first proving stiff and wobbly; soon returned to him as his legs steadied and his balance strengthened.  A smile then formed against his face as he felt the joys of walking take root within him once again.

“I want this day to be the celebration that it was intended to be,” Syrus said with a grin darting across his face.

“Syrus, are you…”

"Of course, he is," a voice joyfully shouted from across the room.  Both Syrus and his mother then turned toward the direction of the voice as Jadai entered the room; the rusted doors sliding shut behind him.  Syrus's eyes grew wide as the young prince greeted his older brother.  Yet his mother simply stood back in silence, her face devoid of even the slightest of smiles. 

"Now then, speak the joys, which are fast upon us, Syrus.  Are we to feast on that which never ends, perhaps join in with the Women of Exadon as we dance like jesters through the streets, or perhaps we’re to bear witness to the Grand Light Display, whose ethereal shine is said to burn brighter than the stars above?"

"Alas there are too many choices, Jadai," Syrus jokingly answered, taking his brother's hand before pulling him into a brotherly hug. "I suppose we'll simply have to try ‘em all."

"And that’s why I love ya," Jadai said with a laugh.  The two then looked towards their mother, who now stood unimpressed by the two's nightly plans.  They turned towards one another in response, shrugging before Jadai said to his mother, "Not a fan?"

"Not in the slightest," she replied, placing her hands on her hips. "You know your brother's condition, Jadai. You know that..."

"I am capable of making my own decisions, mother," Syrus interrupted. "For I know my capabilities, and if such limitations are to be exceeded, then Jadai shall surely protect me."

Upon hearing such a phrase, she turned towards her eldest son, her expression one of pure and unbridled doubt.  For within her eyes, there shone something tragic.  A memory, which had grown too large to ignore.  For it was one, which had dominated their family, torturing them like an open wound as the days dragged on. 

Yet none suffered from this memory more than Jadai.  For it was in this one singular moment that his entire life became nothing more than a lie.  And because of this one poor decision, he was destined to become a man without honor or pride.  For he’d made a choice, and that choice was one, which had doomed his own brother to a death that was long and painful.   

But Syrus quickly stepped between them, sensing the tension as he turned to face his mother.  He then raised his arms saying, “There’s no need for this.”  His gaze now shifting towards the queen, “Please, don’t forswear me this instant.  Not now, especially towards the end.” 

Her eyes shifted their focus away from Jadai as she looked towards Syrus; the two exchanging a determined glance.  Yet the sight of her son’s eyes proved more than enough to dissuade her as she lowered her head with a sigh, agreeing to his nightly plans.  For she may not have liked it, but she wanted his twenty-fifth birthday to remain a celebration rather than one of senseless bickering.  So, she hugged her two sons before pointing towards Syrus, giving him a motherly warning before he nodded with a smile.

"Now say to me, Jadai, how was thy father’s lesson this afternoon?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, ‘twere nothing to brag about really," he replied. "I finally bested the old man in combat, before he rewarded me with the whole 'one day this throne will be thy own' speech."

"Of course," his mother sarcastically responded, prompting Syrus to chuckle faintly from beneath his breath.

"Okay, so my eyes might’ve wandered off towards the smoke signals. Big deal," Jadai dismissively answered, while his mother remained intrigued by the mention of the smoke signals, raising an eyebrow in response.

"So, the Seven Hunt Masters are finally upon us," she triumphantly declared.  However, Jadai looked back at her with a bewildered gaze, prompting his mother to tilt her head in confusion. 

"What is it, Jadai?"

"Actually, I only bore witness to six trails, not seven," Jadai said, his voice hesitant.  His mother froze mid-step, her expression tightening.  She then crossed the room briskly, pulling back the curtains to reveal the six trails, which had grown faint as they faded into the sky.  

The sudden rush of light now blinded Syrus as his eyes widened.  But much like her son, she too only counted six of the original seven before she turned back, asking her son yet another question.  However, the sight of his bloody nose immediately halted her curiosity as the sunlight exposed his injury. 

And thus, she raced over, asking if he was alright before taking a wet cloth to wipe the blood from his nose.  All the while, Syrus stood laughing at the sight of his overprotective mother before he began to stumble, coughing once again.  For at first, he struggled to breathe but soon regained control of his lungs through the use of careful breaths.

“Okay Mom… Okay, you can… You can stop now,” Jadai demanded, feeling embarrassed.  But his mother refused to slow down until she’d fully wiped away the blood, grabbing his chin as she began to inspect his face for injuries.  Slowly, moving his head from right to left as she searched for even the faintest signs of bruising. Yet she found nothing, and thus, she released him, breathing a sigh of relief.

"I demanded thy father to ease up on thy training," she answered in frustration.

"Edaylon is a brutal place, mother.  If one is not prepared, how might we defend ourselves from the forces of..."

"Don't even mention that creature's name in my presence," she quickly interrupted. "Now, where is thy father?"

"In the main hall, however, thou might find it best that he remains undisturbed.   For he meets with a Hunt Master, to discuss that, which even I cannot know," Jadai said, placing a hand over his mouth as he recalled their prior conversation. 

Yet his mother's eyes grew wide with worry, concerned by the purpose of such a meeting.  As her mind began speculating as to why a Hunt Master would seek an audience with her husband.  For such knowledge would need to be deadly.  And thus, a thought then occurred to her, what if they’d witnessed something dangerous on the outskirts of the village, or perhaps the horrors of the jungles had claimed their fellow hunters?  

For both possibilities were tragic yet believable.  But as the Chief Queen, she needed to know more.  For if tonight’s festivities were to continue without consequence, then she needed to know the nature behind her husband’s private gathering.  Especially on a night such as this, for the arrival of the ocean princess would soon be upon them.  

"Very well," she said.  "Jadai, I'm trusting thee to look after thy brother.  Hence, ne’er take thy eye off him.  Now then, if you boys would excuse me."  She concluded, nodding her head towards the two of them before walking off.  

The doors in front of her quickly opened, shrieking with every motion.  For the sound was enough to force Syrus to cover his ears as its noise began pounding against his head.  But regardless, his mother still turned back, looking towards her sons.  With the faintest of smiles, she then blew a kiss in their direction, before exiting the room for good.  Leaving her two sons to watch on in confusion as she vanished behind the ancient bedroom doors.

"That was odd," Syrus said, looking over at Jadai.

"Agreed," Jadai hesitantly replied before turning towards his brother. "Lorraine's coming, right?"

"Of course, I invited your beloved," Syrus jokingly answered.

"She's not my beloved, Syrus." A grin soon formed across his face before he added, "Lorraine’s to be my wife!”

Syrus then tilted his head, watching as Jadai’s arrogance filled his smile.  Yet the eldest prince soon patted his brother’s shoulder, their laughter filling the chamber.  But as the sound faded, Syrus couldn’t help but glance towards the darkened sky; the sixth trail still lingered as it painted the sky like a foreboding scar. 

"Doth thou ever wonder if Father’s meeting is yet a sign of things to come," he asked.  His voice now riddled with a lingering dread as he turned towards his brother.

“You think too much, Syrus,” Jadai jokingly answered, wrapping his arm around his brother’s shoulder.  “Besides, the only thing thou should be worried about is what thy heart’s gonna do when Lorraine shows up.” 

The Adventure Will Continue..........

Hello everyone! We hope that you've enjoyed the latest chapter of The Light of Edaylon. This has been a story that's very near and dear to me because of how much work went into it and I can't wait for everyone to see what's coming in the future for these characters as the story unfolds and their adventures continue. I can't wait to hear everyone's feedback on this as we continue to introduce new characters and stories, while also updating and revamping our older characters to fit this bold new direction that we're going in. And if you'd like to support us along the way then feel free to donate to us using this link here: PLEASE DONATE- Only $1 Per Month | The JC Multiverse We're really grateful to all our readers out there as we continue to grow and expand. Once again, I want to say thank you and God bless!