The Dark King

There once was a mighty king that ruled over all the land. The land was a rich green, trees standing tall with birds that sang as the sun came up and the sun came down. The people lived and thrived as well. No fear was in the people’s hearts as they woke up in the morning to start the day or when they ended it. They loved life, their king and that was all the mattered.

It seemed to be too real. Nobody knew how or why it happened but the king’s heart changed. The sunny days soon turned into dark and cloudy ones. The once happy king was now seen as a monster, and he would only grow more into one. Late a night, there was no warning, no sign. The king had sent in his best soldiers into town, swords drawn and ready for blood. The people fled, some not making it while others held their ground in a worthless hope of stopping the bloodshed. That night, the once-powerful, peaceful and happy people fell.

During this, the king stood watching high from his castle. His cold eyes watching the flames grow amongst the buildings. He knew that this had to be done. They would understand, and they would be thanking him later. With that taken care of, there was one last thing he had on his hands. His brothers.

After their father had passed, he had taken the throne with the promise of raising his brothers. But he kept so many secrets to himself that he knew they wouldn’t understand unless they were in his shoes. Turning around, he tucked his sword in before silently making his way to them.

Kenneth was the second oldest. Just being a year younger, he was being arranged to marry a princess from another kingdom across seas. Following two years behind in age, Chandler was the quiet one of the brothers and still had some time before he came ready to marry. Then there was Jax, the youngest. The young boy still had a lot to learn but it didn’t stop him from watching and trying what his brothers did.

Turning a corner, the king stopped when he saw Kenneth exiting from one of the rooms, sword drawn. When he saw him, his hand seemed to tighten around the hilt of the sword while he bit his lip. What came out of his mouth had the king stopping in his tracks.

“What have you done?” Kenneth twisted the sword in his hand, his blonde hair a twisted mess.

“Ken.” He said slowly in a warning. He was hoping that this wouldn’t cause any problems.

“Malack, what is going on?” Turning around, Chandler and Jax stood side by side, worry written across their faces as they looked between the two in hope of answers.

“I’m saving the people from themselves,” Malack said, his eyes snapping back to Kenneth who had drawn closer.

Everything seemed to freeze, the four brothers silently watching in each other in hope of finding answers. But the silence didn’t last long when Kenneth lunged for the king. He was quick to react, his sword sliding free as he blocked his brother’s blow. Chandler moved in front of Jax as everything unfolded, his heart dropping as he realized what Malack had done.

“You betrayed the crown! Those are innocent people! Our people!” Kenneth swiftly moved to the side, drawing the sword in front of him.

More like a disease

Malack growled. Swiftly he spun, his sword catching the end of Kenneth’s shirt and slicing it. This caused him to stumble back, shock written across his face before he looked down towards the cut. Blood had started to seep through onto the cloth.

The rage in Malack’s blood seemed to spark at the sight of the wound. They would never understand. Nor would they ever follow him. He had to stop them before they stopped him. With that, he attacked again. He was swift, catching Kenneth by the shoulder. They locked eyes, fire, and ice between their two. But it was Jax’s loud cry that ripped through the silence when Malack sent his sword through Kenneth.

His eyes widened before he looked down. Malack was quick to pull the sword out letting Kenneth fall to his knees. His sword now rested on the ground while his hands tried to press against the wound. But Malack knew it wouldn’t help. Soon, his eyes glazed over and his body slumped against the marble flooring, scarlet blood slowly covering it.

Malack turned around to see Chandler was pushing Jax down the hall, yelling at him. Jax’s face was pale, eyes wide as he let Chandler rush him down the hall.

He let them run, let them think they could getaway.

As he made his way through the halls, following after his brother. With his now blood-covered sword in hand, he stocked after his prey. Pushing open doors, he stopped when he reached the ones that connected to the stables. Anger fired in him as he saw what unfolded in front of him. Jax was atop of a horse, flicking the reins and riding away.

No

Malack moved forward, watching as the outline of Jax and the horse got further and further away. That wasn’t supposed to happen. In his blind anger, something connected against his back, sending him stumbling. Something wet was now dripping down his back as he caught his balance, turning around to see who did the damage.

Chandler stood, a sword in hand. He was breathing heavily, tears running down his face as he watched Malack. His green eyes glowed as more tears fail

“You should have ran too.” Malack hissed, his back stinging.

Chandler didn’t say anything. Only holding the sword tighter in his grasp. Taking in an easy breath, he closed his eyes before sending out a silent plea for Jax to find help. Opening his eyes, he locked eyes with Malack to search for the brother that he once knew. Not the monster that stood before him. But that Malack was gone and Chandler knew it in his heart.

Both swords raised before the two brothers charged

That night, not only had the people been destroyed but a family had been broken.