The Heartless Hero

By L. K. Wilson Jr.

The birth of Triana and Brey's child was just the beginning, but now the end is near. The humans search for the truth, believing the child was born dead, but only the wizard, Halloc, knows all. Only the wizard knows why evil roams the land, and only a child pronounced dead at birth can save both the humans and the wizard.

Everyone must face the truth, the absolute truth is always astounding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 4, 2003
• ISBN: 9781462078646

L. K. Wilson Jr.

L. K. Wilson lives with his wife and daughter in Oklahoma where he works for a major Defense Company.

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All Rights Reserved © 2003 by Lloyd Keith Wilson Jr.

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ISBN: 978-1-4620-7864-6 (ebook)

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Printed in the United States of America

Contents

C H A P T E R 1

C H A P T E R 2

C H A P T E R 3

C H A P T E R 4

C H A P T E R 5

C H A P T E R 6

C H A P T E R 7

C H A P T E R 8

C H A P T E R 9

C H A P T E R 10

C H A P T E R 11

C H A P T E R 12

C H A P T E R 13

C H A P T E R 14

C H A P T E R 15

C H A P T E R 16

C H A P T E R 17

C H A P T E R 18

C H A P T E R 19

C H A P T E R 20

C H A P T E R 21

C H A P T E R 22

C H A P T E R 23

C H A P T E R 24

C H A P T E R 25

C H A P T E R 26

C H A P T E R 27

C H A P T E R 28

C H A P T E R 29

C H A P T E R 30

C H A P T E R 31

C H A P T E R 32

C H A P T E R 33

C H A P T E R 34

C H A P T E R 35

C H A P T E R 36

C H A P T E R 37

C H A P T E R 38

C H A P T E R 39

To all those that believe.

C H A P T E R 1  

A WARNING FROM ΤΗΕ PRINCESS

Halloc walked through the streets of the island castle although with his long legs he appeared to be running. His flowing robe hid the newborn ofBrey and Princess Triana. He did not have time to tell the royal family the whole truth, and neither did he want the royal family to know the truth. He could not explain it to their satisfaction, and he knew all too well that humans were very protective of their young; so protective that blind devotion would cloud their judgment.

He sensed it the moment he touched the child. Everyone else thought the child was dead, but the wizard suspected the truth. He began to feel the power; he knew the stone had come to life. His heart was full of hope. Images from the past flooded his mind; events that both brought him closer to his goal and pushed his objective out of reach occupied his thoughts. He had guided the humans along a path; an avenue the humans might not have taken on their own. He had his own design; a plan the humans might not like. But the child was never part of his plan, yet the newborn was prophecy.

He remembered fighting the witch for the wife and son of Kuric. He could only save the baby he named Brey. When he returned a year later to Kuric’s cottage, he presented a child to Kuric; Kuric’s own son had not aged a day. He had always kept secrets to further his cause. He kept private his scheme to win the battle.

Then seventeen years later with the death ofKuric by a demon, the wizard was forced to share secrets. No one knew that Breywas the true son ofKuric, and the last of the Turjim. Halloc overwhelmed Brey with information given in bits and pieces. With the help of the wizard, Brey was transformed from a happy, but rather common village lad into a warrior. It was all part of the wizard’s plan. The wizard had help though. Brey’s village friends, the twins Stik and Prat, had a special power that was very helpful in the fight with the evil wizard Collah and his demon hoard. Prince Trill taught the young Turjim in the art of the sword, but probably most important of all was Princess Triana.

Triana led a secret life. The curse put upon the prince and the princess forced Triana to lead a private life, but it was because of this curse that Halloc’ heart was full ofhope this very moment. The dwellers within the catacombs demanded the Unicorn must follow the humans that would face Collah. Only a private circle within the royal family and the wizard knew that the princess would change into a unicorn when her brother was in mortal danger.

It was in the catacombs that Brey first learned of the dwellers. They were the very essence of all those that went before. He met Kuric; his real father as he traveled through a crystal wall with the help of the stone. He matured a great deal within those few moments with the dwellers.

The humans were the first to visit the magical castle ofHalloc. The castle provided their every request. Trill trained Brey quickly through the use of magical clothing that even stopped the blade of a sword. The twins started a water fight when they all learned how to create waterballs. Triana and Brey shared a dream and their love. Again, it was all part of the wizard’s plan.

They had to travel through the dark passageways. The witch trapped Brey inside the firerings. It was the second time she captured a Turjim. Brey’s own father was released only after he promised to deliver his firstborn to the witch. It was the same with Brey. It was the second time the witch demanded a child; it was this second demand that sent shivers through Halloc. Only he knew of the sad similarity.

They failed in their quest to vanquish the evil wizard, but they did not lose either. The princess was mortally wounded when she was in the form of the unicorn and while saving Brey’s life. Her future husband, Brey, was using the stone to heal the princess when the stone started to burn his hand. The stone dropped into the open wound of Triana.

And now the wizard knew. The stone was within the baby he carried. The child that could very be the key to win this war, but the child ofBrey and Triana had never been part of the wizard’s plan.

With his left arm securely around the babe, Halloc leapt aboard the ferry. His powers were not at full strength, but hope entered his heart and he had great expectations about the child. The wizard was thankful the ferry was not crowded. Unlike the last time he rode a public ferry, he did not wish to bump into anyone. He had seated himself away from any humans; he was alone.

The plan had entered his mind when he touched the child. He knew the royal family would expect an explanation upon his return, but that was not what concerned him. He was worried about the future for the first time in his life, but he also knew the destiny of this land rested safely within his arms. He sensed someone staring at him and raised his head to see a familiar face peering at him. The guard glanced away quickly upon seeing Halloc staring back. The wizard chuckled slightly, despite his troubling thoughts, upon seeing the soldier that had prevented his entry into the castle almost a year ago.

The ferry docked at the far bank and Halloc was the first to depart. He headed for the forest, but he did not take a well-traveled path. The distance between him and the humans that had traveled on the ferry grew and soon he was alone. He walked a few more paces into the dense foliage. The instrument that would bring him his destiny lay quietly in his arms.

He wondered ifBrey or Trill had guessed where he was taking the babe. Hal-loc had always been impressed with the wisdom of the prince and the insight of Brey when anger did not control the Turjim. He finally decided that it just did not matter if anyone had guessed the secret of the child.

Being careful not to disturb the babe’s slumber, he withdrew his right hand from beneath the robe and pressed on a small rock, The two giant boulders on either side of the smaller stone slid apart and down. The entrance to Anarita’s domain was open. For the first time in his life, the wizard hoped the witch would be home.

Triana’s eyes opened ever so slightly. She smiled as she saw Brey kneeling beside her bed while holding her hand. She was still extremely tired. For a moment, she was lost in the familiar grin of her husband, but then she realized what was wrong with her. For nearly a year, no sickness tormented her. Not even a slight cold had invaded her body. She never grew tired, but she still slept as a normal human. More importantly, for nearly a year she had never transformed into a Unicorn. In an instant she realized why. With her last bit of awakening strength, she muttered, Brey—the stone.

Brey saw his wife close her eyes and sleep, exhausted from childbirth. His head turned slightly to see Trill’s eyebrows jerk slightly at his sister’s words. Brey knew that Triana was only tired. He felt the pulse in her hand. The words of his wife frightened and strengthened him at the same time. His mind raced with every possible solution to the puzzle that now vexed his soul. He could only conceive of two things that could bring him the answers. One left earlier with his newborn child and somehow Brey knew that Halloc knew more about the babe than he told. The second was not a being, but a place, and he did not believe that the king would allow him entry right now.

Father, said Trill, we need the key.

The words of the prince shocked both the king and Brey: the king because it was totally unexpected, and Brey because the last of the Turjim did not anticipate the same conclusions from someone else.

Why, my son? the king asked seriously.

I feel a new riddle. Halloc is not here to guide, or aid us. We must seek the answer in the only place where it might be given.

Attendants, leave us.

The ladies in waiting and the healers, who were there as a precaution, slowly, but obediently, left the room. The king and queen stood together. Trill had risen as he spoke to his father, but he never left Brey or Triana’s side since Halloc left. The twins were also there and they were even successful at making everyone grin from time to time. The king waited till all the servants had left.

What is it, my son?

For nearly a year my sister has never been tired, nor felt any pain. Now, she sleeps and awakens only to warn Brey of the stone. Father, it is no longer inside her.

Brey saw the king straighten his stance, and he saw the queen stare at her husband. For something that should have been so obvious started to effect the group detrimentally. The twins no longer smiled. The king and queen squeezed each other’s hand for reassurance. Brey stood beside the prince, and he suspected the truth, but he did not wish to face the questions that required asking.

Then where is it? King Rivor asked not wishing to believe the statement of Trill.

I believe it is in the possession of Halloc.

Nonsense, the wizard would not have left us to ponder this mystery. There is no danger to the kingdom. Surely Halloc would have told us this thing, and besides, if the stone were inside the babe as you have implied, would not the child be healed?

Father, I do not doubt Halloc’s loyalty to us, but I do believe that his methods are sometimes—unknown to us. Perhaps the newborn was healed, perhaps he was alive.

Trill, the queen interrupted, I felt for a pulse several times. It did not breathe nor make any sound.

I do not doubt your findings mother, but look at your daughter. If the stone were still inside her, would not she be healed of all pain and fatigue of childbirth?

The queen gripped her husband’s hand tighter and then released the hold. She watched as her husband withdrew the gold necklace from around his neck and handed it to his son.

Trill, I do not know how you are going to communicate with those that are beyond the wall. The stone, as you have pointed out, is not in our possession, but I understand the need for the attempt, the king stated sadly.

I know, father.

The king and queen watched as Trill, Brey and the twins left for the royal catacombs. Deep within his heart, King Rivor desired that the group would fail in their quest for information. He did not want any wrong conclusions about Halloc and the stone without the wizard present to defend himself. He looked down at his daughter as the servants reentered the room, and he knew that the seed of mistrust was already sown. He hoped with all of his might that it would not be harvested even if it meant that his grandson was indeed dead.

C H A P T E R 2 

THE WlTCH AND THE BABE

It was a dark place where no human could see, but the wizard did not need light to view the surrounding area. He did not know how the witch was going to react to the child. Perhaps she would think it dead as well and lose interest in the babe, but he would leave with the child one way or another. Halloc was more interested in the outcome of certain tests he was going to perform at his castle, but he also knew he must confront the witch before she left to hunt for the newborn. Therefore, the wizard brought the son ofBrey to her domain, hoping there would not be a fight over the child. Halloc truly did not know what Anarita would do when confronted with the child, but that was not important to him right now. It did seem more significant as the wizard felt the witch materialize behind him.

Have you brought me the child? Anarita asked as Halloc turned to face her.

You do not waste time, Anarita.

Unlike you, no, I do not, but I know that it has been born. If you have not brought it to me, then I shall go find it.

Anarita turned and headed for one of the exits.

Wait, I have the child here.

The witch faced Halloc and she was mildly pleased, but shocked, that the wizard actually brought the child to her. She watched as Halloc produced the babe from underneath his robe. At first, she expected some sort of trickery, but she did see the human infant in the wizard’s arms. She still doubted Halloc’s sincerity, but she slowly extended her arms to accept the child.

The child was born dead.

Halloc laid the child in the witch’s arms.

The wizard saw the facial change on the witch and decided that she would soon lose interest in the babe. Halloc watched the witch as he removed his arms and now the babe was in the control of the witch. It was a good thing that the wizard had fast reflexes. He reacted without thinking as Anarita let out a hideous scream and dropped the child. Halloc caught the baby before it hit the ground. After he had it securely in his arms, he turned his attention to the witch who had backed into a wall, but she was still moving her feet as if trying to get further away.

You—are—treacherous, the witch said slowly, staggering out the words, "leave, and take that monster with you."

The wizard said nothing, but took a step toward the witch. He could see the fear in her eyes and the desperation within her movements as she tried to get away from the child. He had not expected the witch to react with such terror, but he was beginning to understand why the witch feared the infant.

Do you release all claim upon the child? Halloc asked to delay his departure to gain as much information as possible.

The witch just nodded her head as her fingers clawed away at the walls. Halloc turned and headed for the exit that would place him near his next destination. He could still hear the heavy breathing of the witch behind him and even the scratches as her nails clawed into the walls of the passageways. The wizard had not expected the witch to react so violently when presented the child. He was more prepared to escape with the child or at worse battle the witch for its possession.

Her reactions confirmed Halloc’s suspicions about the baby. He was living prophecy, but the wizard still wanted to perform certain tests on the child. He started climbing the stairs that would lead him out of this forsaken place, but the wizard knew that the means to correct every mistake he made rested peacefully within his arms. He stepped out of the passageways and into the sunlight. The afternoon rays warmed his body. His heart was already warm by the hope of this prophecy. He felt the power of the stone increasing. He walked toward his castle as he looked down at the savior of this land, and indeed, his savior.

Trill, Brey and the twins walked down a corridor within the castle.

Prince Trill, we don’t believe the wizard would betray us.

Neither do I, replied the prince to the twins, unless as a last resort, but I don’t think it has came to that yet.

Then why are we going to the catacombs? Stik asked.

As a precaution, replied Brey to his friends. And to find out any information possible. Prince Trill is correct in stating a new mystery is before us. We would be stupid not to investigate any conceivable avenue that might lead us to the truth.

The group remained silent as they walked down the corridors leading to the secret entrance of the catacombs. The twins did not mind following their friends to the catacombs, but they did not relish the return trip up the stairs. Stik and Prat still felt as if they were labeling the wizard as a traitor by visiting the catacombs without him. Their loyalty to their human friends remained steadfast, but they would defend the wizard in his absence.

Trill walked along side of his captain while the twins brought up the rear. They had finally made it to the huge fireplace where guards were always present. The camouflaged soldiers stood at attention upon seeing their prince and one of their commanders. Trill placed his hand upon the secret stone and the passage leading to the catacombs opened before them with the irritating grating sound.

The prince and Brey were again in front, descending the stairs as the twins followed, carrying torches. The entrance into the stairway closed behind them. Trill was very pleased with Brey’s explanation of searching for any possible answers, but he felt uneasy about everything. He knew that Halloc would have immediately sensed the stone was no longer in his sister, as they would have done if not for the solemn circumstance of the child being born dead. Now, with hindsight, the prince had many questions for the wizard. Trill knew the wizard would not intentionally forsake them, but Brey was correct. They must take every precaution. Captain Kent had already left, making routine inspections of the countryside. Trill was thankful that Kent and a few soldiers were near the villages. In the meantime, Trill was going to do everything within his power to protect his people. He remembered facing the dark wizard Collah, and he did not wish for any human to face him again.

Brey walked along side the prince. Many things fought to take primary focus of his mind. He knew, as the prince did, that Halloc must have sensed the stone was no longer within his wife. He kept asking himself why Halloc took the child, and where did he take him, and he wondered why Halloc had to be so mysterious at times. He never came up with any answers and he was becoming slightly irritated. He considered Halloc a friend, but a friend that had his own philosophy of life that did not match totally with his own, and he now suspected that his son was never dead in the first place. Brey knew that he had to retain his poise, and decided to let Trill lead this expedition. If all else failed him, he knew Trill would remain loyal to the very end.

The twins walked behind their friends, each sensing the different emotions emanating from Trill and Brey. Stik and Prat knew that their friends had valid questions, but they also knew that Halloc would have satisfactory responses. They did not like the inferences Trill made of the wizard, but they did not have the answers. The twins hoped that this would not lead to a rift between the humans and the wizard.

Kent led his men following a southeastern trail. He often took his troops out to survey the countryside. These excursions were more for the guards’ sakes than the local villagers that they visited; however, the people always treated the soldiers well. Perhaps a few local arguments were the most his men had been obliged to settle, which was fine with Kent. It gave him more time to be with his men on a personal level.

Kent liked these journeys. He enjoyed the open air and even fishing and hunting for dinner when a village was not near. They would be arriving soon at a nearby township where they would be spending their first night. The afternoon sun poured its rays of warmth across the land.

Kent liked camping out instead of staying at an inn, but the villagers would be insulted if they knew that the royal guards were making their rounds and did not partake of the their hospitality. His horse walked a slow gait and Kent was not in any real hurry. He did look toward tomorrow though. He and his men would be far enough away from the townships to camp out and forage for food. It did not don on Kent that their next night’s campsite would be close to where he found Trill, Triana, Brey and the twins last year after they faced the evil wizard.

There was much going through his mind. He wondered ofTriana and Brey’s son. He knew Halloc promised that the child would be back before the sun set on this day, and alive. At first, Kent was going to cancel the excursion, but King Rivor and Prince Trill persuaded the captain to leave. They knew that he needed his time away from the castle and there was nothing that he could do to help them.

He had ten men in his expeditionary force. None of them knew what Trill, Brey, and the twins were doing at this very moment. None of them knew ofTri-ana’s warning words to Brey. If Kent had suspected trouble, he would have galloped his troops immediately back to the castle. No one doubted Kent’s bravery

or his intelligence, and his word was supreme as far as military events were concerned.

These excursions had never ended in tragedy. His men had never drawn their swords in fear. They were not in the mountains of Klug where the old thieves once lived. They were among the safety and security of the relative close countryside. Nothing that could be considered mildly interesting happened to him or his men. All of this Kent knew from personal experience, but he still felt apprehension. He rode uneasily through the serene countryside.

C H A P T E R 3  

THE PRICE OF PROPHECY AND PEACE

Halloc looked down at the babe laying in the crib that one of his magical rooms had made for it. The infant opened its eyes and Halloc was mildly shocked that the child’s eyes focused clearly unlike other newborns. Halloc already knew the exact location of the lightstone, but he wanted and needed to investigate the nature of its operation.

Devices and other things appeared for Halloc without him verbally asking for them. He was, after all, the master of this magical castle, and his home was in tune with his needs and wants. The crib that was created for the child was out of the black material that the humans were exposed to a year ago, but the inside of this crib glowed slightly when the child was placed inside it. Lines of light appeared on the side of the black crib. They rose and fell, changing colors at often times. Halloc studied the lines carefully.

Having confirmed his suspicions, he rested alone with the child. His mind was at ease for the first time since he touched the newborn back at the royal castle. He sat there with his eyes closed, meditating on all that happened and did not happen so far.

The wizard knew he must return very soon with the child and explain much to the royal family. He did not mind accounting for his actions and even surmised the royal family would condone them, but he did not know how to explain that the child was not human; at least, not totally. There was one thing that he did know, prophecy lived, and this child required protection at all costs.

He rose and picked up the infant and started for the secret entrance to the passageways. It did not matter if the witch showed herself. Halloc knew that there was only one power that could destroy this child, and he slept at this very moment. His only regret was it would be forty-nine years before Collah met his doom.

Brey actually looked forward to visiting the catacombs again. There were infrequent opportunities to travel to this marvelous place. The king did not want visitations to become a habit and all anyone could do without the stone was to watch as the flying bolts oflight swam around in their magical world. Brey knew that the beings on the other side of the crystal wall were cognizant of anyone’s presence, but without the stone, no communication had ever taken place. All that Brey had felt was a sense of power and trust. He raised his head as he took the last step down and saw Prince Trill head immediately for the locked door and use the key to open it. The twins went to help the prince and Brey heard the yielding creeks of a gateway seldom used by anyone.

Trill could see the light from within the catacombs escape and cause flickering shadows to dance across the faces of his friends. He turned to look at Brey who simply bowed his head to the prince. The prince entered the catacombs first, followed by Brey then the twins. They walked in a straight line until they reached the crystal wall and all turned in unison to look at its magnificence. Each let out a gasp of surprise, as their eyes grew adjusted to all of the brilliant light. The beings on the other side had assembled themselves in a pattern. The pattern formed words.

‘Greetings, friends.’

Each human read and watched as the message disappeared as the beings of light separated and then formed a circle of huddled light before them. How is this possible? Brey asked of Trill. The prince did not respond, but pointed toward the wall.

‘It is needed.’

Even the twins were shocked. Never before had the inhabitants communicated with those on the opposite side. Brey had the privilege of entering their domain and remembered how beautiful it was, and how magical. Forgetting why they had traveled to the catacombs, Brey felt the necessity of asking another question.

Why have you not done this before?

‘It was not needed.’

The humans watched as the message disappeared and another started to form,

‘Calm yourselves and ask your questions.’

Suddenly the group remembered why they had come to this wonderful place. Trill took in a deep breath to regain his senses.

Is my sister and her newborn alright?

‘Yes.’

Brey read aloud and then the word was gone.

Where has Halloc taken him? Stik asked which surprised Trill and Brey that he would ask the question.

‘Halloc will explain.

He will return before you with the child.’

Both the prince and Brey smiled at each other; perhaps they had overreacted because of their feelings.

Is the child alive? Brey heard Prat ask.

‘Yes’

Did Halloc know this before he took the child from us? Trill asked.

‘Yes’

Why? Brey asked.

There was no response from the beings of light, but the humans watched as a solitary dot of light flew closer to the crystal wall. Brey already knew that the being was his father and he stepped closer to the great barrier. Trill and the twins watched as Brey reached out his hand and placed it on the wall directly across from the sole point of light. They could not see his face, but they saw his head jerk slightly backwards as the intensity oflight grew from the lone being on the other side of the wall.

Brey remembered his journey within the light kingdom. He remembered not wanting to leave, but the dwellers forced him through the wall. He remembered all that his father told him. He remembered how emotions did not affect him while he lived among the beings oflight. Brey opened his eyes to look directly at his father’s essence. He felt the power coming from his father and the strength behind the power: it was love. Brey started backing up without taking his eyes off his father. His lips formed the words, but did not make the sound. He saw his father’s being fly back toward the group oflights, but he knew his father got this message as the solitary light flashed three times quickly.

We would not, and do not understand, Brey said to the group of humans, Our emotions would have interfered with our judgement despite our good intentions.

Are you sure Brey? We are talking about your son, the prince asked and stated.

I know it is true. He may be my son, but to those who live on the other side of this wall—he is prophesy.

Trill looked quizzically at his friend for a moment. It took only that moment for Trill to remember the prophecies of Kuric. One he remembered immediately and he was alive because of it. The other echoed in his mind like the wind through a shade tree. The breeze of realization refreshed the prince, but left him with even more questions.

He who is pronounced dead at birth shall remove all barriers, the prince heard Prat say loudly.

The prince looked at the twins and smiled broadly. Halloc was correct about their insight when they were not clowning around. His smile gradually faded as he saw the twins with new eyes. He became concerned about their ultimate loyalty. He would ask them of this later, but at this moment, he had many questions for the inhabitants of the catacombs.

Is the stone within Brey’s son.

Yes, replied Brey verbally, answering for the dwellers.

Can he live without it?

This time Brey did not respond to Trill’s question, but neither did the beings of light. The group looked at each other, each not wanting their suspicions confirmed, but they had to know.

Will my son always carry the stone? Brey asked hurriedly.

‘Ifvictory, no.’

Then if we win this battle against Collah, my son will die?

‘He will be without the stone’.

FATHER, screamed Brey, "How can this be? How can I tell my wife that to save the world, we must lose our son? To save my son, we must destroy