Quest of the Staff and the Sword III: The Dark Kingdom

By T.K. Kohl

In this riveting third installment of the epic adventure of the Quest of the Staff and the Sword, millions of half-dead soldiers, whom Luke raised from the dead, ensure that Luke's power will grow, with seemingly no one to stop him. But suddenly, a mysterious stranger steps out of the shadows...Has Luke met his true match? T. K. Kohl is as much reader as he is the author of Quest of the Staff and the Sword III: The Dark Kingdom, hoping that his enjoyment writing this saga for young adults comes through to readers. As Luke draws on ancient secrets hidden in a tower to help him establish his places as Dark Lord, readers will feel the darkness of Quest of the Staff and the Sword III around them, but also the light of hope along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Jun 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781977215185

T.K. Kohl

T.K. Kohl has a bachelor’s degree from Logos Christian College. Much of his life has been spent working in the technical field and customer service. He is the proud father of two adult sons, whom he considers his greatest accomplishments. In his spare time, he enjoys bringing the world of his imagination to life through fiction.

Book preview

1

A shield of darkness covered the whole earth. Darkness, which can be felt. All light consumed. Even in the noon hour, no light is given from the heavenly orb. The blackness weighed heavy on the world of man. The soul of Death saturated the earth.

Along the ridge, twelve horses journeyed through the dark. The riders wore hooded long leather coats and carried torches to light their way. The horses galloped at full speed to the north, barely slowing to make their turn. They rode down the trail passing behind the curtain of fog, which covered the valley below. They turned to the north and deeper into the ghostly murkiness that surrounded them.

One of the riders stopped and dismounted. The hooded person walked forward and stood on the edge of a pentagram. Inside each point of the pentagram, were five blood covered stone tables. The remains of sacrificed humans still lie on top. The smell of death filled the air. The rider knelt down and bowed her head. The other riders dismounted and joined the first, bowing their heads in honor of the dead.

One rider stood and proclaimed. Out of this death the mountain fell. The lost tower exposed. An army of death arose. The world was covered in darkness. No light exposed. We have left the land that is filled with light. We must hurry before the Dark Lord knows.

The other riders stood and followed the first. They walked through the vapor up to a gorge. They moved along the gorge until they came to a stone bridge. They ran across the bridge reaching the base of an ancient tower. They entered the tower through an open passage. They walked to the base of stairs, which encircled the interior walls.

They ran up the stairs on the inside of this archaic tower. The group came to a trapdoor, which had recently been unsealed. They climbed into the large musty room. To one side was an open door. The riders walked onto a ramp, which led to the apex of this tower. The fog-covered valley gave the appearance this ancient tower floated on clouds.

They re-entered the large room. They walked up stairs into a smaller room. The twelve gathered inside this small room filled with thousands of scrolls and tablets. One of the riders walked forward to the opposite corner of the room. She knelt down and examined a stack of scrolls and tablets. The woman pointed towards the stack. This is what we came for. Grab these and let’s get out of here.

Each rider filled their backpacks with tablets and scrolls. Each rider pulled the straps of the backpacks over their shoulders. They exited the room leaving behind the many thousands of tablets and scrolls, not needed for their purpose.

The riders ran across the large room to the spiral stairway. Moving as one, the riders quickly traversed the stairs before exiting the tower. The riders stepped into the dark mist, which covered the land. They quickly made their way across the stone bridge. The riders leaped onto their horses.

The riders rode along the cliff until they found the trail, which leads up to the ridge. Their speed did not subside upon reaching the top of this ridge. The horses turned towards the west heading for home. After several hours of travel, the riders stopped for the night.

Everyone dismounted. Wood was gathered. The fire came to life. The riders remained silent as they gazed into the fire.

Elizabeth Elias looked around the fire. Next to her, sat her nine-year-old daughter, Nikki Elias. Nikki had watched her parents be shot dead before her eyes. John, Elizabeth’s husband, had adopted her as his own daughter. Through her marriage to John, Nikki had become her daughter.

Her parents, Marion and Henry Jedidiah, sat next to Nikki. Next to them, her friends, Gabe and Stephanie Katriel, then Mike and Madeline Gideon, and then Mark and Christine Franc stared into the fire. Knaramor sat to Elizabeth’s left watching over Elizabeth.

Across from the fire, Mikhael, the leader of the Malaikat stared at Elizabeth. The Malaikat are winged people who serve the world of man. Mikhael pulled back his hood. He looked around the camp. You should get rest. We need not stay out from the protection of the Wall of Fire, for too long.

Henry stood. I don’t get this. He turned to his daughter. Elizabeth, why are we out here gathering tablets and scrolls anyway?

Mikhael stood. When that tower was sealed, it would not be opened until the season of The One. The One must use these tablets and scrolls to assist him in his quest.

Henry threw up his hands. In case you didn’t notice, The One was killed a few days ago. His body was completely destroyed. Henry turned to Elizabeth and pointed towards Nikki. Elizabeth, you’re not going to believe a little girl’s fantasies are you?

Elizabeth looked at Nikki. She stood. She looked into her father’s face. Dad, look around you. We are surrounded by a darkness that is covering the entire world. Right now we should be watching a sunset, but instead it’s darker than night. We’ve seen many strange things. All that you see is not as it seems. Yes, I do believe John is alive.

Mike leaped to his feet. Come on, Elizabeth. We watched him die. We watched his body be eaten by those sick bastards. They even crushed his bones into powder. John is dead. The One is dead. There is no hope.

Elizabeth bowed her head. She looked into everyone’s faces. Tears came to her eyes. Mike, I believe in John. It’s time for all of you to believe in him.

Mike laughed. Your husband is dead, Elizabeth. You need to get over it. We have a land filled with people that needs us. We don’t need someone leading them who is holding onto the idea their dead husband is still alive. And we don’t need to be going out on silly excursions, putting our lives in danger.

Nikki stood. She looked at everyone’s faces. She turned to Elizabeth. Do not argue with him, mommy. Those who only choose to look with their eyes will never see the marvelous things you and I have seen. Nikki lay on the ground, wrapped her coat around her, and closed her eyes.

Elizabeth looked into everyone’s faces, shook her head, and walked to the edge of the camp. She leaned against a rock and stared into the darkness. She heard a sound behind her. She turned. Knaramor stood behind her. Elizabeth looked up at the tall dark-skinned man. Yes, Knaramor, what can I do for you?

Knaramor bowed his head. Before he died, John gave me one task. That was to make sure you were protected. I will not fail him. He looked into Elizabeth’s face. He smiled.

Elizabeth turned away. She looked out at this dark void, which covered the entire earth. Do you believe he’s dead? Elizabeth turned to Knaramor. She watched his face in the glow of the fire.

Knaramor bowed his head. My eyes watched him die. He looked towards the camp. Sometimes a child can see things better than us adults. He turned to Elizabeth. If you had asked that question five years ago, I would have said yes. John showed me he was more than my eyes were seeing. My pride nearly destroyed my life. I will not allow pride to keep me from seeing my friend again.

Elizabeth smiled. She gave him a kiss on his cheek. She walked over and lay next to Nikki. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

When Elizabeth awoke, she opened her eyes. She looked up into darkness. Nikki leaned over her face and gave her a kiss. It’s sad, mommy.

Elizabeth looked at Nikki’s tear-filled eyes. What’s sad, Nikki?

Nikki looked up at the sky. We can’t see the sunrise. The world can’t see the sunrise. How will the world be renewed? She looked into Elizabeth’s face. We can’t lose our hope, mommy. Tears ran down Nikki’s cheeks.

Elizabeth sat up. She pulled Nikki into her arms. Nikki held up a rose. Daddy left this for you, mommy. He removed the thorns so you won’t prick your fingers.

Elizabeth smiled. She put the flower to her nose. Where did you get this rose, Nikki?

Nikki looked into her eyes. I told you, daddy left it for you. He said he loves you and will see you soon.

Elizabeth smiled. She gave Nikki a kiss. She turned. Her mother was lying nearby staring at her. Elizabeth stood.

Marion leaped to her feet. I know Nikki may be having a hard time coping with the loss of John, but you need to start helping her understand. John is dead.

Elizabeth smiled at her mother. Why are you certain he’s dead? I believe he’s alive and Nikki believes he’s alive. One day you will see. Elizabeth turned.

Marion grabbed her arm. You need help, Elizabeth. I’m sure we can find a psychiatrist somewhere in Quoin Ataraxis. They can talk to you and help you get over the death of John.

Elizabeth laughed. She walked around Marion. She walked over to a rock and leaned against it. She admired the rose in her hand.

John loves you very much, Elizabeth. Stephanie walked up behind her.

Elizabeth turned to Stephanie. You say that like you know he’s alive.

Stephanie smiled. Gabe and I have talked about it. John told us before he died. No matter what we see or hear, we should understand he is alive. I love all that John has done for me. When John touched me, something happened inside. I don’t know if I can ever explain it. His touch penetrated my soul. Even when I watched him die, I knew in my heart, he was alive. He’s alive in each of our hearts, if not physically alive.

Elizabeth looked towards the camp. She looked at Stephanie. My mind is telling me, its wishful thinking. Elizabeth bowed her head. I’m a doctor. I learned that if a person’s heart is ripped from their body and somebody eats it, that person is dead. I watched those people eat John’s body. They crushed his bones into powder. There was nothing left of him but the blood stained stones on the town square. I struggle to understand it. Do I believe in him, or do I have a deep conviction that he is alive?

Stephanie wrapped her arms around Elizabeth. I know what you mean. The world has taught us none of this is possible. Maybe that’s why Nikki can accept this. She hasn’t learned what’s impossible yet.

Elizabeth smiled. The two women walked into the camp.

Mikhael ran into the camp. We must be leaving. The Kehtu are on the move. The Dark Lord’s forces will soon sense our presence outside the Wall of Fire.

Everyone picked up their belongings and mounted their horses. They rode west. After several hours of traveling, the rhythmic sound of a large marching army filled the air. They dismounted and ran to the crest of a hill. Everyone lay on their bellies and watched the tail end of a massive army marching towards the north. Each step was as thunder echoing. The soldiers carried torches as they marched. The torches extended to the northern horizon and beyond. The Dark Lord’s army was millions strong. They were on their way to deliver death to the world of man.

Elizabeth heard a sound behind her. She turned. One of the soldiers was standing behind her. She rolled to the side. The soldier’s blade penetrated the ground where she had been lying. She unsheathed her sword and brought her blade through the neck of the soldier. His head went flying. The body fell to the ground. Elizabeth leaped to her feet. Everyone ran to her side.

The soldier’s head shouted out. I found the golden haired woman.

Elizabeth turned towards the army. The last company of soldiers stopped. They ran towards the hill. Everyone ran for their horses. The entire company of soldiers dropped down around them. They had leaped up the hill and over them. They held their swords in front of them. The twelve stood together and faced the company of soldiers.

Elizabeth stared at the faces of the soldiers. What she saw was not human. Their faces were skeletal with decaying flesh. Skeletal hands held onto their weapons. Their eyes were empty sockets with a red glow deep inside. The entire company of soldiers appeared to be staring at Elizabeth.

A horse carrying a rider rode up from Elizabeth’s right. The rider rode to the front of the soldiers. He stopped beside the head lying on the ground. Pick this up and get in formation.

The body of the soldier stood. It walked over to the head. It picked up its head and placed it on its shoulders. It joined the formation of soldiers.

The rider rode in front of the group of twelve. He pulled back his hood and stared at Elizabeth with a red glow where his eye sockets should be. I am captain of this company. You with the golden hair will surrender to me. The rest may go free.

What are you? Madeline shouted.

The captain laughed. We are the Kehtu. We lived many years ago. The Dark Lord has raised us from the dead. The power of Halel lives in us. To you we are half-dead. As time goes by, the flesh on our bodies will become whole.

Elizabeth pointed towards the soldiers. It’s a shame you will die again before you are made whole.

The captain laughed. We cannot die. He pointed his skeletal finger towards Elizabeth. I have orders to bring you back to my lord Nimrod, dead or alive. You can save your friends lives by surrendering now. If you don’t, my men will kill you and your friends.

Nikki leaped in front of Elizabeth. You are the one who will die.

Elizabeth reached for Nikki. Nikki, what are you doing?

The captain of the soldiers pointed towards Nikki and laughed. What? Do you have little girls protecting you? The entire company of half dead laughed.

The captain rode forward. He raised his sword.

Elizabeth reached for Nikki’s arm. Nikki, get back.

The captain approached Nikki. Nikki leaped in the air, spun, swung her blade, did a flip, and landed on the other side of the horse.

The captain fell from his horse. His head rolled to the side. The company of Kehtu stepped back.

Elizabeth ran to Nikki’s side. That was impressive.

Nikki smiled. I tripped on the landing.

The headless body of the captain sat up. It searched the ground with its hands. It found its head and placed it where it belonged. Get them.

The soldiers rushed forward. Elizabeth and the other eleven ran forward, their blades removing heads from side to side. The bodies of the soldiers fell behind them. The battle raged. The twelve moved through the company of soldiers. Two soldiers swung their swords at Elizabeth. She ducked. They removed each other’s heads.

The twelve fought with everything they had. Once they made their way past the company of soldiers, they turned. The entire company lay on the ground. The bodies sat up, reattached their heads, climbed to their feet, and turned towards Elizabeth’s company.

Elizabeth and the other eleven looked at each other. The soldiers ran at them again. Knaramor stood beside Elizabeth. The two put their backs to each other. The soldiers fought their way towards them. A soldier swung his blade. Knaramor’s blade clanged against the soldier’s blade in front of Elizabeth’s face. Knaramor spun and removed the soldier’s head.

The blade of another soldier penetrated Mike’s body. Mike fell to the ground. Madeline ran to his side. She removed the heads of several soldiers. A soldier ran his sword through her. She fell on top of Mike.

Elizabeth and Knaramor continued the fight. She turned. Gabe fell to the ground, blood pouring from a wound in his chest. Stephanie fought against the soldiers. Stephanie looked at Elizabeth, blood oozing from her mouth. The blade of another soldier protruded from Stephanie’s chest. She looked towards Elizabeth. You should run, Elizabeth. We’re all going to die.

Elizabeth’s parents fell to the ground. Elizabeth continued to fight. Nikki fell to the ground. Mark and Christine fell. Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes. Everyone was covered in blood. Elizabeth’s company lay on the ground, dying or dead. The battle was lost.

Knaramor screamed out in pain. She turned. Knaramor fell to his knees. He looked at Elizabeth. I’m sorry, Elizabeth. He fell on his face, breathing his last.

Elizabeth looked around. All of her family and friends lie dead. Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes. What had she done?

The captain of the soldiers rode towards Elizabeth. Elizabeth held her blade in front of her. She turned her head side to side watching for any approaching soldiers.

The captain laughed. A soldier ran towards Elizabeth. Elizabeth blocked his blade, spun, and removed the soldier’s head. She turned towards the captain. His spear pierced her chest exploding out her back.

Elizabeth fell to her knees. She spit up blood. The pain was intense. Elizabeth looked into Nikki’s dead eyes. What had she done? Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes. She looked at the boots of the captain. She looked up into the captain’s face. She looked at her friends. Everyone was dead and death was approaching her.

Knaramor’s body lay behind Elizabeth. He wasn’t breathing. Mikhael’s bloody body was lying not far away. Elizabeth’s parents lay next to each other. Their lifeless eyes stared into the sky.

Tears, mixed with blood, ran down Elizabeth’s cheeks. She looked at the spear in her own body. Filled with rage, she swung her blade towards the captain. The captain used his sword to knock hers away. Elizabeth fell back to her butt. The soldiers surrounded her. She coughed up more blood. The chain, holding the two golden keys, slipped out of her shirt.

The captain twisted the spear.

Elizabeth screamed out in pain. The captain reached for the keys. My lord will be very pleased with me.

Elizabeth grabbed the two keys. You won’t touch these keys.

The captain laughed as he twisted the spear again.

Aagh. Elizabeth screamed in pain.

The captain pulled the chain from her neck. He lifted the keys over his head. Now the gates of Jannah Erebus will be opened. The Dark Kingdom will rule forever.

The Captain lifted his blade. He looked into Elizabeth’s face. It’s time for you to die. He took direct aim for Elizabeth’s head.

Elizabeth dropped her head waiting for death to arrive.

The captain’s sword clanged against some unseen force. A light flashed so bright, Elizabeth had to shield her eyes. The light faded. She lay on the ground. The pain was intense. She knew she was about to die. She looked around. Fires were burning all around. Tears mixed with her blood. Her friends and family’s dead bodies were lying amongst the fires.

Elizabeth bowed her head. She cried. She closed her eyes. She mustered up her strength. She shouted. I’m sorry, John. I have failed you.

Elizabeth gasped for air. She coughed up blood one more time. She sucked in air, and let it out one last time, as darkness enveloped her mind.

2

The captain walked up close to the blond haired woman. He motioned for one of his soldiers to attack her. He grabbed the spear and stood ready. She removed the head of his soldier. She turned to face him. He drove the spear into her chest until the point exploded out her back. She fell to the ground.

She bent over and spit up blood. He looked around at the remainder of her warriors. Her warriors were dead. He turned to the golden haired woman. The flash of light caught his eye. The golden keys, which would unlock the gates of Jannah Erebus, hung around her neck. His lord would be pleased at this prize.

The captain grabbed the spear and twisted it. The woman screamed. He reached for the keys. This brave warrior held onto the keys, willing to give her life to save humankind. He grabbed the spear and twisted it again. He grabbed the keys and pulled them from her neck. He held them over his head. Now the gates of Jannah Erebus will be opened. The Dark Kingdom will rule forever.

He looked at the golden haired woman. He laughed. It’s time for you to die. He brought his blade towards her head. His blade hit an invisible barrier. A light flashed brightly. He closed his eyes and felt himself flying backwards. He landed on the ground slipping into unconsciousness.

The captain opened his eyes. He sat up and looked around the battlefield. His company of soldiers lay on the ground burning. He looked at the golden haired woman. She lay on the ground in a pool of blood. He was certain she was dead. His spear still pierced her heart. Her warriors lay on the ground, not far from her, lying in pools of blood. None was breathing. All were dead.

The captain stood. He walked towards the golden haired woman. He would collect her head as a prize for his lord. An unseen force hit him in the chest sending him backwards. He hit the ground hard. He sat up and looked around. He reached in his left pants pocket. He pulled out the golden keys. He examined the keys. He smiled, leaped up, and mounted his horse. He looked towards his burning soldiers. He looked at the fallen warriors and the golden haired woman. He kicked the sides of his horse and galloped towards the north. He was eager to bring the prize of the golden keys to Nimrod.

He traveled about a mile. In front of him was a large campfire. He slowed his horse to a trot. He moved cautiously towards the camp. He rode up and looked around. There didn’t seem to be anyone around. He dismounted his horse and moved in close to the fire. He stared at the fire for a few moments. He looked around again. No one seemed to be around. He turned to the fire. A man wearing a black long leather coat, holding an armload of wood, was standing in front of him. The man’s hood was pulled low over his face.

The man dropped the wood. Why are you stealing?

The captain put his hand on the handle of his sword. The man reached back and pulled a golden staff from behind him. He stood in front of the captain holding the golden staff, which was about six feet long. The top of the staff had the head of an eagle made of ivory. I asked you, why are you stealing?

The captain smiled with his skeletal mouth. I was traveling along and I saw your fire. I came over to check out the fire. I haven’t stolen anything.

The man stared at him. He pointed towards the fire. You’re stealing my heat.

The captain stepped back. He studied the man for a moment. Your heat? How could I steal your heat?

The man smiled. Are you warm?

The captain looked at the fire. He turned to the hooded stranger. I guess a little.

Then you’re stealing my heat.

The captain shook his head. He turned towards his horse. Look, I’ll be on my way.

The man held the staff in front of the captain. You won’t leave until you pay me for what you’ve stolen.

The captain unsheathed his sword. I don’t have any money.

The man stepped back and examined the captain. Since you have no money, I will take your leg as payment.

The captain swung his sword. The man blocked the blade with his staff. The captain’s sword went flying into the air with a twist of this man’s wrist. The man leaped up, grabbed the handle of the sword, spun, and removed the captain’s left leg.

The captain fell to the ground. He looked up at the hooded stranger. The man picked up the skeletal leg. Now go before I request further payment. The man threw the captain’s leg on the fire.

The captain dragged himself to his horse. He reached up and grabbed the reins. The man shouted from behind him. Hey, I almost forgot. This is yours.

The captain looked over his shoulder. His sword was flying directly at him. It stuck in the ground inches from his crotch. The captain looked at the man. He grabbed his sword and used it as a brace to help him to his foot. He climbed on his horse. He checked the pocket of the pants on his now missing leg. The keys were still there. He stared at the man as he rode past him. He rode down the road. He looked over his shoulder. The man and the fire were gone.

The captain rode north another mile. He saw a campfire. He rode up to the edge of the camp. He looked around. He looked over his shoulder. He looked around the camp. No one seemed to be around. He shook his head and turned away from the fire. He traveled under a tree. He noticed an apple hanging from the tree. He pulled the apple from the limb. He took a bite of the apple.

Why are you stealing? The hooded stranger stepped in front of his horse holding a basket of apples. He set the basket down. He grabbed his staff and stared at the captain.

The captain looked at the apple. He looked at the hooded stranger. This apple was on this tree. I’m not stealing.

The hooded stranger pointed towards the tree. It’s my tree.

The captain threw the apple at the hooded stranger. Take your apple.

The hooded stranger caught the apple. He looked at the captain. You already took a bite. You will pay me for what you’ve stolen.

The captain kicked the side of his horse. The horse bucked forward. The hooded stranger hit the front of the horse. The horse reared up on its hind legs, throwing the captain to the ground. The captain unsheathed his sword. The hooded stranger hit his hand with his staff. The sword flew up into the air. The hooded stranger caught the sword. He looked down at the captain. I want payment, now.

The captain pointed behind him. I told you back there, I don’t have any money.

The hooded stranger brought the blade down. He removed the captain’s right leg. He picked up the skeletal leg. Now, go, before I request further payment. The hooded stranger walked towards the fire.

The captain checked his pocket. He still had the keys. He grabbed the reins of his horse.

The hooded man shouted back. Silly me. I almost forgot. This is yours.

The captain looked over his shoulder. The handle of his sword hit him