The Last Key: The Chronicles of the Ancients, #3

By Jon-Robert Williams

A demon army is at the Red City's gates. Southern horsemen raid the countryside. The country burns, but the heroic efforts of the Red Guard and its citizens hold off total destruction while Morgan searches for the last key to control the ancient Mechic weapon from the Great War. Is it worth it? What good would come of following the words of the mysterious 'K'? With new allies at his side, along with the famed Ancients, King Morgan fights for the very survival of his kingdom and the world as his enemy fights to become an all powerful god.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jon-Robert Williams
• Release date: Aug 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227398611

Jon-Robert Williams

Jon-Robert Williams is the author of the series The Chronicles of the Ancients, which includes The Violet Crystal, Dark Shadows, and The Last Key. He writes part time while serving in the US Navy and has lived in various places up and down the Eastern seaboard of the US.

Book preview

Prologue

The hour was late, and they had yet to arrive.

Where were they? the Commander wondered for the hundredth time. The thunder was getting closer. The War was coming, already here actually and it was on their doorstep. Nobody was winning, and resources were getting low on both sides. That left very little options for both factions. The end was coming, he knew that, but he didn’t know if the others were coming. Where were they?

Commander! came a shout from the doorway, We have to seal the doors, central just launched!

He pounded his fist on the doorway and cursed everything under the sun. The thunder was closer. Flashes were lighting up the sky, even in the daylight.

Commander!

Yeah, yeah! I heard you the first time! We hold till they get here.

But, Commander, the weapons!

We hold, corporal! he shouted, his tone final, and his eyes murderous. The younger corporal backed off with a nod, muttering under his breath. Another figure appeared in the doorway.

Commander, a soft voice said as a way of greeting.

Thought you’d be in stasis already, Lieutenant.

And miss the fireworks? Hardly, came the reply. The Commander chose not to comment on his poor choice of words. Millions would die, had died, and were dying.

The others had left their post hours ago, so said the reports, what was keeping them? Were they even alive? The thunder was growing closer, and streaks could be seen in the sky. The last resort weapons had been unleashed. It was only a matter of moments now before the world was nothing but a fireball. Green flashes could be seen as the other side shot them down, or smothered them with magic. A shriek nearby made both officers jump.

Damn harpy demons, the Lieutenant spat. He raised his hand and a bolt of shadow shot towards a spot in the trees. A moment later, a large something fell from them and landed with a silent thump. They’re not coming, Commander, we need to get inside. The mission has to succeed above all else, remember?

We wait until the last second. I’ll not say it again, came the steady reply. The Lieutenant only shook his head with a grimace.

The thunder arrived. An earthquake sent them both to their knees, stumbling to regain balance. Green light broke free from the earth and blue fire burned everything it touched.

Damn! Commander, this is it! Let’s go!

You go! I’m staying! he shouted back, bringing forth a shield of energy to protect their entryway against the flame.

You stubborn ass! came a shout from behind. The two officers glanced around and saw three forms sprinting towards them through the smoke.

Hurry up, damn it! We’re bottling up! he shouted, looking relieved.

You should already be inside! a woman shouted as she ran past, dodging a falling, flaming ball of ash. She looked exhausted, and battered. They had seen some fighting on the way. Two more figures ran up then, another woman in his command and a stranger.

Who the hell is this, Doc? We aren’t taking in strays! the Lieutenant shouted, eying the stranger warily.

He saved our lives back there, and we have a few bunks open due to the last attack. I offered him a spot...Sir, she added the last hotly as she limped across and inside the protection of the shield. The stranger was dressed simply, lean, but sure of every movement. He didn’t wear a uniform, but he would do, the Commander thought.

Alright, Doc, get everybody inside and get a- he didn’t finish, because another shudder shook the whole mountain and half of it ceased to exist. He felt himself falling...falling into the chasm of blue fire that had erupted all around him.

NO! came the cries from above, and then an iron hand closed around his wrist and his fall came to a halt. His eyes came to rest on the stranger, who had leapt to certain death in order to stop his fall. It was pointless, he knew. They were too far away from the top now, with no hope to get to shelter before Armageddon.

Climb, damn you! came the stranger’s voice, We can make it!

He climbed, but he knew the truth.

Seal the doors! The stranger looked like he would murder him. He didn’t care. He had a responsibility. The mission was paramount; it had to succeed, with or without him.

Do it! Seal it up! he shouted again.

Never! came the reply from the first woman.

Do it! he commanded.

Make me, brother! she replied hotly, holding out a hand for them.

Climb you fool! the stranger urged him on as he scrambled upward, leaving the commander.

He kept going, a blast almost taking his face off.

Commander!

The shout made him look. A weapon was streaking towards them, so was the blue fire. He made one more push and used his last ounce of strength to summon the magic and it launched him skyward and toward the stranger. He hit with enough force to break bones, but also with enough to get them flying towards the door.

Commander! Shouted the Lieutenant as the doors were sealing themselves.

Catch us! he growled, Liffa!

Sol! The blast came, and the earth shook. Then, all was black. The War had found them.

CHAPTER 1

Morgan and Lee had little luck getting Sol to come around, so they let him lay. They made sure he was comfortable and then set about making camp. After gathering a store of firewood, Morgan cast about with his mind to check for danger. He sensed nothing but the slow hum of the mind key. He sensed nothing from the key of the body, nor the strength that it had lent him in their struggle against the demon. He wondered what the key of the soul would require as a test? Maybe a paladin would know...

Morgan wanted to ask Lee more about her past. How much more did he not know about his childhood friend and lover? He wasn’t sure she was ready to reveal any more just yet. She was very quiet since the encounter with the Absidam. Where had that thunderous voice come from? He gave her space as she seemed deep in thought.

He watched her as he made a small flame, it was all they could risk with enemies all about. She was sitting quietly, sharpening and oiling her whip-blade. She was definitely formidable, and had always been, but now she was a paladin. Thinking as a king, the implications of such for a kingdom besieged by demons could not go unlooked. As her friend, he was worried for her. If she was a warrior for, as she put, the God, then what would be required of her in the future?

Gloomy thoughts followed him into the night as he took the first watch. The small creature that had accompanied Sol never left the Ancient’s side, but gazed steadily at Morgan through his watch. It made no sound and it looked like a squirrel, but bigger. Morgan remembered its other form from the fight with the Absidam and wondered if he had imagined it. Morgan woke the next morning, having slept little, to Sol standing watch.

She needed the rest more than I, was his reply to the unspoken questions. Morgan wasn’t sure that assessment was accurate, seeing the dark circles under the Ancient’s eyes.

Where’d our little friend go?

I’m sure he’s about, somewhere close, Sol grunted, Wake her, too, it's time we left.

Morgan didn’t argue, but trusted Sol’s words and moved to wake Lee. After they broke camp and tried to conceal any sign of their passing, they moved on, but not towards the Red City. Morgan voiced this after he regained his bearings and realized they were moving farther north, but keeping to the great forests that stretched as far north as his kingdom.

You are correct, Sol replied as they walked, we aren’t headed to the capital.

So where are we going? Lee asked.

We still need to find the final key, he answered simply.

Do we know where it is? Morgan asked dubiously.

We do, he replied, ...in the hands of the dead beneath the red ground.

Morgan groaned inwardly. He had thought that his friend had figured out something else about the clue. He had been racking his brains for any mention of the red ground this clue spoke of from his many history lessons, but nothing came to mind. The hands of the dead made him think that they might find it in the crypts below the Red City. Seeing as they were not heading towards the city, he had no idea what to think.

Sol did not elaborate, and when asked to explain his reasoning for their continued journey north he would only shake his head and put his finger to his lips.

I have underestimated the Witch too many times, and I will not do so again. Trust me Morgan and all will be revealed in due time.

They were all exhausted by the time they made camp that night. Sol had a worried look upon his face as they sat before a meager fire. When questioned, he wouldn’t respond other than to look back the way they had come. Morgan grew more worried, even more so because Sol did not seem to be sleeping at all. I’ve slept enough, and I can do so when this is all over, was his only reply.

They crested a ridge the next day and Morgan glanced over and could see smoke in the distance. It made him think of home. He had seen smoke before while fleeing the confrontation in the swamp. Was this more of the same, but now the Red City? He was frustrated at the lack of action, other than the endless walking. He voiced this as they made camp that night. They had no fire, but Sol had produced a ball of light, which kept them warm in the mountains.

This is taking too long, Morgan huffed, My kingdom burns and here we are on a stroll through the mountains.

Calm down, Morgan, Lee commented as she turned over to get comfortable to sleep. It was the only words she had spoken since the fight with the demon.

She’s right, Morgan, Sol agreed, we each are doing what we need to do to win this fight.

Do you know what is going on out there?! Morgan gestured towards the direction he had seen the smoke.

If I did, it doesn’t matter, Morgan, Sol replied, We can’t let our enemy unleash the weapon on the world, so forward we go...

Morgan turned and looked into the night. He wondered how everyone was doing. He knew the city wouldn’t fare much better with him there. Between the Red Guard, Lumlis, and Amherst, the city was well defended. After the events involving the violet crystal he knew his friends would not, as Sol mentioned, underestimate the enemy.

You are right about one thing, though, your Majesty, Sol said with a tired sigh.

What is that?

We are going too slow. We’ll go faster in the morning.

How do you propose we do that? he asked confusedly.

You take the first watch, Sol replied as he drifted off, we’ll discuss it tomorrow...

CHAPTER 2

A little less, Morgan .

The young king had not been paying attention and when he looked down he saw he was hovering a few feet off the ground.

Oops, he muttered and then released the magic.

You have to focus, Morgan, Sol said, Again.

Morgan called forth the magic, slower this time, imagining himself lighter. He felt instant relief on his legs as his weight was lifted by the unseen magic. Sol nodded, sensing his feelings.

Right, now that you’ve got it you have to be able to hold it for a long period of time. For right now, practice running around this clearing. I don’t need you accidentally flinging yourself off a cliff later on.

Morgan took off running, but had to pick himself off the ground after three steps because he misjudged the force needed and launched his body through the air. Sol and Lee were good enough to not laugh, although Lee did smirk a little.

He tried again and at least didn’t fall until he jumped over a log. After one successful attempt, Sol had him extend his magic to Lee and they each raced around the clearing.

Ok, that’s enough of that. How do you feel? Sol asked.

I feel like I could run for hours, Morgan replied with a grin. He wasn’t breathing hard at all.

Try days...

Morgan’s face was troubled, Days?

Maybe, Sol shrugged, It just depends on how well you two can keep up. He winked and then was gone in a flash. Morgan was surprised at first, but when Lee punched his arm and shouted, Move! he took off after the Ancient.

It took them a few hours to get the hang of going over the rougher terrain, but then the miles melted away. When they stopped for the night, Lee inquired as to how far they had come. Sol shrugged and simply said, Roughly the distance that a man on horseback can cover in two days...

Lee’s face said everything that was racing through Morgan’s mind. To come so far was unheard of! At this rate, they could grab the last key and be back at the capital in under a week!

Get some sleep, Sol said as he took the first watch. His energy seemed restored and looked to be his old self. Morgan didn’t feel tired, but he didn’t argue and was asleep in minutes.

His dreams were troubled. He awoke for his turn at watch a little before dawn, but he could only remember parts of his dream. He had been scared of something and then there were flames all around, even upon his blade. He shook the dream away and drew his sword and stalked around their camp. They were down in a valley and he could see the peaks of the Red Mountains to the East, with the jagged peaks of the Giants teeth to the immediate West. He sat and stared at the blade. He had used it many times since receiving it from Amherst, and it still had zero knicks, scrapes, or any other blemish. The blade was from the old world, he had learned, and its strange ability to reflect an incoming strike of another blade still baffled him every time it happened.

More to keep himself awake than any thought of discovery, he brought forth his magic and bent his thoughts towards the blade. Maybe he could gain some insight into the strange weapon. He was disappointed. The blade was just that, a blade forged of metals he had no name for, but just a blade. It had no magic...but...what?

He glanced down the blade to the hilt and saw something...strange. Before when he would shift into the magical spirit realm and look upon a magic object it would shine with a bright light. The crystal in the pommel didn’t shine...it swirled. It was like a tiny whirlpool of light. It wasn’t bright, but definitely a light of some sort. He tried to use the magic to help him discover the properties of this strange phenomenon, but nothing was forthcoming. The swirl did not repel his force, nor did it radiate anything other than the dull light.

A movement right in front of him had him up and pointing his blade at a large creature that had somehow gotten close without Morgan knowing. He relaxed only slightly when he realized he was looking at the same creature that had helped him fight the Absidam. This giant creature towered over him. Its head was easily the size of a small barn, with horns that curled on either side. Morgan wasn’t sure which was larger, the horns, or the tusks coming out of its mouth. It was crouched, looking intently at the blade in his hand, and Morgan was able to get a good look at the rest of the creature.

There were two powerful arms, or legs, up front and two smaller, but muscular legs in the back. Morgan noticed a piece of skin, or fur, or...something that stretched between the front and back legs. The creature was huge, strange, and...ugly. He couldn’t even try to look at it any other way. Nature had played some cruel joke on this creature. Suddenly, it locked eyes with Morgan, and roared.

Morgan couldn’t hear it with his ears, but in his mind. It numbed his thoughts and dropped him to his knees. He placed a hand on the Mind Key and the roaring effect was filtered, if only a little. He sent out probes of thought and magic so he could be prepared for an attack, although he didn’t think it meant him any harm. It had placed itself between him and the Absidam...

As soon as it had started, the roaring stopped and the creature laid down, turning its eyes once more to the blade.

Morgan released the magic and came out of the spirit realm. He could see nothing in front of him now. He turned around to locate the beast, but nothing moved...and then it did.

He raised the sword again at the motion coming from the darkness. He lowered it just as quickly as he realized it was only the strange small, squirrel-like creature from before. He shifted back to the spirit realm and saw again the huge beast. He shifted back and saw the squirrel.

No way... he muttered. The animal came closer and then quickly climbed up his leg to his shoulder, chittering in a soft, comforting sort of way. Morgan was both shaken and awed by what he had seen. He shook his head as he glanced at the creature, which was gazing at his blade intently.

So what is it you want, little...umm..guy? He wondered which was the creature’s true form.

The creature continued to chitter softly. It might have been a trick of the eye, but Morgan could have sworn that the jewel in the pommel of his sword flashed briefly, but what he didn’t imagine was the shock that shot up his arm at the same moment the paw of the creature touched the weapon.

He jerked, and nearly dropped the sword, but another shock locked his muscles and his hand. He couldn’t have dropped it if he wanted to. What was going on?

Morgan? Sol whispered from the shadows. A light flared in the Ancient’s hand to illuminate his face and the surrounding area. He took in the scene before him and caught sight of the small creature, Ah...hello my friend. I wondered where you had gotten off to.

Sol...my sword...what is this? Morgan stammered.  His hand was still clenched around the hilt. Sol walked over and calmly took the blade from him. Morgan felt a slight twinge as his hand left the weapon, and he watched as the Ancient examined it closely. He handed it back and bade Morgan to sit down on a stump. Morgan could see through the feeble light that the Ancient was struggling with a decision, but in the end he came to a decision.

So this sword of yours... he grunted. He shook his head and continued on, Liffa and I had our suspicions when we first saw you use it. The blue stone in the pommel also clued us in to what we were seeing.

Morgan wanted to say, And that was? but he resisted the urge.

"Swords like yours were rare even when they were new.