One Hundred Nismera

The walls sizzled where magic had burned them, and a thousand and one pieces of metal lay scattered about. The last table clattered to the floor as my guards ransacked Killium’s makeshift shop. I twirled my spear, crunching the ashes of mercenaries beneath my boot. I stopped and spun, pointing the tip toward Killium. “A little birdie told me you made a strange weapon for a strange man. So tell me. Where is the fate?”

Killium laughed, his teeth bleeding pale white blood. “You think fate needs a weapon?”

My boot collided with his chest. I kicked until I heard a bone break, and he screamed.

I flipped my hair back, smoothing the sides. “Answer the question, or I will decorate the walls with you.” I grabbed his jaw, forcing him to look at the dust smear nearby. “Like I did with sweet old Jaski.”

“You have already taken everything from me. I hope you rot.”

The world shook, and I stumbled off my feet. My guards rushed forward, grabbing my arms and helping me stand back up. I pushed them off, sneering. “I’m fine.”

There was another deep rumble, and parts of the ceiling began to crumble.

I straightened myself once more, wiping my hands over the front of my armor. A wet, deep laugh came from the corner of the room.

“Something funny?” I snarled at him.

Killium sat up, his hand holding his cracked ribs. “You think I made a weapon for a fate? You’re as dumb as you look. I made a weapon to bridge a gap, to fix what you broke.”

My hand whipped out, grabbing him by the throat. “What does that mean?” I hissed.

Thunder echoed across the sky, and a soldier burst through the door a heartbeat later.

“My liege.”

“Not now, Grog.” I spun, still holding Killium, my spear drawn. “Can you not see I am in the middle of maiming?”

His eyes were so wide they took up most of his face. He stammered and pointed up. “The sky, my liege. It’s moving.”

“What?” I asked, my brows furrowing. Killium started laughing again, even though it obviously hurt. I shook him and growled, “What do you know?”

“You’re out of time.” He smiled at me. “The true king has returned.”

He was still smiling when I rammed the spear through his midsection. His body disintegrated into a heap of dust, and I turned toward the stairs. My generals let me pass and then followed me up the steps to the front door.

The town gathered outside, everyone gasping and pointing toward the sky. I looked up and watched in disbelief as the silver disappeared and the clouds bellowed. The sky split, and rain poured down. Thunder roared, so loud and violent that everyone on the streets cringed and scrambled toward their homes. My eyes stayed drawn to the sky.

“Our next order, my liege?” one soldier asked.

I gripped the spear deathly tight, steel creaking in my hand.

“Prepare for Tatil’ee.”