Kings of Earth-D37-2: Dewis

Earth-D37-2, Hydrodrengia, Kingdom of Stillwaters

"We are being overwhelmed. What should we do, Your Highness?" One of the guards shouted, his voice didn't conceal the panic that was also projected on his face.

As much as I wanted to ease his fear, I knew I couldn't lie to him. I believe that it was important to always let them know the truth, so they'd know what to do, rather than keep them under the warm, comfort of ignorant bliss that could only end in more pain and suffering on them all.

My gaze sharpened as I hear yet another loud blast outside the castle walls. I looked at my loyal guardsmen, gazing into as many eyes as I could, in hopes that I could alleviate some of their fears.

"My men," my voice boomed throughout the throne room. "I am no fool and I don't want to waste lives to fight a losing battle."

"What we will do," I added hastily before they could express their reactions from my announcement, "is to evacuate the kingdom while I hold the enemies from storming in, buying you time to get the elders, women, and children to safety. The borders of Pyrotia are open and are ready to receive refugees as we speak. Never look back and I want all of you to swear to lend your strength to Pyrotia if ever they get attacked."

Murmurs of protests and indignation filled the room. I knew my men would never leave me behind but I have little choice in the matter. What mattered most to me at the moment was to ensure the safety of my people, even if it cost me my life.

I banged my scepter on the floor, the booming noise reverberated on the walls of the palace. My magic wasn't the way it used to be, it can barely do anything other than send a slight tremor on the ground as of late.

However, it was enough to get the attention of my soldiers.

"I am touched by your loyalty and your devotion to the crown. But we all know that the villagers and those who can't fight needs you more. As King, I order all of you to do my bidding!"

When no one set foot towards the path that leads to the secret escape tunnels built in the palace, I banged my scepter on the floor again. The throne room wobbled a little stronger than before when a blast from outside occurred at the same time, intensifying the effect.

It did the trick, though, I silently mused as I watched most of my men scramble from the throne room to head towards the tunnels. I trust that my men would do the right thing.

Gripping my scepter tightly, I reached up and undo the knot that ties my royal cape together. I called to the last man out to take it and to give it to those who will need warmth. I wouldn't be needing it any time soon.

"King Dewis," a voice called out, making me freeze in place.

I know that voice. I expected the owner of the voice to flee with the rest, to lead the men and keep the peace and order in my absence.

Turning, I glared at the last and only man standing in front of me.

His bright yellow eyes, just a few shades lighter than mine, blazed with repressed rage and fury. His white-knuckled grip on his favorite spear, Pierce, didn't escape my notice, turning his light blue skin to almost white yet his face was a deep blue--a deeper shade than what was usual in our kind.

Despite his show of anger, I never feared he'll unleash those volatile emotions on me.

I knew him quite well.

"Aqueous, what are you still doing here? You know I rely on you to lead our men for a safe passage to Pyrotia!"

He stiffened his stance and gave a curt nod, "I understand. Which is why I asked Droplet to lead the men to safety."

I mulled over the information. Droplet was one of the best guardsmen in his time. But that was the point.

His time.

That was the time when my grandfather was still on the throne and my father was off to war with the Darkness. Where he never came back.

However, I couldn't deny the fact that Droplet was the next man I had in mind who was capable of leading the men. Not only that he had the experience of a well-seasoned warrior, but he also had a wife and kids to take care of. I knew he loves them dearly and he won't risk their lives to come back and aid me with my plan.

Not that I needed any help but it looked like Aqueous didn't think so.

I sighed, swinging my scepter in a pattern. The scepter flashed a brilliant light before turning into my sword, Light Bringer. I ignored my right-hand man as I head towards the massive doors, heavily drawn with runes, which was the only barrier between the minions of Darkness and the throne room.

"I have no time to argue with you, Aqueous."

"I didn't leave the throne room for the sole purpose of arguing with you, Your Highness," he replied in a tight voice as he walked beside me, much to my dismay.

I threw him a frustrated look. "Then go and lead the men to safety."

"That is also not the reason why I stayed."

He stepped in front of me that I had to stop to avoid bumping into him.

"Let me fight along your side, Your Highness. If you deny me, you know I'll still fight alongside you."

Despite myself, I felt the corner of my lips twitch in amusement. I was failing at hiding my mirth in front of him so I just shook my head.

"I guess I should have expected this from you. Very well, then."

I reached over and pat his shoulder, staring him in the eyes.

"We shall protect our people, no matter what. But I am glad to be fighting alongside you, brother."

Aqueous's eyes became shiny but he blinked them away and swallowed, as if it was equivalent to swallowing the thick emotions that swirling around us along with the heavy feel of the tension outside.

I've seen the numbers of our enemies outside as well as the damage that's been done. There was a high chance that I wouldn't survive the fight.

There was an equally high chance for my half-brother to die. Even though I tried so hard to spare him from death, I couldn't bend his will to leave me. Especially when sparing him won't make a difference, Stillwater would still be without a King.

Even though Aqueous was a beloved sibling, as a bastard son, born from the loneliness of the deceased Queen, our mother, from an unknown stranger, the throne of Stillwater rejected him as a candidate for ruling the kingdom.

Yet he displayed an impressive skill in battle and tactics that I didn't think twice in appointing him as my right-hand man, the leader of my army, whose sworn duty was to protect the royal members of Stillwater with their lives.

One that he was fulfilling right here, right now.

He didn't say anything but then, he didn't need to. I could see, read, hear, and feel everything he wanted me to know burning in his eyes. And I silently despaired over the fact that I would be witnessing my brother's demise. I knew, deep down, it was the same worry swirling in my brother's mind.

However, duty calls. Our people's safety was our priority. I knew that and Aqueous knew that.

He gave me a curt nod which I returned in kind. He stepped out of the way and took his position beside me, preparing Pierce.

I stared at the runes on the door and they were fading. It was only a matter of time before it weakens and the minions of Darkness surge in. Best to do the impossible and the unexpected.

And that was to attack the Dark army head-on.

With a wave of my hand, the runes disappeared, and the doors opened swiftly, despite the size.

Holding Light Bringer with both hands, I channel my abilities inside it. A ball of blue light began to encompass my weapon, and with a war cry, I lunged.

The light flew from the sword making a beeline for the minions that were stunned at the sudden opening of the door.

Beside me, I heard Aqueous shout his own war cry before flinging his spear towards the light from Light Bringer.

As soon as his spear pierced the light, it explodes, creating millions more of light that sought out the enemies and disintegrating them on contact. Their hideous squeals fill the air while the rest of their comrades froze in place, stunned at the unexpected attack.

We didn't wait for them to recover.

Glancing at each other and nodding, Aqueous and I began sprinting towards the enemy. I drew Light Bringer while my brother extends his arm, catching Pierce in mid-air as it returned to him.

We will fight for the safety of our people, for the safety of the land. And even if we would die today, we die with honor.

I've made my peace. This was the end for me. For both of us.

My only wish was to know peace once again. To witness it once more in Stillwater. To be able to see my brother happy once again.

From the corner of my eye, something winked at me in the sky.

I quickly ignored it as I swung Light Bringer, slicing a good number of minions in the process, my mind was already set to battle as bloodlust fueled my attacks.

Little did I know, I should have paid more attention to the sky than to what was happening in front of me.

Because that wink of light became more. So much more that it filled the sky with its radiance.

And everything...went...bright.