Into Oblivion (Book 4) by Shawn E. Crapo Read Free Book Online Page B

might. The magical weapon smashed into the statue, shattering it into uncountable pieces that blasted into the air like a swarm of glowing bees. The ogres looked on in wonder, watching as the cloud of particles became suspended in the air. Kronos stepped back, making room for them to begin their spin and contract inward.
    Slowly, the form of Yin-Kai began to materialize, freed from its metaphorical prison. He was formidable in appearance; a head taller than Kronos, heavily-muscled, and covered in short red-brown fur. His face, though human-like, was apish, with short tusks that protruded upward from his tightly drawn lips. His hair was black, and fell loosely over his broad shoulders, tied occasionally into thin braids. His armor was fashioned of many plates of bronze, accentuated by strips of fine silk , and tied together with belts of the toughest leather.
    When the Firstborn was fully formed, he opened his eyes. They were brown flecked with gold, and full of the wisdom of the ancients. He looked down at his brother, who smiled warmly. Yin-Kai returned the smile, placing his huge hand on top of Kronos’ head and shaking it playfully.
    “Kronos,” Yin-Kai said, his voice rough and beastly. As usual, Kronos said nothing, but placed his hands on Yin-Kai’s face. The two stood silent for a moment while the priests looked on.
    Then, Yin-Kai released his brother and turned to his servants. The ogres bent to one knee, bowing before their lord. The Firstborn looked upon them with pride, glad to see that they had remained faithful. Without their service, he knew, the men of the East may have forgotten their ways. But he knew his priests had maintained his legacy in his absence, and his people would be prepared to join the ongoing battle.
    “Gather your weapons,” Yin-Kai commanded. “We will rally our armies and face this Lifegiver once and for all.”
    The ogres bowed in obedience, and left for the armory. Yin-Kai turned to Kronos.
    “Your people have been freed?” he asked. Kronos nodded. “And the Valkyries? Have they returned?”
    Kronos nodded again.
    “Then let us go, my brother. My people will gladly join this battle.”
    Yin-Kai drew his huge daikatana, holding it across his chest. Kronos held up his hammer in return.
    “For the Great Mother,” Yin-Kai said.
     
    Garret rested peacefully in the hammock that was stretched between two beautiful oaks. He earned this rest with his recent return to the Great Mother’s bidding. Now his mind was free to wander, and wander it did.
    In his dream, he sat atop a mighty horse, facing a rather large force of Northmen who stood silent and ready. At his side was a beautiful woman dressed in regal armor emblazoned with the symbol of a dove. Her hair was a striking red, like the color of blood, and her eyes were the deep green of tropical seas. Beside her, an older man, dressed in chainmail and a black tunic, sat atop his own mount. He also bore the symbol of the dove.
    Behind the trio, an army of horsemen awaited the command of the woman, who he now realized was their queen; his queen. Why she was here, he did not know.
    “What are your orders, my lady?” the man asked.
    The Queen urged her horse forward a few steps, turning to face the two. “I wish to speak to this Ulrich,” she said. “I hear he is the new Jarl, and that he is an honorable man. What do you think Fergis?”
    Fergis shrugged. “If he is a man of peace, then I would suggest we hear him out. I see no reason to charge.”
    The Queen smiled. “Very good,” she agreed. “Garret, Fergis, join me.”
    With that, she turned toward the Northmen and spurred her horse on, her hair whipping in the wind like flame. Fergis, growling with frustration, followed. Garret took his place beside the Queen, quickening his horse’s pace to match hers.
    Across the field, a large Northman and two other warriors stepped forward to meet them on foot. They all bore their weapons, carrying them in a neutral gesture. They were,