Ascension Of The Blood Throne by Mikel Wilson (red scrolls of magic .TXT) 📗

face of a mountain. It was here that they would take their throne from the tyrant, Robert.

As they entered, they were met by many of their people, some happy to see them alive, others angry for whatever Robert had convinced them of. They reached the entrance level to the challenge room, and Robert began clapping from his spot atop the challenge level.

“It would seem the true heir has made it,” he said, derision clear in his voice. “Which one of you shall it be? Dust awaits you.”

Silence filled the air as Christian turned to the crowd. “My people, it would seem that our destiny has been fulfilled. As my father before me, I had a twin, one whom I knew nothing of. I only discovered her while on my journey to find a queen. Once here, we were sent on a quest to determine which of us would inherit the throne. That quest was fraught with danger, much of it due to Captain Robert’s machinations, but we reached our destination. One of us was to pull a spelled sword from a stone. Whichever of us succeeded would be the true heir.”

The crowd was utterly silent as Christian finished his tale, bringing them all up to speed and finishing with a promise. “So many things have gone wrong, but I swear, I shall be a better king than my father was.”

Lillith then stepped forward, clearing her throat before addressing them. “I have lived in the world of man my entire life, never knowing there was anything else. It wasn't until I stepped onto the sands of Taldor that I understood that a part of me has been missing. My people, I promise to serve you with the grace and strength of a true queen. With my newfound power, you need no longer worry about war or sadness. We shall enter into a time of prosperity and peace. This I swear to you.”

As both Christian and Lillith touched their swords together, a familiar looking white owl landed then took the form of the magician, Merlin.

“Vampires, I served my king with all I was and led him as best I could toward the light, but he was stubborn and relished the darkness. You need not live like this; you have a choice. Once this battle is concluded, each of you ask yourself what type of existence do you want? One of darkness or one of light? It is your choice... Choose wisely.” As Merlin's words echoed throughout the coliseum, he transformed once again into a white owl and took flight.

"Bravo, bravo!" Robert laughed heartily as he clapped. “Such a touching speech by all of you. Too bad that you’re no match for me, even together. Come quickly as death has prepared herself for you.”

This was it, the moment Lillith had trained for, to take down a tyrant and free her people.

Christian took a moment to speak to Mackinzie. “My darling, I do not know how this battle will end, but know that my heart and soul belongs to you. I must say that loving you has been the highlight of my existence even if it’s only been a short while. My father was a tyrant and did many things that I must fix. But with you at my side, I know I can be a good king.”

Before he could say anything else, Mackinzie pressed her lips against his. His hands slid down to the small of her back and sliding them to her sides to grip her waist, he lifted her into the air. “My queen,” he said, then embraced Mackinzie with all the love he held in his heart. She laid her head against his chest, and he kissed her forehead a final time. Finally, he looked at his sister, who stood watching them approvingly.

“Let’s finish this,” Lillith said.

The steps leading to the altar were embossed in gold. As the heirs took those steps toward the awaiting tyrant, they whispered to each other.

Robert, still waiting on them, pulled out his long broadsword and began wiping it off as he talked, hoping to place doubts into their hearts. "Many giants and humans have fallen by this sword, two more must fall, and my journey to the throne will at last be complete."

Lillith’s anger went from a sizzle to a flat-out flame as they walked up the long stairway. Finally, they arrived at the top where a table was spread with a single chalice.

“The challenge has been accepted,” Robert said with a smirk as a white hooded figure appeared.

"Bow now,” Christian instructed Lillith.

“The challenge has been accepted and will now begin. Only ten shall be allowed to witness this fight. Five of your men, Robert, and your five, Lillith and Christian,” the Prophet announced.

Robert had already chosen his five, so everyone else left the coliseum. Mackinzie, JH, Ayden, and Emily stood opposite Robert’s witnesses.

The Prophet laughed, his voice old and crumbling. “One more must be present,” he said, and with a snap of his fingers, their mother, Alisha appeared.

Mackinzie stalked toward her, fists clenched when the Prophet stopped her with a command, “Stand down, child!” His eyes glowed red as thunder rumbled throughout the arena. “Dare not disrespect the challenge.”

Alisha looked around at them and this hooded figure, confused and worried about Danielle. Then she looked at her timer, which read one hour until detonation, and a cold chill went down her spine.

“Now,” the Prophet said. “Stand and be ready, this battle is to death.” Then, with a knowing smile, he clapped his hands together and ordered, “FIGHT!”

Lillith ran toward Robert followed by Christian. As they reached him, she slid down as Christian went high with a sword strike that was blocked by Robert, who placed a well-timed kick to Christian’s gut. Lillith then went on the attack, swinging her sword back and forth and going for a thrust when Robert casually sidestepped the attack and punched her in the face.

“You telegraph your attacks, taking this throne will be an easier task than I