Prologue - Dr. Hajib Bajir

Caline - Ku Yong

Ku Yong Underground Penitentiary Center

The joy of the Ku Yong Empire could be heard around the world of Caust. Despite being held several kilometers underground, Dr. Bajir could still hear the celebration of peace that raged through the streets above him. Four long years had passed since the beginning of the second bloodiest conflict this world had seen yet, and finally, on this day, it had seen its end. Through means the good Doctor Bajir deemed excessive and cruel, the empire of Ku Yong had obtained a decisive victory in war over the western country of Jitania.

Barely moments had passed after Emperor Wales, leader of Ku Yong, announced the Empire's victory before men, women, and children of all ages poured into the streets, shouting and dancing in utter bliss. While they celebrated, Hajib sat in his cell, mourning the loss of his fellow countrymen, family and friends. The only people around to witness were two of the only six people he'd seen every day for the last three years. His prison cell guards.

Though he hadn't seen sunlight since his imprisonment in this foreign land, he'd learned to judge day from night based on which of the guards were on duty. Of course, with the exception of one, the guards never spoke directly to Hajib, so most all the information he'd gained was from eavesdropping on conversations between the day time guards that stood at attention in front of this cell at this moment.

Joe and Sate, the two middle-aged men on guard were heavy gossips. They spent the majority of their time on duty insulting or griping about their superiors. Recently though, once the tide of the war began to shift heavily into Ku Yong's favor, they seemed to enjoy going over every grueling detail of the war aloud, as if hoping to antagonize Hajib. It seemed strange to Hajib that these two, who seemed to enjoy war and violence, would be stuck as prison guards. It was over time that he realized it was because they were long past their prime and had never made any effort to improve their ranks.

"Can you believe we bombed those swamp-dicks?!" Sate asked. Sate was a short man with a large belly. The tone of his voice suggested he himself had hidden explosives beneath his clothes and took part in the destruction of Marris. The man's hairline had receded to a point where it'd have been better to just shave his head entirely, and much to the annoyance of the captive doctor, Sate would intentionally refer to Hajib's people as swamp-dicks, as a large chunk of Jitania was swampland. Though Marris, the capital of the country-continent was a large city, with many buildings and structures, most foreigners were ignorant of the land and viewed it as nothing but swamps.

"Straight to Pylos' gates!!" Joe, a tall, burly, man with long black hair responded, excitedly. "I'm glad to be rid of 'em. Damn Jitanians didn't do nothin' for society."

Dr. Bajir heard this statement and quietly sucked his teeth. Though he tried to use large words to make himself seem smarter than he was, Joe couldn't help but use vulgar language and terrible grammar. He attempted and failed to enunciate simple words, making it clear to the doctor that his intelligence level was quite low.

Hajib was first and foremost a man of science. Hearing this oaf of a man, who had no wits to speak of, talk down on his people as if they made no major contributions to the world irritated Hajib beyond words. Still, any display of aggression towards any prison guard would result in immediate punishment, so he bit his tongue, and pretended he wasn't listening.

"Think they're gonna keep this fuck around?" Joe inquired, jerking a thumb in Hajib's direction.

"No use for him now. Unless they plan to use his research to benefit Ku Yong." Sate said indifferently, then continued to speak as if thinking aloud. "Though standing here every day keeps food in my family's stomachs. Shit, if they kill him I hope we get reassigned somewhere."

Despite his low cunning, Joe seemed to understand that guarding Hajib was the only thing keeping food on his table and a roof over his head, and nodded silently in agreement with Sate. Hearing their words, Hajib began to think to himself.

There's no point in the Emperor keeping me alive. In fact, a public execution would further solidify Ku Yong's victory. While lost in thought about the possibility of his future being drastically shortened, he hardly noticed the presence of Peter and Naheas, the second shift of guards, as they entered the dungeon-like hall and walked towards Hajib's cell.

Compared to the rest of his prison guards, Hajib had grown a fondness for the two young men who guarded his cell at night. This was mainly due to Naheas, a well-built man in his early twenties, with light brown skin, deep red hair past his shoulders and bright blue eyes, who, knowing if it had been reported to any commander he would've immediately faced the chopping block, never failed to quietly greet the doctor with a polite smile.

As they did every night, Joe and Sate sighed in relief once they saw Peter and Naheas walk towards them. An air of somberness seemed to follow them down the path. Though Peter's face remained strong and nonchalant, Naheas was obviously troubled. Whether it was due to his personal life or sympathies for Hajib, a man who'd lost his home, the doctor wasn't sure, but his face clearly portrayed his emotions. His usual light spirited demeanor had been replaced with a gloomy, dark aura.

"It's 'bout god damn time you showed up. My fuckin' feet are hurtin'." Joe said to the two young men as they approached. His impatience was more than likely due to his urge to join in the celebration of Jitania's destruction. Peter's face remained unchanged, however Naheas' expression darkened further, a twitch of irritation could be plainly seen on his lips. Despite this Joe continued to complain aloud about the two as if he were their superior. "I should report you for tardiness, you little shits. We got our own lives outside this place here, you know?"

"I'm surprised you didn't think tardiness was a condiment, you miserable fuck." Naheas snapped making no attempt to muffle his words.

"What did you say, little shit!?" Joe shouted placing his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Before Naheas could respond Peter reached out in front of him, a silent plea to keep his composure. "Nothing, Joe."

"I thought so." Joe said, his tone patronizing. The smug grin on his face indicated he clearly thought he'd won this altercation.

Bowing his head, a sign of apology in Ku Yong, Peter quietly apologized to Joe and Sate, "It won't happen again." To Hajib, Peter always seemed to be the calmest and most collected of his guards. He was few in words, but respected enough, even by Joe and Sate, that he could diffuse most any situation with little effort.

Though Joe seemed like he wanted to keep ranting, Sate put up a hand, accepting Peter's apology for both him and Joe. Clearly Sate was more interested in getting home to his family than arguing over trivial matters.

"It's fine. If you guys are ready we'll be leaving now," Sate said, and with that, Peter and Naheas quietly took their positions as Joe and Sate walked to the exit of the dungeon. Once he could no longer hear voices or footsteps Hajib let out a sigh of relief and attempted to get comfortable on his bed.

No, it couldn't be called a bed. It was more like a woolen cot, barely elevated off the ground by blocks of wood. Joe and Sate's loud conversation often made it impossible for him to sleep while they were on duty, so Hajib thought this would be the perfect opportunity to attempt to get rest.

As he lay back his head and closed his eyes,

"Doctor Bajir?"

Naheas' voice called out to him. The doctor sat up, a shocked expression on his face. What is he doing?

"Speaking to me is a crime punishable by death, Naheas. What could be so important that you'd risk your neck for a word with me?" These were the first words Hajib had spoken in months unless you counted the times when he talked to himself during brief moments of insanity. He found himself surprised that he managed to speak with clarity and calm.

"I'm sorry about your homeland," Naheas said quietly.

"Have you lost your mind, boy? If anyone heard you, you'd be dragged to the square to be hung." Hajib mustered the strength to reprimand Naheas for his action. The statement alone was in itself and act of treason. Though Hajib had lost everything, he couldn't bear the weight of believing he was responsible for the death of this young man.

"No sir," Naheas replied. His reverence and respect for Hajib was clear through the short reply. Staring at him with bright blue eyes he continued to speak, "I have to give my condolences though. It wouldn't be right for you to suffer in here alone without knowing someone has sympathy for you."

Sympathy? That's the last thing he expected from any resident of Ku Yong. Even if it was someone as kind as him, Hajib thought to himself.

While lost in thought, Hajib failed to notice the look that passed between Peter and Naheas. The two quietly confirmed their surroundings, checking that there were no other guards, or officials coming through the dungeon hall, then as quietly as he possibly could, Naheas unlocked and opened the door of Hajib's cell. The two of them entered the cell, and from his cloak, Naheas pulled out a bottle of Argotian Rum, and three small cups. They both sat down near the door of the cell, while Hajib looked at them astonished.

"This is treason against your country!" Hajib shouted quietly. The two looked at him, both with a glint of mischievousness in their eyes, but said nothing. Naheas opened the bottle of Argotian Rum and poured a shot into each glass. Handing Hajib and Peter a glass he raised his cup.

"To Marris, and the millions lost." He proposed a toast in this manner. Hajib could not refuse upon hearing the toast was for his countrymen. The three glasses clicked, and each of them tossed their liquor down their throats.

Hajib had never been much of a drinker. He shuddered as the rum passed through his chest. Naheas gave a wry smile, while Peter chuckled a bit under his breath. Both were probably sure that due to his age, Hajib would have a stronger tolerance for alcohol than the two of them. He doubted they had considered that Hajib very much disliked the taste of alcohol. Even more so, he didn't care for the feeling it gave after consuming too much.

Still, another round of drinks was poured and drank, and the three men sat in Hajib's cell in a comfortable silence. Both Peter and Naheas knew that there was nothing they could really say to comfort Hajib, and Hajib was grateful to them both for not trying, as he was sure anything they might've said could've only worsened his mental state.

"Doctor?" After thirty, maybe forty minutes of continuing that way, Peter broke the silence.

"Yes?" Hajib pensively responded. Peter sat there a moment, as if attempting to word his next question so that he wouldn't offend the doctor. After his contemplations, he spoke.

"Why are you in Ku Yong?"

"That's a very difficult story Peter, I'm not sure I'll be able to tell it."

"Can you try?" Naheas chimed in, obviously interested in the subject as well.

Hajib thought about this for a moment. Thus far, Naheas and Peter have given me no reason not to trust them, but can I really share such sensitive information with the Ku Yongi soldiers?. Other than himself, the only people who could tell the Marrisian side of their conflict was surely dead. I suppose someone should know the true story, even if it's just these two.

Sighing in resignation, Hajib settled himself against the back wall of his cell, and prepared to tell them the reality of their world as he knew it.

Smiling like a child he asked the two of them, "Have either of you ever heard the term 'Rai Jin'?"

As he expected, both of them shook their heads in response.

"I thought as much. In Jitania there was an old story, a legend if you will, about a man named Valarus. He was approached by a man they say-" He held up in fingers and made quoting gestures, "'-rode on the wind.' The man told him of a flower atop The Black Peak, an inactive volcano east of Marris. If consumed this flower was said to give extraordinary power, knowledge and longer life.

"Of course, as a scientist I couldn't believe the part where drinking nectar suddenly gave you some kind of power, but the aspect of longer life attracted me. In the interest of giving the world the gift of a longer life, the Marissian prince, myself and a team of scientist went to the top of the Black Peak, and found the flower, the Rai Jin's Lily.

"We took as many of them as we could and brought them to my laboratory. We tested for many years, cultivated the Lilies, and conducted experiments using rats in a controlled environment. Eventually after many trials and failures, we managed to isolate a single element from one of our experiments. A rat, which had survived longer than most any other, and had begun growing at an exponential rate.

"We believed this element to be the source of the Elixir of Life. The single cure to all disease. The answer to the conundrum of immortality."

Peter and Naheas both sat leaning forward, listening intently, as if they were being physically sucked in by Hajib's story. Hajib, grateful for the distraction from his reality, happily indulged them.

"A year after we isolated the element, a young man from Ku Yong named Elsin Boul came to study abroad and found his way into my lab. We weren't aware of it at the time, but he was sent as a spy by your Emperor to collect information on our ongoing experiments." The doctor gave a brief pause to allow what he'd told them to soak into their minds. Though he held virtually no title before the war, Elsin Boul was now the Right Hand of the Emperor. Though his newfound status was considered common knowledge in the Ku Yong Empire, how he gained the status was kept secret.

"After seeing what the element we'd named the Rai Jin Virus was capable of," Dr. Bajir continued, "he reported to Emperor Wales, and as a result, the emperor attempted to steal our research using Elsin. We caught Elsin in the act and imprisoned him. Wales promptly retaliated with a full-scale attack on Marris, costing hundreds of civilian lives."

"Hold on," Naheas interrupted. He'd heard a word that gave him an unsettling feeling. "Why did you name it a virus?"

Dr. Hajib smiled, impressed by Naheas' perceptions. The doctor didn't think they'd notice the relevance of the name.

"We called it a virus, because those it did not have a positive impact on, died within seventy-two hours of consuming it. It was for that reason we deemed it too dangerous to allow to go into civilian circulation."

Realizing he'd gone off topic, Hajib brought the story back, as it had, in his mind, reached its climax. "Anyway, in order to prevent more casualties, King Ashid, Marris' leader sent myself, Elsin, and our most accomplished ambassador here, to negotiate an armistice. The moment we arrived in the city, our ambassador was assassinated, Elsin was brought back under the wing of Ku Yong, and I was brought here to live out the war as a prisoner."

Silence fell over the cell as Hajib completed his story. Both Naheas and Peter seemed to be lost in thought. Naheas was clearly in disbelief that the leader of his nation could commit acts as heinous as Hajib had claimed. Peter on the other hand appeared to have accepted Hajib's story to be fact.

Peter seems to already be aware that his Emperor is not the great leader he fashions himself to be, Hajib thought. Learning what began the war and seeing how it ended has probably changed his perspective on Ku Yong. His eyes turned to Naheas. He however seems to be in full denial.

Naheas' eyes suddenly lit up, curiosity apparent on his face. Hajib raised his eyebrows to him, indicating that his interest in Naheas' thoughts. Excitedly Naheas asked, "What happened to Valarus?"

Another smile crossed the Doctor's face. Naheas reminded the doctor much of his eldest son, who he was certain was lost to him. This story was among his favorite to tell his children when they were young.

"There are three different endings to that story," Hajib said, holding up three fingers. Setting one down he said, "In the first, Valarus dies atop the mountain the moment the nectar of the Rai Jin's Lily touches his lips."

He sets down another finger, leaving one and says, "The second, he is healed of his wounds, suffered from what the story called 'The Trial', and returns home to live a life twice that of the average man."

"And the third?" Naheas asked. Though Peter was still consumed with the idea of his once revered emperor, Naheas was adamant upon hearing Valarus' story. This was the first truly delightful thing Hajib had experienced since his incarceration. The doctor held the answer for what seemed like an infinite moment. Then,

"He became a god who lived for a millennium before he was cut down by men with weapons made of metal that did not shine." the doctor answered him, resting his final lifted finger.

Naheas' eyes were filled with wonder. The warriors of Caust were trained in sword and shield, bow and arrow, and spear, and there were stories about people who climbed high in rank using unorthodox weapons. Every soldier in Ku Yong craved to hone their skills and be the best fighter, sharing one goal. To join the Imperial Guard, the Emperor's personal escorts. It was little wonder Naheas, an ambitious young man, found the idea of Rai Jin fascinating.

"May I ask another question?" Naheas inquired.

"Feel free."

"Does the Rai Jin Virus actually give anyone supernatural power?"

Hajib sat back, knowing the question would arise eventually, he was already prepared to let the boys in front of him down. "Well, no. We hadn't gotten- "

"Of course, no one would've been given a gift of such proportions from your measly testing and experimenting!" A fourth voice, belonging to a presence they had not heard approach, rang out, interrupting Hajib. Naheas and Peter both froze upon hearing it.

He was still a ways down the hall, and his face was not yet visible. But, Hajib knew the voice quite well. It belonged to the man responsible for his imprisonment. Elsin Boul.

"Call a demon by name..," Hajib muttered under his breath, mocking an old superstition of his homeland.

"The Great Doctor Hajib Bajir! Scientist!" Elsin mocked, his strut full of confidence. "A genius years ahead of the times! Look at you now."

It was when he was nearly there that he realized the two guards that should've been standing outside Hajib's cell were leisurely sitting in it with him, completely neglecting their duties. Though he said nothing relating to it, it was clear he wouldn't forget what he'd seen once he left the dungeon.

"You two," Elsin said, pointing at Peter and Naheas, "This man has been summoned by Emperor Wales. Escort him to the throne room."

Both, in a slightly drunken state from the rum, got up as quickly as they could without appearing intoxicated, grabbed their spears, and without force began to take Hajib to the throne room, located far above his cell.

The Emperor's throne room was vast. Much larger than the humble abode in which the King of Marris held his throne. The setting sun peered through stained glass windows high above the throne, and painted a scene of beauty and vanity onto the floor.

Green and gold banners hung from brass poles in every beam from the door to the throne. Beneath the banners were what Haijib assumed were spectators for his execution. They huddled together, whispering amongst themselves, some pointing and laughing in the Doctor's direction. It made no matter to him.

On the throne sat Josiah Wales, Ruler of Ku Yong and Emperor of the Ku Yong Empire. The Doctor followed behind Elsin Boul, Naheas, and Peter, as they approached the Emperor upon his throne.

"Doctor Hajib Bajir." Emperor Wales greeted the doctor in a gloating tone. "I am pleased to announce the war between our nations has ended."

Hajib gave no word in response. He would not entertain the Emperor or his subjects by showing his emotions. When the Emperor spoke, Doctor Bajir watched as Naheas' head hung low, and Peter stiffened his posture, discomfort rising from him like smoke from a chimney top.

"I am sure you are wondering what that means for you . the emperor continued, unfazed by the doctor's pride." After much deliberation, my advisors and I have decided it is in our best interest to keep you alive."

"And serve the Empire that destroyed my home?" Hajib asked him sarcastically. The thought infuriated him. "If you believe the pride of the Marissian people so easily broken, you are a foolish man, You Highness."

The throne room echoed the laughter of those admitted to this announcement. Though they laughed quietly, the sound resounded through the great hall. Hajib found himself smiling smugly at the Emperor. Glad that he could make a joke of him before his sentencing.

"You would call me foolish?" the Emperor said, nearly jumping from his seat. "I AM THE EMPEROR of the very land you stand upon!!" Wales shouted at that top of his lung, his voice loud enough to shatter the ear drums of his advisors who stood beside him.

"Doctor Hajib Bajir of Marris." The Emperor's booming voice continued to reign supreme over all within shouting distance. "If will not serve, you will die. What is your pride compared to your life?"

Hajib said nothing. He merely squared his shoulders, and lifted his head high into the air.

"So be it" the Emperor resigned.. "You are hereby sentenced to death. You will be brought to Joziah's square to be hung by the neck until your neck breaks or your breath ceases. Do you have any words you wish the court to hear before your death?"

"I do." Though he addressed the Court, he only truly spoke to two among the room. "Should you be fortunate enough to survive the Fury of Marris, Caust as you know it will become a new land. The world will become a wasteland as those you believe are fit to rule over you destroy themselves and their subjects through mindless war. Take heed, your ruler will be the bane of your existence."

Upon completion of his parting words to the young men who'd kept him company in his final hours, the Emperor of Ku Yong stood and clapped slowly.

"A wonderful speech." The Emperor's voice was layered with heavy patronizing. "Guards, return him to his cell to await his death."

"Actually, my Lord Emperor," Elsin Boul interjected. "If I may, I found these two soldiers here sharing a bottle of spirits with our prisoner. I fear that if we allow this man to live any longer, seeds of rebellion might grow."

Hearing the Emperor's Right Hand reveal the one thing he'd hoped he could leave his conscience free of, Doctor Bajir froze in place. Fear gripped him as the room erupted into chaos as the spectators violently heckled, sneered and screamed towards Naheas and Peter.

"Traitors!!"

"String them up with the frog-fucking Marrisian!!"

The crowd continued to jeer at Naheas and Peter as they were surrounded alongside Hajib by the iron clad members of the Imperial Guard. Hajib turned to face Elsin sporting a vicious grin, filled with crude satisfaction"

"For the crime of treason," the Emperor announced, settling the spectators down. "I, Josiah Wales, Emperor of Ku Yong, strip you of your ranks and honor. I denounce your names, and your citizenships. And, I sentence you to die, alongside the Marrisian."

The Emperor's words were met with a roar of approval, as thunder boomed over the throne room. Lightning touched down and winds howled against the walls. "Take them to Square."

Hands were suddenly on Doctor Bajir, as he was forced from his feet and dragged by members of the Imperial Guard. The crowd followed behind them, jeers and insults on their lips, as the Doctor and the two soldiers he'd shared his last drink with were taken to their deaths. They were rushed through the doors, and down the main path, paved from the Palace to the nation's execution stand.

The crowd overtook them as they continued forward. Whenever someone could get close enough , they would strike at the three of them with clubs or stones. As they had gotten in the way of the Imperial Guard, some had found themselves on the ground as they had been shoved aside or in some cases struck across the face by enormous gauntleted hands.

They reached Joziah's square, followed by a crowd frenzied by anger and violence. The members of the Imperial Guard holding the three bound for execution pushed them onto the raised platform set in the center of the square, the Hanging Block. They were quickly forced to their feet and nooses were tied around their necks. Hajib looked up, onto the podium designated for the Emperor, his aides and his new Right Hand, to find Emperor Josiah Wales smiling down at him arrogantly.

The Emperor lifted his hand as lightning struck over the Square. The crowd roared as his hand went into the air, only to have the sound nearly silenced by the following rolling thunder that accompanied the bolt of light.

As the Emperor closed his hand, held high into the air, into a fist, signaling the hangman to pull his lever, rain began to fall upon the Square. A rain thick and heavy, smelling of a flowery perfume. A panel built into the Hanging Post fell from beneath and his feet, leaving the thick rope tied tight around his neck to hold him up. Hajib's vision turned red, as life and breath were dragged from his body.