Prologue

~Kaiźer~

~Prologue: A Deadly and Mutable Council~

“With Fire and Ice, is thy Bound! Let not Air, nor Earth release thou till thy time have come.”

~The First Unseen One ~ The Age of Echelons~

~2514 A.B; just north of Ascaria

Kiźer finally felt at home. A fire burned in the hearth, and the scent of pine and cedar filled the small two-story cabin with its sharp scent. The freshness, mixed with the flames' crisp heat, created a feeling he prayed would last forever.

Standing before the hearth, he stared into the flickering flames and thanked the gods for his blessing. He cradled a hot mug of tea in his hand and taking a sip; he let the hot liquid warm his chest. His wife, Abika Al-Gar, no sorry, Abika von MorningStar was an artisan in the kitchen, and he cherished the fact. He tried to remember what he could have done to deserve such a woman. How had he been lucky enough to win her heart despite being who he was? He considered it a miracle and knew that despite his many flaws, she loved him back, and even as he thought of her soft touch, her hand glided over his shoulder and around his side to embrace him softly.

Pressing herself into his back Abika reached around and linked her hands over his stomach. “Is everything like you thought it would be?” she said, nuzzling against his back.

He chuckled and placed his free hand over both of hers. “I wouldn’t say no, even if it wasn’t.”

He ran his thumb along the back of her hand, enjoying the feel of her soft skin against his. “It’s peaceful, which is all I ever wished for.”

His wife hummed her approval, and he pulled her around with grace to stand before him. She looked up at him, and he caressed the elegant curve of her cheek. Dipping his head, he lifted her chin, even as she rose to meet him. Passionate and soft, her lips merged with his. He didn’t need to say a word. She understood his contentment and cherished it. Nothing stood between the two of them.

Breaking away, she dropped back onto her heels, and his breath caught as the firelight circled her figure in rays of light. She was his, and she was beautiful; so beautiful it made him ache. He remembered his vows and of how, at that moment, her breath had caught upon hearing them. ~I promise to walk with you through this life and the next. If ever we are pulled apart, I will search for you through a thousand lifetimes and a thousand worlds~ Such was his promise to her, and he meant to keep it.

“Kaiźer?”

“Yes?” He focused his gaze on her and looked into her eyes. She was striking with the firelight upon her fiery hair. The strawberry highlights clashing with the burgundy streaks to create a torrent of living fire around her.

“What of Maliki? Did he understand?”

He didn’t need to think twice. “Yes, I believe he did. I know him, and if he’d had the chance, he would have given us his blessing.”

Abika smiled and closed her eyes. Her head fell to rest on his chest, and she relaxed to the beat of his heart. It was intense and steady against her ear as she breathed in the smoky scent of the man. He was unlike anyone she had ever met, and she got the feeling no one would ever measure up to him. She cracked an eyelid and looked out the window, where the setting sun was just beginning to vanish behind the mountains. She wanted to end the day, but she couldn’t help but wonder if it was time yet. Kaiźer was so relaxed she didn’t want to distur such.

“Abika?” she heard the word as it vibrated from within his chest, reaching her with a sensation that sent shivers down her spine. Every time he said her name, her legs turned to jelly. The single word oozed intimacy, and she couldn’t help but grow warm inside. Unable to quell the urge, she looked up into his dark blue eyes, eyes that were swimming with a passion she had only read about in stories. She had to lick her lips as her mouth went dry and looked at him intently. She struggled to keep from jumping up and down at that moment. “I have something to show you.”

As he began to pull her away from the hearth, his words sent shockwaves through her. She felt an intense heat in her chest as she fully realized what was happening. Were they finally going to—after so long on the run? She’d been planning to do just as much herself, but the moment was gone. She had lost her chance. Now he was taking the lead. Across the many miles they had fled, they had never had the time to settle down, just the two of them. Her cheeks grew hot at the idea that finally, they were alone. The day had been long, but here they were. Was she seriously having second thoughts? It had been so long since the last time, and yet she craved the idea of Kaiźer sharing her bed. They had only gotten here today and hadn’t had time to relax. To think they were about to do that, after so long!

Kaiźer took a beeline towards the front door at the last second. Blinded by the setting sun, she let her heart settle as they stepped outside. She felt a breath of sudden disappointment while at the same time letting out an involuntary sigh of relief. The evening air touched her skin, and even as a warm breeze, it sent shivers down her body as it clashed with the sudden change in temperature from the house.

They were moving towards the forest edge, and she was unsure of what he had in mind. Still, she couldn’t help but be curious. What could he have planned? Could he have set a surprise dinner, chilled wine with a multitude of candles as they fed each other small treats, perhaps? The idea had her drooling for more than just treats. However, if not that, then what? She was burning with questions, but she knew nothing would make him talk. She would just have to wait and find out.

They moved through the trees at a leisurely pace, and she came to walk beside him. He held her hand in just the right way to make her feel safe but not trapped. He knew just how much pressure she could handle. Her hands were so small compared to his. It made her feel like a child when he held her like this. She giggled at the thought.

Looking down at her, he grinned. “What do you find so funny?”

She shook her head. “Oh, I was just thinking of how—compared to you—I’m small! I feel like a child.”

He grinned, and it grew until it looked like it would become stuck. Seconds later, he lost all composure. His laughter echoed through the trees, and despite no one being around for miles, she flushed.

“It’s not funny, I’m serious,” she said in a forced whisper even as she punched him in the arm, essentially feeling like she had just hit a wall. He wiped a hand over his face to hide his grin and to give himself a moment to catch his breath. “Oh, I had no idea. I beg your forgiveness, my child.”

She raised an eyebrow as she looked at him again. “Ha, haha. Very funny,” she said sarcastically

He chuckled.

“So, where is this surprise you have for me?” She had to know. It was killing her inside, not knowing, and she knew that he knew this, which only made her feel all the more irritated.

“It’s just up ahead,” he said as he took her hand in his again and pulled her along.

The trees were showing the change from summer to fall, their leaves shifting from a lush green to the reds and yellows of autumn. Kaiźer had finally confessed his feelings just one year ago, and now here they were walking through an unknown forest in a strange land, their hands intertwined as one. No longer was there a need to hide their true selves, and no longer was there an air of awkwardness present. It made her feel free.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice they had arrived at a clearing till Kaiźer called her name. She looked at him, then at her surroundings, and let out a soft gasp as she saw where he had taken her.

Covered in a sea of flowers, the grass she found herself treading upon swam with color. It was so beautiful and unbelievable she couldn’t hold back the tears that pressed against her eyes. Her vision swam as she moved through the rich grass, a hand rising to cover her mouth. There were so many different colors around her; their many shades blending into a vast blanket of color.

“Kaiźer, it… it’s beautiful.” She turned and, fighting the tears that threatened, closed her eyes to the sight before her. It was too much. It was unreal. She stood there for only a second before strong arms encircled her. The movement broke her control, and she wept as he held her. Before long, her tears ebbed, and she sniffed, pulling away to look at Kaiźer in the low light of the night. The sun had set while he had held her, and she hadn’t noticed. Gods, she was hopeless. Here she was, breaking down over a bunch of flowers.

She felt Kaiźer put a finger under her chin, and he raised her eyes to his but was shocked as his lips met hers. He barely feathered them against hers, and she caught a hint of the spearmint tea she had made. It laced his breath like a fine wine, and she grinned against his mouth.

“What are you doing?” she giggled.

“I’m giving you your anniversary present.”

She gasped. ~You remembered! oh, what a sly man you are!~ “With a kiss, really?” she raised an eyebrow at him.

He grinned. “Is it not what you wanted; can I not kiss my wife?”

“Oh, that’s not the problem. It’s just the way you do it. Why do it teasingly when you could do it like this.” Standing on tiptoes, she pressed her lips to his as she clutched his shirt in her hands and pulled him to her. His hands slid over hers, and he spoke against her mouth.

“I want this moment to last for eternity, but the kiss wasn’t your present.”

She paused against his lips and opened her eyes a moment before he opened his. “What more could you have to give me?”

“This!” He stepped away, and she gazed at his retreating form. She felt an odd sense of loss as he moved away and didn’t consider that she could see him despite the lack of moonlight till the fog she had been submerged in lifted.

As if seeing for the first time, she looked at the sky. She watched the stars as they appeared above her and glancing at Kaiźer, before dropped her gaze to the ground once more, and froze.

All around her, the flowers that had once colored the meadow now glowed with a sea-blue light. They spread out around her, creating a mirror image of the night sky above. She was speechless, unable to even think. She could only feel, and the sensations that overcame her were so intense they overtook any thoughts she had of crying again. She looked at Kaiźer, and he smiled his warm smile she knew was for her alone. He held out a hand, and she moved through the sea of blue light to place her hand in his. Moving her fingers up, he brushed them against his lips and closed his eyes. He was at peace.

“Do you know how long I have looked for you?” he whispered.

“No…” She whispered back.

“Since the beginning, for years, I feared I’d never find you.”

Her breath came faster as her heart sped at his words. It was the same for her but to hear it from another. She needed to understand. Was he saying it had been fate? If so, she agreed wholeheartedly.

“Kaiźer, it’s the same for me. I…” She struggled to find the words. She had known him from a distance throughout her childhood and had never once said a word to him. At least not until he was about to complete his training. Only after a year, things had gone by so quickly that it was amazing to look back and think, man! Right now, with him mere inches away, she wanted him to take her right here in this glade, but she didn’t dare to make a move. His eyes were… they were looking past her. Here she was, and he had the balls to suddenly ignore her? She opened her mouth to berate his ass when she saw his expression. She looked over her shoulder.

In the distance, she saw what had caught his attention. Lighting the night, it flickered from beyond the trees. It wasn’t a steady light, and she got a bad feeling. It looked like…

“The House!” she shouted even as Kaiźer took off into the trees. Taking off after him, she ran, her dress trailing around her legs until she passed out onto the vast stretch of grass around the burning house. Wholly consumed, the two-story building was already collapsing from the damage inflicted by the flames. How had this happened? There had been nothing near the hearth to cause such a fire, so how?

She watched as Kaiźer emerged from the flames, but as he looked at her, she was too late in noticing his rage as it appeared at the sight of her. Before she could cry out, her world went black.

Kiźer was too late; he emerged from the burning house to see the dark figure flicker into visibility behind Abika, striking her as it did.

He had gone into the house to retrieve his sword upon seeing the flames when he should have stayed at his wife’s side. Such a costly mistake, and he hadn’t thought twice; such a fool he was.

Kaiźer gripped the hilt of the sword he had chosen over his wife, gritting his teeth all the while, but forced himself to stop mid draw.

Held at Abika’s throat was a knife he thought he recognized. Steady and sure, its owner restrained her from behind with leather-clad arms. Overall, it made him want to pull Kaín out the rest of the way, but as his wife stirred, he froze. She was conscious, if only barely. Her eyes became alert once more, and she soon stared at him in terror.

“Let her go! She’s done nothing to you.” He held the hope of the figure dropping her so he could attack, but the man did nothing. He had a hand laid across her throat, knife hovering too close for comfort.

“Oh, but she did. She stole you from us, didn’t she?”

The voice was one he had heard many times, the gravelly tone like a plague to his ears. Throughout his childhood, that voice had given him orders and commands while at the same time giving praise for the things he accomplished, especially if they had involved the death of another. How he had grown to ostracize that voice. He detested it with a passion, and now…? Hearing it come from the one holding his wife’s body made him throb with rage. He knew he had recognized the knife. He could feel his sword mirror his feelings of recognition, and he fought against the demands it gave to spill blood. He knew if he succumbed, Abika would die.

“Why are you here?” he asked, his voice tight with restraint.

The cloaked figure shook his head as if in disappointment, and when the man looked up at him, his eyes flashed a violent green. “Isn’t it obvious? We’re here to take you in. After all, you are sentenced to hang for treason of the highest order.”

He had known that things were not over. His master may have understood, but that didn’t mean the court had as well. He looked at Abika, memorizing her face, her hair, her figure, all the while knowing they would never share a life together. She would hate him for this, but he didn’t want her to die because of his honor.

“I will go with you, but only under one condition.”

The black figure tilted his head slightly. “And what is it you desire?”

Kaiźer took a step forward. “I ask only that you let her go. She is no threat to you or the order.”

The dark figure tilted his head as if thinking. Kaiźer knew him to be a man of his word, and if the man agreed, he knew he could trust the outcome; but the answer he had hoped for didn’t come.

“Hmm, I want to believe you, but I can’t decline such a succulent kill.” The words hit Kaiźer like a wall, and he watched as Abika’s throat turned red in a flow of fresh blood. He watched her crumple to the ground, delicate skin slit in a clean line. She looked at him with eyes of pure terror as she struggled to breathe. He didn’t look away even as tears blurred his vision. He watched her breath catch and sent reassuring thoughts to her even as he despaired. Her face settled, and she nodded as she gave him a small smile. As she did, her eyes glazed over, and she slipped into an endless sleep.

He stumbled forward and falling to his knees before his wife’s body took her in his arms even as his heart shattered. His worst nightmares were coming true before his very eyes. He didn’t even react as Ryeznya came to stand before him.

“She was a mortal”—the man wiped his bloody blade on his shirt—“she would have died anyway.”

He had nothing to say to this man. His will to fight was gone, and what little strength he had remaining vanished, seeping from his limbs like water from a broken vase.

“Well, I was told to take you in and that if I couldn’t, that I was to kill you.” Ryeznya went around and stood behind him. “I’d thank you for not fighting back, but it only disappointed me. You used to be the best.”

Kaiźer heard the steel of his sword sing behind him as Ryeznya picked up the black blade he had dropped as he’d rushed to Abika and recognized the sound of Heavens Bane being pulled from his sheath. He waited. All too slowly, time crawled by right before the blade pierced his shoulder and punched through his heart. Two words filled his ear as the life flowed from him in flickering waves.

“You lose.”

~Always a competition, even with death as the judge, I see that you haven’t changed~ Kaiźer doubted there was anyone here with his uncle. Besides the dagger, Repidar, he guessed the man had come alone. He felt a chill creep into his limbs as the blade was drawn out. He wondered at how he was still alive; usually, Kaín shattered a person’s soul once it pierced their heart. He took a stuttered breath and looked up at the man who had taken everything from him. Ryeznya tossed away the black blade and pulled off the leather cowl that masked his face. His lips pulled back in a triumphant smile as he looked down at him. Twirling his dagger from finger to finger, he spoke again, the words dripping with scorn. “You could never have replaced me; I am Maliki’s brother, and yet he adored you and ignored me.”

Ryeznya kicked out, and Kaiźer flew backward. “But not anymore, I’ll leave your corpse for the buzzards. Enjoy the afterlife, Nephew.” Turning away, Ryeznya left him in the mud and soot.

The fire burned around him, but he didn’t feel the heat; he didn’t feel anything. Spread eagle on the ground, he looked at his beloved, lying just a few feet away. She gazed at him with dead eyes, and he felt a dull pain in his chest. He would keep his promise; he would not let death stop him from finding her. ~May we join in the afterlife, my love!~ The words swam through his mind, and as the world faded to black, he clung to his vows, for they were his only lifeline.

Heat turned the air thick, its cloying scent clogging the wind around the remains of the small farmhouse. Not a sound could be heard besides the crackling of the last remaining flames licking at the wooden beams that still stood to mark the skeleton of the once small two-story cabin that had sat proudly in the soot-stained clearing.

The living realm was there, but under it all; the shadow realm sat as a mirror image of the land under it.

Kaiźer walked in this realm of shadow, Tears running down his face. He felt nothing; he was nothing. He had lost everything, and here he was stuck between mortality and immortality. He was cursed. He had thought things to finally be right for a change, but no. His uncle had taken everything from him once more, his wife, his life, and his freedom. He was nothing. Even his vows had gone unanswered.

He walked along within the dark weaves of the fold and wondered how things would have gone if he had stayed by her side? Kaín would have been fine; he was a magical being, immune to the scourge of time, let alone fire. He berated himself for choosing that which he had.

He fell to his knees and slammed his fists into the grey ground. He was useless. It had been his fault. He had thought he could live a peaceful life away from the war of man, but it had followed him despite his best efforts, and now here he was, trapped in a land of timeless obscurity with no idea of where his path would lead.

He sat there for he knew not how long, upon the ground, with only his thoughts to comfort him. However, when a soft sound of musical soprano graced him, he looked up as it carried past him on a phantom wind. It rippled through his hair and caressed him with the softness of a lover’s embrace.

~Do not think of yourself as such. There is still much to be done, and your beloved would want you to keep going. You will find love again, this, I know. Now wake and make your choice~

He felt pressure on his chest, and soon it grew until it felt like his heart would cave under pressure. He coughed, and everything flashed white.

Kaiźer sat up, breathless, and grasped at his neck. He found the wound where Ryeznya had stabbed Kaín into him, but as he ran his fingers over it, the sliver of sore skin began mending itself together until it was whole once more.

Dropping his hand, he looked around and found his beloved where she had been left. Her throat was stained red, and he stood slowly, tears running free once more. He felt them hot against his skin, and his throat constricted when he knelt beside his wife’s limp form.

He cradled her in his arms and rocked back and forth in anguish. He was not surprised to find himself once more upon the mortal realm. just like always, he had returned from deaths door. Usually, when a person was stabbed by Kaín, their soul was shattered. All the same, he wasn’t happy. His immortality hadn’t failed him despite his desire for it to not kick in like it always did.

Looking around him, he stared at the crumbling remains of his home and felt rage boil within him. He would avenge his wife’s death, even if it took him eons to do so. The words on the wind had said he would find love once again, but he knew better. Love was an illusion that had no place in his life. He had tried to hold its hand twice now and had had it taken from him each time.

~I vow that I will take the life of the one who has taken everything from me. I promise to protect the people my own brothers and sisters hunt, keeping them from harml I swore to set aside the way of the Hunter, but I vow now to use my skills against the very people who have given them to me. I am a Jackal, and nothing can change that!~