Geeks logo

Tails From The Void

Suriku and the Lion

By Nathan Cleve DurhamPublished 3 years ago 5 min read
Like

Desmond sat focusing on the words of the elders as they regaled the children with stories of great and terrible beasts. How they stalked the forests preying on anyone ignorant of the dangers. “Once there was a hero known as Suriku,” Leth said. “He had a wandering spirit unable to remain in one village for too long. He sought only glory through battle. One night while sleeping under the stars he had a vision of all the tribes standing together, which at the time were all separated and fighting amongst themselves.”

“Then a great lion formed in the sky and began talking to him saying.”

“You will bring your people together under one banner. They will bend their knee to you, and you will give them peace in return.”

“How will I do this.”

“With your sword in hand and blood on your feet. Go to the sunken mountain there you will find a village devoted to me, they will be waiting to crown you.” With that, the lion became stars again. Suriku awoke disturbed by this vision he had, but decided to go where the lion had told him. After packing up his camp he marched for ten days through the swamps of Theresia, then six days through the Buglur mountains until he finally found the sunken mountain.

But he found no village of people only the remnants of one, with some bodies half-eaten while other bodies only lay slain seemingly for the sport of it. Now realizing he had been tricked into coming he had but two choices stay and fight the creature that had summoned him or flee.

“What did he do elder Leth?” Desmond asked excitedly. The old man’s brown eyes shone brightly at the eagerness of the boy’s question. A mischievous smile formed on his face pulling back some the many wrinkles tight. “He decided to stand and fight. Taking his great sword from its sheath he belted out to the creature. “I am here face me cowered for I will not wait long to kill you!” Nothing seemed to happen for some time then. “Roar!” the old man loomed over the children as he let lose a growl meant to scare them and scare them it did. All except Desmond who was now even more enraptured with the story.

The children settle and Leth continues the tail. “Out from behind one of the ruined buildings steps a massive horned lion with a barbed tail like a scorpion's. Suriku was himself a very big man standing six and half feet tall, but this lion made even him look insignificant. Suriku ready himself for battle telling the lion.”

“Lion, allow me to dig first a grave in case you should kill me that my bones once they have been picked clean can be laid to rest.”

The Lion for his part agreed to this and Suriku dug a simple grave placing a large stone at the head. Then he turned to the lion and said, “I am ready now let us see who will come out victorious this day.”

The lion roared once more causing many birds to flee in terror. The two charged each other kicking up dirt and rocks. The sky began to darken, lightning flashed, thunder applauded the struggle of these two titans. The lion tried to end the fight quickly by using his barbed tail, which Suriku could now see was dripping with poison. Suriku lunged forward instead of recoiling swinging his greatsword like a paperweight he sliced through the tail at the butt.

The lion roared in agony the bleeding was something terrible. It had never been injured in such a way and for the first time it felt fear. It quickly found itself to be losing more ground as Suriku pressed his advantage striking it yet again this time in its front right shoulder. The cut was deep making it very painful to walk or even fight so the Lion devised a plan he would feign defeat.

“stop! You have bested me I will yield to you.” It said as it bowed low taking a submissive posture.

“If you truly yield then let me pour some of this healing balm upon your wounds as a show mercy.”

“Very well you may do so only be careful as your cuts are deep.”

Suriku approached and when he was within striking distance the lion swung his left paw at his neck. Suriku however it seemed had anticipated trickery. So, he threw open his bottle and splashed its contents on the lion turning him to stone, its claws only inches from his throat.

“Now it’s sits there at the great hall,” Leth points to the massive stone statue of a lion striking at an invisible enemy. “As a remembrance to all who hear the tale that your mind must always be as sharp as your sword or axe.”

Leth watched as Desmond let his words sink in. “Desmond your mother has said it is time for bed.” The tall muscular man walked into the light of the fire. His dark hair was pulled into a topknot showing streaks of gray. A great sword was strapped to his back with a scorpion stinger for a pommel. “yes father,” Desmond said in a calm measured voice and he go up to leave.

“You forget yourself boy what do we say to Leth for his tutelage.”

Desmond stopped turned back around gave a bow, “Think you elder Leth I will keep your words close to my heart so that I may one day be only half as wise as you.”

“Your welcome Desmond tell your mother goodnight for me.”

Desmond walked with his father in the dark gazing at the statue recounting dreaming of the day he would make his own stories.

THE END

literature
Like

About the Creator

Nathan Cleve Durham

I am a long time writer, gamer and lover of all things beacon. I am a published indie author and currently working on a novel series (Touched by The Flames of War) you can find the first in the series on amazon.com.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.