Heaven and Hellfire Chapter 374 Twelve: Reality in Dreams

Relma could not rember stepping into the cave.

All she knew was that

she ca to a place that looked like a throne room. It reminded her of Steward Benarus' throneroom. Yet instead of white, it was gold. The sun's rays poured through the ceiling, and as she walked, she felt as though she had been here many tis before. The air was warm and there was a kind of glow within it.

It was as if soone had walked into an era of myth and legend.

There was music in the air as well as a strange one. As she walked further upwards, Relma saw before her Anoa the Bright. He sat upon his throne, clad in shining mail, and Lightning Trail was laid over his knees.

"Relma, I have awaited your arrival," said Anoa.

Relma knew at once that this was not fully real. Lightning Trail was by her side, after all. "Anoa?

"How do you have a presence here?"

"My presence extends over many domains," said Anoa. "Among them is this place, sustained by the Conquista's obedience to my ancient command. Pantera called

into this place with her dying breath, and I answered."

"What is in this place?" asked Relma, rembering that this realm was connected to hell. "What are you guarding?"

"Only what is within you, of course," said Anoa. "What you see around you is akin to a... dream of sorts.

"Those who enter this place see their own nature and the consequences of that nature. So erge stronger, others break.

"Are you certain you wish to press on?"

Relma considered the question for a long mont. Finally, she realized there was only one answer. "I have to see my own weaknesses if I'm going to be a good king."

"A wise attitude, but perhaps not a healthy one," said Anoa. "Tell , can a King be a King if she is not willing to kill?"

"It's not that I'm not willing to do it," said Relma. "I just don't ever want to do it. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone, and if I can avoid blood, I will."

"Really?" asked Anoa. "It is one thing to say a thing. It is another thing to do it."

And then the world changed.

Relma was standing upon a path within a vast fortress. A stream was running downhill near her, and through the trees, she could see a sickly greenish sky. The sound of combat could be heard, and Relma listened for it, and in the distance, she saw smoke rising.

She wondered where she was and put her hand to a sword. "Where...

"Where is this?"

And then a boy rushed down the slopes toward her, or at least she thought it was a boy. He was an elf, with blue skin, but further examination revealed scales all over him. As he saw her, he shuddered and then looked back. A figure was coming down after them. "Help! Help

please! You have to help ! They're going to kill !"

"Who?" asked Relma, coming forward.

"Adrianeth's warriors, they're after ," said the boy. "Please, don't tell them I went this-"

And then, out of the woods, stepped a huge humanoid lizard-creature. Relma had been told that lizardfolk were mortal shells for magical beings. They were beings impossible to comprehend. Yet this one seed to be all too real and comprehensible to her, as he moved forward. He had orangish scales and teeth like a crocodile.

"I am Ranush, servant of Adrianeth!" said the lizardfolk. "Step aside from that boy, girl. He is a fugitive from Adrianeth's law."

"What has he done?" asked Relma.

"It's not what he's done," said Ranush. "It's who he's related to. He is a Prince of our enemies and could beco a threat if he rallies them. I have killed many of his father's warriors. And catching him will gain

further glory."

"Why do you need glory?" asked Relma.

"I need not answer to you!" said Ranush. "We kill whom we wish, and none dare resist us! That boy is Imras! The heir to one of our enemies, and he will die by our hand! If you oppose us, you, too will die!

"Now step aside, and you shall be left unhurt."

"Please, don't let them take . I don't want to die," said Imras.

"Then you'd better start acting the role of a Prince," said Relma. "Do you have any relatives or friends you can go to?"

"Yes," said Imras. "My aunt, Sashraleen, has a fortified village with many allies."

"Then go to her and ask for shelter," said Relma. "Don't declare yourself to anyone until you're sure whose side they're on.

"Go now."

Ranush charged with a roar. Relma drew Lightning Trail and prepared for a fight. Then she rembered what had happened last ti she did this against Ajax. So instead, taking a chance, she threw herself forward at Ranush's feet. Grabbing him around the legs, she caused him to overbalance.

With a cry, Ranush fell forward and landed hard on the ground. Relma then stood and leaped upon him from behind, hoping he wasn't dead. One of the techniques of healing Relma had learned from Aunt Pan was putting soone into sleep. Relma was trained to do it when they were in pain, and she couldn't heal them.

Now, setting Lightning Trail to Ranush's back, she channeled such a spell through it.

Imras was watching still.

"What are you waiting for?" asked Relma. "Stop cowering and get out of here! Live up to your na!"

Imras ran as Ranush fell to the ground, unconscious.

And the world shifted.

Anoa was sitting before her, hands clasped together before him. "Why didn't you kill him, may I ask? Ranush will not stop seeking that boy's blood because he was stopped once. Far from it."

"Maybe he will still try to kill the boy," said Relma. "Or maybe he'll be more careful and change for the better. If I killed him, one person would be dead. This way, two people are alive and can change the world and themselves for the better."

"Touching," said Anoa. "And what if neither changes for the better? What if Ranush simply becos a worse murderer?"

"Ranush is a soldier," said Relma. "And I could say the sa for the boy. Maybe if I let the boy go, he'll beco a King. And he'll be the worst king the world has ever known.

"It could happen.

"But I'm not willing to kill people simply because of what they could beco. I don't even want to kill people for what they are.

"Was this supposed to be one of those things where I have to chose between my ideals and saving innocent life? Because those sorts of situations don't really exist."

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"The possibility of a situation where there is no good answer is one that all kings must face," said Anoa. "A point where you can only pick the lesser evil."

"I don't believe that," said Relma. "There is always a good decision you can make in any situation. Maybe it won't always have good results, but that will be because of things outside of your control.

"If you choose to do the right thing, and soone else does wrong, it does not make your decision evil. Only unlucky."

"Well then," said Anoa. "Let us see how Ranush is using his new lease on life, shall we?"

Relma was transported back to that world.

Looking out, she found herself standing on a hill. As she did, she was looking down as people were fleeing from a flaming village. They were carrying whatever they could, so of them going ard. Relma saw Ranush and his n following them.

"What is this?" murmured Relma.

"Hide, quickly!" said soone. "The lizardfolk are coming! Ranush is coming!"

Anoa stood beside her, pointing down to the village. "Even as we speak, the one you did not kill has obsessed with redeeming himself. He's taken to fighting with extra viciousness.

"Imras, anwhile, has yet to be heard from."

"Let

intervene," said Relma.

"Why?" asked Anoa.

"Let

stop them again," said Relma.

"You do not even know if any of this is real. It could just be an illusion," said Anoa.

"If it is just an illusion, then it doesn't prove anything, does it?" asked Relma. "You could make it turn out anyway you want, no matter what I did. So it has to be real in so form."

"Then why do you care?" asked Anoa.

"It doesn't matter if it is real or not to ," said Relma. "I can't look at injustice and do nothing to stop it."

"As you wish, Relma," said Anoa. "Perhaps being hacked to pieces will be of so educational value."

Relma rushed down the hill, sword in hand, and watched as the people fled. Turning Lightning Trail around, Relma drove it into the ground before her. Then she waited as the people ran.

"You," said a man. "Run! The lizardfolk are coming! Ranush is coming!"

"I know," said Relma. "That's why I'm here. Go on. I'll deal with them."

They left without words, murmuring among themselves, and Relma waited. Soon, around the bend ca Ranush and his n, wielding tridents and axes. As they neared, however, they halted seeing Relma. She wondered if she looked so impressive.

Oh wait, Ranush had recognized her, and he'd stopped. And as soon as he stopped, everyone else does.

"Ranush," said Relma. "Why are you persecuting these people!"

"You..." said Ranush, who was larger now. "What are you?! I know you from before, yet you have not aged a day."

"Why are you attacking these people? What do you gain by it?" asked Relma.

"They are resisting us, and we defeated them!" said Ranush. "They gave shelter to Prince Imras, who caught many of our brethren in an ambush and killed them to the man! Their land and lives are ours to do with as we wish! I need not justify my actions, for strength along is justifications!"

"But I defeated you, didn't I?" asked Relma. "You attacked

and were defeated. I left you alive. I took nothing from you. And Imras defeated your brethren. Does that not make his killings justified?"

"It was your mistake to make, coming here!" snarled Ranush "I am far stronger now!"

Relma wondered if she'd actually die if killed her. Anoa had seed to think she'd survive sohow, but ti to take a risk. "Then strike

down where I stand. I wouldn't be able to defeat you, anyone."

Ranush halted. "You admit this openly?"

Relma laughed. "I'm a terrible fighter; I only won against you because of luck. So I was able to blindside you with healing magic.

"If you ca to

alone, fighting seriously, I'm sure I'd be dead. And if all these were to be sent against ? I wouldn't have a chance."

"You realize that it is within my power to kill you even now?" asked Ranush. "And yet you stand before

for these rebels?"

"Everyone dies eventually," said Relma with a shrug. "Is it really strength to be able to hurt soone through violence? Does power co from the arm? Or the heart?"

"You speak in aningless riddles," noted Ranush.

"Maybe I do," said Relma. "But if these people who are fleeing from you are truly so weak, then what do you gain by crushing them? You have already won; those that remain are beggers in the wilderness. They can do you no more harm.

"So, what glory is there in crushing them?"

Ranush halted and regarded her strangely. Then looked to where a number of his warriors were whispering among themselves. "...You are brave, indeed. Braver than so of my own warriors.

"Take the refugees and guide them to wherever you will. I shall allow them to flee."

The rest beca a blur, and Relma knew it was her greater self who was leading those refugees. Yet her decision had been of the utmost importance.

What was important was that she once more stood before the throne of Anoa.

And he did not look happy. He seed to be peering over the tapestries of fate, and it seed to be turning against him. Relma smiled. "Satisfied?"

"Yes, you've certainly done an excellent job of practicing appeasent," said Anoa. "Would you like to see a glimpse of destiny, Relma? Of the future that your actions will lead to."

Suspicion was growing in her mind that Anoa was more than he pretended to be. Yet Relma had the feeling that she was missing half the pieces to a puzzle of sorts. Perhaps she already knew the answer. But she was now convinced that Anoa was far more than he appeared.

"If you want," said Relma.

Anoa stood from his throne, and as he did, all the realm shifted around him. And Relma found that she wore a helm and armor. Her armies were innurable; she saw n from the Conquista, black and red dragons. And against her on a great hill were assembled legions.

"Behold, the final battle," said Anoa. "Upon that hill sits the standard of House Gabriel, your enemies. They are even now mustering their forces in your own ti. Duke William Gabriel seeks respect and power, and when denied it, he will take it by force. As you press your claims, they shall press theirs.

"Those who hate you shall follow under his banner. They proclaim him the true Heir of Kings and see him as Anoa reborn. And many of those who have co to hate House Gabriel now join your supporters.

"Now your armies stand opposed against them. What, Relma Artorious, will you do here?

"There can be no truce without submission—no victory without destroying the opposing army. Your enemy stands upon that hill, clad the armor of skulls. Many in your army will fight him, even if you submit.

"No matter what decision you make, your actions have led to this war. And if victory is gained, you will be expected to hand the spoils out to your subordinates. Many of those who oppose you will be better n than those they are rewarding.

"What will you do, Heir of Kings?"

Relma shifted, considering why William would choose to oppose her. The reasons were obvious, of course. His family was rising in power and might beco Kings soday. Vanion Gabriel was already enemies with Arengeth. They'd sheltered Tanith when she'd fled, after all, no questions asked.

Perhaps if she could befriend William, get him to see her side of things. A political marriage might even be doable. Relma supposed she could marry William ensuring a line of kings.

The world shifted.

Yet the battle had not gone away. Instead, Relma saw the forces of Haldren assembled upon the hill before them. Other houses she had not t, houses of Antion. And with them stood the banner of Sorn, and several other nations.

"I don't..."

"House Gabriel has many virtues," said Anoa. "And virtuous n gain power. Power invites jealousy. Those who saw House Gabriel, their nesis about to beco Kings of Harlenor, rebelled. And so now you face another alliance.

"And because they were less powerful than the Gabriel alliance, they called in help. Sorn was only too happy to take their part for a favorable trade arrangent. And with their money, an army of rcenaries was hired."

Relma considered how she could appeal to these people and House Gabriel. But she knew virtually nothing about Sorn and had never been to these places. Without understanding them, how could she negotiate? And what could she offer them?

Nothing.

Relma ca up with a few ideas of going to these places and trying to unify people. But realistically, she'd only have ideals. Her previous attempts at peacemaking hadn't worked because she smiled a lot. Centuries' worth of hatred and rivalry could not be destroyed easily. Not even if everyone beca friends.

Friendship could be the basis of peace, but it could not create peace itself. Friendships could be broken by economic need and selfishness. The Gabriel-Vortegex-Estal vendetta proved that much. At the end of the day, the nations were competing for resources, and there would be haves and have nots. Relma would have to reward her followers and punish her enemies once there was a war.

And there would be war.

As Relma's powerbase increased, other powers would be afraid of her. And they would not be so easily integrated into her new order. Not once she had obligations to her existing followers.

"You understand, don't you?" asked Anoa. "War cannot be stopped. Only postponed to one faction's benefit. You cannot please everyone, and if you attempt to do so, you will only alienate your allies.

"Sooner or later, you will have to march to war to defend what you have built.

"How do you intend to do so without being willing to kill? Assuming you haven't already done so. You've inspired a great many killers, after all, that could be put on your hands."

Relma ca to one, inevitable answer. "...I don't know."

"Then perhaps you should consider as much," said Anoa. "For there will co a day when no kind words or clever thinking shall save you. Only steel may do that. Rember this vision, for soday, it may co true."

Relma nodded, and as she did, the throne surrounding her faded away. Looking to Anoa, she saw him fading into a dark figure. And she saw his true nature. "I will.

"Thank you, lchious."

"My na has no aning to ," was the only response.

The cave was empty, and sothing in the air seed to snap. The darkness that had consud the cave faded away. Relma turned and made her way up the slope of the cave, coming out of it. And before her, she saw many people around her.

Relma felt exhausted, suddenly, and her every inch hurt. She wondered how she would have faired without Lightning Trail.

"You've erged from the Den of Pantera, and you live?" asked a man.

"Yes..." said Relma, looking back. "The enchantnt is broken."

"...Who are you?" said soone.

And Relma had her answer. "I am Relma Artorious, the Heir of Kings and Angel of Virtue.

"And I have co to save this land."