Atkus and the Swamp Beast

Atkus scanned the vast valley before him. It was his second day of traveling through forests, mountain trails, rivers, and valleys on a horse he met only two days before. The land was desolate. Any who were among the civilized dared not to set foot in these cursed lands. It was said that monsters and demons infest the forests and caves of the valleys. And spirits of the people who once inhabited the land still linger.
A stream of clear water stretched from both sides of the valley. Ancient ruins were visible along the bank. Atkus hopped off his horse and dipped his head in the creek. Minnows scattered as his head burrowed beneath the water. He lifted his head out and felt the refreshing breeze of the mountain air. His wet hair covered his eyes and through the darkness he heard the High Priest speaking from his memories. "You have put our village in jeopardy by objecting to Suno’s sacrifice. We are cursed once again after over a hundred years of peace. Once again our people will suffer under the ancient spirit of Pryziel. The Doctrines say that a black haired virgin must be sacrificed so that even the most powerful of demons will never return. Objection to a serious ritual as this is strictly forbidden. Your punishment is to venture to the Ruined Kingdom, where the lands are cursed, and enter the swamp. There you must defeat Gamakure, the beast who lurks there. If you do not return with his head before the first Full Moon, Suno will be sacrificed to Pryziel without question. Know young Atkus that this journey is next to death, for all before you have failed."
Atkus did not care about any of the perils. Suno and Gamakure’s head was the only thing on his mind. He believed he had the determination no hero before him had. He was ready mentally, physically and spiritually to defeat anything in his way.
Under the small ancient structure Atkus sat up camp for him and his horse. He relaxed in the grass listening to the birds chirping and the light sound of the water flowing. The sky was clear and sunny and the snowy peaks of the mountain tops were white as can be. Atkus wondered how such a romantic landscape could be cursed or evil. He opened his pouch for a bite to eat. His horse ate a whole ration and drank from the stream. After an hour of rest they were back on the trail that may have been over a thousand years old.
At the end of the valley was a land bridge that crossed over a pool of water. On the right side was a large waterfall which poured like a pitcher into the foaming pool. The left side of the bridge looked over a large sparkling lake. It was beautiful enough to bring a tear to one’s eye. Atkus looked out at the lake with a light smile. He could see the sandy beaches and the ancient remnants of the structures that once stood there. The opposite end of the bridge led into a forest. The entrance was like a tunnel of trees with leaves raining from the ceiling covering the pathway. Atkus could see the exit at the other end from the sun’s rays.
The tunnel ended and Atkus found himself on a bridge above a green narrow valley. Atkus and his horse treaded along the stone bridge and as he looked down he saw an ancient city.
There were pyramids, temples, palaces, canals and even cottages along the lower cliffs. Vegetation grew on pillars and towers. Hanging gardens were visible through the holes in the structures. Vines spun around the ancient pillars that were holding up the bridge.
As they approached midway across the bridge, the structure seemed to gradually dip down like the curved end of a bow. The stone bricks were loose and out of alignment. At the very center of the bridge the horse’s hooves stepped on a fateful brick and it began to cave in. The hole expanded as more bricks fell down upon the ruins. The horse stood sideways on the bridge, snuffing and whimpering. Atkus had no choice but to jump to the other side of the gap. He jumped off the saddle and leaped across the crumbled opening. His legs dangled as he struggled to get his other forearm on the ledge. He lifted his right knee onto the ledge and rolled onto the surface. On the other side of the gap the poor horse whimpered in fear and confusion. Atkus felt great pity for he never knew the horse for very long and failed to bond with him as a rider should. He looked across at the horse until he caught his eyes. “I am sorry,” he said “I never intended for us to depart so early but I had no choice.” Atkus took his leave and crossed what remained of the stone bridge.
On the other side of the bridge’s exit was a steep green hill with large chunks of rock sticking out like arrows shot into the ground. Below was the entrance to the swamp. The bayou could be seen for miles before it met the sea. Atkus began his journey to the bottom of the large hill using the rocks to guide him. When it became less steep he ran down the hillside with short strides. He then lost control of his speed and began tumbling down the hill. When he tried to stop himself a bump would send him back rolling.
Finally, Atkus hit the bottom with only small cuts and bruises. When he looked up he saw the swampy forest before him. Relief came over him knowing that he had made it to his destination but unaware that he may never return alive.
Right when Atkus entered beneath the shade of the trees in the forest swamp, he drew his sword. He knew not where Gamakure’s layer was located but he made sure he was ready whenever he would find it. The smell of boggy swamps was already intense within five feet of the forest’s perimeter. A ghostly fog covered the forest floor as old trees arched over the ceiling blocking the sun. The ground became muddier with the exception of a few dirt stumps full of weeds. Atkus examined his surroundings with cautious eyes. His expression was calm and his body loose and relaxed.
In no time, Atkus adapted to his swampy surroundings and the methanic smell became unnoticeable. His expression never changed. At times he would lose concentration making the previous ten minutes of walking seem no more than a blur. The continuous croaking of frogs was enough to drive a man to insanity. The scenery became more and more repetitive. Soon Atkus found himself lost in a humid swamp infested maze.
Hours passed and for first time in his journey, Atkus felt a cloud hopelessness come over him. He fell to his knees as if all his strength had been drained away and there he laid flat on the forest floor. His eyelids began to feel heavy. He wanted to fall into a deep sleep or perhaps even die right there. At the corner of his eye he noticed a ray of sunlight glimmering along a pathway. He was tired of the swamp and longed for fields of green grass, mountains, forests of pine and most of all the sun. As he examined the sun ray and all the particles visible floating about, he thought of Suno. He immediately got up on one knee and then his two feet. A few meters away from the light beam was another beam along the same pathway. After Atkus cleared his light-headedness he began following the glimmering rays of light.
Atkus followed the lights like torches along a wall, for an hour. The path led him to an open area with a large pond in the center connecting to a stream that probably emptied out into the sea. Ruins were in and around the far side of the pond. They appeared to be remnants of an old shrine. Atkus knew he had found something. He slowly crept out into the open as if he was sneaking on something. A few columns lined the along the sandy barge around the pond. He sneaked around them in and out. “Who’s there?” said a deep voice.
Atkus was startled for he hadn’t heard another’s voice in days. “Are you the one they call Gamakure?” he asked.
“Maybe.”
“If you are I have come to slay you.”
A deep laugher rumbled from the mysterious creature. The exact location of him was unknown. “You won’t be laughing with out a head!” said Atkus with frustration. He ran behind one of the columns for cover thinking he might have angered the creature. “You seem pretty confident. And yes I am the one and only Gamakure.” he replied. Atkus slowly came out from behind the pillar scanning the pond for any sign of beast. Suddenly a long spear soared over the pond with great speed and pierced the column next to him. He collapsed to the ground and crawled on his hands and knees back behind the column. “That was one of my bamboo spears. I have many more and I throw them well.” said Gamakure.
“Yet you still missed.”
“What makes you think I tried to hit you? A poke at fun was all it was. C’mon hero, I don’t get much company out here.”
Atkus could hear splashing water behind him but his pounding heart seemed to prevent him from looking. He quickly pulled his bow off his back and strung an arrow.
“You sound young, hero.” Gamakure laughed, “How old are you?”
“I am fifteen.”
“Ah, fifteen eh? A boy of heroic age. I’ve never killed one as young as you.”
“I am not a boy!”
Atkus peered behind the pillar and saw a stout figure standing upon a boulder at the center of the pond. As he looked closely he could clearly see that Gamakure was not human. His skin was reptilian, green scales with black and orange stripes. Behind him he had a long tail complete with a fin that helped him swim through the murky lakes. He stood upright like a man with a bamboo spear as if he was a sentry guarding the pond. Atkus took a deep breath and lifted his bow. Gamakure did not seem to be aware that he was in Atkus’ sights. With a moment of silence Atkus released the arrow straight for the creature. Gamakure with reflexes like a cat dived into the pond, dodging the arrow. Atkus ran behind the next column.
Gamakure resurfaced. Atkus could not tell where but he still strung another arrow. “You missed young hero.” said Gamakure with trickery in his voice.
“I have many more arrows if you’d like to see.”
“You have more arrows as I with more spears. Please hero, you are young. You have many years ahead of you. You’re not too far from starting a family. Why waste your life here in this place? I can see you’re wise for solving the swamp maze. You are brave for shooting that arrow at me but it shouldn’t continue. Take the path you came from and leave.”
Atkus closed his eyes thinking about his future. A future without Suno. “No!” he yelled, “I will not leave until my task is complete.”
“Then I have no choice but to kill you. Though I would like to know what sort of task this is. What brings you far from your home hero? Why is slaying me so important to you?”
Many things ran through Atkus’ head. There were many threatening things he could say. He knew pride can be a dangerous thing. But one word came to his mind. It was plain, simple and honest. “Love.” he said.
“Love?” Gamakure replied, “Now I’ve heard it all from fame to reward but never have I heard a hero mention love as his excuse. It’s probably the most valid reason to fight besides revenge.”
Gamakure’s words seemed kind but Atkus let his pride take him over once more. “Such elegant words coming from a beast like yourself.” he said.
“Now tell me who’s the beast? The reclusive creature minding his own business by his swamp lake or the young hero who ventures from far away to slay me in the name of love?”
Atkus fell silent. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Ah, but understanding is the root of this quarrel. I don’t know why exactly you are here to kill me and you don’t know the reason behind my existence. I’ve lived here for over a hundred years and for no good reason rumors spread across country to country making me sound like some creature that kidnaps young maidens and all that nonsense. Now there is still a bounty on my head. Warriors who seek fame seek my head. So far they’ve all failed. I have a collection of bones and armor of you’d like to see proof?”
Atkus did not answer. He peeked around the column again and saw that Gamakure was leaning against the wall around the ruined shrine. He looked relaxed as if he didn’t care that Atkus could shoot another arrow at him at any second. “I have to kill you. Suno is everything to me.”
“Who is this Suno?” Gamakure asked, “Is she your lover?”
“Yes, and if I don’t come back with your head she will surely be sacrificed.”
“Hmm. The only reason why a priest would sacrifice a girl would be to make a deal with a powerful demon so it would not return. Why would my head make a difference? Either way she must be sacrificed unless your town priest has some crazy idea that this evil spirit will be satisfied with my head.”
Gamakure seemed to be distracted by their conversation. Atkus snuck around and hid behind a wall closer to the creature’s location. “I was sent to kill you by my High Priest as punishment for trying to save Suno.” Atkus continued.
“It sounds like he was trying to get rid of you.”
Atkus frowned at his words. He had never put any thought to it because of his mission but he knew it could be the truth. Instead of speaking his thoughts he crept down the wall closing in on Gamakure’s position. “I did not mean to be rude. That’s just the conclusion I came to. I wouldn’t know if your—“ In an instant, Atkus dashed out from behind the wall and charged at the beast with his sword drawn. With ease Gamakure parried Atkus’ downward slash with his bamboo spear. He came back with an upward slash only to be blocked again. He swung aimlessly while Gamakure fought with eloquence and style.
Many bouts were exchanged between the two. Gamakure showed no signs of flaw or tiring. Atkus was out of breath but with one more ounce of energy he dashed once more at the creature. Gamakure swept Atkus’ feet from under him and he fell hard to the ground. The sharpened point of the bamboo was now at the tip of Atkus’ nose. “Tell me your name hero.”
“Names mean nothing in combat”
“Please I must know. I like you already.”
Atkus closed his eyes in acceptance, “Atkus. My name is Atkus.”
“It is an honor young Atkus.” With saying that Gamakure held out his hand to offer him help off the ground. Atkus saw the beast’s humanoid hand and hesitated, but after being helplessly defeated he could accept anything at the moment. Gamakure lifted him up off the wet ground. Atkus turned away scuffing the dirt and mud off his clothes. “What am I to do? Return empty handed only to watch her die?”
“Like I said, your priest was trying to get rid of you.”
“I guess it is my fate to end as nothing.”
The young hero sat down on the ground with his knees to his chest, tired and depressed. Gamakure observed his emotions with great pity. He was very grateful at the fact that he did not have to kill one so confused and lost. Gamakure walked over and stood beside him. Atkus slightly leaned away still unsure of his trust. “You look like you could use a rest. Come with me to my hut.” said Gamakure. Atkus then started following him dragging his worn out legs. The beast began speaking, “It gets quite lonely out here especially after over a hundred years…well I’m not really sure if that’s how long it has been. I lost count a long time ago. But anyway I resorted to talking to the birds, the trees, fish and occasionally a warrior like yourself who comes to challenge me. I don’t know what you’ve heard about me but I’m not evil and never was evil, I was only proud.”
The beast looked back at Atkus and he returned his gaze. At that moment Atkus received his trust accepting that this mere swamp beast was no more than a misunderstood creature. But Gamakure himself still remained a mystery. After all he was the only swamp beast Atkus had ever heard of, but he had to have come from some where. “Who are—I mean what are you?” he asked. “Did your race once inhabit the kingdom that once thrived here?”
“Race? Hah, I’m the only one from my race and no I had nothing to with the people who once lived here. This land was forgotten by time that’s all.”
“Why do you live here?”
“Think about it, if I lived out there your kind would kill me. I stay here in this cursed land because….well we both have something in common I guess.”
Gamakure’s voice softened and he looked around the swampy landscape. He looked at it as if it was a painting of beauty. “I relate to it all. The trees, animals, even the ruins, I am at one with it all.”
“What does that mean?” asked Atkus.
“When you are isolated for so many years, doors in your mind unlock and you find yourself with abilities you’ve never had before.”
“Like what?”
“Like far sight. I know what goes on outside this forbidden land.” The beast’s eyes became dark. “That reminds me, we are almost to my home.”
The swamp opened up into another muddy oasis only there was a large colossus of a willow tree at the center of the muddy field. Ruins surrounded the tree like it was once a great shrine. Large roots came out of the ground like serpents. The tree was dotted with holes like round windows. The base was as large as a house. It was Gamakure’s house indeed. “If you climb this tree you can see all the surrounding land. It’s quite beautiful you should see it.”
“I need to rest.” said Atkus with a low beat voice.
“I understand please come in. You will be the first person to ever set foot in my home.”
They both entered the giant tree and surprisingly the inside was clean and comforting. The tree that must have stood for thousands of years had smoothed edges that had been sanded down and chairs and seats that resembled perfect craftsmanship. “Did you do all this?”
“No….well I did some of it. The ancients who once lived here carved this wood. I only restored it. I am still not sure how the furniture has lasted this long.” said Gamakure.
Atkus walked over to one of the long wooden seats and collapsed onto it. His eyes were already beginning to become heavy. Gamakure told him, “Take all the rest you need. You’ve obviously had a long day. Oh, and don’t worry I won’t kill you in your sleep.” Atkus held his sword close just in case and faded into sleep. Gamakure covered him with a fur blanket and climbed out to the top of the tree.
After a few hours had passed, Atkus plunged deep into a dream. He found himself walking through a path in a forest similar to the one before the bridge earlier in his travels. It was sunny like a perfect day in the spring. At the end of the path was a temple. The very temple Atkus trained in and lived in for the past six years. He ran inside and the shape and size of the halls seemed to be distorted. The Altar of Sacrifice lay before him and on it was none other than Suno. She rose up and turned to Atkus with sorrow in her eyes. “Atkus don’t!” she cried, “Don’t go into the swamp! Please, return to me!”
Like a shock through his body, Atkus awoke back in the willow. He got up quickly to investigate. Gamakure did not seem to be in the tree with him. He looked up through the hole on the ceiling. Atkus climbed all the way to the top of the tree and there he saw Gamakure standing like a statue, eyes closed. His eyes opened and he said, “Awake at last, eh?”
“I had a dream.” replied Atkus.
Gamakure gave out a light smile, and pointed out to the magnificent view of the forbidden land. “This is where I see the world.” he said. “I know you had a dream, but right now I would like to know the name of you High Priest.” Atkus looked at him with confusion. “We are not aloud to say our High Priest’s name.”
“Have looked around lately? There is no law here.”
“His name is High Priest Manon.”
Shock came to Gamakure’s eyes. “Manon, eh? I see.”
“Did you know him?” Atkus wondered.
“Well I know he’s as old as I am. A High Priest must dedicate his life to the supreme beings and his life will be extended.”
Atkus’ eye caught the emblem shining on Gamakure’s chest and squinted with confusion. “That amulet around your neck bares the insignia of the evil being Pryziel. Why do you wear it?”
“Oh, this? I found it among the ruins.” he replied. Atkus still looked confused. “Pryziel has cursed my village once again. Manon has chosen Suno to be sacrificed. A black-haired virgin…just as the doctrine says.”
Gamakure began to chuckle, “Why don’t you deflower her?” he said.
“Huh?”
“If she’s not a virgin she can’t be sacrificed, right?”
“What? You idiot, I have lived in a temple for six years! I wouldn’t do that.”
Gamakure still went on with his chuckling. Atkus shook his head. “At least you can still laugh. Killing you is the only chance I have to save her. As we speak she is probably being guarded by many well-trained templar. My reputation as a failure will then thrive.”
“Failure? No one has made it this far but you Atkus.”
They both sat on a thick tree branch catching a light breeze under the sky. Atkus sat there still pondering about what all has happened. Gamakure sat there examining him. “You are still thinking about Suno?”
“When am I not thinking of her? She is everything and the only thing I have. My mother is dead for all I know, and my brother and father are off fighting in distant lands. After all these years I’ve felt like I was a mistake, my father’s mistake. My village always looked down upon me only because my father did. He saw me as a failure as did everyone else. I was nothing but a struggling temple guard in the shadow of his great father who never showed his love. No one even tried to show compassion towards me, except for Suno. Like I said she is the only one.”
A lonely tear streamed down Atkus’ face. Gamakure put his hand on his shoulder softly. “After your family left you moved into the temple, correct?”
“Yes, I trained until my bones collapsed. I’ve even become one of the best archers in the class but it did not matter. My brother and my father were still better than me. I studied under High Priest Manon and he would become the closest thing to a father figure for the next six years. He wasn’t much of a father either. He seemed greatly annoyed by me but he trained me to the fullest like it was his duty. I can never get over his harsh insults. I accepted the fact that I was still nothing even under his training.”
“That is in fact NOT a fact.” said Gamakure, “When I look at you I see a brave young hero who went against impossible odds. Now that would sound good in a story wouldn’t it?” Atkus smiled, “It did feel good when you called me a hero while we were fighting at the lake. But fame is not what I seek.”
Gamakure nodded to his agreement. Atkus sat up to stretch and while he was not looking Gamakure tossed the emblem of Pryziel off the tree. Atkus looked back at him and said, “It’s good to have another friend.”
“Aye, it does my friend, aye it does.”
The sunset on the horizon turned the sky into vanilla. The mountains in the distance shined and glistened with beauty. “It’s a shame that a land so beautiful is cursed by time.” said Gamakure. Suddenly the beast twitched as if he remembered something. “I have some food stored from recent hunts. There is some tasty game in these woods.” Atkus sprung up in surprise. “Food! Yes please I am famished!” he exclaimed.
In the dorm within the tree, Atkus stuffed his face. The food was not incredibly tasty but he did not care. His hands were sticky from the food. He wiped his mouth dry with his arm and then patting his belly after his meal. “I don’t know how to thank you.” he said.
“You don’t need to.” Gamakure said with a smile.
It was now twilight time. Atkus became drowsy once again after his large meal. Gamakure stood in front of the round window and gazed out at the sky. “The full moon will be upon us soon, maybe as early as tomorrow night.” In an instant Atkus shot up and exclaimed, “What? Oh no! What am I going to do? Suno is to be sacrificed on the first Full Moon.” Atkus grabbed handfuls of his hair with panic and frustration. “I can’t kill you which obviously means I can’t return with your head plus it’s at the most five days ride from here to my village and…..I don’t even have a horse to ride.” A wave of hopelessness once again overtook him. “We’ll figure this out in the morning.” said Gamakure.
“No I must leave now! Empty handed or not. My horse may still be alive so I maybe I could--“
Gamakure softly placed the back of his hand on the young hero’s forehead and he quickly fell asleep. “Sleep now my young friend, and only dream of tomorrow.”
Atkus found himself dreaming again. The only image he could make out was what appeared to be a band of horsemen riding to an unknown destination. Again and again the imaged appeared in his dream. A strange feeling came over him. It was as if the horsemen were familiar to him.
The next morning the sun shined through the round windows and the birds chirped and the swamp life sang. Atkus felt a shrug on his arm and he opened his eyes to see Gamakure staring at him. “Atkus are you awake? Come with me to the swamp entrance. I’ll tell you on the way there.” He rubbed his eyes and grabbed his belt and sheath and began to follow the troubled beast. He caught up with him and they walked side by side through the swampy forest. Gamakure turned to Atkus and said, “Out of all the people I’ve met in my long life I’ve never met anyone with determination like yours. When you return tell everyone about your journey here and everything that happened and everything you did. Tell them why you did it. Spread these tales among the folk in your village and lands far and near and you will always be remembered.” Atkus looked down for a moment and replied, “I will and I will also return to visit you.”
“I would very much like that.”
They walked along listening to the repetitive croaking of frogs and the singing of crickets. Sunlight began to fade away once again until they reached the maze with the sun rays. They reached an opening out of the forest which was a different route than the one Atkus took on his way there. The sun was brighter than ever and the grass was a perfect green color as it should be. Atkus continued to the opening with haste while Gamakure stood still. “I cannot leave the swamp.” said Gamakure with sadness in his voice. “Like this land I am also cursed. But I cannot forget how the outside is so beautiful. So beautiful I want reach out and grab the trees and mountains but I can only lay my eyes on them.”
“Have you tried to leave?”
Gamakure did not answer. Instead, he looked around with searching eyes. Atkus looked at him with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Shhh!” replied the beast, “Do you hear that?”
Atkus listening closely, “Yes, it sounds like….horses?”
He looked out to the long green fields and sure enough was a group of horsemen just as Atkus had seen in his dream. As they drew near he saw a flag on a pole waving above them. “That’s our banner!” he exclaimed. “But why did they come here?”
“I believe they are looking for you, Atkus, dead or alive.”
“What?”
“You talk to them and I’ll hide.”
Atkus stood calmly in front of the entrance as the riders approached. A bolt struck his chest when he identified the riders. There were eight riders and one in the center who lead them and happened to be none other than High Priest Manon himself. “High Priest what brings you here?”
“I came to find you or your body anyway but it seems you’ve just got here.” Manon replied.
“Actually, I arrived at the swamp yesterday morning and I fought with Gamakure.”
Manon smiled with a hint of disbelief. “Well did you slay him? Where is his body? Or did you run and flee for your life?”
“No High Priest, I slew him.”
“Where is your proof?” Manon laughed.
Atkus frowned with discouragement. “My proof is in the swamp. You’ll have to venture through there to find his body.”
“You foolish boy, my orders specifically said to bring me his head. Now where is it?” said Manon as rage built up in his face. “I will give you the head of Gamakure but first you must tell me if Suno will be safe.”
“She will be sacrificed when I return but I am liable to change my mind if you bring me his head.”
After that being said a rumbling roar came from the brush. A voice filled with race and vengeance. The men on horseback were frightened and quickly drew their swords. “Manon! Manon!” Gamakure shouted. He came out and exposed himself and his grotesque figure before Manon. The High Priest was filled with fear and shock but he did not let it show. “Well, well if it isn’t the great assassin himself, Gamakure! How have you been coping with my curse for the last hundred years?”
“Curse? Ha! I have more strength than any man on this world and my speed and agility is beyond human. You are about see how your curse has backfired!”
“I see you’ve managed to keep that clever tongue of yours after all these years.”
Atkus’ eyes widened with amazement. “High Priest Manon was the one who cursed Gamakure?”
“Yes, Atkus your new friend here betrayed me over a century ago and this is how I repaid him. Not only did I come to retrieve you but also to finish him off after his years of torment. I thought you could be expendable for this cause so I used Suno as an excuse. In a way I should thank Pryziel for returning. I’ve been getting a lot more errands done.”
Manon motioned for his men to draw their bows and fire their arrows at Gamakure. The swamp beast gripped his bamboo spear firmly. Atkus stood aside knowing that the two probably have personal business to settle. “I’m not much for talking so I am going to kill you now and sever your head from your body.” Manon lower his arm and the soldiers released the eight arrows aimed for Gamakure. Atkus turned away unable to see his new friend fall before the archers. He turned back around to find the beast live and well. Gamakure had deflected all of the arrows with his bamboo. “Fire at will!” shouted Manon in panic. The men quickly placed their arrows. Gamakure charged them as they fired their arrows at will. Three soldiers immediately fell while protecting their High Priest. Suddenly he stopped. Gamakure fell to the ground with three arrows lodged in his chest. Atkus ran to him and lifted the beast’s head off the ground. “Don’t be sad young Atkus. Those soldiers did me a favor. My cursed life has dragged on too long.”
Tears streamed down Atkus’ face. Gamakure turned his head and lifted his arm towards the outside as if he was reaching for the trees and the mountains. A lonely tear dropped from his eye and his reptilian body began to change. His scales turned to human skin, his tail disappeared and the spikes on his chin turned into a beard. Gamakure was no longer a beast but the man he was. “Yes….tears of joy, wash away my pain.” The once famed assassin turned beast turned man again was no more. Atkus bowed his head for his friend. “It is a shame that these swamps will now be left unintended.” said Manon with a laugh.
“Take me to Suno.” said Atkus, with hate in his voice.
“Suno will be fine but as for you, I don’t take kindly to traitors.”
“I don’t care. Once I am reunited with her we will leave you and your awful temple together.”
Manon lifted his arm towards Atkus and began what appeared to be a prayer. The soldiers looked like they were preparing to leave. “What are you doing? Tell me!” demanded Atkus for he recognized his words not to be a prayer but a spell. He fell to his knees and there he began to polymorph. His nails grew into claws, and his skin into reptilian scales. The physical transformation left Atkus screaming in pain and agony. The High Priest took his leave while the shouting of “No! Please!” echoed behind him.
Atkus’ polymorph continued. His spine felt like it was being pulled as a tail grew from his lower back. His screams of agony turned into roars of anguish. The young beast crawled in pain and sadness as he reached for the outside with tears flooding his eyes and each breath letting out such a soft name. “Suno…”
The soldiers exited through the entrance of the Ruined Kingdom. One soldier slowly trotted behind the group. He saw a horse, the very same Atkus rode on his journey. The steed had a look of sadness and confusion. The soldier patted him on the back and turned towards the direction of the cursed lands. “A young warrior like yourself should be remembered for what you’ve done. Everyone should remember what happened here which was done in the name of love. Should you survive the polymorph, I promise you my friend the curse will one day be broken.”
When they reached the village four days later, Pryziel’s curse was mysteriously lifted without any ceremonial sacrifice.

In a dimension where lovers never part a young girl’s soft voice can be heard echoing through boundries where even a curse cannot reach. “Atkus can you hear me? I know you are out there.”