The Savage Peak: A Morgalla prequel Read online

  “I don’t want to kill you,” Morgalla said to Harek, her voice almost desperate.

  The audience…Delilah included, responded with disgust.

  “But I want to kill you,” Harek roared and charged at her.

  With his anger as a weapon to Morgalla, the fight didn’t last much longer as she soon disarmed him. She held the tip of her sword to his neck. Harek was terrified. He fell to his knees. Morgalla breathed the fire from her lungs, her eyes intense and showing the anger she now had for him. Delilah was overjoyed, and she clapped.

  Morgalla disappointed her teacher and lowered her weapon. She turned her back and walked away. Harek looked up at his father who sneered and turned his own back, walking to the exit.

  The young demon called out, “Father.”

  Makraka ignored him.

  Morgalla hung her head, a myriad of emotions running through her. Only one emotion came from Delilah, and that was an annoyance her expression clearly showed. The solitary emotion from Harek was rage. He found his sword again and came at Morgalla. She could feel his attack coming from a mile away and held her breath.

  Please…please don’t.

  He roared and slashed at his foe. Harek found nothing but air as Morgalla ducked and spun around. It was pure instinct, a will to survive that drove her to impale the tip of her blade into his chest. The expression of shock was frozen on both of their faces. Morgalla’s jaw hung open.

  What have I done?

  The young male lost all power in his body as it went cold. His blade fell from his useless fingers and hit the ground with a clang. He fought for breath, but his lungs froze. Harek’s eyes connected with hers only for a moment.

  Morgalla could only manage a whisper. “I’m sorry.”

  Harek dropped away from Morgalla’s blade. His limp form crashed to the gravel, and in an instant, changed to dust. Everyone was silent. Delilah was to her feet immediately. She turned to Makraka who was still making his way to the exit.

  A scream cut through the silence and Morgalla looked to the stands. She saw the young Xia in a state of grief. Other demons held her back. The pain and her rage burned Morgalla’s soul. She could only stand there, the tip of her blade stained black with Harek’s blood.

  All the other demons groaned in disappointment. Many of them got up and left in a huff. The young female, however, jumped down into the arena, screaming at Morgalla. Other demons joined her, weapons drawn. Morgalla held Hero up, ready to defend herself from the coming onslaught. Delilah stood in front of her protégé though Morgalla was surprised to see she had no weapons unsheathed.

  All Delilah had to do was a point to the symbol of her master. She looked at the demons before her with eyes intense. Xia had to be held back by her allies as she screamed in rage.

  Delilah looked at Morgalla. “Let’s go.”

  Morgalla didn’t argue with her mistress who took her by the arm and led her to the exit. Morgalla sucked back the tears building from her broken heart. Surely Delilah could sense them too, her clawed hand gripping Morgalla by the arm and pulling her away. There was also anger, something Delilah was proud to sense.

  When they were alone, Morgalla fought away from her grip. “Don’t touch me.”

  “What’s your problem?”

  “My problem? You put me in a death match. That’s my problem.”

  Delilah huffed. “For your own good.”

  “How was that for my own good? Do you know how many enemies I just made?”

  “They know you can and will kill to defend yourself. I just gave you teeth. Whether or not you know it, child…but I just gave you the greatest weapon to defend yourself.”

  “What’s that?”

  “A reputation. You really think anyone will mess with you now that you have killed?”

  Morgalla yelled, “That’s all shit. You did this for your ego. You were ashamed of having me with no kill.”

  Delilah grabbed Morgalla’s arm and pushed her against the wall. “You listen to me, child. Welcome to Hell. Here, you kill, or you will be killed.”

  Morgalla pushed her and slapped away Delilah’s clawed hand. She screamed at her, “I wish you’d never brought me here..”

  Delilah sneered at her. “Why he wanted you away from Hell, I’ll never know. It’s only made you weak.”

  “It’s weak to value life?”

  “Harek wanted you dead, and you know it.”

  “And now his father and the entire family will want me dead.”

  Delilah smiled. “Relax. I’ve killed others in a similar way, and he never held a grudge. It is the way of things.”

  “What?”

  “Yes. For it is better to die with a weapon in your hand than live as a coward. Today, you showed fear and compassion. Don’t ever do that again.”

  Delilah turned and started to walk away before she looked over her shoulder. “You coming? I’m hungry, let’s go eat.”

  “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Morgalla hunched over her hands on her knees. Delilah sighed and approached her, placing her hand on Morgalla’s shoulder.

  “I knew it was a mistake to raise you off-world.”

  “It was a mistake bringing me here,” Morgalla yelled, slapping away her hand.

  Delilah looked angry again as if she might smack her student.

  “I cannot wait until you’re finally out of your teens.”

  7

  The Sanctuary

  Morgalla followed her mistress towards Zorach castle; the rage balled up within her heart. Delilah wasn’t concerned, in fact, she would much rather have Morgalla be angry than sad. Sorrow would only make her a target. Rage would be her shield.

  When they got to the castle, a feast had been prepared and was in full swing. Though Morgalla was starving, she couldn’t find the heart to eat. While Delilah laughed at a joke some other demon was telling, Morgalla ran off. She made her way through a group of young warriors who had just arrived. She ran up a staircase, past a couple making out.

  Morgalla wanted to run…run somewhere…run anywhere so long as it was away from this place. She went to the highest tower she could find but could still sense the presence of demons nearby. She climbed out the window to the ledge, needing to get away from anyone who might be close. Ignoring the height, she inched her way across the ledge.

  Don’t look down.

  She didn’t follow her own advice and regretted it. The fright gripped her soul. Normally heights didn’t bother her until now…now that Delilah wasn’t there. She climbed up to the roof and watched the landscape stretched all around. Mountain peaks surrounded her as far as she could see. The hot wind blew through her thick hair as she collapsed onto the roof. Convinced she was finally alone, she balled up, hugging her knees to her chest.

  Then the tears came.

  After pulling herself together, Morgalla climbed in through the window and made her way back down the stairs. The feast was over, and hardly anything was left. Servants were cleaning up. Thankfully, Morgalla was able to get some fruit and bread.

  As she left the castle, she could see Delilah at the opposite end of the courtyard. They made eye contact, but Morgalla’s mood did not change. Delilah sighed. Morgalla walked off to be alone again, resting in a garden and eating just to send the hunger away. Her eyes were still red and sore from crying, but she remembered to focus on the anger.

  A pair of young males strolled by, and Morgalla hoped they might just ignore her. For a moment, it seemed as if they would, but they both stopped. Sensing they had intentions for her, Morgalla rose and was ready to summon Hero. She looked at them, focusing her anger. They turned, smiles on both their faces.

  Oh, great.

  Her eyes remained focused. “Having a bad day, guys. How ’bout we just call it a night?”

  One of them said something to the other in a language she didn’t understand.

  “Look, guys, I know it’s been minutes since you’ve killed someone…”

  They lunged at her, obvi
ous what they wanted. Their weapons were not drawn, but Morgalla didn’t hesitate to bring Hero out to do the talking for her. She swung at them, but they dodged and laughed, drawing their own blades.

  She started to fight, but it was clear she was outmatched. Morgalla ran, darting through trees and bushes, finally out into a clearing. She was surrounded by rock, only a passage leading down a long cavern was her escape. They came out of the hedge, right on her heels.

  Morgalla kept running, ignoring the fire in her legs and lungs. They were just as fast, if not faster. Her hunger was a detriment, and soon her body had weakened. Turning a corner, she was met by a large door, twice as tall as her. She tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. Her hopes of escape were crushed.

  She turned and was met by the pair of snickering goons. She focused all her anger and will to survive at them, gripping her sword tightly. They attacked. One advantage Morgalla had was they were not going for the kill. Her flesh was too valuable to them. That was clear to her now. She fought well, but it was all in vain as one blade cut across her shoulder, making her drop Hero.

  They laughed, but she didn’t stop fighting, punching and kicking at her attackers. It was only a matter of time before her final defenses would be crushed. One of them held her from behind as the other approached. Morgalla’s legs locked around his neck, robbing him of precious air. Her teeth sank into her other attacker’s arm. Biting as hard as she could, he screamed and released her, pulling her hair out of rage.

  A blade came through the first demon’s chest, impaling through his heart. Delilah removed her weapon, and his lifeless body dropped. Morgalla elbowed the other and proceeded to punch and kick him. He shouted in his native tongue. She didn’t know what he was saying, but it was obvious he was pleading for his life.

  Delilah stood, picking at her teeth with her pinky claw. Morgalla kicked the guy when he was down.

  “Will you just finish him off, already?” Delilah asked.

  Morgalla stopped but only out of fatigue.

  “Get out of here,” she said.

  Her attacker looked confused, but she repeated herself, pulling him up by his tunic and kicking his rear. He ran off in terror.

  “What is your problem?” Delilah shouted. “You do know that he’ll only be back tomorrow and try to rape you?”

  Morgalla’s body heaved with quick breaths, trying to calm herself. Delilah wasn’t done with her lecture as she approached, picking Morgalla’s medallion up and handing it to her.

  “When will you grow up? The cosmos is not a safe place, child. It’s far beyond time you realized that. Unless you learn to fight back, you will be crushed under someone’s boot. You will fight…or you will die.”

  “Why did you bring me here?” Morgalla screamed.

  “This is your home. My home.”

  “I hate this place.”

  She turned, needing something to lean upon. She rested against the locked door, her arm touching the lock. Her head on her arm. There was a strange, metallic sound as the door unlocked. Delilah and Morgalla looked at each other, curious as to what was happening. It was then Morgalla noticed her blood had sprayed along the locking mechanism.

  Delilah moved while examining it. “It’s a magical lock. That’s for sure. Look how similar it is to Hero.”

  Morgalla noticed too. The silver-looking metal was very similar to the style of her medallion.

  “Was it made by the same person?” she asked.

  “Possibly just the same species,” Delilah replied and reached up to the high doorknob and opened it.

  She and Morgalla stepped in. Nothing was there except for a very musty smell.

  “No one has been here for a while,” Delilah noted.

  As they looked around, the only thing in the room was an iron bar that was parallel to the door. It was very close to the ceiling.

  “The door was locked,” Morgalla said.

  “Until your blood touched it. The prior owner of this room must be dead.”

  “You mean this room will only open for me now?”

  “Only you can use Hero, and if that lock works the same way, I would say yes.”

  A ray of hope appeared before her. This room could be a sanctuary, a place where I could lock myself in and be safe. After the horrible day I’ve had, I need this.

  8

  The Order of Things

  Having nothing to sleep on in her new secret room, Morgalla decided to find a secluded tree to sleep on again. A nightmare paid her a visit again. Harek’s blank expression as he died was forever stained in her memory. She awoke starving, and her head ached from the horrible night. She found some fruit again, needing three to satisfy her growling stomach.

  Morgalla made her way to Zorach castle to find Delilah, but honestly didn’t know what to do next. She needed Delilah’s guidance. Among some of the soldiers and other warriors around the area, she saw Xia, the young female from the prior day. The girl was surrounded by a group of primarily female demons and some males.

  Great, she’s got her own gang.

  Morgalla froze but only for a moment, the lessons of Delilah ringing through her head. She thought of something she hated.

  This place.

  She focused, using the anger as a shield to hide all the other emotions. She could tell they were all looking her way, their anger beaming into Morgalla’s soul. She didn’t let it bother her though she remained vigilant, ready to defend herself. Best to go find Delilah, just in case.

  Delilah was at the castle gate, speaking with others who clearly were long-lost friends. They joked and laughed with each other. When Morgalla was close enough, being around their good mood was a sudden and welcome change.

  Delilah noticed her mood. “What’s with you?”

  “Harek’s girl…”

  “Ah, yes, his lover. I noticed her and the group earlier. They serve under Zorinda. You’re among friends, not to worry.”

  “I can’t hang with you all day.”

  “She’ll get over it,” Delilah said. “She can’t stay mad forever.”

  “She only has to stay mad long enough to put a knife in my back.”

  “In your back? Doubtful. She might challenge you to a duel or something.”

  “Then what happens?”

  Delilah grinned. “Then you kill her. Send a clear message that people don’t mess with you.”

  Morgalla rolled her eyes.

  “I’m trying to help you, whether you know it or not.”

  Morgalla felt angry still. This time it was at Delilah.

  “Good,” Delilah said. “Keep the anger up, and it will help shield you.”

  Delilah’s gaze turned to the main castle gate. Morgalla could tell who was there. The four of Delilah’s friends gathered around and put on a brave face. Morgalla was a little more confident, being surrounded by a mountain of demonic muscle. Many of her entourage were almost literally twice as big as her.

  Harek’s lover gazed at her with pink eyes. She seemed even younger than Morgalla, her white horns barely visible over her long, black hair. With a group of nine demons surrounding her, they seemed to be ready for a fight.

  “You killed my betrothed,” the young woman shouted, echoing through the hall.

  Morgalla opened her mouth, but no words came. Delilah nudged her.

  “Say something,” she whispered.

  “I’m…sorry?”

  “Wrong thing,” Delilah replied.

  The female screamed, “Sorry? I should kill you here and now.”

  “Then why don’t you?” Delilah shouted, taunting them.

  Widow yelled, “I have ten to your six.”

  “Say something tough,” Delilah whispered.

  Morgalla searched for the words. “Um…well then you gotta go get more if you’re gonna beat us.”

  “Oh. Good one,” Delilah said with delight.

  The young woman’s eyes burned with rage as she took a step forward. Her entourage followed suit. “Step out and face me.”


  “Um…Xia, is it?”

  “It’s now Widow, thanks to you.”

  Morgalla was clearly getting annoyed by the hate being thrown her way. “You mean Harek, right?”

  “What?”

  Morgalla shouted, “It was his fault that he sucked.”

  The demons surrounding Morgalla all laughed, their joy bellowed through the high hall.

  “You dare mock my lover?”

  Morgalla again was caught. She didn’t want to mock this girl’s pain, but then again, when it came to Harek, she was defending herself. She looked to Delilah, who gave her another nudge.

  “Keep it up,” Delilah whispered.

  “I mock his skills…or lack of, anyway.”

  Again, laughter filled the hall. Morgalla didn’t want to admit it, but it felt good to be surrounded by friends.

  Widow drew her weapon and pointed it at Morgalla. “Step outside, and I’ll show you my skills.”

  Morgalla, with the greatest of reluctance, moved out into the courtyard. Demons gathered to see the goings on. Among Widow’s entourage, one male stood close to Morgalla.

  “You killed my brother.”

  “I’m sorry,” Morgalla said.

  He spat on the ground. “Your sentiment disgusts me. If Widow fails, you will have me to deal with. Remember my name, Har…”

  Morgalla interrupted her, “Look, I’m not gonna remember your name, so drop it, okay?”

  She was still half-asleep, struggling to stay awake and yawned as Widow warmed up with her sword. Xia noticed the yawn.

  “Bored?”

  “No, I’m tired,” Morgalla said, and Delilah gave her another nudge. “I mean…yeah, this will be quick.”

  Morgalla approached her mistress and spoke softly, “What are you doing?”

  “Feel her anger?” Delilah whispered back. “That rage will only benefit you.”

  Widow took a stance, ready for the coming duel. It was then Morgalla really noticed how much taller Widow was than her. The battle was on, Widow charged with all the fury she could summon.