Red Serpent: The Falsifier by Delson Armstrong Page B

vanished into the air.
    “Is that really what Migra is like now?” Nikolas asked, looking all around him to see nothing but darkness. A sudden flash of light appeared and he felt the same spinning sensation from the vortex they entered moments earlier.
    “No. This is only the mind, Nikolas.”
    “I don’t understand. What are you doing? If you are here for me, why don’t you just kill me?”
    “Because I want you to know the truth. I want you to know who I am and where I came from. You are my enemy, but only in the drama of revolution that my son created. Otherwise, I am no different from you and you are my offspring. I know the truth, Nikolas and the truth is something that will shock everyone. I know Alex is my kin, my blood and my grandson, the heir to the throne.”
    “But–”
    “I know he is the Prophesied One, the One Aidan spoke of and I know that he will be the one to challenge me. But there is something that he doesn’t know and neither do you. Only Aidan, Ardemis and I are party to this secret.”
    “What do you mean?” Nikolas asked. He felt sick and dizzy from the constant spinning and his face turned green.
    “Why should I speak thus?” He sighed and paused. “Come, we are here.”
    The vortex stopped and they reached their destination.
    In front of them stood a great cavernous threshold, three hundred feet high and decorated with gold and silver. The entrance arched across in four directions. The ceilings were painted with scenes from the history and legends of Migra. Nikolas realized that this place was more than just a rich and palatial resort. It was the holiest of holies. The Mausoleum of the Anu-Sa-Rimh! This palace was a vacation home for the king on his sojourns to the sacred place.
    Once they reached the gates, Anaxagoras left Alex’s body and Nick could see a shadowy mist. A dark cloak without a body formed. Then a black hand, gloved and armored with metal ringlets around the fingers appeared and motioned to come forward. Alex fell to the ground. “What the hell?”
    “Don’t worry.” Nikolas rushed to his aid. “Everything’s alright.”
    “What’s happening? Is that, is that–”
    Anaxagoras said. “Welcome, Alexandros.”
    “What!” Alex said, getting to his feet.
    “Alex, don’t worry.” Nikolas kept his right hand on his left shoulder. “It’s going to be alright.”
    “Follow me.” The cloaked figure glided to the gate, which was bound in iron and chained in titanium. There was a large lock with a complex key-hole to confuse even the best of locksmiths. Nikolas and Alex walked forward with caution.
    Alex whispered, “How the hell did we get here? And where’s everyone else?”
    “They’re waiting. He brought us here alone. He wants us to see something.”
    Anaxagoras turned around. “You don’t realize your importance yet, Alexandros.”
    Alex felt a chill in his spine as the king spoke. But he gathered himself and said, “If you are real, why don’t you strike me down? Why do you hesitate? Is it out of weakness?”
    Anaxagoras cackled. “Don’t challenge me with these petty taunts. If you really want me to prove it then, so be it.” He brought his hand closer to his chest. A black mist formed around his hand which extended in a straight line and formed a thick mass that slowly turned into a sword which he pointed at Alex.
    Alex backed away.
    Nick materialized his own sword just like Anaxagoras had done. “Alex, stay back.”
    Anaxagoras glided swiftly towards Nick and threw him aside.
    “Come with me, Alexandros.” The king’s shadow covered him. “Come and I will show you your destiny!”
    Alex stood his ground. “No!”
    “You must!” The king’s voice hissed. “Isn’t that what the prophecy says?”
    Nikolas jumped high into the air in an attempt to drive his sword into the king’s back but before he could, he was suspended by Anaxagoras’s will. The Dark King turned around and circled him.
    “Tell me!” Alex shouted. “Why did you