4 Maximus - The Brute

The night wind brought in the mystical scent of Leila flowers that are only found in the coastal parts of the Deberia Kingdom. The beauty of the sea, the mesmerizing sea breeze and the soothing sound of the waves crashing nearby were all a sight to behold.

On the balcony where the full moon shined, the joyous music from the ballroom behind him and the sumptuous food was not appetizing for the man standing with his eyes set on the small island visible from here.

He conquered Deberia today. Well, they surrendered. It's all the same. He has gained a name that makes his enemies wave white flags just by hearing that he'd be leading the battle.

The Brute Emperor of Lethusia Empire. The destroyer of hopes and the harbinger of death. If there is one thing that would be said positively about him, well, there is nothing.

For generations, it was told that the Royal line can summon powerful beasts just like the Great King, since they were his blood. But he's the only one who can actually do it. And with that power, he became a conqueror.

And with fire, he destroys. And they call him – Maximus, The Brute.

His dark unkempt hair got ruffled chaotically by the breeze. Some fell in his focused amber eyes that almost looked red. He didn't bother to fix his hair as his eyes looked unwaveringly at that island. His lips pressed to a thin line.

He took in a deep breath. Mount Begida – the place that is cursed for centuries. A forbidden place for a Lethusian to enter.

But for him, it is more. It is the place where his heart rests.

That small island that is called Mount Begida had nothing but a single Hound's tree visible. And he saw the beautiful dragon perching on the tree. Well, that doesn't mean those are the only things there.

Will I ever...

"Are you setting your eyes on destroying the Hashomer, Your Majesty?"

A sweet voice interrupted his thoughts. Without even turning, he could see the petite woman who is going to be his wife – well, one of his wives, glancing at the island.

Along with waving white flags, all his enemies seem to think that throwing a woman or two on his lap will give them some sort of power for some reason.

Well... As if!

"What do you think of that place?" he cocked his head and asked pointing in the direction of the island.

He could see she was visibly surprised. She wetted her lips and fixed her stray hair behind her ear. Her bell sleeves flew along with her hair in the breeze.

Seeing the glint, his lips curved to a smirk. He wanted to know how capable she is.

"The Mount of Betrayal?" she gulped.

Her throat closed out of nervousness. She gathered her courage and blindly walked in and disturbed the towering man she is supposed to marry.

She half expected him to throw her out of the balcony true to his name, but he is starting a conversation with her.

Is Maximus Rex Lukyan – The Brute Emperor, initiating a conversation with me?

Her kohl-lines eyes, filled with delight as she smiled. Folding her hands, she stared at the man having a deep glance at her.

"Yes."

His voice was deep like the grunt of a jaguar and powerful as a rumble of rolling thunder. It held an authority that would make mere mortals kneel and beg for no reason.

"I am in no way more knowledgeable than you, Your Majesty. But I will speak of what I was told about that place," she stared at the distance.

A mild sorrow interlaced her voice as her eyes looked at the distance.

"That place is a symbol of betrayal and punishment... About five centuries ago, when the great Lethusia Empire was formed, it was said two of the Great King Lukyan's Knights rebelled against him saying he is not worthy to be on the throne. But they were punished by the gods and banished to that small island where they died," she paused hearing cracking noises.

She gulped seeing him fisting his hands.

Is he going to punch me?

"Continue," he smiled but his hands were still fisted.

The wind blew ruffling his hair and she saw his face for the first time. Unlike the descriptions, there were no scars on his face. His skin was smooth as a baby's bottom and when he smiled there were little dimples on his cheeks.

Sharp eyes, straight, tall nose, thin lips, and defined angular jaws – he was gobsmackingly handsome.

She couldn't understand where the rumors of him being ugly as a toad came from.

"It is said that one of the Knights, who was very powerful, had a holy sword – Hashomer(The Guard). But since the Knight betrayed the King, the sword lost its purpose and turned into the hound's tree. And the Knights became dust..." she let out a short sigh.

It is said that one of the Knights was from this land. For Lethusians, the Knights are traitors, but for the other kingdoms who are terrorized by the evil empire of Lethusia, those Knights are heroes.

"A fitting end, I'd say..." Maximus chuckled. But his mirth didn't reach his eyes as he stared at the tree.

In fact, his eyes clouded.

"Continue, " he ordered.

"The Great King was despaired by the betrayal of his best friends and it is said that he put a spell around the island to not let anyone disturb the final resting place of his best friends. He loved them although they betrayed him. It is said a great dragon spirit is still protecting the Hashomer. It is also said when the Hashomer is released from its seal, the Lethusian Empire will end."

Matilda closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.

And the southern kingdoms are waiting for the day the hero who can release the Hashomer appears. We all may throw our pride down and let the Brute step on our backs, but one day we will be avenged.

Isn't this what we believe?

But where is this hero?

One who has enough power to wield the Hashomer?

Ah, right! Anyone born with magic is killed! So how can there be someone with enough magical powers to wield the Hashomer exist?

Will there ever be one?