New Prologue Idea

Idea One: A Speaker Falls


"Speaker, no," the Eladii's voice boomed through the near empty audience chamber. The tall warrior stood over the body of a beautiful dark-haired woman stretching his sword out toward the broad-shouldered man walking slowly away.Two dozen dead and dying soldiers littered the chamber, a testament to the Eladii's skill with a blade. Aurelious Preston whirled at the Eladii's voice. Tears stained his pale, drawn face as he jabbed an acusing finger at the armored figure.

"Do not speak to me," he screamed, "murderer, you took her from me, you took my soul. He, he can help me. He can bring her back." Aurelious pointed to a figure even taller than the Eladii standing at the far end of the rectangular chamber.

Motes of light coalesced and swirled around the towering being obscuring his face. His voice was melodic and rich, "Come my child, come, I will soothe your hurt. Pay no heed to the words of this traitor."

The Eladii's voice was pleading now, "Speaker, please, she was an assassin, she was sent by our enemies to destroy you."

"I know my enemies," Aurelious replied as he turned to stand beside the shining figure. The Eladii's eyes glowed menacingly and he brought his shield to bear as green helmeted soldiers flooded the room, surrounding him.

"Are his companions disposed of?" the shining figure asked casually turning from the chamber with Aurelious in tow.

"Yes, almighty one, only this one remains," a broad soldier with a down-turned spear stamped into the front of his helm replied.

"I want this one taken alive, Captain Gin," the giant commanded as he exited the room. "As you wish almighty," Ian Gin gritted his teeth behind his dark visor and raised his rifle.

Across the room the Eladii brought his sword up and back, ready to strike. Futility momentarily overwhelmed him and he hesitated in his attack. He had failed. All was lost. The Speaker was gone. His brothers were dead. He had failed. Futility turned to grim determination as the first shots rang through the chamber slamming into the Eladii's tall shield. Only death could bring him peace. With a defiant scream he hurled himself into the armored throng.