Chapter 36 - Rebellion

Wind blew, and dust flew around. Kysandra’s long hair blew in the wind as she faced down the Free Council, along with her companions, Sylva, Tyra, and Relik. Krynn had not gone with them, though he was not visible in the crowd. Perhaps he had had the good sense to flee when Hylik rallied the Council.

Hylik raised his hands, and the Council lowered their guns. He then motioned for Kysandra and the others to do likewise. He walked over to Kysandra and began parting her hair back off of her face. Kysandra made no moves to prevent him from doing so, as confronting Hylik would mean death.

“Kysandra,” said Hylik, his voice full of evil, “it has been a long time since we’ve been this close, hasn’t it?”

“It hasn’t been long enough,” snarled Kysandra back at him.

“Ah, someone is testy today. And here’s Sylva, the quiet one. Is there anything in that head of yours, filth?”

“Get back, worm,” spat Sylva. Hylik’s taunting was beginning to scare the group.

“You’re a bit upset too. Such a shame, such a shame. And let’s see, here’s Tyra. Still waiting for that boyfriend, eh? The one that likely doesn’t even exist? And even if he did, he’s not alive, and he’s certainly not coming for you. You realize that, right?”

“I know what I saw,” mumbled Tyra.

“What was that? I don’t think the Council heard you!”

“I know what I saw!” she yelled.

“And last but not least, we have Kysandra’s boyfriend, Relik. Doesn’t he look so cute today? Sorry to tell you, but I’m sure that Kysandra doesn’t feel for you the same way she did for me.”

“That’s a filthy lie!” screamed Relik. He swung his fist at Hylik’s face, though he was far too angry to actually land a good strike.

Hylik walked back in front of the group. He spat on Kysandra’s face, and then turned to talk to them. Kysandra ignored Hylik’s insult against her.

“I don’t suppose you know why everyone here has turned against you, do you Kysandra? You’re too stupid to know, aren’t you?”

“Actually, I’d suppose its because they’ve been tricked by a certain conniving creature lower than vermin. Namely, you.”

Hylik made a mocking gasp of surprise. “It spoke! Perhaps its not as stupid as I thought.

“No, the reason they have turned against is that they are tired of your lies, Kysandra. They don’t believe that Tyra’s boyfriend will ever come back, or that he will lead us to freedom. The world is burned, Kysandra! He can never free us or return humanity to its former glory.”

Although she tried to conceal it, a single tear dropped from Tyra’s eye. Hylik noticed in, and walked over to her. He slapped her hard across the face.

“Stop crying, worm! You know he’s not coming back! You want power, that’s all you want, and you know it!”

“That’s not true!” sobbed Tyra. Her voice cracked from sadness. “That’s not true...”

“Oh no, Tyra, it is true, and you know it is.” Hylik turned his attention back to Kysandra.

“Kysandra, I told them of your negotiations with the enemy. The man from the road, just yesterday – the kryon. I know you did not fight him, as every self-respecting honorable human being would do.”

“He was not a kryon!” yelled Kysandra. Her voice quivered with rage.

Hylik walked over and faced her face-to-face. “Oh no?” He slapped her hard across the face, and her nose began to bleed. “Then what was he? A man? No man has such unearthly authority such as he! What was he then? Tell me!”

Kysandra began sobbing. “I don’t know,” she moaned faintly.

“She doesn’t know!” Hylik yelled. His voice was itching with delight. “I think you four need to be locked up somewhere. And don’t worry, we found a good place for it. Drop your guns and follow, or else we shall shoot you. The choice is yours.”

Reluctantly, all four people put their guns on the ground to follow Hylik, wherever he was going to lead them to.

They walked only a short distance, until they reached a van that was tipped on its side. Hylik and a few others pushed them in. They closed the doors and locked them. Hylik pounded thrice on the doors and then called in.

“There may or may not be armed guards outside of here. If there are, and you exit, you will be shot and killed. If not, you are free to go. The choice is yours as to whether or not you would like to escape.

“I shall return in a day or two to discuss the issues with you. In the meantime, feel free to talk amongst yourselves.”

Hylik turned back to Tyra and looked her in the eye.

“Oh, and if your boyfriend shows up, and send him in here with you.”