Free The Lord of Shadows Rises by James Terzian

next.”
    Lenora fell down and cried, holding her bleeding Master’s head in her lap. “Master!” she vainly cried as Alexander limped to her side. He knelt down and hugged her, as tears ran down her face.
    ***
    In the temple, Vladimir approached the statue and saw there were now three cubes on the pedestal; he smirked. The crack had extended still further on the statue, the flesh of the Lord of Shadows peeking through.
    “Well done, Vladimir,” said the Voice. “However, you shouldn't have made such a spectacle of the attack.”
    “I'm sorry, my Lord. It was the only way to fight him,” said the Russian.
    The Voice responded, “Since you have successfully completed your mission, I shall forgive this transgression."
    “Thank you, my Lord,” Vladimir said, getting down on one knee and crossing one arm over his chest.
    The Lord chuckled deeply. “Soon I'll be free of this accursed prison."
    ***
    Back at the dojo, the two newly-minted Masters were horrified at what they saw. “Who'd do this to such innocent children? This is horrible,” a tear-stricken Lenora said. All of the students’ bodies still littered the floor, along with numerous dark-clothed assailants.’
    Alexander balled up his fists. “Damn!”
    The two sorrowfully gathered the dead bodies of their fellow students and buried them at the rear of the dojo. Granting the orphans the little honor they could provide in death. The assailants’ bodies burned with the dojo as the pair destroyed the building. Laden with supplies for their journey, the Masters left the scene and went in search of the remaining Masters.
    ***
    One week later, traveling by train and guided by their medallions, the pair arrived in Brazil. Using funds Alexander has drawn on before leaving The States they rented a car, taking them across country to the edge of the largest rainforest on earth.
    “It’s huge. How’re we going find the master in this place?” asked Lenora as they arrived at their latest destination. “Can the medallions still guide us through here?”
    Alexander held her close. “We'll do it together," he said reassuringly. Lenora smiled back at the young Norwegian and returned his hug.

Chapter 7: The Three Pupils
    Alexander and Lenora had been in the rainforest for a little over two days, walking as much as possible and resting only when they could walk no more. No sign of any habitation could be found, only mile after mile of wet flora.
    “We've been searching for days. Where is he?” asked Lenora.
    As another day drew to a close, Alexander had his medallion out and was using it to guide them to the Master. Lenora heard a small roar ahead. “What’s that?” she whispered.
    Alexander looked around. “Sounds like a wild cat. We’d better find shelter for the night,” he replied. Making their way to a small cave nearby, they lit a fire outside the entrance big enough to illuminate the immediate area, got out their sleeping bags and lay down. Time passed and the roaring grew more distant but the pair found themselves still unable to sleep.
    Alexander looked at his partner with worry evident in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
    The young woman had her arms around her knees shaking. “I wish my Master was still here,” she said, fighting back the tears.
    Alexander put his head down in a slight bow. “I know, I felt the same way when Master Luray was killed,” he admitted, a tear threatening to run freely down his face.
    The two continued to sit in silence as darkness fell on the rainforest.
    ***
    At the temple, Nicolson was kneeling in front of the statue as Kevin stood alongside.
    “I need you to go to the Amazon with Kira and deal with the two successors of the Masters. We must prevent them from finding the other Masters before we do," the voice commanded.
    Nicholson bowed his head. “Yes, my Lord.” A black portal opened, and he walked through, followed closely by Kira.
    Kyral walked out of the shadows. “I hope you sent some men with