Chapter VI
Dear Johan Damus,
Ten years have passed since that dreadful day - since I last saw your face. Even if it hurts to not call your name. I'll smile knowing that life... somehow will go on. Sometimes you have to forget how to breathe - to learn how to live again. My heart may shrivel up for now, but not for long, I know, we will meet again.
Sincerely, Adam
One by one, the pages in Adam's journal were overturned by the oncoming breeze which seeped through the fabric of Winifred's tent. The noise nearly startled him, a lot did these days. Especially when he had nothing else to distract him from his own mind. Anything and everything was just a reminder of Damus. A yearning to know if he was still out there - alive and well.
"There you go." Adam gently finished tying the bandage he had wrapped around the little girl's arm. "Be more careful climbing those trees next time, hm?"
"I will! I will!" Kris swallowed back the tears and forced a smile.
"Atta girl." He ruffled her hair playfully, "Brave face now."
She nodded her head before turning around to face the entrance of the tent. Clenching her hands into fists, she marched straight out to greet her friends.
"Whoa!"
"Does it hurt?"
"Nope, nope!"
"You got battle scars now."
"Am I a warrior now?"
"I guess you're tough.. for a girl."
"To the fort!"
"Yeah!"
Adam smiled when he saw the kids take off with their dreams and imaginations peeking sky high. A small sigh escaped the moment he looked up at the big blue himself. A single bird graced the clouds overhead. Maybe just this once he could pretend the bird was a sign - a sign that somebody was watching over him from afar. "Just for today."
I've been living here with Winifred up until she passed away last year. The departure was peaceful... She said I was like the - (Father voice: You're my son and that's all you'll ever be!) the son she never had. Ever since then I've taken over her position as Redhorse's only physician. Never did I thought I would end up in a situation like this. The choice to choose what I want. For the first time in my life - the reins haven't fallen into the hands of another.
"Finally!" Squatter wiped the sleep from his eyes, " I thought that kid would never shut up."
Adam peeked his head back in, "Again!? How many times do I gotta tell you! That bed is for patients."
"I beg to differ." Squatter sat up, "The nonstop nagging of a wife is a deadly disease."
"What do you expect? She's pregnant. It's a very delicate time."
Speaking of which... I did keep my promise to the ogres. But in the end, it wasn't accepted. The new lives they've created on the surface isn't something that can simply be undone. In exchange for my hardship of completing the task. All I asked in return is to sharpen my skills in combat. Although he was surprised to hear the only weapon I have ever used was a sword. "You don't choose the weapon - it chooses you." I've told him it was no use, but he said, "What I lack in strength can be compensated for precision." That's when - well by a mere coincidence a bow had literally been thrown at me.
"Human emotions are so unpredictable." Squatter muttered.
"Strange hearing that from an ogre."
"What?" He interrupted.
"Aren't you excited? You don't seem like it. What if she has the baby on the day of the spring festival."
He cast a sideways glance.
"Not me - I mean that's what I heard - you know? Would be lucky..."
"I don't care when or where she has it..." He began to say, "As long as you're there. You will be, right?"
"I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world."
Adam knows very well that this pregnancy will be the first one for the books. There's no doubt in his mind that the complications of a traditional birth won't be nothing compared to inter-species meddling.
The two of them eventually said their farewells when Squatter departed.
Sadly his thoughts drifted back into a mixture of old memories once again. The warmth of a mother hands holding his wrist still. Soft lips that gently kissed each slender digit. Blinking rapidly, he pulled himself quickly out of it. Why in the hell did he think of that? For he knew what images would always pop up next. A broken and battered body, mangled beneath a collapsed roof. The cries of his beloved sisters... the up-roaring fire consumed what is left.
He pretended to pull a mask over his face to hide the scar on his forehead. The act was childish, but it made him feel always better. Despite the fact that there were still a handful of people who questioned his methods solely based on the marking itself. This had raised some more questions that were bubbling in the back of his mind. The main being is if something sinister were to happen would he be the first to be blamed? Then again, he did have a couple of ogres on his side. Nevertheless, there was nothing to be done about it. Plus it was time to go grab some much-needed lunch. With a bow and a quiver - he set off for the worn out path that snaked through the blanket of grass. He embraced the steep incline as he left civilization behind.
The rocky terrain he trended had eventually become a scenery of green. One foot after the other - one step at a time. He simply observed his surroundings. Every bush, every tree, and nook. His bow was ready and partly drawn in order to avoid a quick motion. There it was! A fidgety little rabbit peeking a nose out of its burrow. He readied his bow and drew the arrow slowly, trying to pinpoint approximately where the head will be when fully exposed. Anticipating the hare could hop out at any given minute his breath ceased in order to steady his aim.
Suddenly, a faint shift in the air sent Adam's eyes reeling behind. Turning around quickly, he brought his arm up to block an incoming attack. The jackal's jaw clamped down onto his bracer, trying to bite through. With his free hand, he grabbed the wolf by the scruff of the neck. Twisting his body, he threw the beast as hard as he could. The momentum ripped the bracer off, revealing a bloody wound.
There was a thud, followed by a "Yelp!" when the wolf impacted a tree trunk. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to keep the predator at bay because he had recovered instantaneously.
Adam tossed his bow to the side, knowing it would do him no good in a close quarter fight. Instead, he withdrew his skinner knife.
"Looks like today's special comes with a slice of rude."
With all paws in dirt and fire burning in its eyes. Saliva drips from the corners of an eager mouth. Wasting no time - it lunged straight into Adam. The force sent him hurtling towards the ground, but right before he makes contact. He landed a thrust directly into the wolf's throat. The weight on top of him grew heavier, while he laid there, slowly breathing in and out. When he finally reached up to release the knife. The fluid was no warmer or cooler than his skin had splattered all over him. Pushing the carcass aside, he stood as the victor. Practice with Quickshot had given him the skill to catch at least a small game... But now he could handle greater threats. He worked very thoroughly to carve the remains because he knows the smell of blood could attract even more unwanted visitors. He gathered some meat, pelt, and bone. The rest, unfortunately, would have to be scrapped since he wouldn't be able to carry all of it.
----
The fire in the center of Adam's tent crackled while the glowing embers seemed to move in a rhythm of its own. He sat nearby, waiting for his knife to be heated by the flames. When it was ready, he held the knife above the raw opening which exposed shades of pinks but mostly red. Biting down onto his lip, he dreaded the pain that he's about to conflict upon himself. Applying pressure, his skin sizzled just like meat hung above an open fire. When the bleeding had stopped completely, his body fell limp. He wept loudly, despite the fact he was smiling.
"Time to eat..."
Gradually, he sat up and removed the largest piece of meat from the spit. He ripped off a chunk with his teeth. Then another... then another. Between bites, his shoulders heaved with emotion.
"Delicious!"
The funny thing about it is... He couldn't even taste any of it.
Before he knew it, a fawn colored finger fell against his left shoulder. Slowly Adam turned around and was met with the gentlest of eyes.
"Squatter?" He said with a voice barely above a whisper, "You shouldn't - I don't want anyone to see me like this."
When he tried looking away. Hands; hands much larger than his own had cupped his face, forcing him to gaze back directly.
"Kin." Squatter tells him.
The thought of being accepted by a family made Adam throw himself into Squatter's arms with a dampen cheek plopped up against his chest.
"Brother."
------
Adam visited Redhorse's Orphanage. It wasn't really much to look at. The stone walls and thatched roof always seemed to be in need of constant repairs. Plus the inside usually wrecks of burning tobacco. He couldn't help but think it's a strange habit for a holy man to have. Father Tristan; had found himself a cozy corner in his quarters. He sat amidst an array of smudged and stained pieces of parchment with a nearly illegible scrawl across its length furiously. He was scribbling with an old bare quill that left large splotches intermittently at the ends. He paused in his writing only to rub at his eyes, leaving a long smear. His food sat cold off on the corner of the table, his drink nearly gone. Yet his pipe was filled to the brim.
"Excuse me. I'm here-"
"Can't you see I'm busy?" Tristan hissed, "She's upstairs with all the other little rascals."
It wasn’t the death of villagers that had haunted Father Tristan, nor the loss of friends…. But rather the faces of those children who'd lost their parents. He couldn’t handle it. The looks of confusion, the misplaced guilt - as they wondered 'Where did mother and father go?'
Before he knew it, Adam's feet had carried him up the stairs. All around the children were filled with mixed emotions. Some were afraid and some were eager to meet right away. Fillon, a small little boy with a peg leg was the one who led him to Alianor's room. He signals Fillon he would go alone from here after they reached the door. Slowly, turning the knob, he stepped inside. She laid beneath dampen sheets, breathing heavily with flushed cheeks. He decided to pull the covers halfway down to see if there are any improvements. Unfortunately, the red lesions throughout her body had become pus-filled blisters. The moment he heard a knock at the door, he swept the blanket back over.
"Come in."
Father Jocelyn lets himself in, "Do you know what ails her?"
"The Red Plague. Why hasn't this been brought to my attention sooner?"
"We've been busy trying to find suitable families to re-home the children." Father Jocelyn tried to explain.
"All the children here can easily be infected if the proper procedures aren't made!"
"Procedures?" He questioned.
Instead of putting it in plain words, he demonstrated how it must be done. After borrowing Father Tristan's tinderbox and a candle, he went straight to work. He struck the flint with the back of his knife until it shears off tiny flakes of metal. He catches the spark onto the char-cloth while blowing gently. It's enough to ignite the sulfur tipped splint which he transfers to the candle. Now with a permanent source of fire, he took a single strand of Rosemary and lit it. He waved the herb as if it were an incense throughout the room. For precautions, he went ahead and used a few bundles of rosemary to fumigate the entire building.
When they returned to Alianor's room, she was leaning over the edge of the bed. Yellow bile was dripping from her lips and onto the floor.
"Father please prepare some thyme tea."
"Certainly." He took one wearily look at the girl then departed.
"Mister Charlet..." Alianor began to weep, "I'm going to die, aren't I?"
"No, what gave you that idea?" Adam helped cleaned her up before tucking her back into bed.
"I heard Father Jocelyn asked Father Tristan what should be done with my body since I'm -"
"I've heard enough. Don't listen to them. You're already on the last stage of the illness. Just a few more days and you'll be good as new."
Alinaor eyes gleamed with hope, "Really?"
"Really."
Today was the first of many... that I've lied. If I hadn't - I think it may have killed us both.
On his way back home. The grass waved against the wind - like a hopeful dreamer wishing upon a plucked dandelion. Just like flowers; there were a variety of women who swayed in Adam's direction. Their gaze halted every time he would stop to look. Of course, the blushing was a dead give-away. Although none of them ever dared to get close, let alone speak to him. Hilda did... The first thing he noticed about her was the fierce crimson hair swinging against her pale face.
"Will you p-please." She struggled to get the words out, "Accompany me to the spring festival dance?"
She bows her head and raised her arms up, offering a daisy to him. Her scrawny legs shook in anticipation.
"I, um." Adam knows its a village tradition every year for a female to court a male instead. However, all of the years he's lived here - of all days, why now?
"How dare she."
"Who does that tomboy think she is?"
Defiance filled Jehenne emerald eyes as she pulled her shoulders back sharply, "Does she think she's better than us?" She exclaimed.
With a heavy heart, Hilda slowly rose. She had gone on this long without talking to him, what would solidify his decision to say yes? "I'm sorry maybe I -" Swallowing the lump in her throat she held her ground, her stomach twisted, knotting itself as she continued to speak, "I mean if -"
Adma's lips found her forehead, it was short and sweet enough to make tears stung Jehenne eyes. But she refused to showcase them for anyone, especially him. With the flick of the hair, she turned and stormed off with the rest of the herd.
"Y-you didn't have to do that for me." Hilda enunciated in a serious tone.
"I'm sure it'll be fun." Adam smiled.
Hilda breath hitched as she held her cheeks, "You mean it!?"
He nodded.
-----
Trays of mouth-watering delicacies, such as a whole roasted boar were laid out on a long oak table. Adam swore the amount of food he saw could have lasted the village an entire winter. Although he wouldn't mind sinking his teeth in a meal or two. The butterflies fluttering in his stomach told him otherwise. Quietly, he watched a couple pass by him. The girl wore a light blue dress and a flower crown that had long ribbons weaved in the ends. From across the way, he noticed someone looking in his direction. He wasn't sure who it was at first. Hilda satisfied smile seemed to have answered his baffled look in return. No doubt his term of affection had rubbed her the wrong way, but honestly, he thought she looked beautiful. Most of all; her eyes were swimming in exhilaration.
What felt like an eternity was in reality only a matter of moments before they were standing face to face.
"Um - hi! Um - Adam..." Hilida voice tinged with a mixture of fear and panic.
Without a word, Adam tucks his arm behind his back, the other raised high above his head, make the stem of a flower. She does the same, but faces Adam, pressing her extended hand into his, to represent the bud. The two move in a circular motion, taking the position and representation of all flowers, tapping their fingers rhythmically to demonstrate the dividing of petals. While spinning halfway to the left then to the right. Separating, they individually twirled against the wind to complete the commemoration.
"What's the matter?"
"It's Agnes" He managed to spit out, "Baby."
"Tell Squatter I'll be right there! I need to get my equipment."
Thoughts began to accelerate inside Adam's head while he raced for his medical bag. When he finally had a foot in the door, his heart stopped. There was no mistaking Johan Damus. It was as if though he were staring at a ghost. There were so many things Adam wanted to ask, wanted to say... But now wasn't the time.
Adam's shoulder brushed up against Damus when he moved past to gather his medical supplies. Damus watched closely as Adam shoved all sorts of different tools into his bag.
"You don't seem excited to see me..." He said in a somewhat dismissive tone.
Adam felt like he had been slapped right in the face with his statement alone, "This will have to wait."
Damus watched closely as Adam shoved all sorts of different tools into his medical bag. Why is it so easy for him to pull away? Perhaps he just didn’t recognize him any longer. After all, Adam was different. His body appeared to be more toned and his hair is just long enough to be tied back.
"No." Damus placed his hands on Adam's shoulders to hold him in place, "While you've been living in your little paradise - the world has changed. Religion has become man's law and magic has been deemed evil. "
"But - that's - that's genocide!"
"They can either leave the mainlands or perish beneath the hands of God's men." He sternly said.
"But the outskirts are barely livable!"
Adam's hand lingered downward to snag the dagger that's been concealed in his waistline. He ceased movement the moment he felt Damus hand clasped his.
"You still have Iris dagger..." Damus had found love once before, and the scars that blemish his heart had not yet healed. In truth, he didn't know if they ever would. How long did it take for a heart to finally stop hurting?
"You wouldn't really hurt me, would you?" He sadly asked.
"What's taking so -" Before Hilda could finish her sentence or even step one foot inside the tent. Damus had snatched the dagger and lobbed it across the room. Her eyes widen with indescribable pain. Her lips motion words that could only fall on deaf ears. Her body collapsed through the entrance, landing just inches away from them. Her beautiful yellow dress was now beginning to stain with red.
"What have you done!? She had her whole life ahead of her!"
Damus secured Adam with restraints which minimize the movement of his hands. They consist of a straight bar with a T-shaped end that are fitted two U-shaped cuffs. Near the edge of the bar is a small ringlet that's been fastened shut by a padlock.
"We've been ordered to burn this place to the ground." He knew at some point he’d have to come clean about this, "I'm here to get you out before the attack."
"By taking me as a prisoner!?"
Even if Adam clearly had allegiances for his fellow residents. It wasn't like Damus would just stand idly by and watch him get killed in battle.
"There's still time to tell the others -"
"No, you're not worth the risk." He probably wasn’t the best with words but at the very least he had tried. Then he shoved Adam aside, just enough to make him fall into a sitting position.
"Quickshot, Squatter and Arms are all happy here!" Adam struggled, "Everyone is!"
"Happy?" Damus let out a raspy laugh, "Sure."
"Why are you being so selfish!?"
"In this world - you have to be." Damus tossed Adam's journal on top of the other necessities he had gathered.
"Don't you understand!? This is my home now and you're trying to steal me away from it!" Adam was engulfed into total darkness. Nobody heard his muffled screams from within the dark fabric.
Damus felt Adam's head fall between his shoulder blades as he adjusted himself with the newly added amount of weight. 'Stealing?', he thought to himself. He's not stealing but rather claiming what's rightfully his.
After managing to avoid crushing the dead girl's body, he stopped to look upward in contemplation for a moment. Although, there wasn't a single grey cloud in the sky. It began to rain fire below the hill of Winifred's home. The sounds of a heartfelt celebration had come to an end, and the horrifying shrieks had just begun.
----
Adam stopped just short of an empty cell. The jailers opened the door, letting him walk in on his own since they didn't dare touch him - a sinner. The two argued who would unlock the cuffs. The unlucky one reluctantly stepped forward, despite his static position. Adam tried to make it evident that he intended to do no harm. Inside; his back was pressed up against the wall beneath the barred window. Slowly he slid down as the tears came pouring out. Everything he had done up until now was for the sake of Redhorse Valley. Now he's the very sole reason for their demise.
On the opposite side of the wall; Damus whispered, "It may not be today or tomorrow, but one day, maybe, you'll forgive me."
From a close distance; Rune and Loys watched how Damus hovered around the boy's cell like some sort of guard dog.
"Can you believe it?" Her breath hitched, "He went through all this trouble for some wimpy little boy."
"Well somebody sounds awfully jealous," Loys remarked.
"Me - a princess?"
"Excommunicated princess." Loys corrected.
"In love with a commoner?"
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Loys asked.
"Honey, don't talk to me like that or I'll remove that pretty little tongue of yours."
"Only if you eat it afterward. You shouldn't let good food go to waste." Loys told her calmly, he was entirely unconcerned with the very threat of his potential impending doom.
Rune looked back to Damus after Loys left. A wail of the most heartfelt anguish ripped itself free from her chest because deep down she’d always known… love... love was just a fool's masquerade.'
-----
The morning had come just as quickly as night had gone. Faint colors of red splashed the walls with endless rays of pink. It was bright and mesmerizing - enough to invite Adam in. However, the pungent aroma from earlier had intensified. Eating anything that smelt so protrude would definitely not settle well with his stomach. Especially, when he's pretty sure the slop that's been served to him has already grown a garden of mushrooms. Suddenly, his eyes widen after receiving a thunk on the head. He was about to rise until an apple landed right in the middle of his lap. Gradually he brushed his thumb across its smooth surface. Although his stomach hungered for a juicy bite, his heart ached more. If this is how he's going to spend the rest of his days. He'd rather be dead than rot behind these bars.
From time to time; the jailers would swap patrols. One, in particular, seemed to be walking past his cell a few too many times. His mannerisms weren't nervous or irrational like the previous guard. If their eyes met the man turned away and took interested in something else before moving on. But he came back a short while later and lingered within viewing distance. The extra attention made Adam believe that they were trying to catch him in the act of using magic. If only he could give a show that's worth all the gold in their pockets. Luckily for them, he didn't have one magical bone in his body.
Five years later...
King Roderick established a treaty with a foreign King from the east, doing so ended decades of war. However during the council - Prince Roderick the II, took it upon himself to visit the exotic Princess one night who was rumored to be quite the beauty. The Prince is quite the womanizer and deflowered her the night before the treaty. In those lands a Princess must remain a virgin until her wedding night, else she'd be viewed as a harlot. To make matters worse she was betrothed to another. This was now a huge problem for the foreign King. Words were exchanged - the Prince denied her and shunned her saying he did not take her chastity and thus war broke out again this time over a Princess who sullied in one passionate night.
A pair of keys clanked before opening the door to Adam's cell. It wasn't uncommon for prisoners to fill up the vacant spots of deceased soldiers in exchange for their sentences. However, nobody was given a choice to accept or decline the offer. It was a mandatory order from King Roderick himself.
Prince Roderick the II wakes to a loud horn call. Hearing this could mean one thing the enemies have broken through their defense and are moving into their position. Roderick sulks, here he is bed with three beautiful whores and now he must go off to battle. He remembers his father's words too clearly,
"You are the cause of this mess! Now you must fix it!"
The Prince sighed and got up from the bed, it's nothing compared to the royal bed at the palace but considering the other soldiers were sleeping in straws he shouldn't complain too much after all, his tent was the biggest gloriously decorated with many wonders befitting of him. He began to put on his pants when he felt feminine hands from behind.
"Where are you going your grace?" Rhonda asked. It appears his rustling has awoken one of the whores he summoned.
Roderick smiled "Off to battle, cheery. Got to win the war after all."
Outside; heavy footsteps of armored - clad soldiers could be heard along with horses scampering about.
"Does this mean you no longer require our services, your grace?" She asked as the Prince began to put on a piece of armor.
"Nonsense, it shouldn't take but a few hours to defend whatever assault this eastern cur has sent our way."
He turned and groped the waken whore. "Besides; I need a refreshment after I slay these eastern dogs."
He gave a whistle and in came a squire who fitted the rest of his armor. In no time the Prince was ready for battle. Stepping out of the tent, he's greeted by another squire; who is waiting with a horse.
The lingering smoke of the battlefield stole Adam's breath and blinded his eyes. All he could think of is the end - the end to of all this madness. Yet, here he is, covered in bile and offal. He had never been in any kind of real combat situation unless spars and varmints counted. Looking around, it's apparent that he wasn't the only one inexperienced. These weren't men - they were boys.
On the other side of the battle, there were cries of agony. It appears that the eastern army has a secret weapon. A mountain of a man, eight feet tall, covered in steel from head to toe, skin black as onyx and amber eyes that lit like fire in the night. With a roar and his mighty mace he easily did away two men as if there were flies. The monster was named Ahlsar.
Ahlsar laughed, "Weak! Have you no one stronger? Doesn't surprise me considering you're all so small!"
On the opposite side; Roderick the II arrived, although a womanizer, the Prince was no slouch, in fact, he was quite gifted in combat. His appearance gave hope to the army who were faced against this monster. In he dove with a steed, sword, and shield. Roderick cut down five men as if he were carving an almond cake. Cheers were given all around as morale began to flood back into his army.
Slashing down another man, he shouted. "Shield wall! Push back these eastern mongrels!"
The men roared and formed a wall with their shields. In no time they were battered by the other army, they tried their best to break formation but it was no use.
"Hold!"
Everyone locked in place using their strength against the invaders.
"Push!"
Successfully they were beginning to push back the enemy.
Ahlsar cried, "Blah! You think a puny wall of shields will stop me?" He lifted up one of his own men up and threw him head first into the barricade, creating a temporary gap.
"Holy shit..." A flash of silver stopped a shielder dead in his tracks as the second body flew by.
Roderick knew the only way to end this battle was to rip down this monster. With a kick, he galloped on over to meet his adversary. Five men stood in his path, with his steed and sword in hand, they were no match. For he downsizes these men with little difficulty. Then he eyed the mass in steel approach.
Ahlasar laughed, "Hah! So you're the Prince who started this eh? What kind of king sends his flesh and blood out here to die?"
He smiled, "Don't worry about my father, this battle shall be as quick as your mother whom laid with dogs and men!"
The armies began to clash against each other.
"Keep it together!" Damas grunted.
Due to the gaps, their wall had miserably failed. Now it was every man for himself.
"Oh god, I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die!"
Damas grabbed a spear and hurled it over at the enemy, downing one. It wasn't long before another took its place. Like an arc of light, he swung, taking the man's life, hand and all. The poor fool thought he could stop a sword. Rushing over, he blocked the next assault, giving the man enough time to crawl to safety. With a kick and a slash, he reduces the threat to unoffensive. Afterward, Damas looked to where the Prince was. He spilled blood! Not just anyone's blood but Alhasar.
No matter how much pressure Alhasar held against the gash in his arm. The blood kept bursting out between his fingers. Still, it wasn't enough to make this monstrosity fall, in fact, all it did was enrage him more.
"I the descendant of the great Artaxshasa am wounded by this man?! No!"
The Prince quickly turned his steed around and went for another round. Alhasar swung his mace hard, knocking him completely down, horse and all. Roderick cried out upon impact. Had it not been for his armor he would have died instantly. Struggling, his throbbing body aches from several broken ribs and a dislocated arm.
Alhasar laughed "Look upon me cur! I am Alhasar! Despair as I take your Princes' life!" Towering above, he kicked the Prince back into the dirt after he tried standing.
Not wanting to go down without a fight, Roderick quickly changed sword hands. He slashed the plated thigh, cutting through armor to reach flesh, however, it wasn't deep enough to penetrate the skin. Annoyed, Alhasar kicked him once more. Determined, Roderick tried again, but Alhasar swung back his mace and broke the prince's sword in half.
Damas knew the prince was completely defenseless now, considering his shield had already been trapped beneath his dead steed. There was nothing left for him to use. So he snatched a spear from a nearby soldier and threw it right at Alhasar. All it did was knock off his helmet and graze a single cheek. In spite of that, he successfully secured Alhasar's attention.
While Alhasar charged, Damas grabbed a shield from a fallen comrade. When Alhasar began to wail on him, he locked his feet and blocked with the shield, but this eight-foot man was too strong. His arms felt like they had been kicked repeatedly by a mule. And his ears rang, through a what appeared to be a silent world that's stuck in slow motion. Piercing screams that would have torn through him like shards of glass were now just portraits of frozen faces. No matter how hard he tried, he could no longer hold Alhasar back. First, the shield shattered then he's knocked back about five feet away.
The prince looked in awe at Damas; who was fighting desperately to save his life. 'Brave lad. Stupid; but brave. Hell, I guess I must be stupid too.'
Adam oversees Damas skidding along and screamed, "No!" A hole felt like it was about to be burned into his heart forever. And no amount of dirt shoveled could ever be enough to fill it.
Ahlasar smiled while walking closer to Damas; who was lying on the ground. "Stupid fool! You're a thousand years too early to fight me! Now-" before he could finish he was blinded, the Prince had grabbed a piece of the shield and reflected the sunlight right into his eyes.
Adam climbed up on a great outcropping of rocks. And he seized the chance by quickly firing his armed crossbow. Luckily, the bolt flew straight to its destination; Ahlasar. The lifeless giant fell as blood and brain matter spewed all over the surrounding soldiers. "I did -" He collapsed face down into a hooved shaped puddle. His heart was pounding in his chest, but he ignores it and slowly lift his head. In the reflection of the water; teardrop pupils were the only thing left after a sword had kissed him goodnight. Shaky hands reached up to where his eyelids had once been. His fingertips are met by a white fluid infused with plasma.
"How are you still alive?" Somebody nearby asked him.
"The only reason I'm not dead right now is because death hasn't found me yet."
The man offered his hand and helped Adam atop his horse. It neighed and tried to buck, but Adam held on for dear life. Is this how he's going to go out? Trampled to death by a horse? The soldier seemed to get control of the steed, and he was able to swing both his legs to each side. Riding forth, Adam nearly lost his balance, falling forward, but he grabbed ahold of the horse's mane. It didn't seem to like that and jerked its head. He let go of the rough hair, trying to sit upright while they were jostled up and down wasn’t the easiest thing to do.
Fortunately, everything was coming to an end. Seeing their greatest warrior fall, made panic spread through the enemy's side like wildfire. Some dropped their weapons and ran in fear, others tried to fight, but were quickly dispatched. Damas managed to catch an unoccupied horse and carried The Prince back to camp.
Although we've won the battle, the loss of men was far much greater. Instead of cheers, short and ragged breaths were the only sounds pulsating around the tents. Light filtered through the flaps of Adam's tent which blew like curtains in the breeze. The temperature was already rising, and soon it would become almost uncomfortable for Adam to stay in bed. However, the exhaustion from the heat was sapping whatever strength he had left.
"Are you awake?" The voice asked from above him.
Forcefully, Adam sat up, only to realize he's sitting in total darkness.
"I-I can't see."
That's when he felt a pair of rough calloused hands grab a hold of his. They guided him til his fingertips brushed against what felt like bandages. Adam didn't know what to with himself. The constant sensation of wanting to blink but never receiving the relief was maddening.
That's when he felt a pair of rough calloused hands grab a hold of his. They guided him til his fingertips brushed against what felt like bandages. Adam didn't know what to with himself. The constant sensation of wanting to blink but being unable to was infuriating. He drugged his nails across the surface, trying to remedy the urge to scratch his own eyes out.
"How long?"
The dark haired girl let out a soft breath sounding torn between being exasperated and sympathetic to his plight, "Several days... The prince postponed the return trip home until you were fully recuperated for means of travel."
"Just for me? There are far better physicians home for all the wounded."
"You've saved the prince's life." She replied.
Adam let out a shaky breath, feeling immensely guilty that his life was valued higher than the majority. He hugged his grazed knees tightly up against his chest. Along his legs, he scratched the newly healed scars. When the woman tried to stop him, he lashed out.
"You really shouldn't - " The girl pleaded.
Adam would have cried, except it felt like he could only produce fire rather than tears.
"Thank you, Muriel." Garret said upon entry, "But your services are no longer needed today."
