SACRIFICIAL LOVE

CHAPTER FOUR

Early the next the men rose with fear and uncertainty in their hearts at such a risky and dangerous venture they were about to embark on. It seemed like the Forest of Pain was equals to the world of the dead and perhaps the princess may not even be alive anymore.

Some of them started grumbling about the whole mission and the fact that nothing was offered in return, some went as far as threatening to disembark on the journey and go home.

Captain Chayn saw how precarious the situation was about to be, he realized that if his men deserted him, he himself will be unwilling to go on not even with the vagabond who might kill him and go away. The only way by which the mission will survive and eventually get accomplished is by resurrecting their fallen spirits. He glanced at the vagabond who was busy staring pitifully at the grumbling men "What do you suggest I should do? They are about to leave us"

"Me suggest?" The vagabond brought his gaze to the captain " I have no problem with that, I was only paid to lead and steer you people out of the dangers contained in the forest of Pain, so they are your men, find a way to raise their spirits"

"That is right" Captain Chayn agreed and then turn to his men "Why brave men do you become disheartened suddenly even when we have a skilled guard with us. Why did the king choose us if it was to come out here and fail him. We all heard him right, his life depends on the success of our mission, are we then because of fear place our king's life on the scale of death. Mean while the king has a handsome reward for the man who demonstrates absolute bravery in this whole mission. Who will that man be? Let's know by grabbing that forest in front of us.

The men cheered and mounted their horses.

"It sure worked out" Captain Chayn said to the vagabond.

"Yes it worked" The vagabond replied "Except that you don't grab the forest of Pain, or you won't live to tell the story"

Captain Chayn laughed "At least I have you, I can count on protection"

"Why does your king really want the girl dead?" The vagabond asked.

"I don't know, reasons best know to him"

"Or you know but just don't want to tell me" The vagabond tried again.

This annoyed Captain Chayn "Friend are you going to interrogate me simply because you are leading me into a death land?"

"Leading you into a death land and you are following simply because you don't have an option of your own, a bad ass is ruling you and you are content with that"

This words from the vagabond sanked deep into Captain Chayn's soul especially as he detest so much the command of the king. Yet he could do nothing at all, for to react negatively will affect heavily the impact of the king's rewards showered on him. He looked at the vagabond and sighed " Don't speak of the king like that"

At last they are arrived at the edge of the forest, the vagabond called for a halt and drew his sword "Listen everyone, this is the most dangerous places in the whole world, here we got different types of mysterious and supernatural things, a possession of the worst creatures ever known. I bid you to be very careful while we are inside, follow my lead and you will be okay, don't really try to be brave as your king said. Don't even try to pluck off leaves or disturb the fruits, any offense, this forest fights back in moments and you will be gone. Carefulness is the watch word"

They all drew their swords like he did and slowly they advanced into the forest, riding behind him with trembling hearts.