Blades of Death

Chapter 18

The band of five Krimighan soldiers fought as bravely as they could. The entire Krimighan army was scattered and overwhelmed by the Petukian army who had once again dominated the battlefield.

The five soldiers had already accepted their fate when they were surrounded by Petukians from all sides. The only goal they had was to take down as many soldiers as they could.

Two out of the five Krimighan soldiers were killed and the others were about to meet with the similar fate when a horse suddenly tore through the Petukian ranks, killing the soldiers. Riding on it was Khizo and Cloris.

After clearing the Petukian soldiers that had surrounded the remaining three soldiers, Khizo and Cloris charged ahead, helping all their fellow soldiers gain an upper hand over the Petukian army. With the swords attached to his body, Aron had turned into an unstoppable killing machine, bringing death to any soldier that came near to him. Khizo made sure that no Krimighan soldier was attacked by the horse.

By the time Aron had taken care of the Petukian army, only Triston and ten battered soldiers remained standing on the ground outside Petukian walls which was soiled with blood and dead bodies.

“You are one cunning tactician,” Triston said to Khizo as he looked at Aron standing on top of a pile of Petukian soldiers and beaming with pride.

“Now, what?” Cloris asked.

“I think we have taken care of the entire Petukian army. Now, we’ll march to the palace and force Davis to surrender,” Triston declared.

“I cannot believe we won,” Khizo exclaimed.

“Don’t say that until Davis surrenders to us,” Triston stated, “Let’s go, men. Raise your shields and surround the Palace!”

Triston, Khizo, Cloris and the remaining battered soldiers marched towards the Palace through the streets of Petuk in perfect formation. People peeped out of their windows when they crossed their houses. Some showed anger, some were shocked, some were silent and a glimpse of happiness could be seen on the face of others. The army also had to pass through houses that threw stones at them but they all were deflected by the shields.

Finally, the Palace became visible to them. However, something else also caught their eyes — An army of more than fifty Petukian soldiers charging at them.

“More Petukians!” Triston yelled.

The entire army including Triston, Khizo and Cloris drew out their weapons and made their final stand against an army they knew they will not be able to defeat.

When the nearest Petukian solder was about to charge at Triston, a crossbow bolt knocked the soldier down. Very soon, more crossbow bolts were fired at them.

Khizo turned back to find King William charging into battle with nine Kodus Warriors at his side. The sight was so surprising that Khizo forgot about the Petukian army advancing at them.

“Khizo, watch out!” Cloris shouted.

Before Khizo could react, Laing shot a soldier who was moments away from stabbing Khizo.

“Kodus, charge!” The king commanded.

All the former Kodus Warriors charged at the Petukian army. Dispute their lack of exposure, they still hadn’t forgot how to fight. They showed a fantastic display of quickness in the field, delivering quick blows to the enemy and killing them.

Very soon, the entire Petukian army had bent down in front of the skills displayed by Kodus Warriors.

“That was a good surprise,” Khizo said.

“Well, there is still a part of Kodus left in me. When Krimigha is in trouble, I can’t just sit quiet for long,” Laing said.

“But tell me, did you knew about it, Triston?” Cloris asked him.

“Nay, I had no idea. A messenger had informed me that king would be coming to our aid, escorted by his most special men. Although, I didn’t expected them to be Kodus Warriors,” Triston said.

“I was informed about how we were losing in the battle and I knew only Kodus Warriors could save us. So, I finally convinced them to join me in the battle,” King said.

“We would already have been slaughtered if not for Khizo and Cloris,” Triston stated.

“Your father would have been truly proud of you,” Laing said.

“I cannot believe that after so long, Krimigha would be independent at last,” The king said as he eyed at the Palace surrounded by forests.

“Don’t dream about it too much. It won’t be free for very long. Very soon, I’ll take back both the cities,” a voice came.

Khizo spotted Davis sitting on his horseback and escaping to the jungle.

“I’m going after him,” Khizo said, climbing back on Aron and going after Davis.

“Khizo, let him go. You barely survive in your last encounter!” Cloris yelled.

“Today will be the day he’ll pay for killing my family.” Khizo declared.

The chase brought him deeper inside the jungle. Davis had the benefit of jump-start but Aron slowly reduced the distance between them. Finally, Khizo caught up with Davis.

“You are no match for me,” Davis laughed, striking at Khizo and knocking him from his horse. Blood poured out from his chest.

Using all his strength, Khizo dragged himself up and striked at Davis but Davis deflected it without giving it a thought.

“You shouldn’t have left your farm,” Davis said, kicking Khizo down and stomping him on his face with boots.

“And now, it’s time to end your little tale and send you back to your father,” Davis brought his sword above Khizo’s face and prepared himself to deliver one final blow.

However, before he could do it, an arrow hit Davis on his arm. He turned around to find Cloris who was exhausted but still had managed to shoot his arrow at Davis with accuracy. Triston and Laing emerged too followed by other Kodus Warriors.

“I will come back for you! All of you! Petuk and Krimigha both will be mine!” Davis declared before escaping deeper inside the jungle.

THE END OF BOOK 1

This is the end of Book 1 to the series. Scroll down for Epilogue.