SKILLED SNIPER

The Flames Of Rebellions

Kael’s grief burned like the embers of his fields, but his resolve was stronger. He began wandering through nearby villages, seeking allies among those who had also suffered under the crown’s tyranny. On his journey, he encountered others who shared his pain. The first was Reyna, a former soldier betrayed by the kingdom. She had been part of the king’s army but was abandoned on the battlefield when her unit was deemed expendable. With her sharp wit and skill in combat, she became Kael’s first ally, drawn to his vision of justice. The second was Torran, a blacksmith whose family had been executed for refusing to arm the king’s corrupt soldiers. Torran was a giant of a man, his strength matched only by his fury. He forged weapons for Kael and promised to wield them against those who had wronged him. Kael and his growing band of rebels struck their first blow against the kingdom in a daring raid. A caravan carrying tax gold was ambushed in the dead of night. Reyna’s military tactics and Torran’s brute force proved invaluable. The soldiers guarding the caravan were caught off guard, their shouts drowned by the chaos of clashing steel. Kael himself fought with a newfound ferocity, fueled by his hatred for the crown. His scythe, once used to harvest crops, became a weapon of vengeance. As the last soldier fell, Kael stood over him, breathing heavily. He felt no remorse—only satisfaction. The rebels distributed the stolen gold among the villages, earning the trust and gratitude of the oppressed. For the first time, Kael saw hope in their eyes, but he knew this was only the beginning.

Among the loot, Kael found documents revealing the names of corrupt officials responsible for enforcing the crown’s tyranny. One name stood out: Lord Garrick, the local magistrate who had ignored Kael’s pleas for justice. He ruled from a fortified manor not far from Marwyn. “We send a message,” Kael declared, his voice steeled with purpose. “No one is untouchable.”

The next night, Kael and his rebels attacked Garrick’s manor. Reyna led a small group to disable the guards, while Torran broke through the gates with a battering ram. Flames erupted as the rebels set fire to the building, smoke curling into the night sky. Kael found Garrick cowering in his chambers. “Mercy!” the magistrate begged, his voice trembling.

Kael’s eyes were cold. “Did you show mercy to my family?”

With one swift motion, Kael ended Garrick’s life. As the manor burned behind them, Kael stood silhouetted against the flames. Word of the attack spread quickly, and Kael’s name became both a symbol of hope for the oppressed and a curse whispered by the powerful.

But with every victory, Kael felt himself slipping further into darkness. Was he fighting for justice—or had he become the very monster he sought to destroy?

To Be Continued......