After King Spartacus failed twice to cut off Almeria's head, he confidently handed his axe back to his guard. Ralph Johnson's words echoed in the air.
Ralph Johnson: "Yes, it is pleasant news for us. Our God is with..."
But before he could finish, King Spartacus clapped his hands, and Raiser swiftly removed his sword from behind his back. With a smile, Raiser beheaded Ralph Johnson.
Almeria's eyes widened in horror as she shouted.
Almeria : "Daddy!"
Tears streamed down her face as she witnessed the brutal act.
Sylvia's voice trembled with anguish.
Sylvia: "No, no, no! What a cruel king! Your knight cut off my husband's head. You are so cruel, a monster!"
King Spartacus's smile vanished, replaced by a furious glare. His face twisted in annoyance, remembering the devastating words Sylvia had spoken.
King Spartacus: "It's the first time a human has dared to call me a monster. I will not tolerate such insolence."
With swift movements, King Spartacus retrieved his axe from his guard and beheaded Sylvia.
Almeria's world crumbled around her. She shook her hands wildly, screaming.
Almeria : "Ah! Mommy! No, no, no!"
King Spartacus stood over Sylvia's lifeless body, his eyes fixed on her severed head.
King Spartacus "You should have never spoken those words to me, the almighty King of Coriolo, meaning King of the Arena."
With a deliberate motion, King Spartacus raised his leg and smashed Sylvia's head, splintering it into pieces.
Almeria's mind reeled in devastation.
Almeria : "My mom's head... on the ground... in pieces. What a world of criminals, devoid of pity for the innocent. You are a demon! Yes, a demon! Have you heard me?"
Almeria's words dripped with venom, but King Spartacus had reached his limit. Exhausted from her shouting, he slapped Almeria, sending her crashing to the ground.
King Spartacus handed his axe back to his guard and turned to address his knights.
King Spartacus: "Carry the bodies and throw them into the river. Let the sharks feast on them."
The knights responded in unison, "Alright, Majesty."
Raiser enquired.
Raiser: "What about the woman, Majesty?"
King Spartacus's response was devoid of empathy.
King Spartacus: "Throw her into the river as well. The sharks will enjoy her body."
Raiser nodded.
Raiser : "Okay, Majesty."
The knights carried out their orders, taking the bodies to the river. Meanwhile, King Spartacus and Raiser walked back to the palace, exchanging words.
King Spartacus: "Well done, Raiser."
Raiser: "Thank you, my almighty King Spartacus."
King Spartacus: "You deserve special compensation."
Raiser's face lit up with anticipation.
Raiser: "It's an honour to hear that, Majesty. What might the special compensation be, if I may ask?"
King Spartacus stroked his moustache.
King Spartacus: "I'll give you one of my jewels. You can exchange it for a handsome sum of money, if you wish."
Raiser's smile broadened.
Raiser: "Thank you, my Majesty. I'm honoured to serve as one of your knights. I'll always defend your name and fight for you."
King Spartacus chuckled.
King Spartacus: "Ha ha ha! Ensure you keep your promise."
Raiser reaffirmed his loyalty.
Raiser: "I promise to do so."
As they entered the palace, one of King Spartacus' knights, Rainer, overheard their conversation. Rainer's eyes burnt with anger and determination.
Rainer: (whispering to himself) King Spartacus, I'll never forgive you for what you did to my parents. I may be alone, but I'll find a way to avenge them. You and your knights will pay for your cruelty.
Rainer's hands clenched into fists, but before he could dwell further on his thoughts, Raiser approached him.
Raiser: "Rainer, what are you doing here alone?"
Rainer's expression changed, and he hesitated before responding.
Rainer: "Hein..."
To be continued.
Note: Raiser is King Spartacus' right hand, although he is a knight.
Please comment on how this chapter was, and thank you for reading.