The Tainted Knight

Darkness, seeping into my being, wrenching reality from my grasp.

Senses numbed to the world, set adrift an endless void my mind falls into panic.

Don't lose yourself, what's your name?

My name...

Distinct shouting and the clashing of swords rang in my ears, smoldering ruins of once human dwellings now infested the air with the scent of blood and burning flesh. Peering from the mountainside, on the outskirts of the battlefield, the Bandits fell back steps at a time.

"Commander!, the bandit horde is dwindling, this is our chance to push them back out of the territory." Looking to the sergeant as he stood bloodied and battered, "No, they still pose a threat."

Pointing toward the south edge of the village he turned in awe.

A creature of legend lets out a furious roar as it's wheeled toward us, caged and screeching with hunger it growled in anticipation. Head of a lion, tail of a snake, eyes of crimson glaring, enough to crumble even the mightiest resolve.

A nameless soldier stumbled in fear, his words quaking, "Kings mercy!, What the hell is it?"

Jole a fellow knight in arms spoke in earnest, "Are you blind to death itself staring you in the face private!? It seems even the bandits are not without their advantages in this war."

"A Chimera in this age... I thought them extinct."

Paying no mind to the worthless banter I shouted the order.

"Sergeant Nikaloi, have the archers fall back to higher ground and prepare to strike from the sky when the cage is opened." The Sergeant salutes as I turned to Knight Captain Jole.

"Captain, rally whatever infantry is free and have them assemble at the base of town. I will have you circle round to the rear of the creature and cut the tail, rendering the beast without balance". A look of questioning judgement is shot by the few surrounding men as Jole nods in acknowledgement before recruiting in haste.

Under siege by a band of foolhardy miscreants, thinking to tame a beast straight from the darkest depths of the abyss. This will not end well... for either side.

"Alright you pigeon-livered sacks, you heard Commander Kladius lets move!"

Yes, I remember that day.

The wind in my hair, that doubt and fear strengthening my ambition, never having felt more alive than in the heat of battle.

Ripples of the past ignite passion, bringing purpose and meaning.

Brown acorn eyes, onyx hair short and whipped back, a masculine build as a deeply seated scar glides from above the left eye and across the opposite cheek...

"Is this...me?"

My being a hollow shell, a faint spark of existence in an unknowable realm.

There is more to this, this crippling desire, brings me nearer to revelation.

Cold steel in hand, the quake of earth beneath me, it all comes echoing back...

The beast forced out a will shattering roar as it leaped onto the blood spattered soil, sending a few of the foot soldiers into panic as they scattered helplessly into oncoming adversaries.

"Cowards!" Knight Torik yells as they meet their end by the bandits standing their ground.

"Do not mock, honor them for giving their lives in service to a noble goal.", He resumed his stance without a word.

"Be wary of stray arrows men, this beast will fall despite its advantages."

The first of the arrows launched without success, only to further enrage the beast as they deflected from its rough hide. We spring into action, striking while keeping our distance to not be devoured, few blows land as the beast steps back and swipes, wiping out nearly half the group in an instant.

"Where the hell is he?", spouting as I scoured the surroundings for Jole.

Firmly grasping my broadsword I lunged inward barely scraping the side of its face, the beast hardly flinching as its bite missed my arm. Going in for another it succeeded in breaking my sword in half cutting the corner of its mouth slightly.

The next flurry fell catching the beast off guard, causing him to pause.

Seizing the instance I jumped toward the beast once more plunging the edge of my halved weapon into its eye, beast rearing on hind legs into a frenzy of pain and snarling before rushing its head into my gut and forcing me to the ground as its sharp claws pressed into my scalp and pinned me under its crushing weight.

"Commander!, push you sorry shit's, Kladius requires assistance", Knight Torik yelled as my command was muffled into the beasts paw, the rest of them dropped without much effort from the creature, screaming as one's guts fell to the dry earth.

A cry of valor could be heard nearby, the corner of my sight spots Jole rushing in between the abomination's legs, slicing the tail clean with a single strike.

Falling to its side I'm free'd from its grasp, its razor claws slicing through metal and across my face as it tumbles.

The taste of iron flowed into my mouth as I clung to my feet and grasped the nearest blade.

"Now, strike without mercy!"

Jole and myself pierced the rough skin, slicing wildly at its neck until it was severed with a last breath of life, gravelly and hoarse as its cat like eye widened and it's luster faded.

Gasping and staggering the bandits eyes reflected disbelief in having just felled their last hope, most flee as others...were easily dealt with.

Removing the helmet to my side, hot metal gave way to a subtle breeze, caressing my senses as the sounds of battle fell on deaf ears.

Jole walked up beside me as I turn, placing his hand on my shoulder as he spoke with amusement at witnessing the following massacre, "Hahaha, despite the rough going id say that scar will suit you quite well Commander."

"Hmph, dont be so easy going, we've lost many good souls this day." Tossing the sword to the ground I glanced at the numerous men that lie at my feet, sighing before turning my gaze back to the beast.

"This chimera's head will serve as a fine prize for King Valeses, see that it is well preserved for the journey home."

So many lives gone in an instant...celebrating our victory afterwards as if it were an acceptable cost.

We were all living on borrowed time, we just hadnt realized it yet.

As I contemplated my own fate as well as that of my fellow brothers in arms my surroundings began to change once more.

This room seems so familiar...wait...I know this.

Morning light shone through the velvet drapes, enlightening the well crafted furnishings. Numerous oil paintings lined the walls of darkened cedar of rulers passed, all adorned in the finest robes and priceless jewels, the current King Valeses himself in the middle.

Balding on top yet a magnificent beard finely trimmed and slightly greying with his hand gently stroking the tip, his ruby ring featured so prominently as to acknowledge his rightful place as King in a long line of royals.

The king sat at his cherrywood desk beside a 3rd story courtyard window with a pearl fountain décor at its center, its stream glistening under the rays of the rising sun. Turning a weary eye as he heard my approaching steps I kneeled in utmost respect awaiting his command.

"Commander, Thank you for coming, I have some urgent matters that beg addressing."

Rising from his seat he turns to me, the apparent worry in his eyes makes me all the more eager.

"You may rise, as you know our kingdom has been embroiled in constant controversy and war with the neighboring colonies."

Pressing I spoke out of turn, "Sir are we in danger, have the Diralites broken the Eulorian line?"

Sighing distraughtly, "Always to the point i see and no I'm' afraid the news is far worse. The Diralatian colony has effectively destroyed the bridge leading to our main supply line-the village of Jeet as well as ransacking the town itself. The survivors of the settlement are crying out for military aid and we are stretched thin as it is."

"Despite your victory over the Northern Bandits, it appears it was no more than a clever diversion by the Diralites to draw our military forces away so the Harkenshire bridge would be left with minimal defenses and open to attack."

Turning away for a moment his majesty reached out, resting his hand upon a casing of numerous diplomatic volumes, his fingertips gliding across sending a gentle thud with each passing spine.

"This at least explains the surprising force the northerners possessed, giving up such a prized asset to a sizable group of common raiders...", Giving pause as his majesty looks to me.

"Hah, a worthy trade for such a crippling blow to our stores." The kings voice bled a flurry of disappointment as well as a strange hint of admiration.

Moving gracefully into his study through the double sliding doors I followed, "I need your men to move to the front lines and repel any and all opposition...sigh...there will be many casualties but I have no doubt we will be successful."

"What of myself and the people of Jeet?"

"Jeet cannot be helped im afraid, as for you I have a special assignment lined up that only your expertise will see completed."

Speech breaking I spoke in urgency, "My lord we can't abandon them, their assistance and constant supply over the years has kept us afloat for many a year."

"What of my men also, they are ill trained and not prepared to face such a debilitating force."

Valeses' eyes widened as he slammed his fist into a nearby glass frame, "You've clearly lost your place speaking to me in such a manner, your king commands and you would do well to obey as my wisdom is unwavering."

Do not forget commander it was I who pulled you from the smoldering rubble of that siege all those years ago and raised to be of such high standing this day."

Feigning acceptance I indulged, "Forgive me my king, I have not forgotten."

"Captain you are one of my finest, your unwavering loyalty and combat prowess has caused your reputation to reach even the most obtuse of nobility, you are the only one in which I may depend", his hand bled profusely as it dripped steadily onto the floor, the maid entering the room rushes past to bandage his wound.

"What do you ask of me King Valeses?", Breathing deeply he coughed to regain his composure, "There is a mountain pass three days ride from outside the kingdom's boundaries. This place holds an ancient relic that may be the only hope our kingdom has of winning this war."

"This artifact is known a..."

"As the King's Boon, yes ive heard the stories, my adoptive mother used to speak of it long ago and that whosoever shall possess and harness it shall gain the power to lead humanity to salvation or see it crumble."

"Aah, but this is more than just a fairy tale knight."

"No more than three months ago a wounded messenger from one of the distant colonies' reached our walls and spoke of Kali mountain and that it was riddled with elaborate traps, sculptures of marble, and hidden paths leading to its center."

Reaching into his study drawer he handed me a weathered arrow. "This was one of the arrows that struck his leg, you will find it is highly unordinary."

The feathers were that of a phoenix and unlike any I had seen, the tip itself was of high quality polished steel, the shaft made of redwood, definitely not in the arsenal of a common bandit or even our enemies to the west. The king smirked at my astonishment, "This arrow belonged to a group of assassins using a very old poison not seen in nearly 400 years."

"You need not tell me of the danger these individuals pose my king, they will be dealt with", pondering on his claims I felt a faint uncertainty.

Valeses leaned forward in reassurance, "and the artifact?"

"It shall be yours my king, anything for the safety of our people."

The illusion of memory fades into black as I dwell on my insidious fate.

What's happening? Where's my men? I cannot fail my king, I wont.

Fragments of the past slowly piece themselves together, ever flowing and without interruption as crackling fills the air.

Nearby crumbling of earth scatters into echoes followed by hollowed breathing.

A ghastly chill engulfs my being, all reason telling me one thing...run...

Thinking not another moment, unknowing whether my feet lay upon ground I make haste.

Distance is but an illusion it seems, no longer chained by concepts of reality.

My feet quicken as the sounds draw nearer.

I-I refuse to justify this madness...where are they?...what form of otherworldly torment haunts my every move.

Wind in my face, whispers of rusting steel, the surge of fear. I know this well...

Sparks from the camp fire glide through the air, dissipating into the night sky.

Numerous tents lined themselves within the barren circle, enshrouded by a dense forest as the men carried on practicing their blocks and strikes, laughing and carrying on as they themselves didn't yet know the killers we were destined to face. We will need clarity of thought, precision, and great rest if we wish to come out of this with our lives.

King Valeses picked these men himself, knowing full well they are the most experienced and accustomed to danger and death on the battlefield. I didn't know most of them apart from an occasional passing on the way to and from the barracks and castle gates.

Three of them were old friends, Jole was a man of little patience and inflated ego missing no chance to test his mettle, sitting upon a stump at the far edge of camp as he drank and took shots at a nearby tree with his throwing knives.

Reynauld and Eli rested not far behind me laying on their bedrolls with eyes to the stars, sharing tales of their past glories as well as mine. Their words drift apart as I examine the sword made under my king's command by the town smithy. Well crafted and polished to a mirror sheen, it was clearly the work of an expert, inscribed with the phrase "valor beholds providence" on the cross-guard.

I couldn't help but wonder what the seer had spoken with me about just before leaving three nights before.

He mentioned that Valeses had seemed different over the past year, speaking of his fascination with old rumors and tales that were always seen as fool's errands and that before long his only goal was studying these and he no longer took pleasure in the great hunt nor any of the king's past delights. His sudden outburst had brought into debate serious thought as well but...

"Sir Kladius, care to clear something up?", Eli called out.

Snapping out of my pondering I slowly rose to my feet, sliding my sword back into its sheath.

Reynauld sat up as I walked over, mace by his side, brown hair pulled back into a tail, his face covered in small scars from his rebellious youth as a dirt fighter, tough as nails but not too cunning. He was always better suited as the first to fight type as im sure he'd agree. Amazing that he's made it this far.

Eli on the other hand was very squeamish and always over thinking tasks, though he makes a very worthy ally when it comes to espionage and things that require a delicate touch.

"What are you two conjuring, not building yourselves up too much I would hope, an overzealous enemy makes for a hasty victory", smirking at their gaping expressions, they soon erupt in laughter.

"Only you commander would have such a serious take on such a simple task", Eli wiping the tears from his eyes looks to Reynauld now picking the skin from his nails from an earlier hunt that rests on the fire. "That scar looks pretty deep, sure took a licking from that beast a week ago".

"How did you know about it, weren't you stationed at the bridge", He shoots me a look of surprise. "Aye, but you of all people should know word spreads like wildfire."

Chuckling at his point I agree wholeheartedly. Glancing at Eli, "Your a good soldier Eli but your still so young, so much to learn and experience, your talents are wasted as a legionary but I don't make the rules otherwise id see you promoted to knight along with the rest of us."

Wiping his blonde strands behind his ear, "Thanks commander, I'm glad you see so much in me. I'm sure it'll happen one of these days though I'm sure specializing in the bow doesn't help my case."

His look of doubt turned lean and serious. "What did you do to earn your knighthood Klad? Surely it was something made of legends?"

"Not so much, I just knew the right people to stand by and follow."

Reynauld scoffed, "Not what I heard, surrounded by what? Fifty tribals, all covered in war paint, spears, bows you name it, all met with a swift end by just your hand, all to save a wounded knight...what was his name?"

Glaring at Reynauld he averted his eyes, "His name was Knight-Sergeant Barius, one of the best fighters id ever seen, lost his title when he lost his leg and was nearly roasted on a pike until I stepped in..."

Stopping for a moment I looked over my shoulder to see the group had been listening in diligently.

"Also it was more like 20, they were a persistent bunch but I still managed to make it out with my life just barely carrying Barius along with me to the nearest trade settlement and..."

Eli lowering his head and smiling, "and they made you a knight on the spot, hell for that feat they wouldn't be able to keep the rioting at bay if they didn't."

"You ladies done gloating?", Jole standing beside us in a drunken stupor spits at the fire.

Grasping my sword with helmet at my side I looked to him in disbelief, "Your conduct isn't befitting a knight Jole and certainly not a captain, get some rest and sober up."

Looking to the others that had gathered around, "All of you, we wake at dawn and we have a rough trek ahead of us, you'll thank me later!" Making way to my tent the others groaned and complained as the shattering of a bottle crashed.

"I hope..."

The sun had reached its pinnacle by the time we reached the set path, the morning long and arduous as we struggled to climb up the base of the mountain.

Reynauld and myself assisted in pulling the team's gear above to the cliffs edge to relieve the added weight. Gasping and resting for the continued climb, rumors about the nature of the mission begin to spread.

Several scowl's and whispers seemed pointed at me despite my confidence and reassurance.

Strapping the sword to my side and fastening my pauldron as my voice grew in anticipation, "Let us press forward, the sooner our goal is met the sooner we will begin our journey back home."

A soldier stepped out from the group, "I am no fool knight-commander, this is known as the mountain of Kali is it not, I can practically feel the dark presence at its peak."

"No...I-I will go no further."

Slinging his weapon over the edge he grabbed his satchel and moved upon the edge further away from us to slide down the embankment.

"Halt knight, this is his majesty's order, attempting to abandon is treason."

Looking back, "No commander, I won't give my life to this far..."

A vast explosion scattered into the expanse, blowing his body into fragments as a flurry of debri, metal and blood flew into the wind, splattering onto our hastily deployed shielding, sending some flying into the back wall who weren't quick enough on their feet.

Resonating for miles as the pummeling finally stopped, many soldiers stagger and choke on the thick layer of dirt that was kicked up.

"W-Wha-t in jupiter's balls was that?!"

"Holy mother did you see how he was just...shredded like that?"

"Calm yourselves...cough...he deployed a trap when stepping into that shady spot of dirt at the edge....we should be..safe to move forward", heaving my words as I spat.

The degree of complexity in these traps was far more than I expected, anyone within 10 meters would have been little more than a stain.

Jole's anger was apparent, "SAFE!...are you out of your mind!...will you not be satisfied until we all end up in pieces."

"At first we didn't have the advantage of knowing where the traps lay, now we are well aware and can adjust strategy accordingly." The fear and doubt was obvious in many of their eyes.

"Eli?, you hold the expertise in this form of warfare...what's your opinion on how we move forward?"

Eli looked to me as if my sanity was blown away as well, "...I-I suppose...well...the trap seemed to be triggered by a pressure plate...we may be able to form a narrow leeway if we can pinpoint a section of traps and attempt to disarm them."

Thinking on this my vision pointed upward, "We lack any form of hold to attempt another climb and the path is slim with seemingly no way around it."

"There has to be a way through."

"What about that crease in the rock wall up the path?", a random knight speaks out, his crooked finger pointing halfway up the death ridden trek. Reynauld mutters, "Yes...if we manage to not meet the same fate as the last unfortunate to underestimate this mountain."

The dip in the wall appeared as if someone had attempted to partially conceal it with strings of roots and leaves, "That seems to be our only option, stay on your guard...I'll be back momentarily."

Snatching a throwing dagger from Jole's sleeve I walked up to the path and lay on my stomach, crawling cautiously, waiting for a sudden jolt I pray never came.

Looking up from a level view, a few spots now stuck out that before were unnoticed.

As I eased up to the nearest one, I gently slid the blade underneath to hear a sudden thunk of metal on metal. My heart rate increasing I called out, "Eli...over here."

Looking over to him, several of the men bickered and looked to one another, probably thinking me a madman while Eli slowly creeped over.

Beside me he blew softly at the dirt glimpsing a metal plate.

"This is it...pressure points...its unlike any ive seen before though." Unfastening a single screw, his hands trembling he raised the disk. Three different indentions around the circle.

"Flint?..."

His voice quivering slightly, "Yes commander."

"When the enemy applies his weight to the cover, two matching points lower and strike each other causing a spark and...ignite the reservoir of explosive powder."

"Alright, bag this up, dismantle the rest leading up to that wall...I'll fetch the men and gear". He stuttered at the order, "W-Wait what?!..."

Slashing at the roots a slim passage was revealed, "Follow slowly and be wary of your surroundings, we've no idea what's at the other end."

Armor scraped along the walls as we ease inside the humid cave, the subtle trickle of an inner stream the only audible sound along with the faint breathing of soldiers.

Not far into the cave the passage widened and proceeded up a steep rise, watching diligently to avoid the dips in the ceiling the way seemed to stretch on forever as we pass corner upon corner, a maze, damp and stifling as if it were sucking the air clean from our lungs.

Just as I thought we had reached the end it continued on, like hours had passed in what seemed like minutes.

A rustling tug, metal click, nothing ever so simple as A to B...

Running wild through the darkness, it seemed like forever.

No exhaustion...no halt in the chase...all this searching and still no answer.

My brothers, my friends, my king...what is this?

Why am i running?

Grinding to a halt I stand gazing before the pitch black.

Sounds growing closer.

I don't know what this is...why I'm here...but I do know...that this mystery ends...now.

Its staring me in the face...grip tightening...resolve strengthening...no...I-I don't fear YOU.

"You should fear ME!"

Feeling my sword as it forms in my hand, its weight welcoming, I twist raising it above my head, a staggering force in my grasp, wielded with malice I strike into the void.

Blinding light...illuminating...sending a shockwave that quakes the fabric of reality, obliterating my opposition as light is sucked out instantly as if it cannot exist.

Pure silence once more, the hauntings of my imagining gone in an instant.

Falling to my knees the first feeling of relief in eternity swallows my being.

Im almost there I can feel it...the answers I seek are close.

show me the way...

Reaching the top of the mountain proved far more difficult than I thought, we had suffered terrible losses at the most barbaric of conventions. Even after the passage we faced explosions, arrow shutes, spiked pitfalls.

Our numbers were nearly cut in half, now 10 in total. Night had fallen hours ago, the trek exhausting our stamina as well as resolve.

Standing together at the peak, a small forest surrounded the outskirts of a large open field, barren with a single structure, built like a temple with enormous double arched doors, engraved in shaded silver with the image of a hooded figure split perfectly in half. A bonfire was at the field's center, several feet high and raging.

A single figure stepped out from behind the fire, robed in long black garment, rapier in hand he spoke out, "Impressive knight commander, even for a band of experienced warriors getting this far is highly commendable...but your quest is at its end."

Jole agitated and annoyed at the loss of his allies, "Ha!, You stand alone at the face of Euloria's finest and you dare think you stand a chance!"

Unsheathing my sword I looked to him, "Your senses betray you Jole, we are surrounded."

The hooded one chuckled, "How right you are commander", raising his hand without effort the cocking of numerous crossbows repeated in the distance, enshrouded within the wood.

Knights readied their arms as they turned to the rear.

"My name is council leader Largo and we are the guardians of Kali, picked from birth and charged with protecting the sacred possession of our immortal lord."

Folding his arms as several others joined him from behind, "You don't stand a chance against the chosen followers of Kali, turn back now or you leave us no choice but to end your lives and display your corpses as a warning to all outsiders."

"Your king must see you as disposable apparently, choosing not to heed our warning and insulting our order."

"He has betrayed you and does not deserve your obedience, I suggest you seek to service another ruler", seeking only to anger us as he grimaced.

"I will not tolerate blasphemy of our beloved king, watch your next words as they may be your last", my words met only by a subtle hemming.

Whispering the order, my fellow knight's seemed eager to appease, "Eli you will fight with me as well as Jole, Reynauld you will take the others and raise defenses as you storm the forest for the archers."

Nodding to Eli he acknowledges, handing the powder over as I stuffed it into my satchel.

Largo assumes his one handed stance, steady as a stone and with deadly intent, "You've made your decision, now you must accept it."

Shouting his orders he braced himself, "KILL THEM!, leave not one standing!"

Arrows loose...shields raise...fates seal.

Charging full speed to the leader, the others followed, this is it.

Focusing solely on the leader I ready my sword, swinging from the side only for him to step idly by avoiding the attack.

Largo blocks overhead, stopping my downward stroke as a separate enemy strikes at me.

With a single flick of the wrist, Jole flings a blade directly between his eyes, dropping him instantly as he continues his fight against the others.

Anything to win it seemed, this relic must surely be something.

Without a hint of his next movement, the rapier scraped my side as I attempted to dodge bringing a strike across, lightly slitting his cheek as he jumped back, the joy of battle clear in his eyes.

Racing towards him I drop and twist, striking at his legs but barely cutting his robe as tatters fly. He's well trained and fast on his feet to boot, his lack of armor leaves him open but increases his speed greatly along with his conditioning, this wont be easy.

Eli fights well, never leaving himself vulnerable while constantly attacking with his bow, quick accurate pulls of the string dropping two in short frame while stepping back to keep his distance.

"Your fast and have excellent footwork but lack in offense, your time as a recluse will be your end", gritting his teeth at the statement I unstrapped my gard-brace and revebraces for mobility.

"Ha ha, you ARE a rare find...your head wont do on a pike, no, much better on my wall."

Resuming his stance he rushes in striking furiously at my chest armor, his swings swift and accurate.

Compromising my arm I turned as one of his blows land, forcing a swift kick to the side of his knee causing his form to falter.

I whip around with a strike that sliced across his chest.

The success quickly faded however as an arrow pierced my leg armor. My balance shifted leaving me open with a sword butt that followed soon after directly to the side of my head catching me off guard and falling back on one knee.

Quickly glancing across the field two archers came out from the shadows holding something.

Reynauld's dead eyes stared back at me, his head severed and held by the hair before being tossed to my side. Heart fluttering, sweat dropped from my brow as my mind raced, the laughs of the archers tunneling through.

Jole turning to see me looks over at his ally with eyes widened.

The captain screamed out, "Damn you! your all dead you bast...", in one smooth motion a sword slides through his chest, fresh blood bursting from his mouth as he turned, rage filling his eyes, swinging with all his strength he slits his opponent's throat before falling to the ground pooling blood.

Ignoring the leader I made a hasty decision, "Your gonna pay for that!"

I ripped the arrow from my leg, the coursing pain numbed as I run towards them with their bows raised.

They cant get away with this, I have to kill them all, starting with those two.

Striking down the first arrow with ease the second flew in between my visor knocking the helmet from my head.

Shocked and reloading in haste I dash to the front separating one's torso, another arrow stabs through my back shoulder as he fell, spinning around my sword comes over and becomes lodged in the second's skull, a fresh spraying of blood speckling my arms and face.

Pushing the sabaton into his chest I pried my sword from his lifeless corpse.

"Forgetting someone knight?", looking back my fury turned quickly to remorse, realizing myself and Eli were the only ones left. There he lie at the mercy of the remaining followers, his face pushed to the dirt as Largo stood in satisfaction.

"All that emotion over a mere pawn, your quite the mystery...chuckle...perhaps your not quite the warrior I expected." His men held Eli by the hair, sword at his neck, just waiting for the command. Hands trembling I looked to him, fear in his eyes and tearing at what he knows was the end for us both.

"I gave you the chance to return to your master, yet you still charged in, ready to kill us all for the false accusations of a corrupt ruler."

He knows he'd won, he's was just toying with us.

"You sadistic bastard...kill him and you will meet your end in a manner equally sadistic."

His joyful eyes turned dull, "oh?"

He walked over to Eli and within an instant his sword cut Eli's arm clean off.

"AAAGGGHHH!", Screaming in agony he squirmed, gripping the stub as blood spurts.

Unable to contain myself any longer I bolt for Largo, sword raised, adrenaline flowing, ready to lop the head clean from his shoulders.

Glancing over at the last instant, hearing my approach he readies himself, a brief flash of his movement as my sword comes down, crashing to the ground as rubble scattered severing his hand, barely avoiding the attack as he glided through the air.

A glint of steel shoots from Largo, tearing out my left eye and forcing me off my feet.

"Gaghh...shit!", blood streams down my face, Largo's allies raced to his aid as the others held me down.

Quivering in pain and looking to me in apparent fear he nods. Respect to his service I return the notion and look to Largo as he gripped his wrist, face full of rage and groaning, "Y-You...will regret this knight!"

"Seeing that honorless sadistic face in agony makes my death all the more worth it."

His breath pushing through his teeth he motioned his head toward me, "To his feet men!"

They yanked me from the ground, dragging me to the front of the fire and releasing me before heading back to Eli.

Balancing on one leg as the other limped, his clutched fist pressed firmly on my head, forcing my face into the dirt before raising me to my knees, rapier nestled tightly to my throat.

Without another thought I quickly raised my hand, drawing their attention as I slowly reached into my satchel.

Pulling out a small pouch he stabbed the tip of his sword through, glancing for just a moment before flinging it into the fire, "No amount of coin will stay my hand fool."

"You were quite the adversary...I am going to enjoy this", whispering the final words into my ear I backfist his face, nose crunching from the force as he steps back.

With all my strength I shove my steel boot into his stomach forcing him backward into the fire.

His sword releases and falls neatly into my grasp, staggering forward as his men ready themselves and with a final leap a deafening explosion forces me further into the air.

All things slowing as the sparks gust past, the screaming of intense agony filling my ears, his men shielding their eyes from the flash...

If I die this day, ill drag them all to the pits of hell with me.

Landing gracefully my foot slams the followers head into the ground, the sudden snap bringing satisfaction to my senses as with a downward thrust my blade strikes through the other's heart, blood gurgling as he's forced down.

So fast the last two barely catch a glimpse, planting my weight firmly I rip the blade from his chest, swinging with every last ounce of my dwindling strength their heads are cleaved into halves.

A final thud of bodies to end the nightmare.

Dropping the sword I look down to Eli, amazement in his eyes, his mouth moving but no words coming forth.

Looking away but for a moment I reached down, tearing the sash from the dead follower's robe. Wrapping Eli's wound to help staunch the bleeding I reach around to help him to his feet.

His eyes still in disbelief, "Are you alright...knight?"

Blinking tears begin to swell in his eyes as he grips me, "Commander...they killed them all...nearly us as well."

"H-How did you?", Placing my hand on his shoulder I look into his eyes "Its not our destiny to die this day...life's journey presses on."

Weezing and coughing come within earshot, "Aaghhh."

Glancing over to the fire we both spot Largo, legs gone from the explosion, skin charred and still smoldering.

He looked to me, his voice hoarse, eyes bloodshot, "...Gag...cough...g-gods damn you...kniiiight."

"You ay...", gargling as blood runs from his exposed teeth, "you...have won thish dayy....ut you no idea...what lie's eyond thoshe doo..."

His words ran short, Eli wielding Largo's very blade stabbed him through, finishing him instantly as I gazed on without falter.

Turning to me, his blonde hair singed and sliding across his dirt smeared face breathes a sigh of relief, "What now commander?"

I look to him with a blank expression, "Don't return to the kingdom...start a new life for yourself somewhere far away."

"Your injury and our near failure will not sit well with the king...what ive suspected and what ive heard here this day...no, its best to live on and begin something new, far from this battlefield of loss and regret."

Looking upon the ground, thinking to himself he looked back and nodded gently, "What of you Kladius?"

"Do not worry for me, I will return to the king and hope for the best, bring him what he wants most."

Shaking his hand I bid him one final farewell before he set off...fading into the distance...

The poison flowing within my veins, my skin turns pasty as I jerk the arrow from my shoulder and bandage myself with what supplies lay in my satchel before walking slowly to the temple doors.

My hand reaches as the doors begin to open on their own, no sounds of gears, no mechanized movement whatsoever...paying it no mind my sight starts to double as I enter the darkened room.

A single glass stained window, 20 foot high atleast with the symbol of a black figure outlined in radiant armor pressed into the back wall.

Several long benches line both sides of the building, the air thick and musty, hotter than any summer although it feels as if its getting colder as I walk to the opposite side of the room.

Rays of moonlight shine upon the altar although nothing sits upon it. I search every visible point with all my might only to feel the sting of failure and disappointment.

"N-No, this cant all be for nothing", the loss of such good men...the suffering...the anguish...this cant be...

Silence in its greatest magnitude, a single creak in the floor radiated as the walls and ceiling began to seemingly come to life with a bone chilling groan.

The sudden cold breath upon my neck...enough to stifle even the greatest flame.

Looking over my shoulder, numbed of all fear and worth.

Shadows overtook me as my vision faded to black.

Blistering cold tempered with the last fading sound of the winds is all I remembered before consciousness failed me...

I awakened without recollection, my vision blurred, head splitting.

Scanning my surroundings in amazement I realized the impossible, "This is...wait no, it cant be...what the hell's happening?!". Gazing in disbelief I stood before the castle gates in the dead of night, not a soul to be seen, heavy rain falling as if it was some form of dastardly premonition.

Walking up the dim lit cobblestone I saw no sign of life, it being the dead of night it paled in comparison to the impossibility of being here.

The homesteads and market stalls appeared empty, all lined up in a straight curve to the entry gates nearly a mile down, showing no sign of life as the street lamps flicker greatly under the assaulting winds.

Lightning flashes overhead as I push open the gates and make way to the castle....a single light shining in the highest tower....

Three knocks in slow succession...the minutes stretched on until the house carl opened the door, her hair tied and netted, dressed in a blue night robe, face fairer than the kingdom's finest maiden her expression spoke more than a thousand words.

She gasped at the sight of me, "Wait...knight Kladius, is that really you?"

"Kings mercy look at the state of you...c-come in come in...the king will want to speak with you immediately.

King Valeses' door opens abruptly, eye's astonished, his mouth agape and without words... "knight commander...you appear as death...enter and have a seat..."

Standing to the side he extended his arm, motioning me inside his quarters.

Sitting upon the velvet couch I stare off, playing the scenario over and over...so many lives gone...worth of such shattered for no reason, no reason at all.

Taking no such liberty the king stands before me, "Speak knight, where is the artifact?"

"The men, my soldiers, their all dead...gone in an instant, I barely escaped with my life."

"What of the assassins?", his voice demanding and unsentimental.

"Defeated my king...at great cost but yes, they are no more", my words void of emotion as I look to the king, he appeared quite upset and clearly in no mood for bad news.

"Sir, did you hear me?...all of our best fighters are dead."

He paced away slowly, grasping the bed post.

"Sir?"

"Yes yes im hearing you knight, all dead...a terrible loss but..."

Facing back to me, "The relic, the king's boon?!...where is it? surely this great loss of life and resources has some shrivel of worth to it?"

Sighing greatly as I looked away, "No sir, there was nothing within the temple, I searched diligently but found nothing."

"Hmm, yet here you sit, reeking of death, pale as a ghost speaking of such atrocities, making no attempt to sway my opinion!"

"Not to mention you return to me in only 4 days!"

"What?!...no...that's not possible, it took 4 days just to reach them with my men in tow."

"I will hear no more, this is most displeasing news commander."

"Yes...most displeasing...I told you before ever embarking the fate of this kingdom, the fate of our people, the fate of your very king rests upon your retrieval of the relic...yet you return to me with nothing."

"But sir you don...", interrupting my words as his tone warped into pure sadism, "No, I understand full well knight...you have failed me this once and final time."

Before I could utter another word the king forced a dagger through his shoulder, the blade protruding as he screamed, "GUARDS!, GUARRRDS!"

In mere seconds his royal watch burst through the door, axe's in hand, wearing thickly padded red and white tabards.

"Seize this traitor!, he seeks to commit treason by murdering your king, he's stolen the power of the relic and wishes to lay siege upon the kingdom."

Without further accusation his men crossed their weapons between us, grabbing the back of my hair as they forcibly escorted me out. My sight still blurred and mind in shambles, physically drained from blood loss, feeling as if I might collapse at any moment, I have no further strength or will to fight..."

"My king please listen to reason...I would never betray you...what I speak is truth."

Filled with rage and hearing not but his own reasoning, "No more lies traitor, you will pay for your transgressions."

Absolution engulfs my being.

The truth hammering my resolve, realization absolving my curiosity, fractions of memory become whole.

No...is this my fate...my death...no reason...this cant.

Crippling pain ensues as my final moments flash before me.

Valeses' final words were unknowing to my shattered senses but are now all too clear.

"Make sure nothing is left."

"We have no idea what form of power the relic holds."

"His body must be destroyed in its entirety...sawed to pieces and set aflame...nothing left."

Descending into pitch black oblivion my thoughts, perverse and intruding, only serve to cause further torment.

Lost forever...no purpose to justify my demise.

I cant cease...not yet.

"THIS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE THE END OF THIS!..."

Rest easy knight.

Your journey is just beginning...Tainted One...