Chapter Forty-Seven – In Another League

The sound of Ailith's rapid footsteps beating against the cobblestone roads were drowned out by a sharp howl of wind and the creak of window shutters caught in the small whirlwinds. Before the sound died, Emlyn raised her hand, halting the others instantly. The world became silent as the group pressed close to the shadowed corner of a manor house wall.

Ailith kept her head low as her eyes wandered. Nassandra stood between her and Emlyn, still gripping her newly acquired bow. The Princess's face wasn't quite as pale as it had been before, but there was still a glassy sheen in her eyes that told Ailith a hundred disastrous outcomes were playing inside of her mind. Ailith wished to offer her friend words of encouragement or hope but feared that the faintest noise would send an army in their direction.

Glancing over her shoulder, she was amazed to see that her parents were keeping up. Though, their hasty breathing and the sweat pouring down their red faces left the warrior afraid of how long that will last. They still held their improvised weapons of a frying pan and rolling pin. Ailith's stomach twisted with worry. She'd never been a fight where her family could be caught in the crossfire. In any situation that seemed bleak in the past, Ailith always believed that a punch stronger than the last would be the best solution. But, in this case, Ailith's thoughts were tempted into conjuring dire consequences for bringing them along.

Noticing Ailith's worried expression, Demeka and Sinley forced a tiny smile. Mother and daughter's hands interlocked, with Demeka rubbing her thumb over the warrior's rough, swollen knuckles.

Emlyn peered around the corner, looking down the street for any sign of life. After scanning their empty surroundings, the swordswoman shifted her focus to the street lamp flickering brightly and illuminating the street. Slowly moving her right arm, the holding still holding her broadsword, Emlyn suddenly swiped at the air. The flame curled right off before disappearing before the group's eyes, casting the street back into darkness.

Giving a slight nod, that was Emlyn's signal to the group to move forward.

They crept down one street after the other, fading into shadows whenever necessary. The closer they got to their destination, the more Ailith wondered how they were going to proceed with their attempt rescue mission. As much as she would love to waltz in, storming the castle and fighting everyone who stood in her way, she doubted it would be that easy.

Any plan that might have been taking shape was soon interrupted by the sound of a scuffle going on a short distance away.

Concealed behind a large brick wall, they looked around the corner towards a house sat in the middle of the street where three armoured Knights stood confronting the home's occupants. Standing in the doorway were two middle-aged women with two small children hiding behind them and frightfully clutching the fabric of their skirts. One woman stared at the Knights with a hostile expression plastered over her face. ''You can't keep us inside without explanation!''

''We can, and we will,'' one Knight challenged. She and the other two Knights didn't seem poised for a fight but refused to be intimidated by the woman's aggressive tone. ''The curfew is only for tonight. Stay indoors and keep your doors locked...''

''First, the Kingdom is under lockdown, so we can't leave to see family who might be living elsewhere. Now, we can't even leave our own homes? You shouldn't have the right to do this to us!''

''We do have the right. And after tonight, I would suggest for you to watch your tongue. Because once this curfew has lifted and you're allowed to leave your homes, you'll be made aware of what rights you have.''

The woman's rebellious attitude evaporated. She retreated a fraction before she felt her partner grabbing her sleeve and pulling her inside along with their children. The Knight's eyes remained locked with the mother's until the door was closed completely. After giving a satisfied huff, she and the other two Knights with her marched down the streets with vigilant eyes.

After the Knights had disappeared, Ailith's group could finally breathe.

''How can there be a curfew?'' Nassandra questioned. ''The White Sword shouldn't have the power to do that, even with the aid of a few infiltrators within the Knights.''

Emlyn's gaze darkened. ''This is more than a few infiltrators.''

Ailith shifted uncomfortably. ''Do you think this is what Kardas was talking about at the rally?''

''Without question,'' Emlyn replied. ''Kardas disappeared many years ago. That would give him enough time to plant his seeds within our roots.''

Nassandra stiffened at that. She drummed her fingers against the wooden curve of her bow, trying to time it with her breathing. ''We can at least be thankful his wrath isn't targeting civilians.''

''It's likely a rouse to draw you out of hiding,'' Emlyn stated.

''I know,'' Nassandra nodded shakily. ''But, as long as the people are out of harm's way, we can focus on returning to the castle and rescuing my father.''

Ailith gave the Princess an affirmative nod before her attention was diverted back towards her father. He stroked his chin and stared at the ground. ''What did that Knight mean about the rights of the people after the curfew?''

''It doesn't matter!'' Ailith said. ''We're going to defeat Kardas and break this curfew. And that wasn't a Knight. It was one of the White Sword.''

Emlyn shot her a blank stare. ''How do you know they're not one and the same?''

''I refuse to believe that,'' Ailith replied sternly. The statement drew curious glances from the others in her direction. She breathed heavily. ''Even with Kardas, I've tried to imagine myself fighting him, but no matter how desperately I want to win, I can't. It also happened with Troy one time. He angered me and I still couldn't bring myself to fight him. Believing in the Knights made me the warrior I am today, and they inspire me to become the hero I want to be. I want to hold onto hope that this isn't their true face. Because, if it was all a lie, what does that make me?''

The corner of Nassandra's mouth twitched upon hearing Ailith's confession. Caught in two minds about how to comfort the warrior, she instead opted to watch Demeka and Sinley stand closer to their daughter in support.

Emlyn looked away. ''Naivety like that only brings despair and death.''

The swordswoman's ears pricked when she heard the heavy thud of a footstep right around the corner from where they stood.

In the blink of an eye, she twisted around the bend and rushed forward. Stamping her foot hard against the metal clad chest, Emlyn crushed the individual into the ground and held them down under the heel of her boot.

Ailith, Nassandra, Demeka and Sinley followed, quickly stopping in their tracks as they found Emlyn stood over Marshal Cadere, the tip of her sword poised at his neck.

Suddenly, Levana burst into view with Fethawi floating by her side. The trainee came to a screeching halt. Fear flashed across her face until she realised who had effortlessly incapacitated Cadere. ''Commander Emlyn, thank the Gods you're safe.''

All she received was a cynical glare from the swordswoman.

Cadere gulped but managed to remain calm despite his position. ''The Commander may be incredulous of our intentions right now.''

''Trust is a rare amenity tonight,'' Emlyn said.

Levana sharply turned to her Drasa companion. ''Fethawi, explain everything from the beginning.''

''I was crafted in Atomar Factory off the coast of-,''

''I meant relating to the attack on the Kingdom!'' Levana sighed.

''Numerous Knight stationed around the castle appear to be staging a mutiny. Those still loyal to King Kiros and Princess Nassandra have been arrested. Former Master Jerimoth instructed Lady Levana and I to find the Princess and Commander Emlyn while he protected His Majesty.''

Nassandra's eyes widened at the mention of her father, and she felt her heart skip a beat. She had to readjust her grip, worried that the bow would slip down of her sweaty palms. Lowering her weapon, she approached Fethawi and Levana. She ignored Emlyn's intense stare, silently ordering the Princess to keep her distance. ''What else did you see?''

Levana awkwardly stepped forward, caught in two minds on whether this was the right time to bow and show her respects. ''All Knights were summoned to the main hall a few hours ago. All of a sudden, it felt like there was a war happening within the castle. The attackers took everyone by surprise. Cadere and I barely escaped. If it weren't for Master Jerimoth, Troy Brenton and Marina Alba would have apprehended me as well.''

Venomous words burnt the back of Ailith's throat. Her mind flashed to Troy's taunts from the other night. Her fist clenched until it trembled.

The group stood in silence, staring at each other suspiciously for a few seconds before Emlyn finally lowered her broadsword. She held out her hand and helped Cadere to his feet. The Marshal grunted, pressing his hand against his sore chest.

''Excuse me?'' Demeka spoke up, staring at Cadere who looked at her curiously. ''Am I correct in assuming you're Cadere Helmer?''

He arched his brow. ''Aye, and who are you?''

''My Mama and Papa,'' Ailith answered. ''Their inn was attacked by the White Sword. We had to bring them along. It wasn't safe for them to stay behind.''

Demeka continued to walk forward, unfazed by Cadere's gracious yet powerful presences as she offered him the kindest of smiles. ''You sent my husband and I a letter. You informed us Ailith was safe. Not many people would have done that. Thank you.''

He pursed his lips and kept his expression neutral as he bowed his head slightly. ''Think nothing of it.'' That was all he could say. Out of the corner of his eye, he also noticed Ailith grinning at him. Clearing his throat, he turned to the Commander. ''What was your plan before we found each other?''

To his shock, Nassandra answered. ''We're going to rescue my father.''

Levana's face paled. ''You mean...go back to the castle?''

Cadere folded his arms over his chest. ''I would usually oppose such a reckless strategy. But, right now, we have little choice. If we split into groups, we could cover more ground.''

Breaking from the group, Emlyn strode a few steps down the road. ''You will take the Princess as far from here as possible. I will find the King.''

''That's a more uneven split than I had planned.'' Cadere retorted.

A growl escaped Ailith. Before anyone could stop her, she chased after Emlyn and blocked her path. The swordswoman glared daggers at her with daggers sharp enough to prickle Ailith's skin. Despite not saying a word, the message was clear. However, Ailith refused to budge. ''Cadere's right. Even if we split into smaller groups, it's going to take more than one of us to defeat Kardas.''

''My plan is to find the King and take him to safety. I have no intention of fighting Kardas.''

''Let us help you.''

''I can't have you slowing me down. Your weakness will only interfere''

Ailith narrowed her eyes. ''My weakness?''

Taking one step forward, threatening to shove Ailith out of the way, Emlyn scowled. ''You're blind to the truth. You always have been. You live in a fantasy where they are righteous and can do no wrong. Under your admittance, you can't fight them. I can't have a hindrance like that with so much at stake.''

''I'm not blind anymore!'' Ailith snapped, pushing her forehead against Emlyn's and forcing the Commander to stop advancing. ''I know what's at stake! And I know that the Knights aren't what I thought they were. I said I want to hold onto hope. If lives are on the line, I will fight to defend them to my last breath...no matter who gets in my way.''

Somehow, they heard Nassandra's meek whimper. ''Ailith...''

Ailith turned, caught off guard by the horrific looks bestowed upon the faces of everyone in the group. Levana stared down the road with wide eyes and her knees quaking. Ailith's parents had collapsed onto their knees, twitching and trembling. Cadere simply stumbled backwards. But, it was Nassandra's absolutely petrified expression that troubled the warrior most of all.

The Princess breathed heavily and slowly raised her hand to point down the street, beyond where Ailith and Emlyn stood. ''It's him.''

Sweat rained down the back of Ailith's neck as a familiar, tremendous magical aura overwhelmed her from behind. Slowly, she and Emlyn turned, staring down the street and finding Kardas staring back at them.

Standing in the middle of the road, he hadn't drawn any of the swords from large ring holster strapped to his back. His masked moved from left to right, acknowledging everyone in the group before his sights fell onto the Princess. Once he spotted her, he didn't turn to look at anyone else. Nassandra shifted backwards under his intense, scrutinising stare. She couldn't even lift her bow. Her arms went numb and her heart raced so fast, it was now humming.

Trying to throw caution to the wind, Ailith steadied herself into a battle stance.

''Keep the Princess safe,'' Emlyn whispered to her. Then, the swordswoman charged towards Kardas before she could be stopped.

Kardas didn't move as Emlyn closed the distance between them in an instant. She raised her broadsword over his head and brought it down.

To Ailith, everything seemed to move fast and slow at the same time. Kardas made Emlyn's speed seem amateurish as he raised a single finger up before the strike could connect. The swordswoman buckled as her blade stopped in mid-air like it had a mind of its own and refused to obey its master. Her eyes widened at the unexpected development. She still gripped the handle of her weapon, yanking and pushing, trying to get it to move. After her struggles amounted to nothing, she released her grip. The sword didn't drop. It continued to float in the air.

Twisting her body, she grabbed the handle of her rapier and began to extract it. Kardas's fingers moved like that of a musical conductor. Suddenly, Emlyn was unable to unsheathe her rapier. Growling and hissing through gritted teeth, her muscles bulged as she tried to free her weapon from the unseen force, but she couldn't prevail. The group watched on, slack-jawed as Emlyn was made an embarrassment before their eyes.

Something else then caught Ailith's attention. As Emlyn still desperately tried to draw her weapon, Kardas grabbed her broadsword still floating in the air with his other arm and prepared to strike her down.

Ailith dug her heels into the ground and lunge forward. A sheet of diamond covered the entire width of her arms. Ignoring the aching she felt burning in her muscles, she raised her arms as she leapt in front of Emlyn.

Ailith's eyes locked with Kardas for a small moment. She could see a hint of blue hidden within the two black pools of his mask.

The attack landed and Ailith felt like her arms were about to break, even with her added shield. The blade couldn't cut through the diamond, however, the force of the blow crushed her arms into her chest and knocked her right off her feet. Her breath was robbed of her. Emlyn had no time to react before Ailith crashed into her. The two women were tossed across the street before smashing through the brick wall of a local stable.

Nassandra stifled a shriek by clasping her hand over her mouth. She stared at the destruction in disbelief. Dozens of horses ran in all direction to escape the carnage. Her heart was in her throat as she searched for Ailith and Emlyn, but they were nowhere to be seen.

An erratic jangling noise forced her to turn away from what was left of the stable. Her stomach dropped as she saw Levana slowly moving forward, cradling her shield while unable to hold it still. ''D-don't worry, Your Highness. I'll...I'll protect you.''

Kardas's arm blurred and the sword in his hand disappeared. Suddenly, Levana was sent flying as the broadsword impaled her shield, grazing her shoulder in the process. She skidded across the ground before coming to a stop a dozen feet away, wailing in pain and clenching her bloody shoulder. If the sword had been aimed a few inches more to the left, it would have skewered her face.

Tears started to form in Nassandra's eyes. The hold on her bow loosened until she dropped it. How can she win? Was she going to get more people killed? Was her father already dead? A whirlpool of dark questions engulfed her, leaving her paralysed, even as Kardas began to approach, unsheathing one of his own swords.

It stunned Nassandra when she finally felt herself move. Coming out of her daze, her eyes flickered left and right to see Demeka and Sinley dragging her away, assisted further by Fethawi carefully tugging the Princess. She tried to scream, but her throat had tightened in her state, rendering her speechless.

In her place, Cadere cried out. '' You fools. Get away from there!''

Kardas showed no mercy. Raising his free hand, three more swords floated off from the ring on his back. The weapons twisted and were directed at Nassandra's allies. Demeka and Sinley looked up, staring down the tips of the blades. All that was needed was one swift flick of Kardas's finger, and it would all be over.

Black lubricant splashed down on the street between Kardas and the group. A thick scent filled the air. Then, with a snap of someone's fingers, the ground ignited in a fiery blaze.

Ailith climbed out of the stable wreckage. Glancing down at her quivering arms, she could already see bruises began to form from where she took the impact of Kardas's strike. With her arms numb, she stumbled for a bit before she finally rose to her feet and looked up. Heat scorched her cheeks and the smell of fire and oil made her cough. She searched through the blaze, unable to find Kardas or anyone else.

It wasn't until a familiar voice called out to her that Ailith finally felt some sense of relief.

''If you wish to keep your head attached to your shoulders, I suggest you pick up the pace, diamond-rough,'' Turrock yelled over the inferno. Behind the Majan, Ailith could see her parents and Fethawi helping Nassandra while Cadere was lifting Levana to her feet and guiding her to safety.

Turrock snapped his fingers on more time. Sparks drizzled outwards and lit the horizon until it was nothing more than a mass of flame and smoke. With the fire growing dangerously close, he turned and soon led the way for the others to follow, causing Ailith to smile. She heard Emlyn emerging from the debris next to her. Grabbing the swordswoman's arm, Ailith pulled her in the direction where Turrock was heading, not wanting to waste any time explaining the situation.

The dark silhouette of Kardas danced behind the fire. He grabbed one of his swords and swung mightily. Everything that wasn't tied down or rooted in the earth was blown away. A booming noise cracked the roofs of houses and buildings nearby and the fire vanished like a wave crashing against the shore. Kardas's armour sizzled, and the smell and taste of oil and fire lingered in the air.

However, Princess Nassandra and her band of protectors were nowhere to be seen.

A/N: Hello guys, girls and everyone else. I hope that you liked this chapter. I've been waiting so long for this part, as it really shows the magnitude of our heroes' task. Kardas is tearing his way through one opponent after the other. Can Ailith find a way to win? Has Turrock finally shown his true colours? What will happen next? You won't have to wait long for the next chapter as I promise it will be coming soon. Thank you all once again. I can't believe how well this story has been doing lately. To all the newcomers, hello and I hope you're enjoying the adventure so far. Thank you all and take care.