CHAPTER FIVE: BETRAYAL

Now dark and misty, Mira and Elroy walk carefully through a thick forest in the borders of the South-West Lands holding torches to illuminate their path and surrounding; for the moon was clouded from sight.

“How did you manage after the incident at Urania?” Mira asked curiously.

Elroy sighs, “I’m not sure, I remember being cared for by a family at Etrigon, every other memory seems hazy, it seems whatever happened in Riana affected my memory.”

“Do not stress yourself El, you must have hurt your head really bad.”

“Thanks for the encouragement.” Elroy appreciated sarcastically.

“Don't you worry, when we settle at Ramenia we shall get to the bottom of this.” Mira assured with a smile.

“I hope so Mira, I left Etrigon to the waste lands for a reason, then to Riana. Whatever it is, it was very important.”

“All will be fine.”

“Come to think of it, what were you doing far West in Riana and how did you recognize me?”

“You never change with the questions El, I was on a mission when I stumbled upon you in the fifth district; you gave off a familiar scent and the only one whose scent I’ve taken to heart were those very close to me.”

“So you are saying my scent from back then at Urania is still that strong.”

“No, it was feint; besides I didn’t think it was you at first, the look in your eyes were, cold.”

“I can’t still believe I went into Riana with no memory of what happened?”

“It’ll get back to you; now lets’ hurry up before the wolves awaken.”

“Wolves! Why are you just saying that?”

“Shut up and be glad I did.”

“Always so pushy,” Elroy muttered under his breath.

The Kingdom of Riana

The night was brighter in the Western-lands; the air tepid and silent. Somewhere in the woods Michael and Thomas rode their horse with haste as though late for an important occasion.

Within that split second, arrows came whistling at them, an arrow pierced into an eye of Michael's horse then another stabbed into his left arm. Michael being an experienced Riana Soldier and a Sri proved forth his skills by jumping off his dying neighing horse before it collapsed.

Thomas was quick enough to rein his horse into a rear, allowing it to shield him as he fell to the dirt.

Like the arrow was nothing, Michael pulled it out with ease then drew his long sword as did Thomas.

"Show yourself coward.” Michael snarled, his eyes searching.

Feeling the tension in the atmosphere Michael makes a quick turn, deflecting an attack from behind. The force was so great it pushed the attacker backwards.

Even with the dark-blue hooded cape, the figures of the attacker proved out to be a female; at the sight alone the attacker was no match for Michael. Michael was huge and this lass was not up to half his size.

"Kings-guard." Thomas backed Michael, watching two others emerge from the shadows, wielding their Katana sword.

"How did they find out?" Michael kept his eyes on those in his view, now five in number.

"Nothing happens in Riana without my knowledge Commanders." One of the Kings-guard spoke, her voice light and soothing.

"Atari." Michael grinned, recognizing the voice.

The fair lady unveiled her hood, a steamy beauty with brilliant blue eyes, glistering with her broad smile, her black hair, short and curly.

"Don't worry, the secret of our fun two days back will die with you." Atari was confident.

"Michael you bastard." Thomas snarled, yet not willing to lose his cool neither his focus on the Kings-guard before him.

"I thought it was a dream." Michael was confused. "I'm sorry Thomas, I didn't know what happened, I couldn't resist nor dismiss her advances and questions." Michael sounded sure.

"I'll kill you myself when we get out of this?" Thomas assured.

"Seven to two, a fair trial like King Orrick Levia."

The shook and fear on Michael and Thomas' face could not be hidden after hearing Atari.

"Kill them." Atari ordered.

The Kings-guards advanced immediately, four towards Michael, two towards Thomas; neither of them waited knowing fully well who they were up against, they charged in towards their opponents.

It was a struggle for both of them, the guards were evenly matched with them on every pair.

Thomas staged a parry with both his opponents, they were swift, too quick for Thomas to even counter there joint attacks each time they switched places.

Michael was huge, still he knew his flaws, letting them come too close will be fatal and they knew so themselves - clashing with Michael would be a mistake, his strikes were bone crushing.

An unfortunate slip on Michael's part, the target in view evaded from his heavy strike, Michael was sure he had her, yet he didn't give up.

By the time the guard could realize her situation a devastating blow landed on her chest from the back of Michael’s hand which slammed her unto a tree, her short cry could only mean something was broken.

Like that was his final strength Michael staggered a little then fell on his knees while supporting himself with his long sword; his sight became blurry as his eyes turn red, followed by black blood running down his nose.

Thomas lost his vision for a second just in the moment of deflecting a slash, the blade sliced him open then a kick to his chest threw him to the dirt.

“It’s a pain seeing you this way old friend.” Atari sympathized. "Wispy willows, the toughest poison there is, slow but deadly; especially when mixed with iron.”

“The arrow.” Michael's voice choked .

“Yes Michael, all it needs is a scratch, even Thomas didn't escape without a dent, only a fool will face you both head on.”

Atari looks over at Thomas, black blood ran from his nose as he gasp for life, bleeding out from his wounded belly.

“I’ll kill you.” Michael roars, he tries to rise up but ended up falling face down to the ground, “My family.”

“Don’t worry about them, I'll take good care of your wife and child.”

“Thomas." Michael tried reaching out to him. "I'm sorry brother." He sobbed.

"I thought, what's the best way to kill you?" Atari smirked, "watch your best friend die while you die slowly."

She veils herself then walks away with her guards.

“Thom…" Michael coughs, it was thick and heavy. "Thomas!!!” he cried out watching Thomas' life fade away, he continues coughing with deep exhaling.