Chapter 10. Battle at the Boundary

They were jumping from one branch to another, making Carysse hope that they could actually go over the boundary without any Mahan at their tails. She had lost count of how many minutes they were already running peacefully.

If that was the case, then Ashki bought them enough time. A wave of guilt washed over her mind knowing that they left behind a friend just for them to be able to move forward. 

No, we will see each other again.

Ashki said it himself. No one was going to die tonight, only the Mahan. He was not a weakling. He was the best of them three. Carysse filled her thoughts with positivity. She had to stay focused on her own goal.

Chaos was in front of her, leading the way. As his back was facing her, she couldn't help but see the similarity two years ago when she was chasing him, trying to make him come back.

They pressed on, passing through trees, until they were almost past the boundary.

After that, the moon was covered by clouds, and the shadows came.

Carysse didn't know if the boundary was cursed just for her. Two years ago, it was where she was slashed by a sword. Now, on the very same spot, a sword appeared ready for her. At a nearby tree, its wielder appeared and knocked her off air, sending her down.

''Carysse!''

Chaos turned and saw her falling. His feet pivoted on a tree and dove below the darkness, his heart racing. When he got on the ground, he found Carysse on top of the unmoving Mahan warrior, her blade already sunken on his chest.

He felt relief fill his lungs and he eased a bit, not until he felt footsteps surrounding them.

Damn, these guys are restless.

Carysse was on her feet. They stood back-to-back with weapons aimed at the darkness.

''Why are you chasing us? What do you want?''

Chaos could feel the agitation in Carysse's voice. He could feel she was already tired and she was beyond irritated. The Mahan people better have an idea on what women could do when they are displeased.

''Too many questions, but it will be left unanswered,'' was the darkness' reply. Strange thing was, Chaos couldn't discern if it was a man or a woman. Was it part of their magic, too?

''Stand there quietly like a proper target and let us have your heads.''

Chaos scoffed at their taunt. It was nothing. It had no impact. He didn't feel scared at all.

''Come at us, then, cowards,” he challenged.

The blades came. If that would mean that the enemy has no more arrows, that would be perfect. He and Carysse have no problems dealing with melee attacks.

Six leaped out of the shadows and they sprang on them with arms wide open like spiders. Chaos didn't like it. It meant they were prepared to die like they were embracing death. The enemy came to fight without the will to live and survive.

He didn't know if Carysse had noticed but in his heart, Chaos knew that they were not fighting trained swordsmen. He could feel it in the amateur way of their futile attacks and the lightness of their strikes. They weren't fighting warriors.

They were fighting rebels in the form of ordinary citizens.

When Chaos and Carysse were able to strike down the first wave, the others appeared. Some on the trees. Some on the ground.

One had the guts to step forward. They had hooded cloaks and wore wooden masks. That must be the reason for the strange gargled voices.

''No matter how many you cut down, there are more of us here and more to your beloved friend's side. What a pitiful fate--to die alone.''

Carysse flinched and Chaos had to hold her shoulder to stop her. He knew her stance and temper. Any more mention of Ashki and she will be charging straight without hesitation.

''I'm fine already, Chaos. Thanks.''

She shrugged off his hand and Chaos slightly smiled.

''Then don't forget the plan.''

''Yeah. Right back at you.''

Both of them stood apart, a gap between them.

''Just what are you---''

The Mahan wasn't able to finish talking because Chaos and Carysse released bombs--the sharp powder named as White Death surrounding and suffocating those around them.

''They split! They went opposite directions!''

The Mahan on the top of the trees were shouting, seeing what just happened but unable to do anything about it.

Meanwhile, Chaos and Carysse ran without even bothering to look back at each other because at the back of their minds, they believed in each other.

***

“It’s a shame, Ashki of Thalisse. Join with your friends in the afterlife.”

Ashki had his head hung low. His shoulders trembled as his face was hidden. Never before had he regretted not discussing things thoroughly.

Anyone there would think that he was crying.

Not until he let out his laugh.

He was trembling, true, but not because of fear or tears. His body shook with humor. Indeed, never before had he regretted not warning his enemy.

''You people know our names but you know nothing about who we really are.''

He gripped his ax. The clouds parted and gave way for the moonlight to shine on him. Ashki smirked, enough to send chills across the Mahan assailants.

''What do you mean?'' The leader's voice was serious this time. Gone was the playful and authoritative tone earlier.

''We took highly of you. We knew that one diversion is not enough. We also knew that you wouldn't fall for it.'' He pointed his blade in front.

''Let's say you are fifty. But let me impart this wisdom on you. Next time, double your numbers. Or else we would be taking each other's kill. One Thalisse warrior is worth a platoon of you outsiders.''

''What?'' The leader was lost.

''Consider it an honor, Mahan people,'' he said as his eyes glinted at the man in front,''...for you to know my name that will be carved into your last memories of this life!''

Ashki moved like lightning and struck the leader in front. He was asking for it. The nail that sticks out is hammered. If he really were a leader, he would have been wise to keep his distance.

The others were late to react. He felt slashes all over his body but for every wound that they gave him, he reflected it thrice. 

Were they really fighters out to kill?

By their masks and with Chaos’ description of the Mahan people, he thought they might be war veterans. But now that he was hacking them with ease, he had second thoughts. Are they really the rumored group that could practice magic as Chaos claimed?

''I-impossible...''

''Oh yes it is. By the way, my friends should be cleaning up on their side.'' He picked up the last man standing by the collar. 

''I should, too.''