Chapter 21

Galford and Hallor were but a few steps away from the carriage.

Swords at the ready, the youth shakily pointed it towards the door, all the while the elder reached for it.

Before they can even grab the handle, the sounds of earth rumbling halted them, making them turn to where the noise came from.

“Halt. What are you trying to do?”

It was the commander of their escort, along with several knights behind him.

The knight's sword raised, pointing at the two unsuspecting warriors.

The man’s eyes had this sharp, murderous gaze towards them, looking straight at the hand that was about to touch the handle of the door.

Both men were keen to withdraw, realizing their folly. They quickly kneeled before the group, as to show they do not have any kind of hostility.

“We heard a noise, sir!”

This was the first thing that came into Galford’s mind, as he did not hesitate to tell the truth, as there was no merit in denying the reason for their actions.

Yet even with that, the glares coming from the men didn’t seem to change as they hurriedly alighted from their steeds. Weapons at the ready as they encircled them.

“There is something in there that is trying to get out.”

Hallor followed his master in an almost pleading tone, fearing for the worst as they were now being surrounded.

Though confident in his master’s fighting prowess. He was certain there was no chance of winning against individuals of the same caliber.

The men’s faces immediately changed upon hearing that.

From being red and murderous, they shifted into white and sheepish expression in an instant.

“Back away. We will handle this!”

The commander waved his hands at them before changing the point of his sword to the vehicle. The others followed, flinching from the instantaneous movement of the carriage.

The thing shook and creaking, along with the sudden humming and glowing of the wards attach to it.

“Summon all the priests and mages. It’s awakening.”

The second in command shouted, rushing to get as many men in there as possible. It didn’t take long before every single one of their troops arrived.

They were quick to chant, cast, and form a perimeter around the carriage.

Spears, swords, and shield raised, all directed at the vibrating cart.

Though the soldiers trembled, they all stayed steadfast, not backing away, even if they were barely holding on to their weapons.

“We should move further. This place is becoming dangerous.”

Galford whispered to his companions.

From how things were going, he sensed that something was about to happen there. The energy seeping out of the thing was enough to make his skin crawl. And just being close to it made him feel so small and powerless.

In his years of fighting as a warrior, he had never experienced such fear and panic all his life, making want to distance himself from the thing as much as possible. All the while, the soldiers deal with it.

At that point, he no longer considered the punishment they’ll receive, as the terror emanating from the vehicle was enough to make him think twice.

“No, you two stay still. We might need your immunity if things go awry.”

The commander grab hold of them the moment he saw them leaving.

As both seemed immune to the aura being released from their cargo, losing them was something they cannot allow.

This prompted them to move behind the barrier of men who were now facing fighting off some unknown force.

“Commander, the carriage!”

The second-in-command scream aloud.

The knight watched in horror as the paper talismans burned one by one, along with the chains cracking and some parts of the vehicle breaking.

A gust was rippling through their perimeter as more energy seeped out of the thing.

“Priest, increase the seal on that! Mages, make sure the creature remains asleep.”

The commander’s voice boomed across every single soldier. This increased their morale, as all of them loudly reply with a war cry.

It reinvigorated even the casters as they all began fending off the immense energy coming out of their cargo.

The exchange created a ball of light, engulfing the vehicle with such radiance it blinded many of them. It let out a deafening hum, before letting out a blast of air that knocked backed all the soldiers.

The two unaffected warriors ended up kneeling for cover, hands raise to their heads to protect themselves from whatever that created the gust.

Silence took over for a moment. When both men were confident in lifting their head, it had wiped the entire army out, as there was not a single soldier remained.

All of them, including the strongest knights, were all lying on the ground.

“Master, what’s going on?”

Hallor was in a state of panic, stuttering upon seeing that they were the only ones remaining standing there.

There was no blood, so they were unsure if how many were dead, as most of the soldiers close to them twitched and remained breathing.

“I don’t know, but this is not good. Ready yourself.”

Galford immediately stood, unsheathing his sword in haste.

Though both of them were uncertain and shaking, they stayed steady, alert, and unyielding. Even against the overpowering sensation lingering in the air.

They gritted their teeth, gasping as they clenched tighter on their swords. As they can feel the weakening of their grasp with each passing second.

Both of them swallowed hard, watching how the door of the carriage creaked, slowly opening, as it seems the wind was pushing it open.

They posed in a battle stance, gathering every ounce of energy they have for their upcoming attack.

“I don’t think that would be necessary.”

A familiar voice echoed through their heads, causing them to freeze in place. Their weapons nearly slipped from their hands, having the mix of fear and surprise.

“What is that?”

Hallor did not finish his words when the door of the carriage finally opened to its full, revealing what was in it.

Both warriors ended up dumbfounded, gaping upon laying sights on the figure inside.

Chained, hanging, and wrapped in bandages with odd writings was a human torso. It had no arms or legs, only its bald head. Its eyes covered with the same wrapping, and its mouth was bound by some kind of rope with paper talismans.

Blood trickled from the body, dripping on the floor, painting it in crimson. This caused the rotting on the entire insides of the thing, as the red liquid seems to creep into parts of it.

“Quickly, close your thoughts. Do not listen to its words. It is trying to corrupt our mind.”

Galford smack his subordinate’s head, as the lad remained gawking at the sight. Just looking at it was enough to make his stomach churn.

Also, there has never been a word of anyone surviving after seeing an accursed. So fearing for the both of them, he releases a slash that let out a wave of energy, straight into the carriage.

There was an immediate explosion upon its impact, creating dust and scattering debris from every direction.

Tension brewed as the smog remained uncleared, as the wind seems to make it swirl, covering the vehicle.

“I did not think you to be the type to attack someone who's nearing his deathbed now.”

Once again, they hear the familiar voice, letting out a chuckle as it echoed through their mind.

“This can’t be!”

Was all Galford can say, finally recognizing who was speaking. What gave them away was the piece of clothing that remained intact on a part of the torso.

“Sir Clifford? What have they done to you?”

Hallor fell to his knees, shaking in utter disgust and shock.

The man whom they admired during the entire arena contest was now but a shadow of his former self.

“Wait, it could be a trick to lure us in.”

Galford swallowed hared.

It confused him why they could speak to the fellow, especially since the man’s mouth remained gagged by those ropes, preventing it from moving.

They both shivered, seeing the line on the face, forming a grin beneath the gag.

“Always the cautious fellow. It’s actually an outstanding trait, and I wouldn’t blame you for it. Though just to be clear, the only reason you are standing in front of me right now is because I am still honoring our the pact. The one we made in the arena, thus I considered you as my allies. But since I can see your raising your swords at me, I take that is no longer the case.”

Both men felt every fiber in their being freeze from the chill that suddenly creeped underneath their skin from the immediate change in demeanor. Aware they were no match for the being in front of them, even if they were unsure if it was really the same individual they met.

“Its just that. How can we be sure you’re truly, sir Clifford?”

Galford gathered every ounce of courage he could muster in order to speak out of his mind. He knew their life depended on it, considering they were facing an unknown and powerful entity, capable of taking out an entire army in one blast.

“You can’t.”

The tone was hard, unfaltering, and foreboding, giving them another level of terror.

“Since I am aware you don’t harbor any bad intentions, I remained neutral towards you. But understand this: if you attack, I won’t hesitate to retaliate in my defense.”

The warning was stern, unwavering, and without a trace of doubt. Thus, assuring the two men they will die if they try anything.

Both were quick to sheath their swords, lowering their heads into a bow to show their respect and thanks for being alive.

“Though you left us with the choice to face either you or the wrath of the kingdom for abandoning our job.”

Galford did not hesitate to bring it up, knowing full well they are going to end up in a terrifying predicament, no matter what they choose.

“If you truly are, sir Clifford. Could you help us once more?”

Hallor took that chance, remembering their first meeting. If the person was indeed the same one, they were certain he’d understand.

There was silence for a while, only adding tension in the air, as they were uncertain of what was to expect.

“Why has the kingdom done this to you? Have you incurred the king’s wrath?”

Galford states his mind, wishing to continue the conversation.

This is the question that has been troubling him, as he was unsure who they can rely on. Not wanting to end up on the wrong side of things.

“How should I know what goes in that head of his? Last I remember was fighting against those high-level knights and nearly dying, even though they said that won’t happen. And then the next thing they were mutilating me. And now they plan to bury me somewhere where no one will find evidence of their actions.”

The entity’s voice boomed, causing the earth to shake, the air rippling with each word, making the two warriors lower their heads further.

“Its true, isn’t it? We never found out what happened to him. Even the heroes were in disarray, looking for him after they were told he got taken.”

Hallor mutters, remembering the chaos that ensued during the tournament. No one truly knew the truth.

“But it’s just that.”

Galford purses his lips.

There was something in the situation he can’t fully grasp, making him remain wary.

There were a few things that didn’t add up. Such as why the man got sealed, and the reason for chopping him up like that.

The idea of it being an unworldly creature stayed. Because he can only describe the figure in front of them as something else.

“I understand your predicament, though I have no plans of letting myself get killed here.”

Alas, the voice became calm, yet still had that sense of warning.

An immense and overflowing energy continued to scatter everywhere. There was no doubt the two would end up dead at any moment if the being so wishes.

“Then what are you planning to do?”

Galford asks.

He was now considering some other options, though he wished to know what would happen to them.

“I’ve only met you once and agreed to your plea, so why should I trust you with such information?”

The torso let out a pained cackle.

The two could not help but flinch from the sensation of it within inside their heads.

“We do not wish to fight, but understand they will punish us if we do not act.”

This was Galford’s last hope, as he also did not want to incur the king’s wrath. And if they get found out, he was certain they weren’t the only once who would lose their life.

“Yes, and since I can see you are open for negotiations, I have a proposition for you.”

This was the final words that echoed through their thoughts, before seeing the line on the being’s mouth widening again.

This time, there was no echoing, instead, images bombarded their minds. The sudden blast of knowledge put them in shock, causing the two of them to scream in pain before getting blacking out.

Next thing they can remember, they were being shaken by hard, metallic hands. Along with a few slaps on their cheeks to rouse them from their deep slumber.

“Fools, wake up!”

It was the second in command’s voice ordering them.

Everything felt like a daze, as if what happened was all a dream. The two of them frowned upon, glimpsing that the carriage remained intact. And the priest and mages were chanting.

It made them reconsider the entire encounter, as they became uncertain if it really occurred.

Though there remains the throbbing in their heads, they force themselves up, seeing the glare being thrown at them.

Once on their feet, they immediately followed the knight, moving towards the one in charge, who now continued shouting orders.

“Commander, we’ve brought them.”

The second in command gave a quick salute to his officer before leaving them. The leader of the caravan faced both warriors with a frown.

“From here on out, we will no longer be taking any rest until we reach our destination. The cargo has become too unstable and is posing a great danger to all of us. We must bury it as soon as possible. Do you understand that?”

The commander’s tone was hardened.

“Yes, sir.”

The two warriors were keen to give a bow with no hesitation. It wasn’t like they had any other option. Also, everybody there had finished preparing for departure. With the men already on their steeds.

With that, they quickly rode the carriage. And as per the knights’ orders, they hastened their march through the woods, without stopping at the closest town there.

They arrive at the camp, deep within the forest where another battalion awaited. There was a large grave dug on the earth, having a slant for them to drive the vehicle straight into it.

After parking the cart, the two assisted the knights in covering the hole with dirt. Once done burying the entire coffin like thing, the priest and mages started chanting on it once more.

Galford and Hallor gave each other uncomfortable looks. As they remained wondering if what happened to them was but a dream or reality.

But they never had the chance to speak about it. As the minute they turned around, the knights greeted them with their blades.

Crimson liquid poured onto the earth, as the mages began using the warriors’ blood to create a sigil above the grave, completing their forbidden seal.