19 Chapter 17: Killing Zombies and Innocents

Caliek squirmed around and touch the shiny table. He then stared at the greedy man before him.

"Do you think Alice and Cartlon can find the elusive mage within forty days?"

"No! I mean... I mean, I don't think so. I don't even know about that elusive mage she's seeking!"

Philip told him honestly. He's been busy thinking of a better and safe plan on how to drag Princess Alice down.

"Your servant has told me that you stayed in your room for one week. What are you planning lately, Philip?"

"Nothing!" He raised his voice and realized it afterward.

Philip looked away and swallowed with guilt and embarrassment.

"You looked paled and frightened. Are you hiding things from me? Aren't you?"

"Of course not! Why would I?" His voice became deep and husky? Philip can't look at him longer, and he would mumble upon answering.

Caliek walks closer while clasping his both hands and replied sarcastically, "Are you certain?" He asked him.

Caliek drew off his gauntlet and put it on the table. He slowly gets his dagger from his left side and put it into his neck. "Put it down, Caliek!"

Philip breathes deeply as he can't push Caliek away. If he does unnecessary moves, his neck will be cut and his blood will splash.

"Put the dagger, down! For pete's sake, Caliek!" Philip grasps his hands tightly and his body was shaking because of fear and panic.

Caliek thrust his weapon deeply, and he chuckled upon seeing Philip's epic expression.

"Let's be honest, Philip. Let us share our ideas, our plans! That way, we can get the throne effortlessly."

The other man gulped and cleared his throat and said, "Of course! If you want to discuss it then we can start, right here, right now." Philip touches his neck, checking if he got a small cut. Fortunately, Caliek didn't kill him right away as he lied.

Caliek clapped his hands and walk around with Philip. He observed him, testing, and measuring his loyalty and reverence.

"I want to but I am not in the mood to discuss it." He replied.

"Then, let's do it the day after tomorrow Caliek! And, there's no point in rushing and scrambling. Princess eagerness will leads her to death and defeat."

Caliek narrowed his eyes and gave him an abrupt laugh. He was leaning at the end of the table while crossing his arms together.

"Your honor, there's someone who's waiting for you outside and wants to talk to you. I am apologetic for interrupting your discussion with the man standing near to you!"

Caliek gasped and put back the dagger into his side. "Tell the person to wait for me in the hallway. I just need to discuss some important matters with regards to Alicesha."

"Yes, your honor! I'll be going ahead!" The warden left immediately and went back to the hallway.

Caliek gets the gauntlet and said before leaving, "Come to my room, tonight!"

Philip wipes his sweat and has a long sighed when Caliek leaves him. He laughs bitterly and punches the table angrily and disgruntled.

"You will pay for insulting me, Caliek! And I will not be going to stop unless you, Cartlon, and the princesses are dead."

~

Caliek walked into the hallway frustrated and stymied. He won't let Philip betray him and or turn the situation upside down and out of his plan.

"Good day, swordsman! I came here to discuss the kingdom's defense."

Caliek seated back and crossed his legs. He looked at the man bowing, in front of him. "Pardon?"

He replied shortly.

"Zombies are lurking around the palace, swordsman! You have to do something about it, or else..." The man paused and gulped.

"Or else, what?"

"Zombies will overrun the palace if we let our guards down! Caliek, I know that Princess Alice trusted you her kingdom, so please, do everything you can do to save people's lives and our lives." 

Caliek became serious and looked at the man, shocked and surprised.

How can zombies occupy the palace when Alice built unbreakable and tough walls and traps?

"Are you sure about that bad news, Thannus?"

"Yes! We need to take an immediate action Caliek if you don't want to be infected and become one of them!"

Caliek sighed and kicked the carpet out of his anger. "Do whatever you think is the best action, Thannus! I can't disappoint Princess Alice for doing nothing to her beloved Kingdom."

"But, we have still another problem Caliek!"

"Speak it, right now!"

"We're lacking of men! And almost thousands of them were already infected in a short period of time and we can't stop zombies for spreading out!" Thannus told him, frightened and determined to withstand.

Caliek replied, "Tell every warden to move into the main gate and guard the palace! Tell them to make fireballs as many as they can. Fire them! Fire those greedy and hungry zombies! Kill all of them, Thannus!"

"I can't do that Caliek!" Killing zombies is the mission but killing innocents is out of the picture. Thannus can't do it but...

Caliek looked at him confused and mystify. "Why Thannus? It is the best and easiest way to win against the undead."

"No! There are survivors obscuring outside of the palace! And I can't bear to kill them! To kill innocent and not infected people, for heaven's sake!"

"And if Princess Alice is here, she will never harm her people not kill them with no reason!" He added.

Caliek steps closer to him and collared Thannus. "Do it or I'll use you as bait, Thannus."

"Do you understand?!"

Caliek voice echoed in the hallway as he screamed loudly. Thannus has no choice but to abide by Caliek's orders.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

"Yes, Caliek," Thannus replied out of fear. 

"LOUDER!"

"YES, I WILL DO IT!"

Caliek shook his head and pushes Thannus away from him. He breathed deeply and tried to calm down.

"Don't compare me to Alice because she's nothing but a susceptible princess and she doesn't deserve to be a Queen."

Thannus remained quiet and hoping for the princess to come back to the palace soon. If Caliek continues the ruling, the palace will be in vain forever.