Chapter 26: They don't care

The many figures that emerged from all around filled up the visible space across the river.

"All of you, do you have any idea what you are doing?" Jozeph could not help but shout in anger. "Just by being on that side of the river you can considered yourselves damned."

"They don't care. They've been in the shadows for so long that it must be satisfying for them to finally show their real selfs." Ezequiel explained as his sight travelled to every corner of the area opposite to him until it landed on the woman in red who had now appeared in front of him, in the company of his enemies. "Isn't that, right?" The question was directed to her who held his strong gaze with a smirk on her face.

If it had been any other male, that smile of hers would have been enough to melt them away, but because the person she was trying to tempt was Ezequiel it was obvious that her charms where not working on him. Their intense gaze was locked on each other when out of nowhere a strong hand caress the woman's cheek and as she turned her gaze to her left, she was met with one of the most powerful fallen angels that was part of their entourage.

Graving her chin with his calm hands he turned her completely to face him and in an ever-smooth voice he whispered, "Good job, Amada" and while he was still caressing her chin with his thumb, he turned his attention to the group that was on the other side of the river.

"Welcome my Lord Ezequiel. We have been waiting for you." At his words Ezequiel could easily deduced that this fallen angel in front of him was the one behind the plan to lure them in, however as strong as he could perceive he was Ezequiel was sure that the fallen angel was nothing but a messenger. At a risk of being conceded, Ezequiel was confident that his strength was not enough to take him. But if this was the case and the angel was nothing but a pawn in this game, then who was the real brain behind all this? Where was he or she? And will he show his true self?

Ezequiel's gaze flustered back and forth between the fallen angel and the demoness who now had a name, Amada. He was trying to understand what it was that they wanted from him and his men. As his mind traveled at a thousand miles per second, he did not miss the fact that the fallen angels and demons that had emerged from the darkness of the forest had increased significantly, in fact if the fallen in front of him deemed it so, his men as well as him could be exterminated it. After all, in this forbidden place they were nothing but human.

"We may go down, but rest assure, Lord Ezequiel, we will take some of them down with us," Jozeph could not help but voice out. Just like Ezequiel he knew that it would be near impossible to escape if the situation escalated.

Ezequiel who at this point was standing in an area that allowed him to be at a taller vantage point than any of his comrades looked at the Jozeph and then at Charles, who was one of his most trusted soldiers and with a nod of his face it seemed as if he had instructed him without even voicing out his order.

And with that determined look Ezequiel's attention returned to the fallen angel who had a devious smile on his beautiful face. This angel with long white hair that reached his back was without a doubt a leader but not the mastermind of all this.

Then Charles spoke loud and clear, "Save your energy, we will not perish here. Also, be prepare, if the need be, our orders are to make our way back as soon as possible. Estevan will be waiting for us."

"Run away?" Anger was ricking from Mark, the second angel in their entourage. "We are not cowards to do such a thing!"

"We, soldiers of Elysium can fight and stand our ground even if you demons can't." Jozeph was also beyond angry at the thought that they would have to run away.

"don't be foolish," Charles tried to explain.

"It is not that we are foolish, we are just not cowards."

"Listen to me and listen well. This is a fight that we will not be able to win. We have no other choice, but to live to fight another day. Lord Michael will not be happy to learn that you perished due to stupidity." Charles was adamant at making them understand that there was no other way.

"Who are you calling stupid,"

"Well, if the shoe fits," Charles responded almost mockingly.

At that reply both Jozeph and Mark grabbed on to their swords ready to attack Charles, not caring about the audience on the other side of the river.

Meanwhile Ezequiel who had not broken eye contact with the angel on the other side could not take the ruckus that was breaking out within his group. Without tearing his eyes from the other side he order in a steady and firm voice, "Enough. All of you this is not a game and as the only general here and leader of this expedition I am ordering all of you to stand down and be ready to evacuate at my order."

"But.." Jozeph began only to be render mute the moment Ezequiel turned to look at him. His ruby eyes emitting such a dark aura that send frightening chills down Jozeph's back. He knew that Lord Ezequiel was someone they should not mess with, and it had been his mistake to assume that the rumors of his coldness were nothing but lies.

Swallowing his pride, Jozeph cleared his throat and sheathed his sword, "As you order my lord,"

The tension within the group was interrupted by a wicket laughter that was as terrifying as it was sinister. The fallen angel could not hide that he was enjoying the bantering between the Elysium and the Tartarus soldiers.

Without even realizing they had put on a show for the enemy and this was just as embarrassing as it was unforgivable.

Charles knew that if they were to make it out of here, his lord Ezequiel would teach him a lesson and this fact scared him more than the army across the river.

The laughter that came from the individual was a mocking one that caused Charles's aura to fire up. However, looking at Ezequiel it was amazing how he remained as cool as ever. He did not give any reaction away. It always astonished Charles how his lord could always appear this calm even in the worst of scenarios.

Seeing that no reaction was evoked from Ezequiel the fallen angel stepped forward. His feet submerging on the cold water that traveled down the stream.