The infernal flames spell - Part 2

Thelus held a common sword. There was a nearby barrel full of them for soldiers to practice with whenever they pleased, but they were not suitable for fighting against magic or spells. Not even if he had Cygni in his hands — his beloved companion from battles of the past — perhaps those flames still had enough power to overcome her resistance. And it would be much worse if the prince truly mastered that spell. So, whatever that scroll was, it was not something he should possess, Thelus pondered.

"Alright, you've won, Prince," Thelus said, sighing as he shrugged. "You don't need to train anymore today. Now, stop this."

Thelus knew that, besides the two curious onlookers, some guards and palace servants were also whispering as they looked towards the prince. It would be an even worse situation if more people saw him using spells.

However, the prince's expression became impassive as he responded, "I don't care anymore. You know why, Master? I am strong now. I can defeat all of you with my magic whenever I want. Finally, I will defeat my father and prove that magic was created to rule!"

The prince's smile seemed to have detached from sanity as a sinister aura formed around him.

"Prince Laugs, this joke is no longer funny. Look around you; do you know what these people are thinking of you now? Do you think they want a sorcerer to rule them?"

"They are nobody!" Laugs shouted. Then he made the flames intensify and advanced towards the general.

Thelus had wielded a sword for over thirty years. That was twice the prince's age in combat experience, so it would not be the first time he faced a mage or a sorcerer. He had never feared any of them because he trusted in his skill, honed over time on the battlefields.

However, this time there was a big caveat, the person standing before him was not an enemy. Thelus had been present in the prince's life since his birth, watching him grow, hearing his first words. He became his mentor when Laugs was old enough to hold a sword. He even considered him like a son. That's why he felt immense sadness that things had come to this.

But now he had to stop him, Thelus pondered. With that thought in mind, he moved his massive body forward quickly, catching the prince off guard. He focused his attack solely on the enchanted sword. Although the flames were corroding its blade, it did not stop him. When he finally found an opening in the prince's stance, his strike was swift, disarming the prince and sending his sword flying.

Prince Laugs initially seemed surprised by how easily he was disarmed, but he soon accepted the result, considering that his opponent was a renowned war general. However, this left him furious.

"Take the rest of the day to reflect on what you've done here, Prince Laugs. I hope to never see you make this mistake again," Thelus said with a voice that mixed disappointment and relief.

If it had been someone else there, he might have taken more severe measures. Perhaps his hands would be stained with blood by now. This thought sent shivers down his spine.

"Wow! General Led defeated that pale-looking prince," whispered the brown-haired boy.

"Pale-looking? Are you trying to get us into even more trouble?" Rude retorted. Then, he turned to the general and continued, "But it was obvious that General Fleddblyt would win! He is the strongest swordsman after King Algus."

The red-haired boy was so proud it seemed like he had won the duel.

However, while the general was distracted, the prince extended his hand towards his enchanted sword and shouted, "come." The sword responded to the call and flew back into his hand. Then, Laugs advanced towards his master without a second thought.

"You taught me to never give up in a fight, Master, and never let my guard down," Laugs shouted.

With his guard down, Thelus only had time to dive to the side. The prince's blade passed closely by him, leaving only a small scratch on his right arm. The attack caused a minor wound that barely bled, and he initially ignored it. However, it didn't take long for the throbbing pain to spread throughout his body, causing intense agony.

Thelus let his sword fall from his hands and knelt on the courtyard ground. His face showed the agony caused by the pain, which, despite coming from a small wound, felt much worse than if he had had his entrails chewed by a pack of wolves.

"They are powerful, aren't they, Master? These flames don't burn like regular fire; they only cause pain and death to everything they touch. Well, except me, their master," Laugs said, touching the flames at the tip of his sword, making them intensify. "These are the 'Flames of Hell'."

Then, Laugs smiled proudly as he slowly approached the general.

For a moment, Thelus managed to suppress the pain and raised his head to look the prince in the eyes.

"You have defeated me with a sword. That's all I will say to your father. Now I ask you... undo this spell, Prince Laugs," Thelus struggled to speak. His teeth were grinding in pain, even hurting his mouth. Keeping his head up or even breathing became a difficult task, and the effort to remain conscious was immense.

However, the prince just looked at Thelus indifferently.

"I still haven't convinced you of all my power, Master," Laugs said. "Come on, get up."

This should not have been Prince Laugs Armud, Thelus thought. Or, what he feared most, it could be happening right before his eyes: the prince was beginning to be corrupted by the sinister effect of that spell.