103 Men are Dauntless

BACK IN THE HOLY LAND

Haelan POV

It was not the first time that I come across a basilisk. We once encountered one as a family when I was young. My father told me that the dangerous ones have thick red scales. These territorial serpents attack at anything even when not threatened, and they only breed once in their lifetime. And then there's the less vicious ones - the basilisks that are plumed with green spotted scales. They appear smaller and could perfectly camouflage in the greens. They lay dozens of serpent eggs which are really delicious for breakfast. However, no matter what color their coverings are, my mother said that they all cause death even at a quick glance.

When Atrius shouted to run for our lives, our feet instantly moved on its own stoked with fear. I remember seeing High Priest Onias and Bertram sprinted back in the relic hall, while the rest of us take our chance of survival in the dark forest in different directions.

While running in the dark holding my sceptre, I tore a piece of fabric from my clothing and tied the cloth around my eyes. With my eyes covered, all my senses became more alive. I could hear the loudest screams of the priests, down to the birds flapping their wings. This time, my fear multiplied in a thousand fold - from the dark, from not seeing anything with my eyes covered, from the screeches of the basilisk and from not dying brutally in the serpent's fangs.

The wind howled like ghouls as the leaves rustled. I could sense the night sky sending off a warning that buckets of raindrops would fall. I reunited with my fellow comrades - Atrius, Ottis and Jacomus. None were mortally hurt, but surely they looked dead tired of running. Jacomus kept Umbriel safe in a hole underground with a promise to return when we get rid of the basilisk. I kept asking them how.

Unfortunately, Atrius found Dorson's body torn into pieces underneath a pile of broken trees, and Ottis found Elon with blood oozing out from his eyes and nose, implying that he caught the deathly gaze of the basilisk.

Then, Ottis asked me for any bright ideas, being the only one with magic and friendly to deadly creatures. Well, I haven't completely understood my powers, so I cannot experiment and risk our lives. Also, it was only luck that I was able to tame those wild beasts. I won't dare come close to a monster who sees me as a midnight snack. Eventually, he grew impatient of my reasons.

As the screeching screams of the basilisk echo, I heard Jac and Atrius drew their swords in an instant. I can't tell if Ottis have any weapon with him. Wondering how could he protect himself, I just hoped he have ways to do such. I couldn't lend him my broken hilt for it could only exude my light that is especially detrimental to dark healers alone. My sceptre wouldn't be much helpful. So I guess, that makes us both powerless at this very crucial time considering that I cannot hurt anyone or anything in everything that I do.

Jacomus, the bold and the fearless, planned of killing the basilisk. His enthusiasm was encouraging, as if we were kids playing hide and seek. As planned, he asked me to play with the wind to make distractions for the basilisk, knowing that it is very sensitive to movements aside from body heat. And so, all three agreed about the grave idea of killing the midnight crawler.

Atrius found me a safe spot where I could hide. He thought I can stay safe and hidden up high. He bid farewell as if it was our last, asking me to take his body to his mother in Greco if anything worse happen. I told him that I'll see him after this, hoping he could bring me a new set of shoes or a leather chanery. We sealed the deal with a quick brotherly embrace.

Thereupon, I climbed somewhat an oak tree with my sceptre hooked on my coat. As I made my way up, my agony grew along with my doubts whether their swords are sharp enough to pierce through the basilisk's tough and scaly skin. Will their eyes meet the serpent's gaze that'll cease their breathing? And, won't I cause the basilisk's bleeding in my attempt to catch its attention?

I grazed the tree with my palms as I climb. As I lift my body, I could smell a strong and musky scent that made me almost throw up. When I peeked, I saw a brown weasel in solitary sitting cozy on a branch. I even thought to myself, my luck haven't worn out. Basilisks hate the stench of weasels, and these sly animals have teeth sharp enough to cut through the scales of the king of snakes. I thought was I going out of my mind when I spoke to it and said, "Let's look out for each other, alright?".

Once positioned atop the tree, in a swift move before the rain come down, I called the thickest fog down to the ground. Thick enough to blur the sight of the snake. It was the headstart for Jac's deadly plan. Assuming the basilisk will be more sensitive to warmth and even on quick subtle movements, I used my magic to rustle the leaves of the trees on random directions to give the snake a lead on. I could sense the enormous basilisk slithering in circles at a distance in a very slow pace following the creaking sounds of the trees that I made. And then, it passed my way as if it couldn't sense my warmth. Probably, I was too cold for him. Surprisingly, I caught a glimpse of the tiny weasel standing on its paws with its fangs out. It suddenly jumped from the tree landing perfectly on the snake. The snake went completely berserk. I'm sure its painful screech came from the bites of the tiny weasel. Maybe it was the perfect timing Jac looked for because after a while, I finally heard Jac, Atrius and Ottis shouting as if they have succesfully ridden on the basilisk's back.

Jac's plan was to ride the snake, and stab it until it dies. He said it like it was so simple. I thought it was brilliantly deranged. Men really are dauntless.

I held on the tree with the hope they all survive our dangerous aim. Thereafter, I felt a drizzle drop on my face. A light rain have started to fall at the same time that my magic wearily lift the fog away. Then, the snake continued to go all frenzy with its tail smashing on the trees and bushes. I felt it hit the oak tree where I'm hiding until it knock it off so hard that made me fall down hitting my head. I touched the back of my head and saw a little blood. I couldn't move right away. Not too long, I heard the basilisk gave off a loud long piercing cry before the complete silence filled the forest. As I lay on the ground, I feel the finest drops of rain touch my face. It's over.

It's finally over.

"Hel..p", I called as much as I can, as I struggle lifting my habd. I can't remember how many times I called. Just when I was about to close my eyes, I felt someone held my cold hand. It was so warm that I felt relieved. When I took a good look at his face, I was freed from all the troubles and worries that I have contained in my head. I felt a tear even escaped my eye, and a smile upturned my lips. And if I would die now, this is my better place.

"Ste..llan", that was the word I tried to say. He was mouthing something I could hardly hear. And then, everything started to spin and his beautiful face was the last thing I saw before everything else vanished into pitch black.