Ch.23 On Guard Part 3
In the nomad's tale, secrets lie deep, A story with twists that make us leap. Binary whispers, echoes of past, A world of Egypt, did it truly last?
The man who took him in, a time-bound soul, Did he journey back, playing a role? Or perhaps it's all true, the ideas that flow, In this enigmatic future, we'll come to know.
Stay by my side, my friend, a little longer, As the nomad's tale grows stronger. For within these turns and twists untold, Lies a story that will unfold.
On Guard Part 3
Jack was slumped on the ground, defeated by his failed attempt at apprehending the invader. A surge of wind zipped past him, delivering an unmatched chill that sent shivers down his spine. He felt as if he had entered the core of an ice abyss, much exceeding any frosty encounter he had ever had.
A sharp sound echoed around the room in the blink of an eye, a loud "schuh" that pierced the air. The intruder's body was torn in two in a grisly exhibition that sprayed red blood crunched like a smashed berry. The onlookers' eyes widened in surprise, except for the queen, who kept her serene demeanor amidst the chaos.
Silence engulfed the room's inhabitants in eerie quiet. It was as though their voices had fallen silent for a brief while; their own spirits made mute by the astonishing spectacle that unfurled before them. This opulent and magnificent spectacle has never been viewed by individuals used to a life of wealth.
As Jack climbed to his feet, a wave of curiosity drove him towards Ramon, searching for answers in the midst of the mysterious scenario that had transpired. His strides led him to his companion's side, and with an inquisitive tone, he asked the burning question in his heart, "What happened here?"
Ramon extended his finger, pointing squarely towards the figure in front of the queen. "It's him," he replied, his voice tinged with astonishment and anxiety.
Perplexed, Jack turned to face the man to whom Ramon had directed his attention. It was a sight that sent a shiver down his spine—an unfamiliar presence, a tall and commanding individual in his forties, adorned with short, curly black hair. The man exuded an air of authority, clad in a simple yet robust brown leather Armor, embossed with the emblem of the army. Gripped firmly in his hand, a gleaming sword emanated a chilling aura, each droplet of scarlet blood cascading from its blade, merging with the scattered stains upon the carpet.
The man's eyes pierced Jack and Ramon's souls as he slowly turned his look towards them, his face a mix of rage and disappointment. In a strong and commanding voice, he addressed them, "So, you two are the ones Menes assigned to this task."
Ramon drew a step forward, his motions tinged with respect. "Yes, sir," he said, acknowledging his position.
The man's gaze shifted to Jack, his blade still pointing menacingly in his way. "And you, I presume, are Jack Sterling," he pointed out, his voice tinged with disdain.
Unease swept through Jack, and he said tentatively, "Yes, I am."
As he spoke, the man's eyes flashed with a mix of fury and contempt, the sword still dangling heavy with evidence of its murderous acts. "You worthless scumbags couldn't even stop an intruder. I'm curious why Menes chose you. Kasib was miles ahead. Menes has failed to gain my respect yet again," he muttered, ridiculing both Jack and Menes' decision.
Ramon's gaze flickered between the two, detecting the increasing tension. The man's strong voice broke the silence, commanding Jack to leave the army before it's too late.
As Jack's thoughts raced, the room fell dead. But in that instant, he realised that his decision didn't require any more time to mature. "I will become strong," he said loudly and decisively, his voice breaking through the silence. "I will demonstrate that Commander Menes made the correct decision."
Again, silence enveloped the room, and anticipation hung in the air. The man chuckled as he gently dropped his sword, shielding his face with his left hand. The entire audience suddenly joined in, mocking Jack's remark.
"You think you're strong just because you defeated one man?" he smirked as he regained his composure.
The man's laughing faded, and he replied solemnly, "Hmm, however, I do find you intriguing, Jack Sterling, and for one reason only." Menes revealed it to me."
Jack's interest grew, and he focused his gaze on the man, waiting for an explanation. "What is this reason?" he inquired; his voice full of curiosity.
"I can't reveal it here, you fool," the man expressed with a mocking smile. But I'll tell you something, Jack Sterling: you have just two chances to prove me incorrect."
Confusion etched on Jack's face, he implored, "What do you mean? Two chances?"
The entire room hung its breath, awaiting the man to respond.
The man's sarcastic laughter rang across the room as he responded, "Well, I'm not going to spoil the surprise for you." Jack's curiosity grew as he inquired, "Why won't you tell me?"
To avoid Jack's stare, the man glanced away and muttered cryptically, "You'll find out soon enough." For the time being, let it be."
The man approached the queen with a calm demeanour, exhibiting his respect. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice tinged with real concern.
"Yes, indeed," the queen answered, her visage devoid of any evident emotion.
"You may leave now," she said commandingly. The feast must continue!" Her announcement echoed across the crowd, signalling the continuation of the spectacular celebration.
The room gradually regained its composure as Jack turned around and approached Ramon. The guests were anxious to resume their chats, awaiting the resumption of the festive atmosphere that had been briefly disrupted. However, just as the mood was beginning to calm, a stranger surged through the main entrance, drawing everyone's attention. Chef Tarek Khalifa marched towards the throne, followed by a swarm of waiters.
Jack came to a halt opposite Ramon, ready to inquire about the question that had been bothering him. But before he could say anything, Chef Tarek's booming voice broke the silence. "Heyyyyyy!" he said, attracting both Jack and Ramon's attention. "Come over here!"
They headed in the direction of Chef Tarek, meeting him in the middle of the room. Chef Tarek greeted them with a severe look, asking, "Who do you think is going to clean up the mess you two have made?"
"Chef, we were in pursuit of an intruder," Ramon said swiftly, his voice full of urgency.
Chef Tarek rejected their explanation with a dismissive wave. "I simply don't care," he shot back. "Jack, go to the far-left side of the hall; Ramon, go to the far right." Clean up the mess and help me serve the delicious honey cake and sweet bread to the guests."
begin work!" Tarek's voice was booming, leaving no space for debate.
Weary following their previous confrontations, Jack and Ramon accepted Chef Tarek's commands in a fatigued tone. "All right, Chef," they said, preparing to begin their cleaning tasks while also assisting with the catering service.
Jack walked clumsily to the far-left side of the room, while Ramon walked to the far right. Despite their physical separation, they shared the same responsibility of salvaging fallen dishes and performing other responsibilities such as collecting soiled plates from guests.
A realisation dawned on Jack at this point, one that transcended time and spoke to humanity's endless division. The stark disparity between the rich and the needy played out in front of him. The wealthy adorned themselves with pure gold jewellery and wore outfits made of the finest materials, while the impoverished residents of the town, whom Jack had seen alongside Menes, faced an uncertain future, unsure of their next meal. A world where the wealthy prioritised the indulgence of a mere slice of honey cake created by a talented chef over the welfare and dignity of their fellow human beings of lower rank was evident.
"This is truly a cruel world," Jack thought to himself, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and disillusionment. He couldn't shake the weight of this knowledge as he retrieved fallen flowers from the ground and tenderly placed them back on the table.
Jack approached Chef Tarek, who handed him a stack of honey cake-laden plates. "We've made some progress on the left side, but there are still people who want more," Tarek said.
"Yes, Chef," Jack replied, his voice emotionless.
As Jack moved across the room, bringing honey cake to the wealthy, bits of conversation entered his ears. He overheard the guests' conversations, which revealed disturbing truths. One bristled at the slaughter of their slaves' family, while another admitted to deliberately enslaving the villagers and extracting labour from them eternally. It was a cycle of exploitation and manipulation that spanned generations, trapping the oppressed in a state of everlasting slavery.
This realisation broke Jack's heart. He couldn't understand the callousness of individuals in the room because he valued freedom, connections, and embracing his feelings. He characterized them as heartless demons driven exclusively by greed and power in his heart.
"Why? "How come the rich have all the power while the poor suffer and die?" Jack pondered silently; his ideas coloured with emotional intensity. Was there a ray of hope? Was there a way to change this entrenched unequal system? These questions rang in his soul, searching for solutions that appeared distant but necessary.
A phantom voice resonated from within Jack, drawing his attention amidst the uncertainty and confusion. "There is!" it exclaimed, reverberating through the depths of his existence. Jack looked about, perplexed, for the source of the otherworldly voice. However, there was nothing to be seen.
His concentration was broken when he was called in by a noble. "Hey, you! "Give me some cake!" the noble demanded; his arrogance clear in his tone.
"Yes, sir," Jack replied, quickly satisfying the noble's request by offering him a slice of cake. As he served the visitors, he noticed that there was only one cake left on his platter. Jack scanned the room, his eyes in search of someone who might desire it. Then, from behind him, an innocent voice touched his ears. "Good day, sir." "Could I please take some cake?"
Jack looked around, surprised to see a young woman with striking blonde hair similar to his own. Her voice was gentle, with a delicate tone.
"Of course, you can," Jack mumbled, unable to digest the tsunami of information.
"Thank you so much. I like your hair, by the way. "It matches mine," she said, a warm smile on her face.
"Oh, absolutely. "Thank you," Jack said, still reeling from the unexpected encounter.
"Good luck in meeting your goals," she remarked, her words tinged with an enticing sense of knowing.
"What goals?" Jack inquired; his interest peaked.
"You know, the ones you mentioned," she cryptically added.
As he reflected about his earlier declaration, Jack realised. "Oh, so you heard," he replied, his voice tinged with astonishment and interest.
She introduced herself with a charming motion, extending her hand to Jack. "It's a pleasure to meet you. "My name is Seraphina Aurelia," she continued, her gaze falling downward for a minute as she swept her hair away from her face.
A phantom voice resonated from within Jack, drawing his attention amidst the uncertainty and confusion. "There is!" it exclaimed, reverberating through the depths of his existence. Jack looked about, perplexed, for the source of the otherworldly voice. However, there was nothing to be seen.
His concentration was broken when he was called in by a noble. "Hey, you! "Give me some cake!" the noble demanded; his arrogance clear in his tone.
"Yes, sir," Jack replied, quickly satisfying the noble's request by offering him a slice of cake. As he served the visitors, he noticed that there was only one cake left on his platter. Jack scanned the room, his eyes in search of someone who might desire it. Then, from behind him, an innocent voice touched his ears. "Good day, sir." "Could I please take some cake?"
Jack looked around, surprised to see a young woman with striking blonde hair similar to his own. Her voice was gentle, with a delicate tone.
"Of course, you can," Jack mumbled, unable to digest the tsunami of information.
"Thank you so much. I like your hair, by the way. "It matches mine," she said, a warm smile on her face.
"Oh, absolutely. "Thank you," Jack said, still reeling from the unexpected encounter.
"Good luck in meeting your goals," she remarked, her words tinged with an enticing sense of knowing.
"What goals?" Jack inquired; his interest peaked.
"You know, the ones you mentioned," she cryptically added.
As he reflected about his earlier declaration, Jack realised. "Oh, so you heard," he replied, his voice tinged with astonishment and interest.
She introduced herself with a charming motion, extending her hand to Jack. "It's a pleasure to meet you. "My name is Seraphina Aurelia," she continued, her gaze falling downward for a minute as she swept her hair away from her face.
Jack returned the gesture, reaching out to shake Seraphina's hand. The encounter was unexpected and, leaving him in a rush of emotions.
"I'm leaving now." "Goodbye," Seraphina whispered gently, her voice tinged with happiness as she waved goodbye to Jack.
"Goodbye," Jack said, returning the wave, his mind racing with memory of their interactions.
40 MINS Later
Jack and Ramon made their way to their living quarters, both looking fatigued from their cleaning responsibilities. Their slouched attitudes as they dragged forward revealed their exhaustion.
Jack shattered the silence by turning to Ramon and speaking out. "Hey, Ramon."
"Yeah?" Ramon responded tiredly.
"Who was that gentleman?" Jack inquired, his curiosity overpowering him.
Ramon straightened his spine, a glint of intelligence in his eyes. "Don't you know?" he inquired, astonished.
"Know what?" Jack persisted, anxious to solve the enigma.
"The man you saw earlier was none other than General Setka himself, the leader of the army " Ramon disclosed, widening Jack's eyes in surprise. He had accidentally found himself in the company of one of Egypt's most formidable men.
Setka The General of The Royal Army