CH.22 On Guard Part 2
Is it the real or fake one, only time will show, The nomad's journey, a path with secrets to know. His identity shrouded in mystery, yet he claims to see, A hint lies in a word unfinished, the ne...
Stay tuned for the tale to unfold, As the nomad's story takes ahold, The truth awaits, waiting to be revealed, In this enigmatic journey, destiny sealed.
On Guard Part 2
"Alright, Jack, stand up and open your eyes," commanded Ramon.
Jack complied, rising to his feet and peeling open his eyelids. He was immediately struck by a shock of surprise at what he saw.
"Ramon, I see what's behind me now. It's just like those dots, but only it's not a very clear picture," Jack described to Ramon.
"Good, it will work for now," Ramon said with a nod. He then took Jack's hand and said, "Let's walk around and use your power to find the man."
They silently navigated the room, Jack's newly discovered powers guiding them. As they turned a corner, Jack noticed something - a yellow dotted figure of a person, indicating a living being.
"Ramon, I see someone behind that box," Jack whispered. They both turned to face the object and aimed their spears in its direction. "Come out," commanded Ramon.
The man slowly emerged from behind the box, his hands raised in surrender. By the dim light of a nearby candle, Ramon could make out the features of this face, which were familiar.
"It's you!" exclaimed Ramon, taken aback.
Few minutes later outside the storage room
Ramon and Jack emerged from the room and began to converse, relieved to discover that the uninvited guest was not an intruder but rather the palace's esteemed chef, Tarek Khalifa. "Why did you hide from us?" Ramon inquired.
"I thought my food was bad, and the queen sent her guards to apprehend and execute me," Tarek replied, biting his nails nervously.
Ramon chuckled. "You still believe that Chef? Come on now."
Tarek trembled in fear as he responded, "You don't know my great-uncle's son's wife's brother. He was killed by a king from another kingdom because he didn't prepare good food."
Ahahah," Ramon laughed covering his eyes.
Tarek turned to Jack and asked, "And who might this be? I don't recognize this face."
"This is Jack Sterling, our newest member of the army and a potential powerhouse," Ramon introduced with a smirk.
"Nice to meet you," Jack said softly, leaning forward to shake Tarek's hand.
Tarek shook Jack's hand, his own hand dwarfed by Jack's towering stature. Despite being 35 years old, Tarek was often referred to as a "small plum" in the army due to his genetic shortness.
Ramon probed, "But why did you come out like this?"
Tarek responded, "I was trying to get some fresh air after a long day in the kitchen. Well, I'm going back now; it's nearly time to serve dessert. You two enjoy your guard duty," he joked, waving his hand as he retreated back to the kitchen.
"There's nothing to enjoy in guard duty," Ramon grumbled wearily.
Ramon let out a tired sigh as he spoke, "Well, I guess there will be no reward. Let's head back." Jack nodded, and the two began to walk back to their designated positions for guard duty.
As they walked, Ramon let out another sigh, clearly not looking forward to returning to their duties. Jack noticed his friend's mood and asked, "What's up?"
Ramon was surprised by Jack's use of language and replied, "I've never heard that before. What does it mean?"
"It means 'how are you' or 'what's happening.' Jack explained.
"I see," Ramon said, scratching his head in thought.
Curious, Jack asked, "Is it true that if the chief cooks' bad food, he will be killed?"
Ramon let out a chuckle. "Not you too, Jack. No, it's not true, but there's a story behind it."
Intrigued, Jack asked for an explanation. Ramon obliged, "The day the chief joined, he told us the story about his great uncle's son's wife's brother. So, the commander and I decided to joke around with him and told him in a serious way that if he cooked bad food, he would die and be beheaded."
Ramon continued, "The chief was already scared from the story he told us, so he believed us. We eventually told him the truth, but he still didn't believe us."
Jack shook his head in disbelief, "How cruel."
"It's not that bad," Ramon said with a shrug.
Ramon spoke with a touch of sadness, "You know, in the army, we always joke around. It's our way of dealing with the uncertainty of life. We never know when one of us might die, so we try to cherish every moment."
Jack looked down at the marble floor, his voice filled with sorrow as he replied, "I feel the same way. I used to love every moment back home with my friends and family. But now, it's like I'm dead to them since I'm here. Losing my friends and my dad... it's tough. You're right, life can be unpredictable."
Ramon patted Jack's back and smiled, letting out a hearty laugh. "Ha! Enjoy it while it lasts, my friend."
The two of them were on duty near the palace's second entrance. However, as they chased the intruder who turned out to be Tarek the chef, they ended up on the other side of the palace.
As Ramon and Jack strolled along, humming a tune, Ramon suddenly stopped and whispered, "Hey, Jack, look over there. Do you see someone?"
"Why is he wearing a cloak too?" Jack whispered to Ayman, his voice barely audible as he tried not to alert the mysterious man. The cloaked figure, clutching a small blade in his hand, walked in parallel to the towering walls of the palace, his gaze darting around like a hawk on the prowl. Sensing danger, Jack and Ayman quickly sought refuge behind a cluster of crates, their hearts pounding in their chests.
As they concealed themselves, their breaths grew heavier, mingling with the anticipation of the imminent encounter. "This can't be Chef Tarek," Ramon speculated, his voice hushed, attempting to discern the identity of the intruder. Jack, relying on his heightened intuition, closed his eyes and muttered, "I can perceive his movements. He has entered a room."
Ramon's tone turned grave as he interjected, "Wait, that's the backdoor entrance leading to the grand feast. Could it be..."
A chill ran down their spines as realization struck them. "Yes, I believe so, Ramon," Jack responded, his voice tinged with a disturbing certainty. "This time, we're dealing with a genuine intruder."
With determination blazing in their eyes, Ramon extended a hand to Jack, offering support. "We have a chance. Come on, Jack, let's get him."
"Alright, then. Let's go, Ramon. This time, we won't falter," Jack declared, his voice exuding confidence and resolve.
With a gesture of camaraderie, Ramon extended his hand towards Jack, who eagerly grasped it, allowing Ramon's help to lift him to his feet. A warm smile adorned Ramon's face as he declared in a voice brimming with confidence and determination, "Let's go, Jack."
Both warriors tightened their grip on their spears, readying themselves for what lay ahead, and charged towards the imposing door that stood before them. Constructed from unyielding metal, it presented a formidable obstacle. Undeterred, they pushed with all their might, their muscles straining against the weight. After a brief struggle, the door creaked open slowly, granting them access. As it revealed the scene beyond, they beheld an intruder, peering through another partially ajar door, curiously observing the grand hall where a lavish feast was underway.
Ramon's commanding voice reverberated through the chamber, "You there! Back off!" The intruder swiftly pivoted, momentarily freezing in the face of Ramon's authoritative presence. In the ensuing pause, tension hung in the air, filled with anticipation.
Without hesitation, the intruder seized several wooden boxes stacked against the wall and hurled them to the ground, creating a tumultuous cloud of dust that engulfed the room. In the midst of the swirling chaos, the intruder ran into the hall where there was a fest, Ramon and Jack coughed and shielded their faces, pressing forward undeterred. They trudged over the scattered debris, their determination unyielding, until finally reaching the door leading to the main hall.
With a collective effort, they managed to open the door, breaching the threshold of the bustling, lively feast.
As they stepped into the grand hall, a flood of brilliant light bathed their senses, a stark contrast to the dimly lit corridors adorned with flickering candles. Their eyes widened in surprise, temporarily shielding them from the abrupt change in luminosity.
After a brief moment, they cautiously unveiled their eyes, only to find themselves surrounded by a congregation of formidable figures, exuding an air of power. The opulence of their attire surpassed anything Jack had witnessed before, standing in stark contrast to the inhabitants of the humble town, who were burdened by the strife of rival factions.
"Jack, look over there! The intruder is heading towards the queen! Get him!" Ramon shouted urgently, pointing in the direction of the throne
Jack hesitated momentarily, his gaze fixed upon the intruder, before mustering his resolve and dashing in pursuit of the fleeing figure. With nimble steps, he skilfully maneuverer through the throngs of affluent individuals that encircled him, finally closing the gap between himself and the intruder. Meanwhile, Ramon trailed closely behind, determined to assist in apprehending the trespasser.
Jack sprinted with all his might, maneuvering through the crowds of affluent individuals who encircled him within the room. Eventually, he caught up to the intruder while Ramon trailed closely behind. With a swift motion, he attempted to strike the intruder with his spear. However, the intruder displayed remarkable skill, slicing through the wooden shaft that held the sharp metal blade.
As Jack got closer to the intruder, he collided with a burly individual whose circumference seemed to defy the laws of nature, momentarily halting his progress. Frustration welled up inside him, finding release in an exasperated cry. "Ahhh!"
"I'll take care of him, Jack!" shouted Ramon, his voice laced with determination as he closed in on the intruder. Springing into action, Ramon vaulted off a nearby table, snatching a metal plate along the way. With a swift and forceful strike, he brought the plate crashing down upon the intruder's head, sending him sprawling to the floor.
As Ramon raised his spear to deliver a decisive blow, the intruder grasped it firmly with both hands, initiating a tense battle of strength. Sensing Ramon's vulnerability, Jack swiftly rose from his position and sprinted towards Ramon's aid.
However, with a powerful shove, the intruder managed to break free from Ramon's grasp, leveraging the momentum to regain his footing. Jack arrived just in time to witness the intense standoff unfolding before him.
In a precarious formation, Ramon stood at the intruder's front while Jack positioned himself at the intruder's back, forming an unbalanced duel of 2 against 1.
The duo sprang into action, with Ramon pointing his spear at the intruder while Jack relied on his bare hands since his spear had been destroyed.
"Ahhhhhhh!" they charged forward but were caught off guard as the intruder unexpectedly leaped into the air, astonishing both Ramon and Jack. The intruder's incredible height and agility allowed him to kick both Jack and Ramon in the face, sending them sprawling to the ground. Taking advantage of the momentum, the intruder swiftly flew across the air, passing by the still-recovering Ramon, and accelerated towards the throne.
After regaining consciousness, Jack and Ramon quickly reassured each other of their well-being.
"Are you okay, Jack?" Ramon asked.
"Yes, Ramon," Jack replied. "Let's go get him!" he exclaimed, pointing at the intruder.
Once again, the determined pair raced towards the throne, navigating through esteemed individuals they encountered along the way.
Finally reaching the throne, they found themselves a moment too late—the intruder was already standing before the queen. Jack lunged towards the intruder, extending his arms to grab him. However, the intruder's speed proved to be superior. By the time Jack jumped, the intruder was already halfway through his lunge towards the queen, holding a sharp knife.
With the knife dangerously close to the queen's neck, Jack fell to the ground, feeling helpless. Yet, remarkably, the queen remained unfazed, exhibiting no trace of fear. It was as if she had unwavering knowledge that her life was not in danger. As tension built, the intruder's knife inched even closer to the queen's neck.
Then, all of a sudden, a gust of cold wind filled the room the intruder was...