TWIST OF FATE

With the blade hovering just above their necks, they both shut their eyes in fear. They knew it was their end. Suddenly, commotion erupted. A man dressed in a royal robe rushed unto the gallows.

It was Venus.

A scroll clutched in hand. "Stop!" He shouted, his voice ringing in the silent air.

"I bring a decree from the king."

The executioner paused, his hand frozen on the lever that controlled the blade. The crowd erupted into gasps and whispers. They were shocked by the unexpected turn of events. Joz and mohieazttha could barely believe their ears. They opened their eyes filled with wonder and relief.

Venus unrolled the scroll and began to read aloud.

"By the order of the king! Joz, son of Hezra and mohieazttha, daughter of Elias are to be pardoned. Set them free, their crimes are forgiven and they are to continue with the contest as before. And for the lady mohieazttha, her bravery and skills have earned her the king's respect. In light of her deception, the king has decreed she be given her own chamber, separate from the others, on the outskirts of camp. It is improper for her to share a quarters with any man. Mohieazttha should be afforded all the comforts of her station. Her gender is no longer a hindrance and she is free..."

Zagaroth felt embarrassed and humiliated at the same time. He couldn't endure the pain, he squeezed his face with scorn. "Once again Octavius had to show me he's king." He left immediately and Zagaroth followed.

The guards quickly set the accused free. Mohieazttha looked up at Joz with teary eyes.

"I told you... everything would work out. Thanks for believing in me." Joz said to mohieazttha.

Mohieazttha wrapped her arms around Joz, but he stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to reciprocate the embrace, but his body would not move. Mohieazttha pulled away quickly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She mentally kicked herself for being so forward. Joz could see the regret written on her face. He wanted to say something to comfort her, but the words died on his lips.

"Uhh...thank you." She said her voice barely audible.

Joz couldn't maintain eye contact. "Don't thank me...thank Leomere. All of this happened thanks to him." He pointed at Leomere in the crowd. Parele, Leomere and Nyeren made their way out of the crowd and rushed towards them.

"Shorty!" Parele exclaimed. "Did you actually hug..."

Joz gave him a death stare - so he couldn't continue blabbing his mouth. "Ermm... I mean nice to see you again! Nice to meet the REAL you. Uhh... you're very pretty."

They all laughed heartily. YES even Joz. He turned to Leomere. "Thank you."

Leomere nodded silently. Joz was literally giving out thank you's.

Mohieazttha took a few deep breaths and smiled. "Wow... how did you guys pull this off??"

"It's a long story..." Nyeren began.

The night of the incident. Joz and Leomere has a feeling there was a chance of survival for mohieazttha. It was as if the king had no clue about what was happening.

The king couldn't be this heartless.

They decided to come up with a plan that night, along with Parele and Nyeren. They had to think of a way to get into the palace.

Leomere came up with a plan but it was a risky one. "One of us has to almost die." He said to Joz, his eyes widened in shock.

"I have a plan." Said Leomere. "It's risky and I'll be the one to take that risk."

"What kind of plan?" Joz inquired.

"One of us has to be near death. That's the only way to gain entry into the palace."

Joz was speechless. Leomere grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close, his eyes boring into Joz's. "Normally, I wouldn't have intervened. But it's about the life of an innocent girl Joz. She didn't do anything wrong! It's a matter of her life and dignity."

Joz was silent.

Leomere continued. "So tomorrow morning Joz, you WILL stab me with your sword."

Joz shut his eyes and sighed. "Fine. But what if I kill you??? Leomere you know I can actually do that don't you? Why would you trust someone this much?"

Leomere let go of him and smiled. "Remember you trusted me that day and gave me your hand. Despite knowing that I could have let go of you... you can hide this from others but not Joz. Deep down I can see the good in you. You're different...the only one of your kind."

Joz kept mute.

"I'll need Parele to cast some spells (healing spells) when we get inside."

Joz nodded.

He understood he'd be taken to the dungeon, and his job was to break mohieazttha out of there.

Following the plan, once Leomere, Parele and Nyeren found themselves in the palace, they took care of the guards. And Parele did his part. 'Casting spells.'

They knew there was no way they'd be able to reach the king without getting caught. Luckily heaven was on their side. They were caught, by venus so they told him everything. The advisor's son had some unfinished business with Zagaroth so he decided to help.

As expected the king had no idea about what was happening on camp. He demanded mohieazttha be set free at once.

"She faced a trollin. She's capable of being my daughter's royal body guard."

The king was rather happy with the fact that she was a lady. Thus, he'd prefer her to win the contest.

After getting the king's stamp, they rushed to the gallows and luckily they went in time.