Chapter 5 BETRAYAL

Now dark and misty, Mira and Elroy walk their way through a thick forest in the borders of the west-southwest plains holding flame torches to illuminate their surrounding; for the moon was clouded from sight. "How did you manage after the incident at Urania?" Mira asked curiously

Sighs, "I'm not sure, I remember being cared for by a family in Etrigon, every other memory seems hazy, it seems whatever happened in Lance altered my memory."

"Do not stress yourself El, you must have hurt your head really bad."

"Thanks for the encouragement." Elroy appreciated sarcastically

"Don't you worry, when we settle at Ramenia we shall get to the bottom of this." Mira assured with a smile.

"I hope so Mira, I left Etrigon to the waste lands for a reason, then to Lance; whatever it is, it was very important."

"All will be fine."

"Come to think of it, what were you doing far west in Lance and how did you recognize me?"

"You never change with the questions El, I was on a mission when I stumbled upon you in the fifth district; you gave off a familiar scent and the only one whose scent I've taken to heart were those very close to me."

"So you are saying my scent from back then at Urania is still that strong."

"No, it was feint; besides I didn't think it was you at first, the look in your eyes were cold."

"I can't still believe I went into Lance with no memory of what happened?"

"It'll get back to you; now lets' hurry up before the wolves awaken."

"Wolves! Why are you just saying that?"

"Shut up and be glad I did"

"Always so pushy" Elroy muttered under his breath.

The Kingdom of Lance

The night was brighter in the west; the air was tepid and silent. Somewhere in the woods Michael rode his horse with haste as though he was late for an important occasion. 'Thomas must be waiting at the ambush point' Michael thought.

Within that split second an arrow pierced into an eye of the horse then another stabbed into Michael's left arm.

Michael being an experienced Lancian warrior and a Sri proved forth his skills by jumping off his dying neighing horse before it collapsed.

Like the arrow was nothing, Michael pulled it out with ease then drew his long sword. "Show yourself coward." Michael snarled

Feeling the tension in the atmosphere Michael makes a quick turn, deflecting an attack from behind. The force was so great it pushed the attacker backwards. The attacker was an average heighted masculine figure clothed in black hooded cape; at the sight alone the figure was no match for Michael. Michael was huge and this figure was not up to half his size.

"This moment shall be your last, your soul will forever regret challenging Michael the ruthless."

'He's strong but my reflexes shall prevail' the figure assured himself knowing this fight was a death wish. "Sorry honey, your death will make me rich."

"Who dares send an assassin to do his beading?"

"When you are half way to hell I'll give you his name."

Without much ado, the figure dashed towards Michael, who was fast enough to slash down on the figure.

Being light on his feet and swift the figure avoided the fatal blow for it was too great to counter.

By the time the figure could realize he's situation a devastating blow landed on his chest from the back of Michael's hand which pushed him unto a tree.

Like that was his final strength Michael staggered a little then fell on his knees while supporting himself with his long sword; soon after was the redness of his eyes then black blood running down his nose.

"It's a pain seeing you this way old friend." A familiar voice sympathized from behind Michael

"What's the meaning of this Thomas?"

"Wispy willows, the toughest poison in the west, slow but deadly; especially when mixed with iron."

"The arrow." Coughs out black blood

"Yes Michael, only a fool will face you head on" looks over at the unconscious figure.

"I took you as a brother." Michael screamed out

"I'm still are, but I swore to protect the crown, especially one next in line to the throne."

"What's wrong with trying to talk me out of it?"

"How well did that go when Jerrod Rooks brought forth the motion to kill Orrick Levia?"

"I'll kill you Thomas" Michael roars, tries to rise up but ended up falling face down to the ground, "My family"

"Don't worry about them old friend, I'll take good care of your wife."

"Thomas please listen to me, don't harm them."

"No promises Michael" draws his sword, "you can watch how well I handle them from where ever Christ sends you to." Walks over to the figure and stabs through his nape, "I'll miss you old friend" draws the sword out as blood gushes out, gazes at Michael.

"Thomas" Coughs "Thomas!!!" he cried out watching Thomas walk away, continues coughing out black blood with deep exhaling.