Oruvan had no idea how challenging his first arrival in the city of the Duke would be. Yet, deep down, he knew that sacrifice was inevitable. Something had to be done.
…
The sun was setting as the knight dismounted his horse, offering a round of applause to the brothers. Behind his mask, Oruvan could sense the sinister smile spreading across the knight's face.
This guy is a bad deal!" I thought, while backing away from the knight.
"Amazing... A little kid gets to pass through the city unscathed. You must not be an ordinary kid," the knight remarked.
"And you must not be an ordinary knight either," I retorted.
With a grin, the knight replied, "A smart one, I see. My name is Cylex Juvion, Elite Knight from the Altyzurian Kingdom."
"Why is a strong knight like you here? Don't tell me you got kicked out to do side chores," I teased.
"For a kid your age, you certainly don't act like one. You rude little boy! I was hired by the Duke to protect this city. It's my job to maintain order and... terminate filthy children like you."
"For someone who's good at nothing, you sure talk a lot of rubbish. Just try me. I dare you." I try to provoke him with bluff.
"Fine. I assume you've accepted your death. Tell me your name, little bastard." he gave a death threat.
"I think it would be safer if you don't know my name." I refuse to give him my name.
"It's fine. I don't need a name from vermin like you. Surrender, or I'll drag you by force." He put a flame on his hand using magic.
"Try it if you can." I further mock him.
"Tch." Cylex gave me a menacing look before drawing his sword and pointing it at me. The ground started to shake and split apart. I quickly dodged.
I immediately avoid it.
"How did he do that?" I notice He directs his magic by pointing his sword and the ground splits open. I try to find out his strength. Maybe I should talk to him and make him lose focus.
"Are you crazy? You're going to kill me," I shouted, hoping to distract him.
"You dare to trespass this city under my watch. It's not much different if you die by my hands," Cylex sneered, launching a fire spell from a distance. I have a plan in my mind to escape. I try to shoot him with my wind manipulation, but he blocks it with his shield.
"Damn it. That shield is so tough," I muttered.
"Hahaha! I admit you have talent, kid. But it's futile. You can't hit me with that feeble magic. My shield can absorb any spell. This is your end," Cylex taunted. He was astonished that I can use magic without conjure it.
I focus my magic not to hit him directly. I saw an opening on his face. Just a scratch on his cheek, so his attention would divert. I focus on dodging his attack and try to search for openings.
When he was busy firing, I took a chance. My magic hit his cheek and he stopped.
I rushed once he diverted his attention. Taking the opportunity, I grabbed my brother Elijah. "Eli, shut your eyes! I'm going to jump." I jumped off the cliff and held my brother in my arms. "Brother, what are you doing?! Aaargh!" He screamed loudly.
We both fell and hit the branch from the tree. Luckily, I was able to use my wind manipulation to slow down the impact and protect Elijah.
I looked at the Cylex that was standing on the cliff. But he won't chase us anymore.
"You dare harm my pretty face! Go die in that forest, little brat!" Cylex shouted. He suspects me to die if I continue wandering in the deadly forest. A normal kid shouldn't be able to survive there.
Little that he knew, I fell on the tree and hit the ground safely with less injury. The hit from the tree branch slows down my speed and reduces the impact. I look at Elijah and feel relieved he is safe in my arms.
"Are you okay, Eli?" I asked him, concerned.
"I'm fine. What about you?" Elijah asked, worry evident in his voice.
As I heard his words, relief washed over me, and my consciousness started to dissipate.
Elijah: "Brother. Brother… wake up! Brother!"
Suddenly, my head spinning and then, I passed out.
My last thought before succumbing to the darkness was that we had escaped Cylex, but the danger was far from over.