Kapitel 16: Running away

Deep within the dense forest, the moon's pale glow struggled to penetrate the thick canopy, casting eerie shadows upon the ancient trees. Mugo, a towering barbarian with hardened muscles and a face etched with scars, stood amidst the darkness, his wild eyes flickering with anticipation. He absentmindedly chewed tobacco, his mind consumed with the excitement of slaughtering his enemy.

He was an ousted member of the once esteemed high-ranking generals of the Gorgon army. His defeat at the hands of King Liam in a battle years ago had left a bitter taste in his mouth. But now, fueled by vengeance and the promise of wealth, he found himself in the heart of the forest, awaiting the arrival of his long-time adversary.

The Lord of Rosemane had come to him with an irresistible proposition. His enemy had just married and he would inevitably pass through the forest on the borderlands. The man had paid him handsomely to end King Liam's life and seize all the valuable treasures the king carried.

Mugo's gaze narrowed as he recalled the added demand which was the assassination of King Liam's new bride, a task that dripped with the darkness of his own soul. The command was oddly specific that Mugo couldn't help but be curious. Come to find out that the Lord of Rosemane had been forced by King Liam to marry off his daughter to him.

Mugo might have been a Gorgon but he knew how much the king of Rosemane valued his daughter. She was a beauty with silver hair and a smile that could have kings in a haze. There was no way that the selfish Lord would willingly hand over his precious daughter.

Mugo was after all a prestigious general before hence he was smart enough to know that the person that black-hearted demon was marrying was not Princess Sienna.

Curious to know he kidnapped a bunch of maidservants from the palace and after torturing them, he found out that this scheming Lord actually had twin daughters. While the other flourished in the reverence of the entire five kingdoms, the other was locked up in a cold dungeon somewhere.

Mugo was an ambitious man and knew how valuable this twin was so he didn't plan on killing her but holding her captive. She would be useful later in blackmailing the Lord of Rosemane. As for her husband, he had to die.

Mugo's loyal men who were ousted with him lay hidden amongst the branches, their eyes glinting with their shared desire for retribution. Their presence in the trees reinforced their predatory nature, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The forest was alive with an otherworldly symphony, a chorus of nocturnal creatures and the rustling of leaves in the wind. Mugo's grip tightened on his weapon as he sensed the impending arrival of King Liam's small army. His heart pounded within his chest, a mixture of adrenaline and the weight of his treacherous mission.

As the night wore on, the anticipation thickened and the scent of bloodlust hung heavy in the air. Mugo's eyes flickered with a sinister glimmer, his thoughts consumed by the gruesome act he was about to commit. The moon, obscured by the treetops, seemed to bear witness to the impending darkness that was about to unfold.

***

King Liam and his loyal convoy ventured deep into the treacherous borderlands Forest, their horses carefully navigating the uneven terrain. The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow on the towering trees that surrounded them.

King Liam's heart was heavy with the news that his bride had a twin and there was a high possibility that she had been swapped.

As the group reached a clearing, King Liam signalled for them to halt. The men dismounted, their armour clinking softly as they moved about their duties. Liam, adorned in regal attire, found solace in the stillness of the night. Seated on a fallen log, King Liam gently cradled his sword, the fabled Sword of Thanatos, in his hands. Its obsidian blade gleamed in the moonlight, a testament to the power it held. With deliberate strokes, he polished the black hilt, his gaze constantly glancing at the carriage nearby where his new bride was.

"Your Majesty, the queen mother requests your audience," said Conley but before he could respond, an icy breeze rustled the leaves, sending a shiver down Liam's spine. His senses, honed by the dark seed embedded within him, tingled with a foreboding presence. He slowly rose to his feet gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.

Conley sensed the change in atmosphere and barked orders to the men, urging them to remain vigilant. The soldiers, their eyes darting into the darkness, tightened their grips on their weapons, prepared for whatever danger lurked in the shadows. The air was thick with tension as they readied themselves for whatever was coming.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the depths of the forest. Mugo with his fearsome imposing aura stepped forward. His eyes glowed with a malevolent intensity, fixed upon King Liam. It was clear that he was his target.

Realising the imminent threat, King Liam's voice carried over the tension-filled air, his command ringing clear. "Protect the queen!" he ordered, his gaze flickering towards his new bride. He wasn't worried about his mother because she was always heavily guarded as per his command. Even her maidservant were trained assasins so he didn't have to stress about her. His men already knew how much she meant to him thus they obediently formed a protective barrier around Liam's mother, shielding her from harm. They had misunderstood his meaning.

Soon the clash of steel resounded through the air the valiant army clashed with Mugo's barbarians. The moon's feeble light struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, casting eerie shadows upon the chaotic battleground.

Selena was dozing off when she heard the sound of weapons clashing outside. She peeked through the lace curtain and was almost frightened to death when the body of a barbarian was thrown against the carriage.

She was so terrified that she yelped as she curled up into a ball but soon she realised that there was no one paying attention to her. The guards around her carriage were engaged in heated exchange with the enemy and had no time to worry about her. She suddenly felt like she could escape and run for her freedom. This was undoubtedly her chance.

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