บท 21: Betrayal
After they recieved the map that would help them greatly in their journey, they watched the men disappeared from in front of them.
The three Heroes turned around and went back to Luna, who was behind the tree watching over her Master carefully, ready to attack, even if it caused her her life.
"You can relax now, they are gone" Dean said when he arrived beside Luna, who collapsed immediately as she was barely able to stand up.
Adam and Jasem positioned themselves in front of their comrades, their eyes locked onto the precious map now spread before them. Their minds whirred with anticipation as they meticulously studied its intricate details, meticulously plotting their escape route with a blend of caution and determination.
Adam and Jasem studied the world map intently, each absorbed in their own plans. Adam focused on the western side, carefully charting the safest route, while Jasem, fixated on the north, sought the fastest escape from their current predicament.
"We gotta keep heading west," Adam asserted, his voice brimming with determination. "There aren't too many cities around those parts, so we can stock up on supplies from the villages we stumble upon. And if we stick to hiding in the woods like we are now, we'll be well off."
Dean, lounging comfortably, his fingers gently scratching Luna's ears as she nestled on his lap, hadn't bothered to cast a glance at the map. Lost in the soothing rhythm of his actions, he was just about to nod in agreement with Adam's plan when Jasem's sudden outburst broke the silence.
"What are you saying?" Jasem questioned, his voice filled with surprise. "Why don't we head north instead? There are two cities in that direction, and we can make our way to the Haleif Kingdom. The border is much closer to the north than the west."
Adam clicked his tongue, visibly frustrated by Jasem's suggestion. He pointed to the two cities marked on the map's northern region.
"You know the security around those cities would be tight," Adam interjected, his tone tinged with a hint of caution. "Just think about the repercussions if we were to get caught by the guards. We'd be swiftly apprehended and sent back to the Capital, no questions asked."
Jasem, though inwardly acknowledging the validity of Adam's concerns, found himself unwilling to admit his mistake. His stubbornness took hold, and he couldn't help but raise his voice, shouting in frustration at Adam.
"You're just being unnecessarily fearful," Jasem retorted, his voice laced with defiance. "You saw what happened earlier when the guards didn't even recognize us. I understand that you're the brains of our group, but I trust my instincts more."
Adam locked eyes with Jasem, his gaze unwavering, as he silently assessed his stubborn companion. He knew all too well that once Jasem's mind was set, it would take more than a few minutes of confrontation to sway him.
Adam let out a weary sigh, his gaze shifting towards Dean, who had wisely chosen to distance himself from the escalating debate. Dean, seeking respite from the mounting tension, found solace in the company of his new best friend, Luna. The joy of their bond filled his heart, momentarily shielding him from the weight of the decision at hand.
"What do you think we should do, should we go north or continue west?" Adam asked Dean, who raised his head and looked at them, to find them staring at him. both of them were signalling him to vote with them.
Dean's gaze fixated on Jasem, his eyes locked in a penetrating stare. Memories flooded his mind, replaying the harsh words he had uttered to Luna just moments ago.
"I can't trust that big head of yours, so going with Adam's suggestion to head west seems like the best option. We can't risk getting caught right now," Dean replied, his voice tinged with annoyance. Hearing this, Adam grinned and swiftly rolled up the map, stashing it away in his inventory. With a determined stride, he began walking, taking the lead without hesitation.
Jasem shot Dean an angry stare as he watched him lift Luna onto his back. The intensity in Jasem's gaze was matched only by the simmering anger in his heart. Unfazed by Jasem's hostility, Dean proceeded to follow Adam's lead, his steps determined and resolute, carrying Luna's weight on his back.
Jasem's annoyance flared, his brows furrowing in response to the recent events. Choosing not to follow Dean and Luna, he remained where he stood, his gaze fixed on the northern landscape. Just as he contemplated his next move, the distinct voice of Adam cut through the air, beckoning Jasem's attention.
"You know you can't go that way alone, so quit being a drama queen and let's get moving. We still have a long way ahead," Adam retorted, his voice laced with impatience. He turned around and continued walking, his determined steps leaving no room for argument. Dean, following closely behind Adam, burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the surroundings. Jasem's gaze remained fixed on the northern direction for a few moments, contemplating his next move. Finally, he let out a sigh and reluctantly joined them.
Dean glanced back for a moment, catching sight of Jasem silently following them. This sight only fueled his amusement, and he erupted into even louder laughter, as he was enjoying every bit of this
Jasem had reached his limit with Dean's incessant laughter. His irritation boiled over, and he couldn't resist the urge to retaliate. With a hint of mischief in his eyes, Jasem threatened, "Laugh all you want, but remember, I know what you did on Adam's 10th birthday."
Dean's laughter abruptly ceased as Jasem's threat hung in the air. Jasem wore a satisfied smile, relishing his power over Dean. Adam, walking ahead of them, grew curious and glanced back, his interest piqued by their conversation.
*****
Halland walked through the streets of the Capital, dressed in black clothes. He swiftly removed his armor and weapons, determined to remain incognito and unidentifiable to those around him.
Swift and silent, Halland maneuvered through the bustling crowd, a master of evasion. His senses heightened, he skillfully avoided the scrutinizing gaze of the numerous guards patrolling the city, their search for the Heroes intensifying.
Halland, confident in his ability to evade detection, paid little attention to the guards that roamed the city. His sole focus was on reaching his house, where his family awaited.
Halland understood the gravity of defying the king's decree, knowing that the punishment would be severe. The king's authority held immense power, and Halland had no intention of incurring his wrath.
Halland understood the severity of his mistake, realizing that even if the king spared his life, he might still lose a cherished family member. The thought of witnessing their potential demise weighed heavily on his heart, driving him to find a way to rectify the situation and safeguard his loved ones.
Halland's footsteps slowed as he stood before his house, his mind consumed by the potential consequences of his seemingly innocuous actions. A moment of caution seized him, causing him to pause before hastily entering. With a heightened sense of awareness, he scanned his surroundings, searching for any signs of a lurking presence. He remained vigilant, keen to ensure that he was not walking into a trap set by those who sought to capture him in his vulnerable state.
Halland breathed a sigh of relief as he surveyed the empty surroundings surrounding his house. Assured that no immediate danger lurked nearby, he made his way towards the back gate. With a swift leap, he gracefully cleared the gate, landing on the other side. As he entered the house through the kitchen door, the startled maids caught sight of him, their eyes widening in surprise at his unexpected arrival.
"Sir Halland, what are you doing here?" the maids exclaimed in astonishment, their voices filled with confusion. Halland, his mind consumed by urgency, paid no heed to their inquiries, ignoring them completely. He sprinted towards the main hall of the house, his sole focus fixated on retrieving his wife and child.
"Eirk! Thank the goddess you're safe," Halland gasped, his voice filled with a mix of relief and worry as he hurriedly gathered his son into his arms. The bewildered child looked up at him with wide eyes, curious about the urgency in his father's voice. Halland's heart pounded in his chest as he gently asked, "Where is your mother, Eirk?" The little boy pointed upwards, indicating towards her room, and Halland's determination intensified. Without wasting another moment, he rushed towards her room, desperate to ensure the safety of his cherished wife.
Halland clutched his child tightly as he raced towards the bedroom, his mind filled with urgency. With an anxious twist of the doorknob, he swung open the door, ready to instruct his wife to gather their belongings for a hasty departure. However, what he witnessed inside left him utterly shocked.
"What in the goddess's name is happening here?" Halland's voice cracked with shock as he pushed open the bedroom door, his eyes widening at the scene that unfolded before him. His heart sank as he witnessed the unthinkable: Prince Oran, known for his position of power, was entangled with his wife in a scandalous embrace. The room seemed to suffocate with tension as his wife's moans of pleasure filled the air, intimate and unmistakable. Halland's mind spun with a mix of anger, betrayal, and disbelief as he took in the raw vulnerability of the situation.
The prince's face contorted with shock as Halland's voice pierced through the intense moment. "Shit!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief at the unexpected intrusion. In a haste to distance himself from Halland's wife, he swiftly moved away, his expression a mix of guilt and apprehension.
Halland's heart pounded in his chest as he confronted the devastating reality before him. His wife, now hastily covering herself with the bedsheets, spoke with a tremor in her voice. "Honey! What are you doing back this early? I thought you would be at the palace by now." Her words, tinged with a hint of desperation, hung heavy in the air, adding to the weight of the betrayal.
Meanwhile, Prince Oran, though caught off guard, composed himself with an air of nonchalance. Casually, he began the process of dressing himself, attempting to regain control over the situation. The room, once a haven of love and trust, now stood as a battleground of shattered emotions and shattered trust.
Halland, his eyes burning with fury, remained clutching Eirk tightly in his arms. The weight of his son's innocence and vulnerability reminded him of his duty as a father. With a swift motion, he closed the bedroom door, shielding Eirk from the disturbing scene. Gently placing his son down, Halland composed himself and turned to face him, a forced smile playing on his lips. "Go on, Eirk. Head downstairs and play with your toys," Halland instructed, his voice tinged with a mixture of warmth and urgency. "I'll join you shortly, alright?"
Eirk's face lit up with a wide, hopeful smile upon hearing his father's invitation. It had been far too long since they had spent quality time together. Nodding eagerly, Eirk obediently began his descent down the stairs, his small footsteps echoing through the house.
As Eirk disappeared from sight, Halland's smile vanished, replaced by a steely resolve. He turned back to the closed door, his expression hardening. With a deep breath, he reopened the door, ready to confront the painful truth that lay within.
"After all I did for your family, this is how you repay me?" Halland's voice dripped with a mixture of bitterness and betrayal as he stepped into the room, firmly closing the door behind him. His gaze locked onto Prince Oran, who had hastily dressed himself and stood prepared to depart.
"I wish you hadn't seen us like that, but I can't do anything about it now," Oran's voice wavered with a mix of remorse and resignation. He reached down to retrieve his fallen sword, placing it carefully by his side. Slowly, he approached Halland, who stood firm by the door, emotions swirling within him.
Oran, oozing with self-assuredness, casually walked past Halland and opened the door, ready to make his escape. However, he paused abruptly when Halland posed a simple yet piercing question.
"How long has this been happening?" Halland's voice was filled with a mix of curiosity and anguish.
Oran remained silent for a few moments, contemplating his response. Finally, he let out a sigh before confessing, "Five months."
Halland, overcome with a mix of emotions, slowly made his way to the side of the room. He sank down onto a seat, his eyes fixed upon his wife, who cowered under the weight of her shame, clutching the bedsheets tightly around her naked body. The room became a painful tableau of betrayal and shattered trust.
Oran locked eyes with Halland, sensing the thoughts swirling in his mind. He let out a heavy sigh, steeling himself before approaching Halland directly.
"Sir Halland, I know you might despise me right now and this may not be what you want to hear, but trust me when I say that there are countless women out there who would cherish the opportunity to be with someone as honorable as you," Oran spoke, his tone tinged with a hint of wisdom.
Halland, his gaze ice-cold as he stared at his wife Amera, turned his gaze towards Oran, his voice filled with a chilling intensity as he confronted him head-on.
"If there truly are so many women out there, why did you choose to betray me with my own wife?" Halland's words cut through the air like shards of ice, his heart shattered by the unfathomable betrayal.
Oran fell silent, not wanting to further provoke Halland. He turned to leave, but Halland, still seated, suddenly rose and reached for a sword hanging on the wall.
"Five months you said? Then I should kill you five times for what you did," Halland's voice dripped with anger, his eyes locked on Oran.
Startled by the intensity of Halland's words, Oran swiftly turned around. In an instant, he conjured a protective spell, forming a shimmering shield around himself. With determination in his eyes, he tried to draw his sword, ready to defend himself.
Halland's grip tightened around his sword as he uttered the incantation, "[Sharp Point]," with a chilling determination. The air crackled with energy as his words resonated through the room, infusing his weapon with a deadly power as it dug deep inside Oran's heart.
"What are you doing? Do you want us all to die?" Amera's voice erupted in a mix of fear and anger as she confronted Halland. The consequences of his reckless action weighed heavily on her mind, filling her with a deep sense of dread.
As Oran's lifeless body crumpled to the ground, a deafening silence engulfed the room. The reality of his death hung heavy in the air, casting a dark shadow over the once lively space. Amera's heart sank, her eyes welling up with tears.
Halland withdrew his sword from Oran's lifeless heart, causing Amera to flinch in fear. The thought of suffering the same fate as her lover sent a chill down her spine. Halland's voice, cold and devoid of emotion, pierced the air as he issued his command.
"Revive him now, before his soul drifts too far."
Amera hesitated, then rushed to revive Oran. He took a deep breath as he woke up, bewildered by what had happened. Oran's eyes widened as he saw Halland standing before him, sword raised high, ready to strike again.
"Sir Halland, please, stop this madness!" Oran's voice pleaded, filled with fear and desperation, hoping to reason with Halland.
Halland's anger flared, his eyes narrowing as he snapped back at Oran. "Shut up and face your punishment like a man! You still have four deaths to endure."
In a desperate attempt to protect himself, Oran cast a spell. But Halland's fury knew no bounds. With a swift swing of his sword, he cut through Oran's throat, causing blood to gush out heavily. Oran choked on his own blood, killing him again.
"My dear, that's two..." Halland uttered, his voice laced with a haunting coldness. His wife trembled before him, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and confusion, unable to recognize the man who stood before her.
Halland's demand cut through the air, his words a chilling command. "What are you waiting for? Revive him."
Amera, her body trembling with fear, nodded silently, her voice unable to find the words. She dared not defy Halland, aware of the dire consequences that awaited her if she did not comply.
Halland continued his merciless cycle of killing and reviving the prince, with each revival leaving Oran weaker and more vulnerable than before. As Amera desperately revived him for the fourth time, Oran's tear-stained face pleaded with Halland, his voice trembling with fear.
"Please, Sir Halland, I beg of you. I promise I won't breathe a word of this to my father. Just let me go."
Oran's voice cracked as he poured out his plea, fully aware of his helplessness and the absence of any means to defend himself. His eyes locked with Halland's, searching for a glimmer of mercy. But it was in vain. Halland's gaze remained steely, unyielding. Without a word, he swung his sword once more, severing Oran's head from his body in a final, gruesome act.
"What have you done?" Amera's voice trembled as she looked at Oran's severed head rolling towards her, realizing that there was no way to revive him anymore.
Halland remained silent, his tear-filled eyes fixed upon his wife as he slowly placed his sword against her neck. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air as he spoke, his voice choked with emotion.
"I loved you deeply. I risked everything to come back for you. And yet, you have done this to me. What did I do wrong? How could you betray me like this?"
Amera, now on her knees before him, began to apologize, her voice filled with regret and remorse. She pleaded for his forgiveness from her husband who stood broken before her.
"I'm sorry, my love. I don't know what came over me. Please believe me, I won't do it again."
Halland looked into her eyes, torn between his desire to believe her and the painful image of another man in their bed. Though he wanted to trust her, the betrayal cut deep and left a lasting mark upon his heart.
Halland, his eyes still filled with tears, made his decision. Swiftly, he swung his sword, ending Amera's life with a single stroke. Her head rolled upon the floor as he looked upon her lifeless body in solemn silence. After wiping his eyes, he turned away from the gruesome scene and left the room, sheathing his sword at his waist.
Covered in blood, Halland descended the stairs, his heart heavy with grief and regret. He scooped up Eirk and left their once peaceful home, leaving the stunned maids in shock as they witnessed the aftermath of the tragic events that had unfolded within its walls.
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