The Legend of Doria - Chapter 43

Little update: A big thanks to those who are following this story so far! In case you are wondering, this is a self-written story (an amateur attempt I know) during the days when I was fascinated by the stuff about knights, castles, kingdoms and sorcery, you get what I mean. For those who wish to check out the previous chapters, here's the link! With that let the adventure continue!

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Chapter 43

On the 12th day of the 12th month, the aura of immunity fizzled and disappeared.

Amidst the battle in the rain, one of the soldiers rushed forward and approached Selera.

"Selera, I saw the Perisher heading out of the east gate! He seemed to be moving towards the north gate."

"Was he alone?"

"Not at all. A group of skeletal warriors were behind him. They seemed to be moving very fast as though they were rushing for time."

"Oh no! The castle is defenceless. But I can't leave Iglius either." Selera sighed.

Edward, who was riding beside her, volunteered, "I will go."

Selera thought for a second, and decided that was the only option.

"Take care of yourself. I'll see you after the battle."

Edward managed a weak smile in response, and left promptly after grabbing his sword.

By the time Edward arrived, King Welrock and Queen Celestia had been informed by their officials about the oncoming stampede.

"The city is doomed. Where are the rest of the sons?" King Welrock sighed.

"We can't possibly sit here and wait for death. We have to do something!"

The Queen replied, "But Edward, we have no soldiers here. We can't recall them in time either."

Edward suggested, "We will play a defensive game."

"You mean?" asked King Welrock.

"The most important thing now is to protect the north gate. Close the north gate and secure it with all the locks you can find. Stack as many blocks of wood as possible behind the gate so as to increase its resistance. They will eventually get through but hopefully we can buy some time. Once this is done, all of you will proceed to the inner chambers to hide. I will face the Perisher myself."

Immediately, the orders were disseminated and everyone that was left in the castle, including the chefs and palace maids, was called upon to assist in the movement of the blocks.

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The Perisher and his skeletal warriors had been travelling for two days and were dangerously close to the north gate.

On the grassy plains, Wayne and his group, who had been camping some distance off the north gate, caught sight of their advance miles away. When they came into half a mile's radius, Wayne gave the cue to begin.

Explosives were set off and the effect was immediate. It sent the front rows of skeletal warriors flying as they were blasted to bits. A few more lines of mines were activated, sending more skeletal warriors up into the sky. Finally, the claymore mine was triggered. A loud blast was heard as the ground was blown up. Smoke from the expended explosives filled the outskirts of the city pervasively. However, the skeletal warriors pressed on.

Wayne silently counted their footsteps and timed his move. He took a deep breath and pulled the nylon cord beside him. Upon tugging, the long nylon cord initiated a series of mechanisms similar to the domino effect. Barrels containing glue were toppled over the grass and the subsequent front rows of skeletal warriors stepped on the sticky ground and found themselves immobile. Glad with the success of their final effort, the five of them ran back towards the north gate.

To their horror, the gate was locked and there was no one on duty. The five of them watched in fear as the Perisher and his forces closed in on them.

Then a loud voice called out. It was Edward.

"Who's there?"

"We are Dorians, let us in!" shouted Wayne.

Edward thought of rushing down to open the gate, but he suddenly remembered that the gate was chained by a series of locks and blocked by a tower of blocks. He knew it meant death to the group below, but he plucked up the courage to explain why he was unable to open the gate.

Wayne told the four of them, "The only way to save your lives is to make your way to the west gate! Go now!"

One of them said, "What about you? You can't fight them alone!"

Wayne fought back his tears, and answered, "I'll stay here and hold them back as long as I can. You don't have to die with me!"

Despite Wayne's staunch persistence, the four of them unanimously decided to stay and fight on with their leader.

When the Perisher and his forces reached the north gate, they stopped. Although the city of Doria laid in front of them, all eyes were on all the five of them, who were now shivering with fright at the edge of the north gate. The Perisher roared to announce his arrival.

"Surrender now, or you'll regret it!" said the Perisher.

"Fight with me one-to-one if you dare! If you lose, you would never plant a foot in Doria ever again." Wayne challenged, despite not knowing the Perisher's ability.

"Young man, you are indeed brave. I'll grant you your wish to heaven!"

Wayne brandished his mithril scimitar, while the Perisher drew his skeletal sabre. Then they charged fiercely towards each other. Taking advantage of the Perisher's poor agility, Wayne made a premature stop and attacked from the left. His slash sliced into the Perisher's thick skin and it hurt nothing more than an ant bite. The Perisher made use of his height and strength and he made a mighty swipe, but it missed Wayne totally.

Wayne's quick reflexes were clearly accentuated by the Perisher's clumsiness. Alternating between left and right, Wayne sliced and stabbed but the attacks seemed to have no effect on the Perisher. Despite boasting an amazing level of endurance, the Perisher was getting frustrated with Wayne, who was moving in and out of his sight at the rate of a second. Gathering momentum, he continued to swing his skeletal sabre with force.

This time, Wayne took a gambit. He jumped off the Perisher's limbs and leapt to his shoulders. He took a deep breath and planted a vicious stab at the Perisher's neck, causing him to yelp in pain. However, he reacted immediately to land a heavy punch straight into Wayne's chest, which sent the young man tumbling to the ground.

Wayne hit the ground hard and as he struggled to recover, he saw the Perisher lift his skeletal sabre, all ready to execute the lethal blow. He shut his eyes and waited. Images of his parents, Dax, Zareth, Brad and some others flashed through his mind. For that moment, ten seconds seemed like ten hours. All of a sudden, he heard an unfamiliar voice in the background.

"Wait a minute!"

The Perisher stopped and turned around, but other than his skeletal warriors, there was no one else. The next thing he knew, his right arm was grabbed and twisted, and it was followed by a jab in his knees. His skeletal sabre was then snatched from his hand and history repeated itself. He stood up and went in pursuit of his 'floating' sabre, commanding the skeletal warriors to attack at the same time.

Meanwhile, the four members had taken the opportunity to rush forward and help Wayne up as they came face-to-face with a whole contingent of enemies.