Brave men began to fight. It was one man against fifteen.
Emperor looked to be the strongest of them all. Other men were being thrown and manhandled. It was becoming the toughest fight of their lives. No thunder bolt was showing any effect on Emperor.
All those fourteen men circled around Emperor and gave him a punch. The punch sent shockwaves everywhere. Roderick got pushed back by the force.
Hundreds of bolts hit in the middle of the circle like Zeus was punishing a sinner. Roderick closed his eyes because he did not want to become blind. Still, the brightness was dazzling.
When it was over, Roderick struggled to find where the fight was happening. He wondered who had won the fight. He went towards those men who still were in a circle and somehow got mixed in their formation.
Emperor was there, stunned but alive.
“You are such a great fighter. Why did you flee like a mouse back then?” a warrior asked.
“What are you talking about? I was here all the time.” Emperor mumbled.
Roderick took the sword on the floor and stabbed the Emperor. He puked blood and took his last breath.
“Was he saying nonsense?” warrior asked.
“I was also wondering why he ran. This Emperor would rather die than run.” Another man said.
“How do you know?” Roderick wanted to divert topic.
“Because he was one of us. I had never seen him run from a fight. He didn’t run from us this time too.”
“Hey,” a warrior said, “What is this stain on your cloth, Roderick?”
“Blood.” Roderick answered.
“It’s blue.”
“Hmm….raspberry juice.”
“Smells different.” He sniffed.
“I also thought it was smelly when I was drinking it.”
“Alright, alright.” Another brave man intervened, “War is over. Take us to the Queen.”
Roderick then took him to the palace. He was delighted for fulfilling Queen’s wish.
Queen was surprised to see them this young.
She knelt down and said, “Sers, I did not expect you would help us. I apologize for ignoring your service. I should have rewarded you right after my father’s demise.”
“We did not come here to help you. We heard our mother cry. Release them.” The warrior said.
“Cursed women, they mean.” Roderick interrupted, “They had breastfed these –“
“Lord Commander, release them.” She ordered.
“We killed them, your majesty.” Lord Commander mumbled in terror.
Those men began boiling in rage.
“Now pay the price Queen. Die.” They grinded their teeth.
