blocked Ittonifer’s sword just in time. That was too close.
It amazed Jalarn that he had felt so invincible, so powerful mere days ago. Now, he stood up against his uncle, and he was barely staying alive. He thought he had everything he wanted. What a fool he had been.
Talya had told him that God would forgive him no matter what, but was it really true? He had hated God and anything to do with Him ever since his mother died. The devil’s way used to make so much sense, but what Talya said was true. The prince’s way was selfish and lonely. Even most of the magical spells that Jalarn had studied only served to hurt others or make them do what the magician wanted them to do.
This is something I will have to think about later. If I survive.
Pushing the thoughts aside, Jalarn brought all of his attention back to the duel. He unleashed a series of aggressive strikes at Ittonifer, but the man was ready for every single one of them.
With a great roar, the Malinorian ruler lifted his sword above his head and jumped. He crashed his blade into Jalarn’s. The sword flew out of Jalarn’s hands.
Ittonifer held his blade at his throat. It was over.
“Killing you like this would take away the fun,” said Ittonifer.
Jalarn knew what that meant.
“Get up. Your death will be witnessed by all of Malinor and Sanctus today. You will see the largest army that the continent has ever known, and you will die knowing that you threw it all away. I was right in not telling you about my backup plan.”
Ittonifer pressed the point of his sword into Jalarn’s back.
“Move!”
They walked out of the prison, down the dark hallway, and out of the castle.
Thousands of men in Malinorian armor approached the battlefield. A mere two thousand or so knights from Sanctus stood gaping at the army that was about to bring its devilish fury upon them.
“How did you do it?” asked Jalarn.
“You will never know.”
*****
The thundering rhythm of the massive army’s battle drums combined with its deliberate marching made the ground vibrate. Only moments ago, Tanel and his fellow warriors had been elated at their victory. Now, fear and defeat laced the air.
The surrendered Malinorian knights shifted nervously where they knelt.
“I should have known that it was too good to be true!” cried Atalsa nearby.
“Retreat!” cried one of the commanders.
Tanel wished that they could, but it was not an option. Every innocent civilian in Sanctus would die if they did. Malinor would infiltrate the city shortly after them. It was better to fight.
Chrissa jogged up a hill and lifted her voice.
“Listen, warriors of Sanctus!” she shouted.
Some people stopped to listen, while others paid her no mind.
“Don’t you see? The devil is doing this to drive the faith and hope out of us. As a former servant of his, I know his wicked ways. This is our chance to stand up to his force and show him that our God is so much more powerful than a few Malinorian knights. And even if we die today, we still win.”
Most of the soldiers and knights near Tanel scoffed and shook their heads.
“She’s crazy! Look at all of them!” shouted Tasar.
“Her new faith is clouding the reality that is before us,” said Timlin.
An older knight elbowed Tanel and shook his head.
“To stay would be sheer madness. Queen Roselyn would have no army left. The Malinorians will destroy our families.”
“No, Chrissa is right,” said Tanel.
He ran up the hill and stood at Chrissa’s side.
He was met with an audience of both angry and fear-ridden faces.
“God has brought us this far. He turned those monsters against our enemy. Remember what we have been taught since our youth – that He lives in us! Who can we fear with God in our hearts?”
There was a great murmuring from the crowds. Many soldiers turned to leave.
“Cowards!” shouted Endil as he joined Tanel and Chrissa on the hill.
“You call yourselves soldiers?” shouted Chrissa.
Below, Pori chased after Timlin. He grabbed him by the arm. The two brothers began to fight. Tasar and Atalsa argued with a group of soldiers. Soon, the air filled with loud shouts and accusations.
“I can’t believe this!” cried Chrissa.
Sweat poured down Tanel’s face. There was a great army coming toward them, but their army was in disarray.
“Silence!” shouted Commander Sanere.
He was standing on another rise close by.
The fighting and arguing ceased. Everyone froze and stared at the commander.
“If you run, Ittonifer will find you. He won’t