Isarius vs Malak
“M’lord.” Sennil asked. “I must ask you once again. Is this wise? We have more than enough evidence to condemn Malak at court. No need to recklessly endanger your life.’’
‘’Dear Sen” The prince put his hand in his companion’s shoulder. “Trust me, or at least, trust my blade.’’ Isarius drew his sword from his scabbard.
‘’For it will strike true’’. He turned away and walked into the opening.
Across from him, at least 20 paces, was Malak. He was tall, towering over all present. His limbs were long like branches and he was thin as a skeleton. Yet despite his unhealthy appearance he carried a heavy longsword as if it was a stick. Malak looked at Isarius and moved forward, a sickening smile plastered on his face, making his skin look like nothing but a lamina over a skull.
“Malak of Chesten’s”, Isarius shouted to make sure everyone heard. “You stand accused of theft and murder. Your judgment is to be carried out in single combat.”
Both men came to a stop 5 paces from one another. “If I kill you, you are guilty. If you kill me, you are free.’’
“So hurry up and die!” Malak screamed as he swung his sword forward, nearly reaching the prince. A second swing was met with Isarius’s silver plated shield.
The force of impact made Isarius stumble backwards, but quickly he retook his footing. Malak rushed forward, half way through a horizontal swing. Isarius attacked in turn, the blades rippling sparks upon impact. He stumbled again.
“Come on!”, said Malak, ‘’Let me wipe that noble smug off ya’ mug!”.
Another attack, followed by half a dozen. Isarius did nothing but defend himself. Malak’s limbs gave his sword the reach of a spear, putting the prince at a disadvantage. Fear crept into him, like cold pikes stabbing all across his back. He could lose.
Malak leapt into the air, bringing down the sword like a lightning bolt. Isarius could barely dodge it, the splinted ground dirtying his legs. He could lose, He would lose.
“No”, he whispered. Another swing reaching for his neck. He parried it without a thought.
This time it was Malak who stumbled, his surprised clear on his bony face. Like a lion Isarius attacked, his blade like a whirlpool. A dozen slashes nearly landing on the skeletal giant.
“Bastard!” Malak stabbed out in desperation, the reach making Isarius jump back.
At that moment a strange sensation filled him. Malak ran at him like a bull. He lowered his body and walked forward, avoiding the attack. I am stronger than him, Isarius thought.
This was not arrogance or silent motivation. It was a fact now. They could have fight a hundred times, a thousand even. The result would be the same. His wish made him the strongest, and now he knew it was fulfilled.
“Die!” the scream came from behind. He lowered his body again, making the swing miss. He spun and stabbed, the tip meeting Malak’s shoulder. Isarius clawed out and grabbed Malak, dragging him closer.
He slammed his shield across his exposed face, the strike breaking his nose. A second hit blew out his teeth in a flood of blood. Malak dropped his weapon, followed by his own body. He landed flat on his back panting in agony. Isarius brought his sword down on his throat, caressing the skin.
In that moment he looked into Malak’s eyes, fear adorning them. He looked to the crowd, faces full of shock and disbelief. He came upon Sennil, his jaw tight and eyes filled with dread. Don’t do it, they said. He looked down on Malak once more.
“Guilty.” He pressed the blade into Malak’s neck. The blood spat out, painting the glittering metal into rusted crimson.
TO BE CONTINUED…..
