Havoc of Betrayal

CHAPTER 24 - Truth Unraveled

CHAPTER 24

Mathias was startled awake by the loud alarm bells ringing around the castle. His hand reached for his sword just as the door opened, making him sigh when he saw Axel there. He pushed the blanket away as he got to his feet, asking, “Ax, what-…”

“Let’s go. He somehow managed to find his way into the castle.” Axel said as he closed the door behind him, locking it. Mathias grabbed Phoenix who had woken up and was looking between them with confusion. He was glad that he rarely cried, which made the entire situation better.

“Of course, he did. He knows this castle as well as I do. Come on, Nic.” Mathias said after he got up, tossing a jacket on. He didn’t know when he slipped into slumber, but was glad he was still dressed when he did. He pulled on his boots, secured his sword around his waist before lifting Phoenix into his arms, making his way to the hidden door. “Where is Eloise?”

“I was informed she was with her mother and sister.”

“In her room?” Mathias asked.

“No. In theirs.” He answered, making Mathias curse.

“I’m sure she’ll be making her way to the chamber in the basement she’d set up for the women and children in the castle.” Mathias sighed, climbing down the dark steps, barely lit by the candle Axel had grabbed from Mathias’s room as they left.

“Are we dropping Phoenix there?” Axel asked.

“What else are we to do? I need him safe, and I can’t really fight while holding him in one arm.” Mathias said, “Closest exit is the south wing, from there we can make our way down to the basement.”

“It is still ways away from there to the basement, Mathias.” Axel said.

“We will manage.” Mathias said, “It is the closest. We will get him there. We will keep Nic safe no matter what.”

They walked a while before reaching the south wing, where Mathias went up to the door, but Axel grabbed his arm stopping him. “From here on, you are behind me. Until we get Phoenix to his mother or Rick, you stay behind me.” Axel insisted, then walked past him, opening the door slightly before checking both ends of the hall then walked out, holding the curtain up for Mathias to pass. They turned to their left, about to make their way towards the basement before they stopped, Axel quick to move Mathias behind him before he stood facing the men at the end of the hall, heading them was Andries who smiled when he saw his brother.

“I was coming to find you.” Andries said, “Thank you for making it easy.”

Mathias brought Phoenix close, whispering in his ear, “Don’t be scared. Stay behind me. No matter what, stay behind me.” He breathed, placing him on his feet before he pulled the hand he held, till Phoenix was behind his leg, peeking from behind his father. With his other hand, Mathias pulled out his sword. “Axel…” Mathias breathed, Axel’s head tilted towards him, but eyes never moved from their armed enemies, “I will-…”

“No.” Axel said, being cautious, “Keep him safe. Remember our vow, keep him safe no matter what it takes. Let me take care of him, stay close to your son.” With that Axel unhooked the large sword from his back, knowing he wouldn’t be able to use it inside with the hall being so small.

“Axel, its 10 of them-…”

“I can take them.” Axel said.

Andries smirked, twirling his sword in one hand before he said, “Stand down, men.” He advanced, “I’ve been itching for a fight with you since the last time we did this. Did you get stronger, slave?”