THE INSUPERABLE: Death and Decay

Part 5

The royal tent was merry, the Corinthian king and his generals laughed and drank wine, the battle was far from over but they had already claimed victory. "In a few minutes our men will reach Pericles' tent and the battle will be ours gentlemen," the king raised his chalice alongside his generals. "To us fine gentlemen, we've accomplished much today!'' Everyone started cheering but their cheers, however, were silenced by a thundering voice that came from the opening of the tent. "Interesting," Kalib walked in slowly with Acastus close at heel, "I don't remember seeing any of you on the battlefield." He was covered in blood, his eyes searched the room, looking every man in the eye. After some time of unnerving silence, the king started to speak. "Ah misthios you're alive? Does this mean you bring news of victory?" Kalib did not say a word, he locked eyes with the general trying to intimidate him with his gaze. Kalib was not intimidated. "Can I help you? You seem to have a problem, good man?" Kalib asked the general politely. "The king asked you a question dog," the general exclaimed bravely.

Now, now General, there's no need to show your teeth, the misthios is on our side. Misthios if you would be so kind as to answer me, it's impolite to keep a king waiting," the king grimaced. Kalib removed his gaze from the arrogant general and fixed it on the king. "The battle is won, my lord but unfortunately not for Corinth," Kalib said in a calm tone.

"What do you mean? I thought I paid you to deal with the Athenian king?" The king grew impatient. "I'm sorry my lord but he paid more." Kalib lowered his pickaxe from his shoulder, the soldiers drew their swords. "You dare betray me whoreson," the king had fire in his eyes. "I'm sorry... tell your men to stand down, I'll spare them but I won't be leaving here without your head," Kalib spoke in a calm tone. "Like Hades you are, dog! I'll kill you and your fat man-whore if you dare to take another step," the general sneered as he walked in front of Kalib.

Kalib looked at the general for a while, then turned his head towards Acastus. "This is the man?" Acastus nodded his head. Kalib turned back towards the general. "I figured."

He raised his hand and placed it on the forehead of the general. The general did not flinch, he was determined to appear unfrightened by the large man. "Do you know what happens to fools, general?" Kalib asked, still resting his hand on the general's forehead.

Before the general could let out a word Kalib flicked the general's forehead with his middle finger. The man's head burst open sending gore flying across the tent and over the soldiers. The Corinthians stared at the spectacle they had just witnessed, not believing their eyes. "Anyone else feel like calling me a dog?" Kalib asked, fire in his eyes. The soldiers all dropped their weapons and ran for the exit, trampling over one another. Kalib smiled at the king and walked towards him. Acastus stood over the headless corpse of the general that had previously mocked him, he removed a single gold drachma from his pocket and dropped it on the general's body, "For the ferryman..."