Beyond this World - Dragon warrior (Book 1/?)

Chapter 23 (Part 1)

The man seemed like a normal looking guard who spent many sleepless or restless nights on duty. Aaron greeted him politely explaining this was the first time they approached the gate. The guard didn't give a rat's ass about what Aaron had to say and told him to go back in line.

From beyond the guars shoulder he could see a great mass of people gathering on the street and rations being given out. Arkbowel was on the verge of collapse, no wonder there are so many angry people still outside the gate. They are all probably people who came to seek refuge and are agitated that they have been waiting for so long.

Aaron demanded to speak to Sir Cameron and the guard laughed in his face. "Oh, that's just adorable. Who do you fucking think you are that Sir Cameron, a royal knight, would come to chat with you? The knight has enough on his plate."

A face Aaron would recognize in the dark approached the gate; his gaze stern and unfriendly looking as always. "We understand these are hard times for you citizens but for the sake of everyone else get back into line. Everyone is working hard so please-..."

"Sir Benjamin." Aaron cut him off. "There are a few harsh words I'd like to direct to you. I will hold back however, since you are still my senior instructor. We need to speak with the king."

Sir Benjamin looked at the cloaked man with a hood over his head. "I don't trust you well enough nor do I trust your intentions to let that happen. Say what you want here and I will relay the message to the king."

"Even now, huh?" Aaron grumbled. "Where is Sir Cameron?"The gate guard scoffed retelling Aaron that he can't get in contact with Sir Cameron while Aaron remained insistent he does.

"Hold on." Sir Benjamin hushed the guard; he looked at Aaron with narrowed eyes and huffed. "No wonder. Come; follow me; though I don't know the person next to you she shouldn't be a problem, right squire?"

Aaron went after him with no hesitation and remained silent; Tundra followed closely. The knight lead them through the widest street, it was jam packed with people; Aaron had a hard time believing that was the same street two carts could easily pass by each other and stalls would stand either side.

The knight entered through the main castle door; to Aaron's greater surprise the main hall was also filled with people, these people were having their injuries treated by the physician and squires that assisted him in any way they could. Sir Benjamin stopped to whisper something to a young man; he left the scene and Sir Benjamin continued to lead the way.

He lead them to a room on the second floor, a small room, one Aaron was certain of was a room for storing blankets and sheets, tablecloths and such. Sir Benjamin pointed them in. Once they were inside, the knight closed the door. "I would like to know, how on earth are you alive? I would have thought those beasts ripped you apart and ate you..."

"Sounds to me like you wanted me dead..." Aaron bluntly replied. "The reason I survived was because I was the one that fought the Void beasts and successfully killed them."

Sir Benjamin was quiet. "Even if you changed a million faces and were to be reborn a billion times more, that attitude of yours will always be your bane. Always looking for Cameron to help your worthless hide..."

"I don't care what you think of me, nor do your words sting, Sir Knight. I know my worth better than you do, though there was a time I strived to be at the level of a knight I have long surpassed that threshold." Aaron leaned against the wall.

Sir Benjamin was enraged; he drew his sword and swung it towards Aaron to make him flinch, the blade would never have struck him. The blade clunked; Aaron intercepted his swing with his bare arm. Sir Benjamin had an expression of pure shock and disbelief. His entire Arm throbbed like he struck a mountain with his full strength.