Tales of a Dead God

Chapter Twenty: Five Against One

The nightlife was beginning to finally spring into life. Most of the shops closed at sunset with a few still shewing stragglers out. The larger tavern across the city began filling up with locals and travelers while the smaller pubs stayed hidden for those who enjoyed a quieter night. Amid the nightly celebration stood Noah alone. Well, more so wobbling around outside a tavern. At some point, Theo and Noah had gotten separated by the overflowing crowds coming and going into the tavern. Which wasn't good given Noah could barely stand.

It was now several hours after the initial first drink and Noah was completely wasted and lost. Needing to make his way back, Noah wobbled out into the streets to the cool air hitting his face. He looked in each direction hazily remembering which way back was. Slowly Noah walked away from the laughter and cheering straight into what he thought was a wall. It in fact was not a wall but a very tall, very buff man.

"Hey, idiot, watch where you walk." His voice was gruff and firm. He looked down at Noah who was squinting at the giant-looking man, but that could've been the alcohol.

"Look here, giant man." Noah sloppily poked the man in the stomach thinking it was his chest. "I've got to get back up that path and your big ass is in my way." And he pointed towards the path to the king's palace.

This caused laughter to erupt from the man and his friends. "Kid I don't know what delusions you've got running around in that head, but ain't no one getting into the palace. Go home before I decide otherwise." He said in a mocking tone.

"I'm trying to." Noah slurred. It was becoming harder and harder to speak. "Just move out of my way you bastard." Noah tried shoving the man out of the way. He lost his footing and slipped.

The man's smile dropped at the insult. He bent down to Noah's levels. "I don't think you understand my warning." His voice became deeper and more menacing. "Go. Home."

Noah smiled and rolled his eyes. "So menacing. Now move." Noah wobbly stood up and tried again to shove the large man out of the way but Noah didn't stand a chance. Noah huffed and balled his fist. "Gods, can you not understand a basic demand? Move your fat ass."

As Noah went to move around the group, one of the others grabbed him by the upper arm. He turned and was with a fist to the face. The sickening crack of bones echoed throughout the night. Noah hit the ground holding his face. Warm liquid smeared across his face and hands. He couldn't think straight from the mix of alcohol and a broken nose. His vision blurred and he was even more unstable on his feet now.

The man bent down and picked Noah up by the color of his shirt. Noah couldn't really tell who was who at this point as the alcohol was in full swing. "You'll learn not to aggravate people bigger than you." He tossed Noah back to the ground. The rest were waiting for what would happen next. "Let's have some fun." The man said as he gave the first kick to Noah.

Noah groaned in pain as he heard his ribs break. As soon as the kick happened, it seemed like it was the opening of the floodgates for the rest to follow. Noah bent his knees tightly to his chest trying to become as small as possible as the attack kept coming. Through the haziness of the alcohol and bloody nose, Noah knew he was in some serious trouble.

Theo was still stuck inside the tavern as more and more stuffed themselves in. He couldn't move let alone breathe in the crowd and grew more worried. The pit in his stomach kept telling him something bad would happen if he didn't find his brother soon.

A barmaid noticed Theo and waved him down. "Hey, kid! You doing, okay?"

"I'm trying to get out and find my brother." He struggled against the current of the crowd. "It's a little challenging."

She smiled and held out her hand. "I gotcha kid." He took her hand and she yanked him up on the bar. Several protested but she waved them off as Theo made his way across the bar towards the door. "If you all don't let this kid out, no one gets drinks tonight!"