Paladin's Rise - Lich Lord Wars Book 4

Chapter 8

"Come now boy, you can do better than that! I almost killed you there!"

"I thought that was the point. Isn't that your goal? To kill everyone?"

"My goals are my own. But if you wish to ever achieve you goals you must do better. If you die now this world will soon follow. You don't want that on your conscience do you?"

"Can't you stop speaking in riddles and just tell us what you're trying to do. We can find another way!"

"I... can't. "

Cady knelt beside her unconscious mother, her hands trembling as she struggled to maintain the golden barrier protecting them from the ravenous revenants. Sweat dripped down her brow, stinging her eyes as she glanced over at Giddy, who was staring intently at the golem.

"Can't you do anything to help me hold this up?" she asked, desperation seeping into her voice.

Giddy frowned in concentration, his small fingers twitching as he tried to command the battered golem. "I'm trying, Cady. But it's like asking a three-legged cat to juggle - the golem's just too damaged."

"Great, so we're stuck with a clumsy circus act," Cady muttered under her breath, her frustration mounting.

As she focused on the barrier, she couldn't help but feel a pang of fear for her brother and herself. They were children, facing an army of undead monsters - it was like some twisted bedtime story come to life.

Her eyes darted to where Creetan and the other soldiers were engaged in battle, still too far away to reach them in time. As much as she wanted to rely on their help, Cady knew that she and Giddy had to stand strong on their own.

"Dig deep, Giddy," she urged, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "We can do this."

Suddenly, the revenants began to retreat, leaving Cady momentarily confused. Her heart sank as she realized the reason: two dozen undead archers had lined up, their arrows aimed directly at her, Giddy, and their fallen mother.

"Of course, because things weren't bad enough already," Cady said bitterly, her sarcasm masking her terror.

Just as the revenants released their arrows, a large form stepped in front of Cady. She looked up, her heart lurching with fear and hope as she recognized her father, Lord Gidon Aguerius. He stood tall and resolute, his arms spread wide in an attempt to shield his family from the deadly rain. The corner of his face that was visible to Cady bore a resigned expression; he knew the odds were against him, but he was prepared to give everything for their protection.

"Father!" Cady's voice cracked under the weight of her emotions. Her hands shook, but she maintained the weakening golden barrier as best as she could.

"Keep your focus on the shield, Cady," Gidon said firmly, his voice barely carrying over the sounds of battle. His eyes met hers for a fleeting moment, filled with love, pride, and something else - an acceptance of the sacrifice he was about to make.

"Please..." she whispered, tears streaming down her face. But she knew better than to beg her father to reconsider - this was who he was, the noble and brave High Lord they all loved and respected.

"Go on, Dad! You can do it!" Giddy shouted from behind, his small voice wavering with the weight of the situation.

With a nod, Gidon turned his attention back to the incoming arrows. As they drew closer, it seemed impossible that he could block them all with the little magic he had left. Yet, Cady felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. This was her father, the man who had faced countless trials and always emerged victorious. If anyone could save them, it was him.