Paladin's Rise - Lich Lord Wars Book 4

Chapter 10

"Now you are truly the last Lich Lord, you have lost! End this!"

"I can't. Not just yet. Now give me all you have."

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the battlefield as Lich-El and Ulec clashed once more. Their weapons danced through the air, the sound of steel on steel echoing like a symphony of peril. Despite Ulec's valiant efforts, his youthful strength paled in comparison to the ancient power of Lich-El. Beads of sweat rolled down Ulec's brow as he struggled to keep up with the relentless onslaught.

"Is that all you've got, boy?" Lich-El sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I'd hoped for more of a challenge."

Ulec gritted his teeth, his grip tightening around the hilt of his weapon. "You won't defeat me so easily," he spat back, determination burning in his eyes.

For a moment, it seemed that Ulec might have been right. He parried and dodged with exceptional skill for someone so young. But alas, luck was not on his side. A misstep left him vulnerable, and Lich-El seized the opportunity, striking him with a vicious blow that sent him sprawling to the ground near his father.

Lich-El raised his hammer high above his head as he prepared to deliver the finishing blow. Time seemed to slow as the hammer began its deadly descent, and just as it was about to crush Ulec beneath its weight, a voice rang out across the battlefield.

"Stop!"

At Almas' command, Lich-El froze in place, his hammer hovering mere inches above Ulec's battered body. Slowly, the lich lord turned to face the young bard, a twisted smile spreading across his decayed visage.

"As you command," he said, his voice dripping with a bitter sarcasm that made Almas' skin crawl.

Almas took a few cautious steps forward, his heart pounding in his chest. "So it is true," he said, trying to keep the tremor from his voice. "You have to obey me, don't you?"

"Congratulations on your astute observation," Lich-El drawled, his red eyes burning with an unsettling intensity.

"I thought so, I can see magic now, and when we were in Beaver Dam, I saw a magical connection between you and members of the Aguerius family, just like the one between me and Tornal that he used to control me."

Lich-El's smile broadened, revealing rows of jagged teeth. "Well, well," he taunted, "very good my boy. Keep figuring it out."

Almas felt his anger rising, but he forced himself to remain calm. He knew that letting his emotions get the better of him would only make things worse. Instead, he focused on the strange bond that connected him to this powerful and terrifying enemy, determined to unlock the secret that might save them all.

Almas stood firm, his eyes locked on Lich-El, his mind racing as he pieced together the puzzle. The air was thick with tension and the smell of battle, but Almas barely noticed. He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders.

"From what I can see," Almas began, his voice steady despite the fear gripping his heart, "you were once the Retainer to the Aguerius Family, which means you were honor-bound to them." He glanced at Lich-El's undead form, noting the undrawn sword that hung at his side, never used but ever present. "Even now, you're still bound by that oath, aren't you?"

Lich-El tilted his head ever so slightly, the hollow sockets of his eyes seeming to bore into Almas' very soul. "Clever boy," he replied, a hint of grudging respect in his raspy voice. "I did indeed make that vow on this Sword of Honor." He tapped the hilt of the weapon with a bony finger, the sound echoing through the battlefield like a death knell. "This sword ensures that I am magically bound to keep all my vows."