Odette

Thirty Three

Walking down the stairs the smell of blood was vivid and I squeezed Odette's hand as this was a situation I didn't wish for her to be in. Benedict ran ahead of us to join the others in battle scooping the scene I found Elida rushing up the stairs to meet us

She pulled Odette into a tight hug,  "I'm so glad you're alive" she cried checking her vitals and body 

Although, Elida wasn't a fan of me but I appreciate her love for Odette. It feels good to know she was in safe hands throughout the months, I couldn't help but stare at her covered bump. The stress of saving my kingdom and her was overwhelming me and it didn't help that she was here at the battle scene 

I had to make a decision quickly and if I was going to focus on my uncle... Odette had to flea somewhere safe, "Elida I need you to take Odette back to the forest" I demanded taking the sword from her hand and giving her my bag 

Odette began to panic and protest against but order but I wasn't changing my mind. I let the two women outside to the stables carefully and grabbed a horse for them, "Eric you can't force me to leave! I can help" she cried but my decision was final 

Elida didn't say much as I knew she agreed with my mindset, it was too risky to have her fighting 3 months pregnant. I couldn't loose anybody else today and as much as I would love to have her by my side... this was my own battle

"Eric, this is a sick game! I am not leaving without you" she continued to shout but I quickly gave Elida everything they needed and pulled two horses out for them 

"Ride through the woods and go fast. The kingdom is in flames everywhere but if you leave now you'll make it back safely" I expressed to Elida as she nodded at my instructions and got on the horse 

Odette was sitting on a stack of hay, refusing to move. She wore a pout on her face and it took so much out of me not to keep her here with me, I know she's a strong women and can handle 100 men at once but in the state she's in now... I just couldn't risk it 

"Odette... I love you so much and I will apologize till the day I die for throwing you into this but I need you and our children to be safe. I can't worry about my uncle and you at the same time" I stressed kneeling on the ground to be at her eye level 

I noticed tears form in her eyes as she ran her hands through my hair once more, "we're having girls" she lowly said placing my hand on her bump

We were having girls... two little girls. It was something I'd never imagine to come true but by the  grace of God, I was going to be a father to two perfect girls. I was now the one crying and it was the first emotion I've felt in the last three months. Though my father was not on this earth any longer he blessed me with the gift of life in my children and I had to do everything to protect them and their mother 

"Please, stay alive Eric" she said wiping my tears and standing up with me

I pressed my lips against her for the last time before helping her on the horse. I gave Elida the go and both women sprinted off away from the stables towards safety. It was the hardest decision but I knew the further away she was the best it would be 

Gathering my brain I ran back towards the castle to face my uncle, grabbing both swords now I sprinted fast to find Benedict. The battle had moved from the gates to the lower manner of the palace, dead bodies were everywhere from orcs, humans, fairies and giants. This was a battle that had been long overdue 

"Benedict!" I screamed as I watched him struggle to fight off three men

I quickly stabbed one in the chest before cutting the others head off, Benedict was then able to kill the last one and we both hugged each other in relief. Though he had scars all over his face and body the man put up a good fight... it was something I admired about Benedict. He was always strong and determined never one to give up 

"How is everything?" he asked 

"Odette is safe and thats all that matters. Where is uncle?" I stressed not wanting to waste time on small talk

"He's up there" Benedict expressed pointing the a man at the top slaying millions of creatures as they all attack him 

I gave Benedict my other sword and told him to be safe as I ran towards the man who ruined my life, he was going to die today and be sent straight to hell. Rushing into the action I pushed aside others only focusing on the target 

"Uncle Edward!" I shouted his name catching his attention from the top. He looked down at me as he strangling an orc, this man was pure evil 

He dropped the creature and began laughing as he walked towards me, "Eric... this is quite a show" he said kicking dead bodies out his way like they didn't mean anything 

"You are a bastard! Killing innocent people for what?" I screamed in anger looking all the blood we had shed this morning 

My father wouldn't have wanted this... he wanted us to live in peace one day. He had plans for the future of this kingdom and the forest but they were all destroyed today. My anger had been boiling for months but now it was time to bring justice

I lunged forward going for the first hit but he moved quick dodging my attack. It turned into a one on one battle as we both swung our swords forcefully. My uncle was old but more experience in this than me, I put all my strength into aiming my weapon at his side 

"Give it a rest Eric" he growled as I kept charging this time knocking his sword out his hand causing him to fall to the ground 

Placing the sword at the side of his neck, I glared at the man allowing him a few more words before I ended his life, "you killed my father... and destroyed the women I love life" I screamed 

"I can admit... I've done some evil things but we're family. You need me Eric, this kingdom won't last without order and I know my actions weren't the best but let us start over" he begged 

Part of me cringed for even believing any words coming out his mouth but this was a man I grew up... somebody who helped me when I was low and always took care of Benedict and i. How could he throw all that away and cause all of this, as I was conflicted with my emotions I failed to realize the man coming behind before I felt a sharp pain shot in my spin

I fell to the ground holding the spot that burned, looking down at my stomach there was blood covering my hands as I realized I was stabbed. The man helped my uncle up as he stood over my weak body knelled on the ground 

He pulled my hair so I was looking directly in his eyes, "your father should have taught you... always strike the enemy when you get an opening. You're too sweet to be king Eric, I blame your stupid mother for raising you to believe our world was fair. Her death was the easiest as the women was quite naive and drank the poison I gave. Now with you gone, I can finish off your stupid brother and gain what I deserve. Maybe that fairy you love so much can keep my bed warm" he disgustingly joked causing me to use any strength left in to stab his leg with my knife 

My uncle screamed loud as he let go of my head throwing me hard to the ground, it was the last bit of strength I had before my body began to sweat, "you'll never get that throne" I whispered trying to contain my strength 

If this was my last breath... I wanted to die knowing Odette and our girls were alive. They were the answer to saving our kingdom when I leave this earth, I told myself before my eyes closed