Gods and Guardians

Chapter 16: A New Hope

Kiyanna swung her arms around her father, who looked worn down by the monstrous weight of the journey. Dasirus looked somewhat taller. Kiyanna embraced him longer than usual.

'Oh, father, I missed you,' she said.

'I missed you too, my dear.'

Father pinched her cheeks. He said, 'I have a letter for you.'

Kiyanna knew. Maxis would never fail to write. She smiled shyly.

Massey materialized behind her, flanked by two guards.

'Father,' he bowed. 'How was your journey?'

'It went well.'

Massey nodded a welcome at Breth who replied with an acknowledging nod.

'Where is Nimrod?' Dasirus asked.

Massey remained stiff, visibly disapproving of the early inquiry.

'Fa-ther?' Kiyanna took Dasirus' arm. 'Why not take a rest first?'

Massey noted that the queen was not present either. Why don't you ask after your wife?

'Come on,' Kiyanna pulled Dasirus. 'Nimrod is fine. He's out training with the Supreme General Stanley. You should rest...'

***

Layman was the Commanding Law Soldier. He was also called 'The Law.' He had the same eyes as his master, Lord Xexa. Deep-seated eyes, whose softness contrasted sharply with dense, low-arching eyebrows. But Layman had a slim face, with cheeks that gave him away as amiable. Lord Xexa had a round or almost square face, lined at the chin with a dense cluster of black and white beards. His face has remained robust exuding raw energy and so was the whole of his form. A distinguishing feature of the master's face was the white patch of hair above his left temple. For one whose vigour has not been tampered by age, it was striking. Both Lord Xexa and The Law tied their hair in ponytails behind.

Presently, Lord Xexa and Layman trotted leisurely this evening in the courtyard. The courtyard was already full of the evening, with extended shadows stretching virtually across all areas. Layman could see from the master's eyes that riding across the courtyard was nostalgic. When a trainer on one side moaned after shattering a twenty-inch concrete, Layman could immediately see the master at the same spot cracking his legendary 50. Even now the thought remains breathtaking. Yet, it is true that among others, Lord Xexa, then a Level-One Captain had sent a crack through 5-ace concrete. He could feel the earth tremble with sensation.

No wonder the soldier horse the master punched never stood a chance.

The central court bore few men at this time. The two were looking for the Supreme General who was at present giving Nimrod a lecture.

'You understand what I said?'

'Nimrod nodded. He wore only a pair of trousers.

The Supreme General posed. 'All right, attack me.'

Nimrod held his sword in a double grip. Stanley twirled his and retired it behind then Nimrod closed with coordinated steps.

The prince swung diagonally from left to right. Stanley neither blocked nor parried Nimrod's swing. He quickly — or slowly — avoided the arc bending backwards a little then slapped Nimrod's sword further with his, making it harder for Nimrod to return.

Instinctively, Nimrod bobbed down and tried to sweep Stanley's legs. Stanley stopped it with a foot and withdrew. Nimrod swung his sword in a low arc for Stanley's legs again. But Stanley simply stepped over it like a skipping rope before kicking Nimrod's hand further making it impossible to return the swing. Nimrod flipped the sword so the blade was below the thumb. He returned the swing, shooting up. Stanley ducked and could see at the moment Nimrod's side was completely open. Stanley didn't attack. He just shoved Nimrod by the ball of the shoulder, sending him reeling in a spin.