Gods and Guardians

Chapter 37: Raid on the Thiocians

A thunderous kick threw the door open on Nimrod and his two servants.

'The stupid arrogant bastard is back!' Massey yelled at the top of his voice.

Nimrod braced himself as Massey stepped into the room. 'Good evening, brother.'

'Did you just call me brother?' He quickly descended the steps.

'I'm sorry. I can explain,' Nimrod said. The servants watched Massey apprehensively.

Massey paused briefly, hands akimbo. 'What are you doing here?'

'Masse—'

'I asked you a question. What are you doing here? Why did you come back?'

Nimrod sighed and shook his head.

Massey resumed his menacing advance. 'Do you think I've left the palace? Your plan to have me kicked out has failed and the dark lord himself has come back to try something new. Isn't it? Why are you here?!' His voice was reaching crescendo.

Kiyanna appeared at the door anxiously. She saw Massey advancing towards Nimrod who was drifting back slowly.

'Massey! What are you doing?' she screamed from behind.

He spared her a look and warned, 'You better stay out of this.'

She protested. 'You better don't come close to Nimrod! Leave him alone!'

He yelled back at her now. 'And how dare you raise your voice at me! Get out of my sight!'

She dashed past him to block the way to Nimrod.

'This animal who calls himself my brother wants to have me kicked out. He has failed a first time and has returned to try again.'

'Massey, stop it!' She yelled, with her hands held out on both sides.

Massey ignored her and continued his advance. 'Now tell me, Dginy. What is your next plan? Are you going to write another letter? Or what are you going to do this—?'

'It was a mistake. I'm sorry—'

'Shut up, and don't you ever interrupt me again!'

'Father will hear of this,' Kiyanna threatened. 'Don't come any closer.'

Massey ignored her. 'I don't care! Do you hear me? I don't care!' Then to Nimrod he said, 'I am going to make sure you leave again.'

Massey could see defiance in Nimrod's eyes now. The apologetic posture was gone. Nimrod was back.

'I'll make you leave for good!' He moulded a fist. 'I'm going to give you the beating of your life. And let father come and kill me.'

Nimrod closed his eyes briefly and exhaled. He was not afraid of Massey if this was to come to blows, but no one especially in the royal family fought with his elder. It was more or less a taboo. As such, Massey had the upper hand.

'Massey,' a voice bellowed from the door, deep and authoritative.

Massey turned to see Breth.

'What is the meaning of this?'

Massey didn't answer. Instead, he turned back to Nimrod. 'Mark my words; I'll soon give you a reason to leave for good.' Then he withdrew and walked towards the door.

'Massey, this is unacceptable behavior. I will not have you treat Nimrod like this. Do you understand?'

Massey stood defiant, unwilling to respond.