The Blinding

Chapter 61 -Samakaab

Amidst the relentless chaos of the battlefield, my thoughts were plagued by questions about the mysterious man. Who was he, and what were his true intentions? He had quietly shifted back into his animal form and disappeared into the shadows. The conversation I had witnessed between Loyaan and this enigmatic figure had raised doubts that lingered in my mind. While it was clear that he wasn't Loyaan's father, his presence among the Warriors hinted at a level of authority. Would he risk entering the midst of this deadly conflict, or did he have a hidden agenda?
These questions continued to churn in my mind, distracting me from the immediate danger surrounding us. However, the man had not gained entry into Tissa's tent, and I couldn't deny that Loyaan's intervention had played a significant role in preventing that from happening. Nevertheless, trusting Loyaan again after our recent betrayal was not a decision to be made lightly. The arrival of additional fighters brought a glimmer of hope and a temporary respite from our mounting troubles, though I couldn't help but wonder what might have unfolded if they hadn't joined the fray.
Loyaan had seized the opportunity presented by their arrival to slip away into the safety of his comrades, leaving me to mutter "Coward" under my breath in frustration. But chasing after him was a luxury we couldn't afford at the moment. The pressing issue was the ongoing battle that raged around us.
Taking stock of our group, I felt a swell of pride as I observed Hani, Elmi, Hibo, and Aweys still standing, albeit battered and bruised. The Council members had displayed remarkable resilience, a testament to their strength and determination. Yet, there was no time for celebration; we remained surrounded by an overwhelming number of Warriors. My gaze shifted back to Tissa's tent, now left unguarded and vulnerable. We were encircled, and I couldn't allow her to become an easy target.
Scanning the battlefield, I searched for the mysterious man who had shifted into his animal form. However, the vast desert landscape behind me and the approaching battalion obscured any sign of him. Turning to Elmi and Hani, the two Council members closest to me, I issued a quick command. "Elmi, Hani," I shouted above the deafening clash of swords and war cries, their faces reflecting a mix of confusion and determination. "Go to Tissa, protect her. I can handle these three." Their initial hesitation was overcome by my urgent tone, and they sprinted toward Tissa's tent, their hurried footsteps gradually fading into the distance.
To my left, Hibo and Aweys fought back-to-back, their movements a mesmerizing display of agility and coordination. Amid the cacophony of battle, their resilience shone brightly. As three more Warriors closed in on me, I braced myself for the impending conflict. These Warriors were massive, their bulging muscles a formidable testament to their strength. However, I possessed the advantage of speed and agility, which I intended to exploit fully.
With lightning speed, I darted between their towering frames, drawing a second blade. In one fluid motion, I dispatched one of them with a lethal strike to his neck, and he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. The remaining two Warriors turned toward me, their eyes filled with fury and determination. Before they could react, I plunged my Bilao deep into the heart of one, and he collapsed, gasping his final breath. The third Warrior, momentarily stunned by the fall of his comrades, quickly regained his focus and lunged at me, his massive, grimy hands reaching for my throat. In a split-second decision, I retrieved my Bilao from the lifeless body of his companion and hurled it toward him. Despite his colossal size, he couldn't evade the oncoming blade in time, and our weapons clashed in a deadly, high-stakes dance of survival.
As I engaged in combat with the Warrior before me, a smug grin tugged at the corners of my lips. His movements were sluggish and predictable, making him an easy target. However, my confidence was short-lived as I glanced past him and witnessed another wave of Warriors charging toward us. The realization struck me like a cold gust of wind on a blistering day – our numbers had dwindled significantly during the brief period when I was separated from the group.
In a swift motion, I narrowly evaded the Warrior's swinging blade, my agile reflexes keeping me one step ahead. My gaze darted toward the tent, where Elmi and Hani had successfully reached their protective positions near Tissa. Relief washed over me, but it was fleeting, drowned out by the relentless chaos of battle.
Amidst the turmoil, I detected the ominous trajectory of another spear hurtling toward us. Determination fueled my actions as I deftly feigned an attack, diverting my opponent's attention from the imminent danger. When he instinctively moved to block my strike, I seized the opportunity to spin him around, using his own body as a shield.
The deadly spear found its mark with chilling precision, impaling the Warrior between his eyes. A visceral flinch rippled through me as his lifeblood splattered across my face, a stark reminder of the brutal reality of war that engulfed us.