The Green Knight

Chapter 12

The day after their battle with the demon Terminus was somber. The camp was quiet as the Lionguard, Iron Eagles, and Seven Saints continued their journey toward Carthan City. The weight of the previous night hung heavy over the group, especially after the burial of the soldiers who had fallen. They had fought valiantly, but against a force as terrifying as a demon, the odds had been stacked against them. Rows of freshly dug graves marked their passing, the men buried with as much honor as they could muster under the circumstances.

Their comrades, though hardened by years of combat, wore solemn expressions as they paid their final respects. The soldiers who remained trudged forward, their spirits dampened but not broken. Sir Bedivere led them with Rowan and Captain Eamon close by, ensuring that the men kept their focus on the task at hand. But as they moved through the rolling hills and dense forests of Arthurian Isle, the memory of Terminus lingered. The Seven Saints rode together in their carriage operated by Mr. Armstrong, their mood more subdued than usual. The battle had rattled them all, and as they traveled, it was clear that the demon was on their minds. It was Drake who finally broke the silence.

Drake: *grumbles* That demon, Terminus... I've never seen anything like that. What the hell was that thing? It wasn't just a monster. It was smart, dangerous too, obviously.

Natalie: I've heard stories about demons before, but nothing that ever seemed real. That thing, though... It was like something out of a nightmare. Do any of you know if Terminus is familiar? Have others come across anything like him before?

The group exchanged looks, but no one had an answer. Beric, still quiet, kept his gaze fixed on the horizon from behind. Rowan, who was nearby the carriage while with Sir Bedivere and Captain Eamon, glanced over at them before speaking up...

Rowan: I don't think we have, because I definitely haven't Terminus... I've never heard of him ever. But whatever he is, he's powerful. Maybe Sir Bedivere here knows more.

Otis: Eh, I wouldn't count on it. If a demon like that were known, we'd have heard about it, right?

Drake: Yeah. maybe. But it's worth asking. Sir Bedivere's probably seen more things than any of us. He might have some answers.

Rowan: Hey, Sir Bedivere. The demon from last night... Terminus. Do you know anything about him? Have you ever heard that name before?

Sir Bedivere: Hm? Terminus? No, I've never heard of him before. I've encountered many enemies in my time, but never a demon of sorts. They're rare, to say the least. But I can assure you and everyone else, what matters most now is that he's gone. We can't allow our focus to waver. Our priority is the mission, taking down the Violent Duads and the remnants of the Wolverine Battalion. That is the real threat to Arthurian Isle. Terminus is a danger, yes, but we must defeat the mortal enemies before us first.

Eamon: *nods* Sir Bedivere's right. We can't lose sight of why we're out here. If we let fear of one demon distract us, we're gonna lose a lot more than we did last night.

The group fell into an uneasy silence, digesting Sir Bedivere's words. They understood the importance of their mission, but for some, the demon still loomed large in their thoughts, none more so than Beric. He hadn't said much since the battle, but his clenched fists and steely gaze made it clear that his thoughts were still on Terminus. Drake was the first to notice.

Drake: Beric, you alright, man? You've been quiet ever since last night. You're thinking about that demon, huh?

Beric: *sighs* I can't help it. If Terminus comes back, I'll be ready. I almost had him back there. Next time... I'll finish it.

Natalie: Beric, we don't doubt your strength, but... Terminus nearly killed you. You're lucky to be alive. We all are.

Otis: Natalie's right, Beric. That demon wasn't like anything we've fought before. If you ever face him again, if ever, don't go charging in without a plan. We'll need to work together if we face him again.