Memory in the End

Chapter 8: Henry

The rain ended soon. Michael informed me this meant that Henry's power had subsided. Most likely he was resting but it could be even more dangerous like maybe Victor's men found him first. So we wasted no time trying to find the set of clues that will lead us right to Henry. Michael and Aru take long strides which only means I have to walk faster to keep up with them. We make it to a clearing in the forest.The clearing was beautiful with a giant river running from the north to the south; it's usually used as a means to travel goods to the south where traveling by horseback is sometimes difficult. The grass all around it is green and shimmering with beautiful flowers.

Too bad we couldn't enjoy it for long, because as soon as we got there, we were greeted by a foe I knew all too well.

"Xenia," I growl. Xenia is Victor's daughter, who is by far the most fearsome warrior I've ever met. She doesn't have magical powers, but she doesn't need any; her sword is scary enough. It's made out of black steel, and the hilt of the sword has a secret compartment that holds small daggers which she can send flying, killing her opponents with the poison in them.

Her thin lips pull back in a sly grin, "Princess, father's looking for you.".

"Like everyone else," I roll my eyes as I say this. Xenia stood there, watching me with her piercing light green eyes that looked as though they belonged to a snake; her long, red hair was in a frenzy of curls around her shoulders, and her slim body was crouched with her sword in her right hand, extended out, ready to attack.

"I never would've thought I'd see two of the Magnificent Five," she remarks at Michael and Aru, "You two are far more attractive than I thought you were. Nonetheless, you both will die here today, can't have anyone ruining father's plan.".

Michael scoffed, "You think you can kill us?".

She shakes her head, "You underestimate me, Michael the Great.".

"Watch out for her," I warn them, "She's like a snake, full of surprises.".

Behind her, two elites accompany her with an army of foot soldiers; all ready to fight and kill us. That was their one intention today, to make sure we die. Michael and Aru each draw their weapon and I follow suit, even though Michael steps in front of me, blocking my view.

They send in the first wave of foot soldiers, who are not hard to take down, but we know that they were just a distraction. Each elite rushes at Michael and Aru, so that leaves Xenia to me. This was her plan all along. Xenia, no doubt, is a better fighter than me, but I'm still pretty good.

She makes the first move running at me, jumping up and hitting her sword against mine. I use my body weight to push her sword off and kick her in her gut, making her double over. I use this to my advantage and kick her hard. She grabs my ankle half kick, lifting me up and throwing me to the ground; the wind knocks out of me. She throws a dagger at me but I roll out of the way, standing up quickly on the defense.

The elites have Michael and Aru busy; the elite fighting Michael is fast, hitting Michael in one place and quickly moving to another place. Michael's having a hard time focusing his attack on where the elite is. Aru, on the other hand, is having a hard time locating his elite because he has a charm allowing him to blend into his surroundings.

Xenia runs at me, jumping into the trees, making it difficult to see where she is. She falls down right next to me with a kick in my side. My sword flies out of my hand towards the forest and I fall near the water. I never come unprepared, though. I take out a dagger and smile.

"Princess," Xenia says with a smirk, "I'm surprised; you're definitely a much tougher opponent than I thought you would be.".

I smile, "Well Xenia, a lot has changed.".