My Throne of Light (Seven Knights Fanfiction)

Chapter 41: Charity Work

"So how does it feel to have your birthday spent doing a charity work for the Mystic Woods, milord?" Rudy joked as they walked towards the said camp of the ghouls. He only heard Kris snort loudly as an answer before the friend stopped him through hand gestures. "Are they here now?"

"Don't you feel that?" Kris turned to his friend. "The Core." He ground his teeth as they started crouching to peak at the grounds past the thick undergrowth. "I thought she disposed of that."

"By she, you mean Sarah?" Rudy frowned at the blond.

Kris froze for a while before they heard someone talking and walking out the cave at a distant. The Knights ducked down to hide. He watched the mysterious-looking floating shaman talk to an undead soldier.

"Remember, if we get this thing up and running, we will be able to drive that reaper out of the graves." He tapped his stick against the chest the soldier was holding. "Wish that, this time, it would be sturdier than the last one. And that the Knight is weakened enough." He looked around. "I'm going to cause a diversion they cannot resist. Get that thing where it should be."

The shaman left the area, and the soldier waited for its henchmen before marching away from the cave. After them were ghouls who started loitering in the area, making sure no one can follow them without a noise. The two Knights began discussing among themselves.

"This can't be good." Rudy signaled Kris to join him and follow the soldier with the chest from a distance. "They are planning to lure us again by wreaking trouble. Kris" -the brunet turned to his friend- "I'll retrieve the chest. You stop that shaman."

The noble took a hold on Rudy's shoulder. "Are you sure? That thing blinded you for days. Let me-"

Rudy grabbed Kris' wrist lightly. "I can't risk that thing corrupting you, Kris."

"You don't think I can withstand that?"

The brunet did not answer; he just turned away to see where the soldier was heading. Rudy looked at Kris again. "You have to promise me that you won't let that chest be opened no matter what." His grip tightened. "Promise me."

Kris nodded before making his way past Rudy and out of sight of the ghouls and skeletons. The brunet pursed his lips in worry before making his way to where the shaman would be. He did not know where the soldier was taking the chest. He just hoped it will be remain sealed until he joins Kris again.

The shaman finally reached his destination: the other camp. He met with other ghouls and skeletons. "Everyone, today, we will mark another day in the history of man! We will get rid of Light- and that stupid reaper!" He outstretched his bony arms and moved his body as if enchanting them. "Raid every corner of the woods! Kill everything that moves! Paint the ground with their blood!"

The monsters cheered and began mobilizing- just when Rudy jumped out of his hiding place. The monsters cried in joint fear and aggression.

"I'm sorry, I can't let you do what you wish. Leave the Mystic Woods now or face the judgment of the Goddess!" He brandished his sword and his shield.

The shaman chuckled. He then growled as if agitated. "Kill the Knight! Feast on his flesh!" He conjured balls of darkness. "We will have his head!"

Rudy took a deep breath before fighting against multitude of enemies. He was indeed outnumbered, but he had no choice but to kill as many as he can. It was a hard fight; he failed to attack whenever the shaman had an opening. The ghouls jumped in his way every time; they were revived shortly in return. The brunet had no chance of winning; he was only stalling them as long as he could. Any minute now, he might fall.

"Force of lightning!!"

A voice thundered through the woods. A spear of light landed in front of Rudy, pushing the monsters away from him with the astounding blast. Rudy, however, was just lucky he was able to hide behind his shield when it happened.

"Rise! Phoenix of fire!"

A bird made of flame flew around the monsters and burn them into dust. Too much they cannot be revived. The shaman abruptly retreats through his portal, leaving the ghouls to be incinerated.

Two females ran to Rudy, one picking him up from his knees. He looked up at them, somehow relieved.

Eileene smirked at him. "You shouldn't befighting a lot all alone, Rudy. Now" -she turned to the ghouls-"where shall we send these critters?""