The Custodian Chronicles: The Rising (Finished)

Chapter 38: Blood Faced

Cedrick fell back. Heklis stabbed down. Cedrick blocked his blow, pushed him back then pulled himself up. He could feel how worn out his body was. Heklis didn't seem to be tired at all.

Heklis laughed. "Come on, boy! Let's play!"

Swords clashed. Cedrick ducked as Heklis swung at his head then blocked his second blow. Cedrick kicked back. Heklis had to jump back to avoid the strike. The two men circled each other.

They clashed steel once again. The ping sent a jolt through Cedrick. He wasn't sure how long they'd been fighting. They'd marched into the city that morning. Cedrick thought the sun must be on its descent, but he didn't have time to look and be sure.

Heklis laughed as Cedrick pulled back for a moment. "What are you waiting for?" He taunted. "I already gave you a chance to end it all. I offer it still now." Heklis opened his arms. "Come to me now."

Cedrick smiled. "Sure." Heklis stopped. "Right there." Cedrick drove his sword towards Heklis's open chest. Heklis jumped back and blocked his strike.

"Oh, bad form." Heklis said.

"You hit far lower." Cedrick replied. He pulled back his sword. Heklis swung at Cedrick's feet. Cedrick jumped over the blade. He swung down at Heklis's arm. Heklis blocked it. He sent a jet of water at Cedrick's face. Cedrick absorbed it. The cool water felt good as the essence of it went through his body.

"Come on, you'll need to move faster than that." Heklis taunted. "Come on. Fight me, boy." Cedrick swung. Heklis blocked. "Swing and block, swing and block, what is the point?" Heklis jeered. "Come, come now, we waste time. End it now." Cedrick swung at Heklis's neck, forcing him to stop as he ducked. "Just end it now, boy. Enjoy all I have for you."

Cedrick swung again. "You mean slavery? I think I'll stick with my world; thank you." He attacked. Heklis leapt back.

Cedrick wanted to put down his sword and stretch his arms out so badly, but he couldn't think about it. He was too busy defending himself.

Cedrick swung hard. Heklis blocked it and pushed Cedrick back. "Just give in." Heklis pleaded. "Must all of them die? You already lost one today. Must you lose more?" Anger flare inside Cedrick. He swung at Heklis once more. Heklis blocked the strike. "Was she dear to you?" Heklis smiled wickedly. "What was she; your lover, wife, friend?" A light came into Heklis's eyes. "Or perhaps a sister. With that fair hair and skin, must have been your sister." Heklis smiled. "And you could have stopped her death. Why do you allow others to die for your stupidity?" Cedrick swung again, but again, Heklis deflected it. "Who will be next?" He taunted. "Your father? Brother? Maybe I'll skip more deaths and find your dear friend. I would very much like to feel her soft skin again."

Cedrick sent a blast of energy at Heklis. This was so strong it sent him flying back. Heklis fell down the hill. Cedrick jumped down after him.

Heklis struggled to his feet. "Well," He smiled, "I seem to have touched a nerve." He pushed himself up. "You care for her, quite a bit for the short time you've been friends. You must have lots in common."

Cedrick swung at Heklis's face. Heklis ducked and jumped back. He swung at Cedrick, but he blocked it. He turned and mashed his elbow in Heklis's face.

Heklis screamed and pulled back. His nose bled afresh. Cedrick stood ready for his retaliation. "You enjoy breaking my nose, don't you?" Heklis smiled slightly at Cedrick. He had to use his pinching spell to stop the bleeding again. "You're good at it," He smirked, "but not enough to best me."

Cedrick stiffened his jaw and swung. Heklis blocked once more. He sent energy through the blade into Cedrick's. Cedrick felt that awful pain again. He jumped back, but his sword still burned. Cedrick dropped it. This time the sword held strong.