The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 20: Bad News, Good News

In the small village of Novad, Guru found himself at death's door as he was faced with not two, but three of Krinx's generals.

The permanent scowl on his face complimented the foul attitude when he spoke.

Pippy, the tallest of the generals had skin the color of putrefied lemonade and eyes grey as the fog on a mountain road. These features were complemented with hair color that resembled white chalk.

Ni'lerh was known as one of the most handsome men in the kingdom. He had ivory skin, sea green eyes and chocolate brown hair which drew women to do any and everything he wanted.

However, due to his dashing looks, his vain and narcissistic personality only accentuated the ugliness he tried to keep inside.

Lastly, Cheyk was a tall man who had a commanding presence. He had violet eyes, freckles that ran across the bridge of his nose and wore a unique helm that covered his orange hair.

"I'm actually quite disappointed, I was hoping to get more of a fight out of you." Pippy said while shaking his head.

Ni'lerh grinned as Cheyk added, "I guess you really can't expect much from a mere thief."

Down on his hands and knees, Guru coughed up blood as he attempted to pull himself off the ground.

Despite his valiant effort, he was forced to lean against a tree for support. His inability to continue fighting, let alone stand, brought amusement to the on looking generals.

"I had no idea they'd be this strong." He muttered to himself.

At that moment a rift opened between Guru and the generals. They knelt before the mere presence of a slightly shorter than average man with long black hair and hazel eyes, who had passed through the rift.

"Tech, to what do we owe the honor?" they greeted.

Hearing the name Tech, Guru thought. You have got to be kidding me, General Tech himself, how did I get so lucky?

Pausing for a moment to admire the landscape, "I come bearing orders from Krinx himself. You're the one named Guru, correct?" Tech asked while turning to face him.

Guru spat out blood once more while attempting to catch his breath.

"Wretched fool, kneel before General Tech and answer him while you still have a tongue to speak with." shouted Pippy.

The three generals forced Guru to kneel and lower his head.

"Answer now or offer him your tongue." Cheyk demanded while drawing his blade.

Not giving into threats, Guru remained silent.

"Stubborn fool, you have no say in the matter. Whether you verbally relay the message or we send one of our own, the Resistance will understand his intentions." Tech explained while heading back to the rift.

As the three generals began to beat Guru severely, Tech walked back through the rift that faded behind him.

"Pick him up, pick him up!" Cheyk hastily ordered.

It took both Pippy and Ni'lerh to hold up Guru's large frame. "Aren't thieves supposed to be small and agile?" Pippy grunted with an annoyed look on his face.

Ni'lerh laughed so hard that he almost let Guru fall over and crush Pippy. "Whoa, whoa, its okay it's okay. I got em." he reassured Pippy.

Cheyk approached Guru and grabbed his face sternly. "Look at me damn it!" he demanded.

With nothing left to give, only faint moans escaped Guru's mouth.

"Still with us buddy?" Pippy inquired with a chuckle.

"Oh he's with us." Cheyk said as his eyes began to glow a bright shade of purple. "Whether he likes it or not"

The generals, content with the damage done to Guru's battered body, withdrew their assault and faded away themselves, but not before giving him one last parting gift.

Ni'lerh, who stood closest to him, spat on his face in the greatest form of disrespect. Panting for air, Guru's near lifeless body that was riddled with cuts and bruises laid alone with his life slipping away. His vision continued to blur until finally it went black.