The Azimar Archives Book One- The Book of Death

Ajax

Ajax led Ferrand and his last man to the far western edge of the open farmland south of the castle. It did not take long, surprisingly, though the farmlands were fairly large and the ground sloping. The empty fields made the ride faster, as Ajax was able to lead his horse through lands that should have otherwise been full of growing crops or tilled earth. Ajax considered leading them into the Felgar woods, which loomed in front of him, and perhaps losing them or killing them among the trees. But it would be dangerous, and he was just as likely to get thrown from his own horse. Better to finish this on open ground.

Ajax turned his stolen horse, leaping from the saddle to the ground. He carefully removed the lantern still hanging just behind the horse's shoulder and set it on the ground beside him. It was still lit, the small flame protected by a glass cage. He removed his bag from his shoulder, dropping it on the ground beside the lantern, and smacked the horse firmly on the rear to send her away. He waited in the dark, the treeline just behind him, as Ferrand and the fourth knight brought their horses to a skidding halt. They jumped from their saddles, drawing short swords as they came within fighting range.

"I'm surprised at you, Ajax," Ferrand said. "Fleeing a fight? I thought you were noble, prepared to stand until you were cut down." Ferrand drew a second sword from his hip, this one short and curved. "I suppose I was wrong about you." He smirked, eyes bright. "But you're here now, and this will be the last time I have to deal with you."

The fourth knight's footsteps quickened until he was within striking distance. Ajax met him, and they struggled. The knight was slower than Ajax, but he was also heavier. And better suited to the sword than the other three knights had been. Ajax deflected a blow, his whole arm seeming to vibrate with the force behind it, and sent the tip of his sword into the meat of the knight's stomach. The stab was shallow, but the knight grunted in pain, redoubling his offense. From the corner of his eye, Ajax could see Ferrand watching, annoyed, a sword in each hand.

The knight brought his sword down, and Ajax caught it across the flat of his blade. But the knight was larger and stronger, and he pushed against Ajax's blade until Ajax's leg gave out. Ajax fell to one knee, still holding off the knight, fighting to keep the blade from him. But it inched closer, Ajax's arms burning with the effort.

The knight didn't notice Ferrand stepping closer, his scowl deepening. But Ajax could catch glimpses of him over the knight's shoulder as they struggled. Ferrand will kill me, while this one has me pinned in place. This will be the end.

Ferrand lifted the curved blade, and Ajax shut his eyes, preparing for the blow. A hot spray hit Ajax's face, and the knight suddenly collapsed against Ajax. Ajax struggled against him, opening his eyes to see the heavy knight clasping both hands against his own throat, trying to stem the blood that flowed from a deep cut beneath his chin. Ajax wanted to scream, but he managed to get one foot between himself and the knight, and he kicked the dying man off of him before dragging himself further away, unable to take his eyes off of the knight.

"I told you I wanted to be the one to kill Ajax," Ferrand said. He was watching the knight as he continued to struggle, still scowling darkly. "You should always listen to your commander."

Ajax's stomach turned as the knight's struggles grew weak. Ajax had killed men before, of course. But never one of his own, and never when the man could not defend himself.

The knight stopped moving quickly enough, and Ajax could finally look away. Ferrand stood close by, his short sword and the curved blade still unsheathed.

Ferrand smiled, retreating a few steps and motioning for Ajax to stand. "Get up. I can wait."

Ajax found his knees, searching the ground around him for his sword. It was still where he had dropped it in the struggle against the knight, and he picked it up, pointing it weakly at Ferrand as he pulled himself to his feet.