Thornblade Chronicles - Volume 1

Chapter 14

Eli hurried to the castle's entrance, hoping to escape without resistance from more guards. The stronghold felt somewhat empty; he had knocked many unconscious on his way to saving Curtis. His heart sank as he thought about the boy, his friend. Fully believing it was his fault the boy had ever been placed in that position pushed Eli to make amends as soon as possible.

When Eli approached the castle's entrance, he found a line of guards blocking the gateway with shields. Looking around, he wondered if there was another method of exiting. When he could not think of any viable solution, Eli considered how to circumvent the guards. As he got closer, the swordsman unsheathed his sword and chained Bursor before and after Profecti, aiming the blade behind him and slightly downward. A large burst of air came out of the sword, and Eli launched into the air and over the other guards, landing safely on the other side.

After crossing the bridge over the castle's moat, Eli chained Bursor with Vertila, slashing at the cobblestone path, destroying it to keep guards away from the rest of the kingdom. Though he knew it would not be a permanent solution, he understood that this bought him some time.

Eli froze momentarily, wondering how he would find the inn. Having been there only a few times—led there by the Bronze Foxes—he was lost. Since he could see the courtyard where he found Sarah from his chambers, Eli felt that would be as good a start as any to find the inn.

On his journey to reach the courtyard, many people cowered in fear from the Mienard, running back into their homes. He watched as they locked their doors and blocked their windows. He could not blame them. Not only had Ilkama taken away their loved ones and put them under his spell, but he had also likely killed those, like Curtis, who tried to be heroes. Meanwhile, Eli had been by his side for several weeks, doing nothing to actually help the citizens. Wondering if he was worthy of the Bronze Foxes' trust, Eli pushed forward; he would atone for his mistakes alone if needed.

Once he reached the now-empty Courtyard, Eli's gaze snapped around, trying to find a path. Recognizing the bridge leading into the kingdom, the castle in the distance, and the point Sarah found him lying in the grass, he looked to the left of the palace. Noticing a familiar corridor, he smiled, confirming, "That must be where the inn is."

Hurriedly, Eli sprinted through the maze of corridors, confident in his assessment. Recognizing the area, he began following the path he had once taken with Sarah. Eventually discovering the maze's exit, he found ten guards standing outside the inn. "Get him!" one yelled. The team began their assault against Eli. One after another, the guards slashed at Eli before forming a ring around him. Eli hesitated, not knowing how to knock them out separately; giving one any attention would give an opportunity to the other nine to attack him.

The guards charged simultaneously, giving the Mienard no opportunity to block them all. Ducking under the blades, Eli drew Repeiletus before plunging the sword into the ground below him. Protective stones spiked up from the floor, disarming the soldiers and knocking them back. Quickly, Eli climbed over his barrier and jumped over his adversaries' heads. When he ran into the inn, he saw the innkeeper had a shocked expression. Not giving her time to ask questions, Eli sprinted up the stairs and began slamming his fist against the Bronze Foxes' door.

"Sarah!" he exclaimed. In a panic, he began using both fists. "Please, open the door! It is urgent!" His nervous voice caused others nearby to check on the noise. "Sarah!"

"Coming! My apologies!" Sarah called, scrambling towards the door. When she opened it, she scanned Eli's body.

"Eli?" she gasped, "You are here? I knew you would come back!" she cheered, grabbing his arms and dragging him into the room and closing the door behind them. Murmurs could be heard from the crowd they attracted, but they quickly dispersed.