Novis

Chapter 19

Eric looked down at Thomas, then at the guards surrounding him. He gritted his teeth and stood up with his sword in hand. His apologetic eyes met Thomas' and he closed them, turning his head away.

"Let him die." Lady Sullivan said. Alicea looked down at him, feeling sorry towards him. "I don't have any more time to waste. Guards! Don't leave any part of them alive." The guards around them raised their swords and, at first, a few jumped towards Alicea, but she evaded the first attacks and then slashed the others with her sword, causing them to fall. From the corner of her eye, she saw one rush towards Eric, who remained still. She kicked the guard in front of her away and then jumped backwards and blocked the one who was about to attack Eric. In an instance, she forced him backwards and swung the sword to his legs so that he fell over.

"Eric, I can't save you twice! They're attacking you too! You're going to have to pay attention!" she yelled whilst swinging her sword at the remaining guards. Another guard flung himself towards Eric and Alicea gasped. Eric's sword had already pierced through the armour of the guard. Eric's eyes were still on the ground, but he slowly raised his gaze towards the one he had stabbed. His gaze became like needles, sharp and fierce. He pulled his sword out and kicked another guard out of the way. Alicea watched him, impressed. 

"You have all betrayed me. I no longer see you as my warriors who I had trained. If you continue to follow..." he pointed his sword at Lady Sullivan, "that heartless woman, then I will not hesitate to attack you nor will I hesitate to kill you." Alicea smiled and continued to attack the guards. Just then, a call came from the entrance. It was a familiar voice.

"Eric!" General Lee ran inside, attacking the guards in his way, with a small group of warriors behind him. Eric looked at him with wide eyes. "Eric, are you alright? Come one, I'm getting you away from here." He grabbed Eric's arm, but Eric pulled away.

"N-no, father you don't understand. That woman...that absurd woman is-

"I know! I know everything! That's why I'm getting you out of here." He punched a guard who had snuck up behind him as he spoke.

"What? You're doing it again. No. I'm going to get rid of her before she hurts anyone else."

"You foolish boy! You think you can battle her? She's an elf. She has unimaginable powers. You'll die. Besides, you do not have to. I have spoken with Sir Lance and Chastain and-

"Father!" Eric held his father's gaze for a moment, "Take care of Thomas...he is hurt."  he ran past him towards to where Lady Sullivan was stood.

"Eric, listen to me first!"

General Lee watched him, unable to speak or move.

Alicea's eyes followed Eric as he ran up to Lady Sullivan and stood before her with his sword held out towards her. She ran towards them, whilst the guards fought amongst each other. Eric ran forward and tried attacking Lady Sullivan, but something blocked him and pushed him back, it was almost like an invisible shield. Alicea stood beside him.

"It's no use attacking like that. She's an elf and one power she has is the green shield." Eric looked at her and then back at Lady Sullivan, who smiled. "In other words, normal sword attacks like yours won't even touch her."

"Impressive, Novis. You've done your research on me I see. You must really want to kill me."

"No," Alicea smirked, "I know about all the beings in Alium. I guess you can say it's knowledge that was automatically learnt." Her eyes then fell on the cloak Lady Sullivan was wearing and she rushed forward with her sword but, like Eric, she was forced backwards. "Eric, if we continue to attack, the shield will soon be breakable, but it will just tire us out."