REMEMBRANCE CROSS

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

It was early in the morning the next day when War woke up. He looked out the window. A dull, eerie light spread through the pre - dawn sky. A cold wind blew and a few leaves flew by the window of the high tower.

Something feels strange. This day, this minute feels like no other.

War got dressed - complete with the armour, grabbed his sword, tucked his knife in the cloth tied around his hip and stepped out. They were going to 'pay a visit' to the temple of goddess Rena on the outskirts of the town today. A dark smile stretched his lips. It was beginning - the adrenaline rush, the excitement, the sheer thirst for power which was soon going to be quenched. He felt all of this every single time he went raiding or hunting. He was powerful. Nobody would abandon him again. They would not dare to. He shall not be treated like a vermin again. He was not an unwanted child anymore. He was not.

I am invincible. I am one of a kind.

So thinking, War sent an attendant to send Theban to the court.

Fifteen minutes later the courtiers were all assembled.

'You know all too well why we have assembled here.' War began.

'Today, we are going to raid the temple dedicated to the goddess Rena. It is some ten miles away, so we shall take our horses with us.'

'My - my Lord..I..pardon my intrusion..ah..I'm being rude..' started Kiro, the minister.

'Of course. You are being rude.' War cut in, his voice low, rough and menacing. He looked at his minister exasperated. 'What do you want?' He barked.

'I... that is.... will we be riding in the carriages?' Kiro asked and immediately felt like an idiot.

Shit. I shouldn't have asked. Idiot, who goes in carriages for a raid? Kiro thought.

War laughed. It was not an 'Oh my, my friend cracked a joke, so I'm amused' laugh. It was more like a 'Seriously? Are you a bride? You should just die' kind of a laugh. The whole court tensed.

'Kiro, I would like to ask you a question. Tell me, my clever minister..are you going to the temple to raid it or are you going there to get married to prince charming?' War asked.

Kiro  became red in the face. Damn him. He's such a hateful man.

War rolled his eyes. Calmed himself exaggeratedly and spoke again addressing the whole court.

'So, I suppose Theban would have briefed you the details. The temple has a very big compound. High walls surround it. It has four entrances each in one direction. You have been divided into six groups in all. Group one, two, three and four, attack the north, south, east and the west entrances respectively. The last two groups are relatively bigger because they will help in raiding and capturing. Theban will head the fifth group and I, the sixth.'

War paused and looked around.

These many people should do. After all, I don't think priests could put up much of a fight.

War thought.

Half a day later the coven reached the temple. War looked at it. Not only did it look divine, but War could not help but notice that a pure heavenly aura surrounded it. The smell of the heavy incense could be smelt in the air even though they were standing at least fifty meters away from the temple gate. Suddenly, music floated through the air. It was unbelievably soothing, like a lullaby to the goddess herself. Cymbals, and strings -  both light and heavy - played. A sweet voice was singing a slow song - incantations from ancient prayers that no one bothered to even read through anymore.

What a beautiful voice! thought War.

His eyes had widened in amazement. He was having goose bumps. Never had he, in his twenty years of existence heard such divine, heart - wrenching and sincere tones.

Who does this mesmerizing voice belong to? thought War.

Slowly, the music came to an end and faded into silence. War snapped out of his momentary trance.

I am SUCH an idiot. What, just what did I come here to do? Did I come here to attend a concert and praise the songstress? I must not lose focus, thought he.

Slowly, War turned around, steering his horse and said in a loud and clear voice

'Men..let the attack..BEGIN!'

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Hope you are all liking 'Remembrance Cross'. Please continue reading it! thank you! :)