The Tale of a Mad King

Chapter 11

He was so stupid. He always knew Kaius had a vendetta against him. Why couldn't he see it? The timing was too perfect. They had just settled things between them so of course, he would be the last person Alexander would think to check. Kaius always hated Alexander because he was better than him. Alexander was more attractive and loved by his people while Kaius was decrepit and despised. Kaius wasn't a bad king per se, his kingdom was always flourishing with wealth and happiness. His people never wanted for anything all thanks to his cunning ways. His cunning ways were also the reason for the people's disdain. The man was always very lonely in his castle, so what he lacked in looks he tried to make up for in brain. He would go into town every once in a while in the hope that he could trick a woman into coming into the castle with him. He had long given up on princess, the nasty things. Always worrying about their hair or their dresses. To consumed by their looks to pass a glance his way. He would trick them by offering them jobs or riches beyond belief. 

There he would trap them, placing his hand on their back his hand would slowly travel down until it rested on their behind. He would then offer to go to a more comfortable place to "negotiate terms". The women however tempted by wealth they were would always refuse, which enraged the senile king. The women were always thrown in the dungeon, never to be seen again. only God knows the torture those poor girls went through. Hopefully, Leah was spared from that fate. It was unlikely but Alexander could hope, couldn't he. Riding out on his horse, army riding behind him Alexander couldn't help but feel exhilarated. He was so close to finding her, so close to holding her in his arms. He could almost smell her. Could almost taste her. It was almost too much to bear. Aiden was not happy to hear they were riding to Kodora. He fought Alexander tooth and nail to just let it go but he couldn't. Not now, not ever. He was so close. In the end, Aiden ended up staying at the castle. Alexander was disappointed but let him, there was no use trying to kick a dead horse. Someone needed to stay with the children anyway.

When they got to Kodora, it was odd. A strange feeling washed over him as he rode through the open city gate. The guards manning the gate just stared at his army. Surely they know what was happening right? They had to. Why were they just letting them in? As they ride through town the trip is oddly quiet. The townspeople are nowhere to be seen. It seemed completely deserted. This greatly unnerved Alexander so he sent some men out to check the town. They wait a while for the men to come back but they never did. Alexander's bad feeling only worsened. They keep going until they reach the castle. When they do it's the same as before the gates open. No fight, just staring. Alexander looks around and notices that more of his men were gone. This wasn't right. He had about two hundred men. Now there's just one hundred and fifty. Just then he heard a trumpet sound off. The king's eyes widen with the realization.  As the trumpet sounded off he heard the war cry of about three hundred soldiers coming out of their hiding spaces and charging at them.

They were surrounded. In all his time going to war Alexander was the one used to being in control. Always one step ahead of the enemy. Always ready for the worst. When had he gotten so out of touch with himself? He had been so caught up with getting Leah back he had forgotten everything he had everything learned about war. Dammit, dammit, dammit. No, it wasn't going to end like this. He is going to get control of this situation. He is going to get Leah back! Quickly thinking of a plan Alexander nods his head and quickly gets to work. Commanding his men to get into a circle formation he put shields in front while the archers shot out arrows from behind them. He and the other swordsmen creep around the edges looking for a weak spot in the enemy formation. On the left side, there was a group of large men. That was it! These men looked strong but they were unbalanced. He could tell by the way they were leaning to one side. Alexander took the chance and called half his swordsmen to attack. Just like he thought, as strong as the men were they were unbalanced and slow. He and men were able to slip past them with ease.