The Vagabond Princess [Wainwright Series 1]

VAGABOND 34: Codhille's Voice

KHANARIE

This elasticity, surges through my veins.

Gaya ito noong gabing pinatay ko si Giancarlo. Walang kinatakutan. Walang inaatrasan. Walang pinagsisihan.

It's scary.

I spin and glide from side-to-side. The mobility of my body increase over the past few months of rehab. I highly praise Manong Edong for this treatment he have given us. Without his guidance, I am not as flexible and precise with my movements. I duck as a sword aims for my neck. I lash my glave knife to his lower abdomen and turn again.

Sinunod ko namang tamaan ang batok ng isa ngunit hindi ko nagawa agad dahil sa isang baril na tumutok sa akin. Napamura ako sa isip ko nang mababalewala ko ang una kong kinalaban. Bago pa ako makapwesto ulit ng bago ay inunahan na patayin ni Prinston ang tumutok sa akin ng baril.

"Thanks, Prins!" I thank him and hit another man.

"No problem!"

"These people are surprisingly popping out of nowhere!"

"I agree!"

"I think we need Kuya Dona."

"We actually do. Aren't you going to find Viera?" He asks.

In the back of my mind, I wanted to find her. This is the one of the most dangerous mission we have ever encountered. And knowing that one of my sisters is part of this makes me vulnerable. But I have to believe in her, I should believe in Viera's capability in keeping herself safe. She is no longer a child, she knows her way out of here.

"She is fine. Do not worry about her."

"What?!"

"Focus, Prinston!" Sermon ko sa kaniya at muling umatake.

I glance to Codhille's direction. I wish to fight alongside him right now. And in the future where we are all free from any doubt and hardship.

I looked away from him. Getting myself back on the battlefield.

I laugh dryly as I glare at the king who had a scornful look piercing at me. I click my tongue and advance on him. Everyone who tries to block me meets my bloody blades. Others moved away which paved the way towards King Connor Unverferth.

I hit his shoulders when I got close. He let go of his sword and I cross my arms to slash his chest. Napaurong siya at natisod patalikod. His sword was out of his grasp so I hit his chest once more. "This is for my family!" I push him back when he tried to stand. "This is for infiltrating the people from Town Ili-jea and Town Prukkehiya!" Tinadyakan ko ang kaniyang sikmura at tinapat ang patalim sa kaniyang mata. I want to dig his eyes off. I don't like seeing it. "This is for the innocent people who got involved with you!"

Tutusukin ko na sana ang mata niya nang magpintig ang tainga ko sa sinabi niya. "Do that and your sisters will be in danger," he threatened me.

My energy drained instantly. Sweat run cold down my spine. "What did you do?" I ask him coldly while moving away from him and pulling away my weapon.

His lips twitch into a sly smile. "Hulaan mo, Khanarie Wainwright. Bago maging katapusan mo rin." Humalakhak siya at napadukot ako sa reinforcement flare ko na nakasabit sa aking tagiliran. Pinasindihan ko ito upang ibigay paalam sa iba naming mga kasama na kailangan na namin ang isa't isa ngayon.

Na kailangan ko sila sa pamilya ko.

A red light strike the dark sky. Sparks scattered through the wind and hue shade the peaceful night.

I took a deep breath and gathered all of my energy once again. We came so far, we are this close to victory. Close for our freedom. We will not cower. I will not bow down and surrender. This is the end.

"Katapusan mo ito, hindi ako!" Natulala naman ang hari sa akin at pinugutan ko siya ng ulo. I felt five guns pointed at me and secretly smiled. I can dodge them.

"KHANARIE, LOOK OUT!" Codhille's voice shook me and the world stopped.

Hinarang niya ang sariling katawan at sinalo ang mga bala na tatama sa akin. His blood splattered on my face, my lips quivered in fear and pain. His eyes wandered on mine as if there was something wrong. Gusto kong sigawan siya. Gusto kong sermonan siya.

Pero paano? Paano ko magagawa 'yon kung unti-unti siyang namamatay sa harapan ko?

His breathing is ragged and his eyes are slowly closing. Nang wala ng bala, sinalo ko siya at bumigay na ang mga tuhod ko. Malagkit ang kaniyang likod dahil sa dugo at pilit pa siyang nagsasalita. Naramdaman ko ang paggalaw ng labi niya pero walang boses na lumalabas. I hug him lightly and cried. I hear nothing at all. I can't hear anything. Am I deaf?

"AAAH!" I yelled at the top of my lungs.

Why did you do that, Codhille? I wouldn't harm myself. I am not ready to lose myself.

"Ahh!" I whimper beside him. I'm not ready to lose you! Codhille, we had a deal! "Co-Codhille! No!"

"Khanarie?" Killio's presence brought me back to reality. He tried helping me up, but I did not let go of Codhille. Tiningnan ko siya, na nangungusap sa kaniya. Nagpatuloy sa pag-agos ang aking mga luha dahil dito. "Killio, take him away from here... P-please... Bring him to the doctors! H-he needs to live! SAVE HIM!" I beg.

He was taken aback, but took Codhille from me and fled from the battlefield.

This is your fault. You did not listen again. You were not sensitive again. You repeated your mistake, Khanarie. Ngayon, napahamak mo na buhay ni Codhille.

"Wait for me, Codhille," I grip my glave knives and look at the enemies. I saw the firstborn of the Unverferths who smugly smiled.

I will end this, Codhille. Kaya kapag natapos ito, dapat buhay ka pa rin. I will live for the both of us. For our future.

"I want to hear youmore. Call me General Wainwright once more."