When Karma dances against you

It’s been two days since Conrad left with his group, the messenger hawk I sent to the King has arrived back. He asks that we return with the relic as soon as possible, after the relic is in safe custody we’re free to round back in order to retrieve Conrad. By then he should be finished with his mission, that said right now everything is preparing to disembark. Some members decided to stay behind and wait for Conrad in case something went wrong. Meanwhile the main force and I will be heading back to the kingdom as soon as possible, all that’s left is for my men to come back from the storage room. After that everything should-

“CAPTAIN! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!”

“What?”

Just when I thought things were going well, my men returned carrying one of our members who was lightly bruised and breathing heavily. I walked over with concern and asked about his health.

“Are you alright?”

“Don’t worry about me captain, we need to stop Conrad. He made it off with the relic.”

“WHAT!”

Nearby soldiers heard me and looked over in puzzlement, as for me I couldn’t help but remember something. Conrad’s sword was broken, so where did he get a new sword? Especially one with such sophisticated craftsmanship, craftsmanship that should’ve been familiar to me. If he really has done what all the evidence points toward...Oh No!

“My men, change of plans! I order all men who’re still finishing preparations to stay at the base and wait on standby. All able troops are to follow me at once, and frontier patrolmen you are to wait here with my men on standby. On the off chance that something happens please set up a border watch and dispatch soldiers to Lenore Hills. This is a state of emergency, the threat level is red and bordering on crimson! Failure of this defense operation may lead to the kingdom being in grave danger!”

I notice the prince and his attendant looking at me. I didn’t want to do this but I need the prince’s resonance right now. I pull them aside and explain to them the situation, since their directly involved with the palace they can hear this information. Of course upon hearing what I had to say, the both of them looked at me with pale faces. The prince nearly had a panic attack, Raine had to knock his sense back into him. I told Raine to send an emergency message to his majesty, he needs to know we’ve been compromised. The prince knowing how bad things are about to get agreed to come along. We’re in a race against time now.

I gathered my rag tag group of soldiers, and we rushed on horseback into the forest. I feel sorry for the terrified men back at base, they know they must defend but they don’t know from what. I’m such a fool, why did I think Conrad was mentally sound? He was acting the whole time, all in order to get the tools necessary for his revenge. I can only hope that the relic hasn’t ruined his mind yet. However, even if he survives it, I doubt he’ll get off lightly. Let’s not worry about punishments for now, instead let’s focus on what’s important. Getting the rel- No, getting that sword away from Conrad as soon as possible. That blade is a weapon that no normal man can wield.

****

...Did that just happen? A moment ago, the Sub-boss was prepared to cleave some bozos in two. Now there he lays, with his head laying next to him. Dear gods, I got him killed! OH F***! I did this I-I think I’m gonna be sick.

“Thief…”

“Huh?”

“Calm down, and keep your head low.”

After Rat calmed me down and got my attention, Steve tapped my shoulder and indicated we should crouch. These guys, damn it I need to get it together! I can’t keep troubling my friends like this, still just who the hell is this guy. Why does he look familiar.

“You forgot didn’t you?”

“What?”

“That’s the bloke from the other day.”

Bloke from the other day? Rat what the hell are you-Uh oh!

Y-You Bastard! Don’t you dare walk away from me! You won’t get away with this!

YOU’VE GOT TO BE S***TING ME! HE’S STILL ALIVE! GODS WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME! It’s fine I doubt things can get any-

“Alright maggots, I’ll give you this as a reminder of the few minutes you have left. Remember the clock is ticking.”

Immediately, that one eyed son of a bitch kicked Sub-boss Rich’s head into the crowd. Panic immediately filled the room, Bandit C even screamed. He actually has a pretty feminine voice, wait C is like Jasmine, I’ve never heard him speak before. Well I’ll take that as a bad omen, we really are f***ed aren’t we. Right as people began to calm down, the bloke sighes and starts speaking again.

“Oh right, I never gave a proper description of the guy did I? So here’s who I’m looking for the bastard has an average build, looks around my age, has dark gray eyes, a slight scar on his right cheek, and let’s not forget that cocky personality. The bastard had the pleasure of taking my right eye, and seemed pretty pleased about it too. Perhaps he told you the tale.”

Immediately everyone froze, there’s no way these guys know its- Wait a minute!

HEY YOU GUYS SHOULD”VE SAW WHAT I DID, I STABBED A GUYS EYE OUT AND HE BEGAN CRYING LIKE A LITTLE BITCH!

Why did I brag so much back then? Alright well at least we have some camaraderie, there’s no way these guys would-Why is Kenny smiling?

“Hey Cyclops!”

“Huh?”

“I know the identity of the guy you’re looking for.”

“You don’t say?”

The bloke starts walking over to Rich’s corpse with his sword raised, Kenny meanwhile is giggling to himself as everyone watches in horror. Is this prick really about to snitch on me, and here I am keeping Steve from running down there to deck him. The people on the ground floor are starting to panic again, if he snitches why shouldn’t they. That’s when that little hairball began to negotiate with that one eyed prick.

“Here’s what I want, I want you to let me go. I don’t care what you do to these guys, you do me that favor and I’ll-”

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU’RE TALKING TOO!”

The prick immediately cuts off one of Rich’s lifeless arms and throws it at Kenny. Never thought I’d ever see a fist fly perfectly into someone’s mouth, I think kenny lost some teeth. Kenny pried the hand out his mouth and began to spit out teeth and vomit from the pain. His reward for his attempt was the lecture that bloke started to give him.

“Tell me, why should I, a knight, make a deal with a thief. You have some nerve thinking your words hold any power over me, I think you’ll be the first person I kill.”

“Y-you bastard…!”

All Kenny could do was curse as he coughed and held his mouth. I was mesmerized by the violence taking place, that’s when Rat tapped my shoulder and asked if I had any pocket sand on me. I said yeah and gave him two full bags of it, Rat then took out his crossbow and began to aim for the ceiling. As he set it up, one of the guys down below began sweating profusely. He then started to look back towards the stairs, and then his eyes fell on me. The guys sweat began to fall like a waterfall, and sadly that one eyed bloke noticed.

“What’s wrong need some water over there, you seem to be sweating alot.”

“...”

“Why so silent, what is there something-”

The guy’s vision slowly worked it’s way up to me, and then he went silent. We both blinked at the same time, that guy’s mouth literally went agape for a moment. As if he was a fish out of water, then his face slowly took on a color of rage. *Click* Finally Rat’s crossbow was prepared, took him long enough. Well, only one thing to do.

“RAT, TAKE THE F***ING SHOT!”

“IT’S YOU!!!!!”

Immediately the shot hit the ceiling and a smokescreen began hitting the bottom floor obscuring everyone’s vision. I could only yell and pray they could make it away.

“EVERYONE SCATTER!”

I motioned the other guys on the stairs near us to fall back, meanwhile as we made our escape, our one eyed friend wasn’t pleased at all with this.

“YOU BASTARD! KNIGHTS GET THEM, DON”T LET A SINGLE ONE LIVE!”

And so, the deadly game of cat and mouse began.

****

You have to be kidding me, he was waiting there the whole time! I was standing there like an idiot wasting precious effort! GODDAMN HIM!

“Uh, Sir Conrad? What should we-”

“DON’T DISTURB ME!”

I can’t help but rage right now, I don’t have time to deal with simpletons. Right as I thought that some disgruntled guy walked up to me.

“Dammit, this isn’t the time to be an asshole! Especially when you got almost half our guys killed just getting here. We’re in a state of disarray, and you, our leader, are not focused! GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF!”

“Yeah, he’s right!”

“Well, what’s it gonna-”

I didn’t let that bastard finish, I stabbed his neck through with my sword. The guy who supported him started screaming, then I rushed up to him and sliced through his collarbone and to his heart. I must say, this sword’s sharpness is a dream come true! That said, why are these idiots staring at me like some scared children? I guess I’ll direct them since they can’t do it themselves.

“Unless you want to get executed for insubordination, I suggest you get a move on and hunt down those thieves. For every moment you waste, unable to find the one I hate, I’m killing another one of you. Do I make myself clear?”

No one said anything, they all ran through the thick could of dust surrounding the area. That’s right my hounds, go bite.

****

HOLY F***ING S***! It’s pandemonium down here! S***’s hit the window this time, how am I gonna get out of this one!

“Hehehehe!”

“What the hell is so funny Rat!”

“You look like you’re finna piss yourself Thief.”

He’s probably right, I just saw a goddamn ghost. Why is that prick I beat up here! I’d expect Goltas, but him and why was he so strong! I know he’s an expert at tracking, but when did he get strong enough to cleave off Rich's head. There’s no way that guy reached Goltas’ level in about a week, so how. As me and the guys ran through the halls we could hear people screaming both friend and foe alike. Soon we got close to the boss’ room.

“Oh thank god, the boss will know what to d-”

“S***, Thief get back!”

“Steve, what’re you-”

Steve grabbed me and covered my mouth with his hand, dealer god it smells like saw dust. Was he craving those wood sculptures again, f*** I’m about to sneeze. I fight my urge to jettison my mucus and notice Rat watching fearfully from the pillar across from us. My eyes followed where his were, and then I saw what terrified Rat. The one eyed prick was in front of the boss’ chambers, he immediately kicked the door in and we could hear Boss Moe and Joffry’s voices as they reacted.

“WHAT! Who the hell are you!”

“That armor, crap it’s a knight.”

“Where is he…”

“Woah, easy there guy. You got the face of a-GAH!”

“I SAID WHERE THE F*** IS HE!”

“Bastard! You ruined my beautiful face!”

We couldn’t see it, but clearly the guy punched Joffry and things were about to get nutty. I began to breathe heavily, the boss is in danger we need to-

“We need to go!”

I paused as Steve removed his hand finally, Rat nodded and jumped from behind the pillar. I began to whisper furiously at Steve.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE NEED TO GO! The boss is in danger!”

“Thief, look at me, do you really think we can help in this situation?”

I paused for a moment. This is the boss and his left hand we’re talking about, they should be able to survive. I nod at Steve and we begin to flee the scene.

****

It’s been ten minutes since Thief and his group made their break for it. A cloud of dust is flowing through the cracked door to Moe’s chambers. The door soon opens, only to show a tired Conrad walking out in frustration.

“Gods! How dare those two bastards manage to escape me, at least I took an eye from one of them. Although I’d rather it had been that guy instead.”

Conrad opens his satchel and take out his canteen. He drank all of its contents and then began moving once more through the fort that smell of blood.

****

Well, he we are currently sitting in my room. We can still hear the voices of both sides fighting, but now’s not the time for that. We have something to discuss.

“How the hell are we gonna deal with that guy?”

“I honestly got nothing?”

“Well think harder Rat! You’re usually the one to figure out the plans for cases like these!”

Rat is completely spent and Steve being the muscle head can’t figure out what to do. I can’t blame them either, those other knights are easy to deal with but what about that one-eyed prick. How do we deal with him? I still don’t get it, how did he become so strong? He had to spend time recovering so I doubt he trained, maybe he drugged up? No we would’ve been able to tell, also where’d he get that new sword from...Wait a minute! That sword, it looked familiar come to think of it! As much as I’d hate to do it's time to think back to that bastard's old lessons. As I thought, Steve was still trying to figure out the best course of action.

“Maybe we can all gang up on him, no he’d shred us easily. Maybe...Damn that won’t work either, what the hell are we-”

“That’s it!”

“What’s it Thief?”

“The problem isn’t that guy, but the sword he’s carrying!”

“What!?!”

I remember now, damn how the hell did that guy get that thing! If he put his hands on it then he really must want me dead. After all, there’s no way he’s gonna live a comfy life once the kingdom gets ahold of him. At the very least, I know what to do.

“I gotta fight him.”

“What, best buddy are you drunk? That guy shredded half our guys by now, he’s gonna waste you.”

“Sorry Steve, I can’t say how I know, but I’m certain about the type of sword he’s using. If I’m correct then right now the only one who can beat that guy is me.”

“Bulls***, if you go out there you’re gonna get killed!”

“I’d say he’s got a fifty fifty chance.”

“Not now Rat! Luck or not, this is this fool’s life we’re talking about.”

Steve start arguing with Rat again, but I stand and put my hand on his shoulder.

“Steve I know you’re worried about me, but I got this.”

“Thief…”

“I’m not gonna die fighting this bloke, I’m gonna live.”

“See, I told you he’d be fine.”

““Shut Up RAT!””

“Heh!”

*Sigh* Even though I feel sure of myself, I have this feeling of dread mixed in my spirit. Despite that I gotta fight, right now I’m the only one who can. However, I can’t do this alone.

“You guys, in order for this to work, I’m gonna need you to help me. Can I trust you guys?”

“*Sigh* You must love dancing with death, let’s hope her husband doesn’t find out.”

“Hehe, I like hanging out with you Thief. You always make things interesting.”

Ha, I really do have the best friends a Low-life can ask for. Alright, let’s get to work, time for Operation Blind Knight!

****

“GET THE HELL OUT MY WAY!”

I cut down the bandit trying to jump me, and quickly behead his friend who tried to pounce on me from behind. I’m so pissed off right now, where the hey is that guy! How much cannon fodder do I have to cut through before I reach the main event! That’s when I heard a trembling voice from the ground.

“C-Captain,help me…”

It was one of my men, he was bleeding out on the floor.

“Did you find the target?”

“No sir, I’m sorry but please help me. I’m going to-”

I stabbed him straight in the heart, if you don’t have good news for me then just die. I swear, where the hell is that guy. Let me think, where can he- Suddenly a gong started to sound.

“What the hell?”

Before I could question what that was, I heard it again. The sound kept going, to the point where it grated my ears. I’m beyond fed up at this point.

“CUT THAT OUT THIS INSTANT!”

For a moment there was silence and then the gong sounded once more. I began to run after the sound, I could hear the bastard’s heavy footsteps as he ran with that f***ing gong. The oaf kept sounding it as they ran, it was like they were trying to purposely piss me off. Eventually I heard something smash against the wall, I paused for a mount. That’s when I saw it, the busted gong next to a dent in the stone wall. I then look and saw a room with the door open, curiosity got the better of me and I looked inside. As I walked in, I was shocked to see who I saw. I couldn’t help but smile, like a child with a new toy.

“So you finally gave up the chase. You bloody thief!”

“Funny, I never told you what my name was.”