I had not for the slightest bit imagined that my baby brother would be alive let alone be king. In fact the thought had fled my mind so much so that I didn't even remember having any sibling. Sweet family moment aside he wanted me dead which I guess explained a lot about our family. For starters I was now sure that if I did have other siblings they were all probably dead. Acting dumb was not an option so I got up and decided to ask questions later after giving Dennis a nice beating.
I dove into him with a fistful of fury and an unsuccessful tackle. He was insanely sturdy for his small build nullifying the simulations I had run in my head. Rekab screamed at him and using the opportunity I landed a surprise blow straight to his face causing to stagger a few steps. I flew at him with a kick successfully knocking him down. What was supposed to immobilise him only managed to piss him off as he noticed the sand I had used to reinforce my kicks. From the looks of it he was finally serious.
I hadn't blinked before he tore through my sand armour with his fist sending me flying into a displaced tree. At breakneck he caught up to me and gave me yet another blow to the rib cage taking out a few he drove me to the ground. I coughed out some blood followed by a painful stridor as blood seeped into my lungs.
"We ain't done yet," he laughed maniacally tossing me like a rag doll all over the place.
Once more he picked me up, I threw sand in his eyes and with a makeshift dagger stabbed him on the throat. In disbelief I attempted again as the blade refused to pierce his skin. It felt illogical and strange, like trying to pierce a rubber wall with a doorknob. With a knocked out Rekab and my fatal wounds I was starting to lose a lot of blood as well as hope.
I don't know why I was starting to remember now, at first it came off as blurry images, like trying to see someone in the rain through a dirty old lense. With each passing second each face and moment became clearer. Ah yes, so this is what it's like to have my life was flashing before my eyes.
"You're filth, a stain on the holy bloodline, like oil in milk you refuse to vanish so I must scoop you out and dispose of you, lost prince." he cackled relentlessly pummeling me.
"F*ck Valhalla," I coughed as my vision slowly faded.
"I'm sorry I'm late master, " I heard a familiar voice as I began to lose consciousness.
"Save Rekab," was all I managed to say and then it all went black.
I woke up to the sight of a horse nibbling at my hair, my so called friends and the ceiling of what appeared to be a cave. Thank heavens I had summoned that horse just in time.
"Where is Rekab," I demanded as I rose from what I had assumed to be a pile of leather.
"I'm fine and so are you thanks to our caretaker right there. " she pointed behind me and I jumped in surprise in fact shock.
Antero Vipunen, the shaman giant who was believed to be a myth. I had been sleeping on his lap this entire time and without noticing it too. Vipunen held vast knowledge of spells that were used even during creation. It was basically standing in the presence of a god.
"How long have I been asleep," I enquired.
"Just a day, those blows should have killed you but for some reason you survived till your horse brought us all here. "Onit replied as the crew crowded around me in excitement and what seemed to be relief.
"Great Antero, I am indebted to you." I bowed still confused by why he had let me sleep in his lap.
The giant stood up and threw me down, though my flesh had healed my ego was hurt.
He began, "You need not be invested in politics to know that a law is only as good as the number of people it brings convenience, so long as the majority is displeased, rebellion is bound to occur. That, child, goes for any and every law even the laws of the universe. However, using power, a law, decree or notion can be reinforced to force even the rebels to comply."
"You have piqued my interests boy therefore I will share with you and your friends the secrets of the universe, the art of reinforcement."