"If I have to die," he gritted his teeth, "it won't be without a fight!" He reached for the sword at his waist, the familiar weight grounding him in the face of overwhelming terror.
With a guttural roar, the Smilodon lunged. Alistair, fueled by adrenaline, surged forward. He didn't try to outrun the beast; he knew it was futile. Instead, he aimed for a desperate gamble – a thrust towards the creature's throat He then Remember he has a sword with . It was a slim chance, but it was his only hope.
The world seemed to slow down. Alistair could see the glint of sunlight reflecting off the Smilodon's fangs, smell the musky stench of its fur. He could almost feel the beast's hot breath on his face. Time stretched, each heartbeat an eternity. Their both eyes Meet with strong anger.
Steel met a sickening crunch, not in the Smilodon's throat as Alistair had hoped, but against its massive shoulder. The creature roared in surprise, the sound like thunder rolling through the trees. It stumbled back, momentarily stunned.
"There!" Alistair yelled, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He surged forward, a desperate gamble fueling his movements. He lunged, aiming this time for the beast's exposed flank.
The air whooshed past his ears as he thrust his blade forward. It connected with a satisfying thud, but the Smilodon wasn't finished. It shrieked in fury, a sound that rattled Alistair's bones. With a lightning-fast swipe of its massive paw, it tore a deep gash across his arm.
"Agh!" Alistair cried out, blood welling up hot and sticky. Pain lanced through him, momentarily blurring his vision. But the pain also fueled his desperation. This was it – his last stand.
Gritting his teeth, he ignored the throbbing wound and launched himself at the beast again. He rolled under a snapping jaw, the fetid breath of the creature washing over him. He scrambled to his feet, heart hammering against his ribs.
"Come on, you overgrown cat!" Alistair yelled, more to bolster his own courage than to provoke the beast. He spotted a chink in the Smilodon's armor – a vulnerable spot beneath its massive chest.
With a final surge of adrenaline, Alistair lunged forward. Time seemed to slow. He could hear the creature's hot breath on his neck, feel the ground rushing up to meet him as he dived beneath the Smilodon's belly.
"Now!" he roared, thrusting his sword upwards, aiming for the vulnerable spot.
A deafening roar filled the air. The Smilodon convulsed, its massive body twisting in a desperate attempt to escape the blow. Alistair's blade struck true, but not as cleanly as he had intended. It grazed the beast's side, inflicting a deep wound but not landing the killing blow.
The Smilodon shrieked in pain and fury. It lashed out with its powerful paw, sending Alistair flying through the air. He landed hard on his back, the breath knocked out of him. Stars danced in his vision as he lay there, momentarily stunned.
He rolled onto his side, coughing and wheezing. The Smilodon, enraged and wounded, stood above him, its eyes burning with hatred. Alistair knew he couldn't stay down for long. He forced himself up, his body screaming in protest. He grasped his sword, his grip slick with sweat and blood.
"Not yet, you beast," he rasped, his voice hoarse. Determination flickered in his eyes, refusing to be extinguished by the overwhelming pain and exhaustion. He wouldn't give up. Not this close to Verdeland.
The Smilodon circled him, its predatory instincts kicking in. It crouched low, preparing for another deadly attack. Alistair mirrored its movements, his breath shallow and ragged. He knew this was a dance with death, and he was a clumsy, wounded lead in this macabre ballet.
The Smilodon lunged. Alistair barely dodged, feeling the wind of its massive paw ruffle his hair as it slammed into the ground where he had stood a second before. He stumbled back, his footing unsteady.
He spotted a fallen log, half-buried in the undergrowth. With a desperate lunge, he rolled towards it, using the momentum to get behind the Smilodon. The creature roared in frustration, turning its massive body with surprising agility to face him again.
Alistair took a moment to catch his breath, hidden behind the log. His body was a tapestry of pain, his arm throbbing fiercely. He needed to end this soon, or the pain would claim him before the Smilodon did.
He peeked over the log, his eyes scanning the creature. It paced back and forth, its powerful muscles rippling beneath its fur. Its injured side oozed blood, a testament to Alistair's earlier strike.
A plan, a desperate one, began to form in Alistair's mind. He knew he couldn't overpower the Smilodon in a straight fight. He had to outsmart it.
He knew the forest. It was his only advantage. It was a tight squeeze, barely wide enough for a man, let alone a hulking creature like the Smilodon.
"There!" he muttered to himself, hope flickering in his eyes despite the pain gnawing at him. It was a gamble, a desperate one, but it was his only shot.
He feigned a charge, brandishing his sword and letting out a loud battle cry. The Smilodon, true to form, charged back, its eyes filled with murderous intent. Just as they were about to collide, Alistair swerved sharply, dodging the creature's razor-sharp claws by a hair's breadth.
He Again Jumped And dodges the attack of the Tiger.
"This Creature Looks Similar to Tiger as because of powerful muscles, razor-sharp claws, the tooth is different I have seen somewhere in book but can't Remember. I Should Take Care About His Fast Reflexes..." Within this the tiger jumped And Alistair Saw the Tiger With A shock And Rolled And Dodges the Attack. The Tiger roars and Alistair not Very Far Distance. The Tiger Step Backed And then One more time Attack but This time Alistair Also With Gasping And Holding Down Locking His one Hand with Injured and Blood Loss, Jumped the Tiger's Eyes and tooth pf the Tiger Looks Dangerous He Striked Down On his throat With the sword, The Sword in the Mouth Jaws down the tiger falled down with pain.
Alistair Rolled And Saw the Tiger Back. He Saw Tiger Was fallen Down.
"I Did it?...." with a smile he saw the Tiger.
The Tiger Soon Became Unconscious and became Still.
Alistair Was Standing seeing the tiger with expressionless way. He Said ,"I killed??.. the tiger??" Suddenly He Started with Small Weired Laugh and suddenly he started to sweat Soon he with scared Face, ran towards the tree trunk and Gasps with tears in eyes and scared expression..
"I killed...The Tiger....I did it.. I killed a Living Creature Just to save my Live and For Survival. I killed him." it was now Night Comming Out The Sunsets.
Alistair sat therewith heads down and thinking he became normal after sometime. but the Pain the bleeding is not Stopping. He then Started to move with pain. holding hos shoulder and towards the Tiger to Taking his Sword Back. He Plugged out the Sword From the Throat of the Tiger which was brutally dagged from throat to the nose. he Dragged out.
He saw Tiger With Very Regretful way and Said, "Dear creature I was not having Fight With You..." he then Fallen Down with Pain the bleeding is continuing continued," "i just wanted to escape from the Cursed World.. the Bad people. You can And Attack I was not wanting Any death not happen But for survival i have to di it...." he then holding his Shoulder started to Move towards ahead to his path.
"God..Plz I need Some Silence And No obstacle in my way....plz Listen to me..." He said with walking.
"I-"
"# Am not Wanting... ###" Voice Echoing in the mind the blurriness the echoed with different And deep voice of his. He then Fallen Down on the ground seeing up the The night stars. Soon Vision Blured...
In the Blur a Mysterious Men came looks the wander.
Fear battled with a flicker of hope in Alistair's chest. Was this friend or foe? He had no strength left to fight, no voice to call for help.
the hat with pointed his face covered and his eyes visible just white hidden in the shadows. he can be seen in blur a green colour liquid came along with on the face of blurry vision..
The figure approached slowly, its movements silent and deliberate. It stopped a few paces away, the shadows obscuring its features. A soft, gurgling sound reached Alistair's ears, followed by a strange sensation – a coolness that spread through his body, pushing back the tide of pain.
"I think this is My End-"With Pain Continued "-here."
Exhaustion finally claimed him, and he slipped into unconsciousness. The blurry vision of the mysterious figure, along with the single word escaping its lips, lingered in his fading mind.
"Hope."
----------------
Night Sky can be seen beautiful night sky grazing the Evening sky orangish atmosphere at some part and gazing night sky at some part of the sky.
The Huts of the villagers can be seen the villagers with sad face can be seen. They are working in the fields and other some are coming from the forest with woods on their back down face.
The Fields semees the Wheats can be seen Farmers with taking care of the farm.
The Big House seemed familiar. The Talthon's House can be seen with no one outside. a lantern can be seen from the window.
"What you will do now??" said Alistair's mother while sitting on a wooden small piece in front of a small camp fire. with a chimney.
"Nothing....i will prepare a strategy and Fight-" said Talthon sitting just Aside to her.
"no....You will not do this.... Plz you are supporting an Evil Dictator..." replied immediately by Alistair's mother.
"I have to do it for the villagers...for our survival, for our people, for our future." said Talthon looking into the fire.
"Wait. What about The Land.??" said Alistair's Mother with flicker of surprise.
Talthon was seeing the campfire and then rotated his face and seeing her Face.
"Need Not to Worry. Nothing will happen to anyone...He is here to protect that....Well...Leave this i have a plan in my Mind to setup the armies...Tomorrow is the day...i have to setup the plans and after the days i have to implement that." Said Talthon looking Her.
"I am requesting you.. Plz Don't Go...Alistair also gone missing after the last meet, i have lost too much..." she replied and cried.
Talthon was seeing him crying without any expression seeing the Camp Fire and said ,"Nothing will happen...Don't Worry. Tomorrow I will be planning the Army with thassalors army."
Alistair's mother saw Talthon and then said nothing just crying.
"Let's Go to Sleep." said Talthon, He Stood up and went to the bed.
Alistair's Mother was still there just aside the camp fire.
the night seemed to be the silent. the Night cold breeze started to flow the strong wind and the snow gazed over the village.
---
The Soldiers of Ecolier Were Seeing the Camp Area of the Corovus. it was a big area and full of the army there by with a sailing ship. some merchants were moving in the ship can be seen.
Soon they reached the shore of the Corovus Area. As soon as Ecolier Put their legs onto the land of corovus the soilder can be seen coming with swords and spheres and archers very soon more then 50 soldiers sum up around.
Ecolier was little bit Shocked to see within a few seconds these many soldiers they are pointing towards the Ecolier, The soldiers of Ecolier was in normal positions with no scare their Heads and faces were hidden with armourers and powerful outfits.
"How is this even So strict...These many soldiers in just these seconds....They Seemed to be in anger...." Thought Ecolier in his mind seeing the soldiers.
"Hey!! You all Where you can from ??" said the soldier in front pointing with swords to him.
"Relax.." said Ecolier with comforting Soilders and continued, "We are here to Pass the message of Our Majest Thassalor Waith to Corovus."
"Hey!!" said silently a nearby soldier to the soldier and continued, "I think they might be here to kill our majesty they are here with 4 guards you see their outfits seemed dangerous and they are not scared also you see...I think you must kill them all 5 of them."
"Hey you what's your name" asked one of the soldiers.
"I am King Thassalor's General Ecolier. I am here to pass the message of our majesty!! I have said this two times before. may I go??"
"No!!" said the soldiers.
"All of You!!!!" a Strict voice came from back.
All the soldiers Were Scared and began to smile like a mad and said, "Master!! we were nothing just-"
"Enough Already!!" A man Drinking wine from a bottle came near by looked like a master holding a dangerous dagger and swords in his waist.
"You are From Thassalor's Kingdom?? isn't it??" asked the man.
Ecolier replied with confusion, "You are?? -"
"I am Kelivin Scolorff, Army Camp Leader and general of this Area." said the man.
"Oh!! nice to meet you Kelivin I am a general of Thassalor's Army-"
"- I know that I have listened to it from behind," said Kelivin.
"Will I please be able to pass my message from our majesty to your majesty," said Ecolier.
Drinking Sound came. The Kelivin Scolorff Was drinking And then Saw his bottle empty and thrown and saw the Ecolier with suspicion.
"Okay Come With me.." Said Kelivin.
They were moving the stormy winds covered it slowly began to slow down. The Army of the Ecolier Along with a few soldiers of the Corovus with Kelivin was walking towards the kingdom of the Corvus it was not too big made up of wooden villagers working with irons the hammering noise of the iron. Ecolier was seeing and walking towards the kingdom doors the soldiers were there at every corner and every few meters. the door guard stopped the soldiers and the soldiers said, "They Are the messengers From the nearest Kingdom they want to Deliver the message to our majesty."
the guard saw the Ecolier and his soldiers for a few seconds and then said," Come inside....and follow me-" Within one step of the Ecolier he continued, "Sir, you have to hand over All your weapons before you proceed to enter."
"Yes..okay," said Ecolier and then said to his soldiers to unarm all their weapons they all submitted their weapons and then moved in.
Corovus was doing Pushups with a stone on his back. All the soldiers surrounded the place with security.
"Who Are You??" said Corovus without looking at them.
"Your Highness! I am Ecolier the General Of The Nearest Kingdom Of Thassalor Waith." said with great confidence with a hand on his chest.
the pushups he was doing stopped after listening to the name of Thassalor and stood up Stretching his arms and seeing back and murmuring with an angry expression, "These Bastar-" continued with breath,"What Do you Want??"
"I am here to Deliver The Message of Our Majesty...." said Ecolier.
"And What is that message you Brought??" said Corovus with No interest.
"I have brought you the challenge.." said and smiled cruelly down smiling continued, "Talthon, from Our Majesty Thassalor's Kingdom, has challenged You On behalf of Thassalor, This is a direct challenge to you and your kingdom."
"What??" Said Corovus with a great surprised and Angry expression.
"Yes! you heard it right!! he said he will crush you like an ant and also challenge you to kill him if you can." smiled and said ecolier.
The soldier standing next to the Ecolier the soldier of Ecolier thaught in mind ,"General is telling lie with a great confidence. It was not Talthon but Our Majesty Thassalor who used Talthon for the Fight to End him and steal all his land and properties."
The soldiers there of Corovus see corovus and Ecolier both with surprise and disbelief. the ecolier kept of smiling looking down and talking with Corovus the corovus was in great anger.
"Control Corovus..control you can't do anything to Thassalor or to this general...here...." said corovus With Anger in his mind.
Kelivin came and said with a very low tone, "Your majesty... If you will accept this fight then you will spoil your reputation."
"yes I know..." said Corovus with closed eyes and then a few seconds later he opened his eyes and then approached to Ecolier and said, "I..Accept your challenge ..i fear no one!! no one!!!! bring that Talthon to the battlefield, I will show him what I am made of!!"
"That's What my plan was i have told all lies about to prove the Corovus and i have done successfully my work!" said ecolier smiling in his mind.
"Okay, Your Majesty!! I have come to deliver the message and I will say this to our majesty!" said Ecolier.
Ecolier turned back smiled and said to himself, "Majesty! I have done it....it was a great plan !!"
"Move!! soldiers!! head to boat." commanded the Ecolier.
a soldier came near to the thoughtful Corovus and said, "Your majesty!! You have done a great job to accept the challenge! Bu the fight when it will be held!??" ecolier was seeing the solider and then said with loud scream," Six Days!!!" ecolier stopped and saw back corovus continued," You have only Six days!! to prepare for the fight!! I will show who he has challenged.!!"
"Okay, You Majesty!! I accept it!!" said Ecolier with great confidence.
Ecolier and his Soldier left the kingdom. Ecolier with closed eyes sat on his throne.
"Your Majesty!!" Kelivin said with great confusion continued, "Do you know who Talthon is ?? who dare to challenge You??"
"Yes!, I know him! he is neither my friend nor my enemy!! I know his battle skills and instant decisions and planning!!" said with closed eyes and no expression on his face.
"he has fought with a whole 1 kingdom army alone with just only 2 swords...He defeated the entire Ethernauct army at a bridge while his comrades chopped it down behind him. He alone killed around 8,000 soldiers beside the Ethernauct army."
the soldiers Especially Kelivin was shocked to listen. The soldiers were in great surprise and shock.
"He seemed like a killing machine!! What was his motive?? for killing All these soldiers.??"
"Why are you asking these questions??, I am already frustrated.!!" shouted Corovus with his hand on his forehead.
Corovus is tall, bearded, with long medium hair and a broader chest wearing normal village clothes with a crown.
"That's nice!!" with a smile and confidence corovus removed his hand from the forehead and continued, "If he is strategic then I am also. He will be slain by me. I will also plan once again for the fight!! this time.. the consequences will be the opposite!!, hahaha...."
Soilders there all seeing to the corovus being mad seeing him with scared expressions.
The night Sky gazed fully the wind stopped blowing. The Winter breeze over the sea and the boat Ecolier along with his troops left the kingdom by boat.
Ecolier, a cunning glint in his eyes that contrasted sharply with the calming night sky and stars, sat on a crate on the deck of the big boat returning from Corovus's land. His soldiers, Bardek, a burly man with a thick beard, and Keldor, younger and leaner with a mop of brown hair, approached him, their faces flushed with victory.
"General," Bardek boomed, a wide grin splitting his face, "that was a masterstroke! Corovus took the bait like a hungry wolf!"
Ecolier offered a curt nod, a thin smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. Now, the true game begins."
Keldor, ever the inquisitive one, furrowed his brow. "True game, sir? Wasn't challenging Corovus the entire point?"
Ecolier's smile turned cold. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "For the public eye, yes. But between you and me, there was never any challenge from Talthon. It was all a carefully woven lie."
Bardek's eyes widened, a nervous gulp escaping his throat. Keldor's jaw hung slack in surprise.
"The King," Ecolier continued, his voice barely above a murmur, "has his sights set on Corovus's land. This fight weakens both sides. We'll swoop in after the dust settles and claim the spoils for Thassalor."
The weight of the revelation settled on the two soldiers. Bardek swallowed again, his bravado replaced with a flicker of fear. "But General," he stammered, "what if Corovus wins?"
Ecolier's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "He won't. Let's just say we have certain…persuasions…in place to ensure his defeat. Besides," he added, his voice dropping even lower, "the King has another plan brewing. A distraction, you might say."
Keldor's confusion deepened. "Distraction, sir? What do you mean?"
Ecolier chuckled a humorless sound that sent shivers down the soldiers' spines. "That, my friends," he said, his eyes hardening, "is a story for another time. For now, this little charade of Talthon's challenge remains our secret. The King wouldn't be too pleased if his true intentions were exposed, would he?"
A cold understanding dawned on Bardek and Keldor. They exchanged a worried glance, then both shook their heads vigorously. "No, sir! Of course not," they mumbled in unison.
The suspense for the battle increases. These Six days are the crucial time for the talthon to be prepared for fighting, His Battle Strategy and strength can only win against the corovus.
------------------Chapter 7 Ends-------------------------------------------------------------