Chapter 9

Rubiel laughed at how easy their task was. It was a little too easy……. He looked back at the girl that lay tied up, sitting upright, unconscious, on the back of Abel's horse. What is so special about this girl that the King of Alghan is willing to pay so much to find her. Why is she so important that the King of Serra wanted to speak with her as well. As he was thinking, he caught sight of a familiar looking light blue horse descending towards them. He smiled and looked at Abel. "Your brother has rid us of the boy." Abel looked up at the Pegasus. Tarik grunted. "He must have been an easy fight. The Serran king didn't really send much to bring in his prized possession." Abel's eyes remained on the Pegasus, but was silent. "That is not Serus."

Both Tarik and Rubiel stared at the horse, trying to identify it's rider. Tarik gasped. "It's the bloody boy, the boy is riding Altair. But then, that must mean……" He looked over at Abel, who was staring contently at the Pegasus. He started shaking his head. "No…….no…….NO!!!!!!!!!!" Abel picked Erin up and tossed her to Tarik, who caught her and placed her on his horse. He pulled his horse to a stop and faced the oncoming Stryder.

Stryder heard a loud roar and saw the massive man jump down from his horse. He pulled the huge battle axe from the loop on his waist and gripped it with one hand. With a loud yell, Abel brought the axe into the ground. Pillars of Earth rose around Stryder. Stryder pulled the reins left and right in order to dodge the pillars that spurted up around him. Stryder managed to get past Abel, and soon left him in the distance.

Abel growled and stomped the floor. The ground under his feet rose, and started to move forward. Slowly at first, but then started to pick up speed. Pretty soon, Abel had caught up with Stryder.

Stryder gasped at how fast Abel was going. He was not to far from the other two members. He saw Erin on the back of Tarik's horse. He pushed the Pegasus to go faster, but he was slowed down by the pillars that were still being risen by Abel. Stryder started to descend, trying to land on the ground. Suddenly, a pillar rose in front of him. He yanked the reins to the right in order to dodge it, but couldn't in time. Altair smashed into the pillar and was sent spiraling to the ground. The impact sent Stryder flying from the saddle. Luckily, he had not been that high up and only received minimal damage from the fall. Altair hit the ground nearby him, but did not seem to be hurt, as he got up right afterwards.

Stryder heard a growl and turned to see Abel standing next to him. Able's massive fist connected with Stryder's temple. He flew back a couple inches, but managed to keep his balance. Stryder started to fell dizzy from the crushing blow. Abel pointed a huge finger at Stryder. "You bastard……what did you do with my brother?" Stryder was confused for a minute, but realized, Serus must have been his brother. He gave a sly smile. "I sent him where he belongs. But don't worry, you'll be meeting him soon."

Abel marched up to Stryder and rammed him in the chest. Stryder fell onto his back, having lost his breath. Abel stood over him. "Oh no, my friend. It is you who will be meeting him first." Abel lifted a giant foot, and prepared to stomp on Stryder, but someone interrupted him. "Abel, wait!" Stryder saw Rubiel ride in on his horse. "I must talk to him before you kill him." Abel's foot dropped to the ground right beside Stryder head. "If you wish."

Stryder pulled himself into a sitting position. "What do you want?" Rubiel walked up to Stryder. "I want information. Tell me about the girl. What is so important about her that the King of Serra wants to meet her?" Stryder laughed. "Why would I tell you? Your going to kill me soon." Rubiel looked at Abel, then back at Stryder. "If you tell me anything good, I'll call Abel off and we'll let you go."

Abel stepped forward. "But Rubiel……. He killed Serus. I am not going to let him leave here!!" Rubiel looked at Abel. "I want to find out why she is so important. You can settle you revenge another time, but now, I want information."

"Stryder!" Stryder looked over to see that Erin had awoken and was being held back by Tarik. Rubiel looked at Stryder. "Do you accept my proposal?" Stryder looked Rubiel in the eyes. "Go to hell." Rubiel's lips parted into a smile. He stood up and looked at Abel. "Seems like you can have your revenge sooner. Kill him."

"No!! Stryder!!" Erin yelled out, trying to break free from the grasp of Tarik, but it was worthless. Stryder saw Abel coming towards him. Stryder stood up and drew his sword. Abel kept on walking towards him. When he was close enough, Stryder ran towards Abel and slashed at him. Abel blocked the attack with a gauntlet on his wrist and grabbed Stryder. He wrestled the sword from his arms and threw it off to the side. Then he grabbed Stryder in a bear hug and prepared to crush him to death.

Stryder felt his bones creaking under the pressure of Abel's massive arms. "Stryder!!!! NOO!!!!!!" Erin yelled. Suddenly, the pendant around her neck started to shine brightly. Tarik looked at the jewel in amazement. "What the…….."

Abel dropped Stryder to the ground and stared at the pendant. A bright burst of light shot out from the jewel like a shockwave. It hit Tarik, Rubiel and Abel and sent them flying backwards. When it was over, Stryder stood to his feet. When the brightness subsided, he saw Erin standing where she had been before. Suddenly, she passed out. "Erin!" Stryder ran over to her. He checked her, she was still alive. Stryder looked around him, the Terra were gone, they were knocked out of sight. Stryder looked at Erin. "What in the bloody hell was that?"