Here's the next chapter.

Enjoy.

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Chapter 21

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Flashbacks

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Previously: Atemu stood up, causing the council to bow low as he walked down the stairs.

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Atemu headed to his study where the table sat in the corner with a map of his lands and the enemy marked on it. Atemu saw that his priests had marked the newest location on the map. The enemy was the naga's. They all used to be in peace with each other but now all of a sudden they were attacking. Atemu didn't know why but now they were destroying any villages on their way to the palace. So far there were no survivors. Atemu had ordered all the villages in the path of the naga's to come to the city in the hopes that it would save them till they dealt with the issue.

Atemu started to make the battle plans and was half way through when Akefia and Mariku entered the room. Atemu started going over the plans he'd already done and then all three of them finished them off. All three headed off to their chambers and put on their battle armour before heading to the front gates of the palace where the army was waiting. Atemu stood at the front of the gate on a podium that was placed there so all of the army and citizens watching could see him.

"Today will mark a sad day in our history. Many of you know the naga's have been attacking our towns and killing everyone in site; including women and children. I regret to say I do not know why they have decided to attack but to stop the slaughter we will have to ride out and meet them and try to talk it out. I know this is a lot to ask many of you having families, some of us will not return from this if it doesn't go the way I hoped.

"Now when killing a naga you need to aim for the head or stomach and do it swiftly. Naga's have a crushing force with their tails and they will go for our upper body and crush your chest. Don't attack from behind or sides, attack from the front it is the best way."

Atemu climbed onto his horse and rode out towards the place he had chosen to intercept the naga's. Akefia and Mariku rode beside him. After two days of riding they reached the village chosen to use as protection. Atemu had the men set up a perimeter and set up some of the huts as medical shelters. Atemu took one of the huts in the middle of the village as his temporary quarters and to use it to draw up new battle plans. Akefia and Mariku also took up residence in the same hut, as protection for Atemu.

"Mariku can you get the Generals for me? I want to go over the plans with them."

"Of course."

"I'll set up for you." Akefia said to him as he left.

"Thanks."

Mariku left and Atemu and Akefia finished setting up.

"Hey Atemu weren't we on good terms with the naga's?"

"Yes. I don't know what changed. We had a meeting not too long ago to discuss the peace agreement. They were happy with it and so was I."

"Something bad must have happened for them to start this war."

"Yeah."

"Atemu the Generals are here." Mariku said as he entered.

The Generals bowed as they entered.

"You requested us your majesty?"

"Yes. I called you here to discuss the battle plans."

Atemu went into depth and used the map of the area to better explain the idea to the men.

"My Pharaoh, may I speak freely?" Atemu nodded. "The plan sounds good."

"But?" Akefia said for him.

"I don't like the idea of you being alone out the front in an attempt to ask them to stop."

"Akefia and Mariku will be with me. They will signal at the first sign that it won't work and you come quickly."

"Very well my Pharaoh." The Generals said and bowed.

They left to set the plans into order.

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To say it would go the way Atemu had hoped wasn't going to happen. Negotiating with them didn't work. They didn't even stop to talk to them so Atemu ordered for the three of them to retreat while their army moved forward to intercept, before taking charge.

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After a few weeks of fighting, each army holding their ground. This resulted in numerous deaths and injuries on both sides.

Atemu was resting in his hut with a few deep lacerations and many bruises and small cuts. He had just received two deep lacerations that required medical attentions so he was put on bed rest for two days. Akefia and Mariku were on guard duty instead of fighting in the battle that was not diminishing.

It was now night-time and all three were sleeping. There were two guards patrolling around the hut in shifts with others. One would stand out the front while the other walked around the perimeter of the hut, making sure no naga's were trying to get in.

As he second guard left the front of the hut a naga struck the guard at the entrance and instantly killing him. It headed into the hut and took the dead body with it. As the second guard came to the front a second naga struck and killed the second guard instantly. After that guard was killed four more naga's came out from hiding and headed into the hut with the other as it dragged the dead body. Entering the hut the body was dumped with the other in a corner. All six naga's turned towards where Atemu was stirring.

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Atemu groaned in annoyance as something woke him in the middle of the night. Atemu sat up and looked around and saw six figures by the door. Atemu frowned and opened his mouth to say something when three figures darted towards him.

"Hey!" Atemu yelled in surprise before he grunted in pain as he was knocked unconscious.

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Akefia and Mariku jerked awake hearing a yell and grunt of pain. Both looked around and jumped out of bed, grabbing their swords.

"Hey!" Akefia said.

All six naga's turned to find the two humans awake. Four naga's came at them and quickly knocked them out seeing they were still groggy.

"Bring those two with us." The naga by Atemu said.

All three were picked up and thrown over a naga's shoulder, as they left the hut and disappeared into the dark.

~~∞∞Ω∞∞~~ End of Chapter 21 ~~∞∞Ω∞∞~~

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