Chapter 3

Abel ripped his sword out of the chest of one of the masked armored men. He lifted his leg and kicked the man into another, knocking them both to the ground. The green-haired cavalier panted, out of breath. He and Cain were fighting valiantly, but sheer numbers would be their downfall. A sharp pain ran through his arm as he failed to block an attack, and his clothing ripped as his skin was split from the jagged edge of the blade. Blood, glinting crimson in the sun, spilled from the freshest wound. His tunic was already stained red from the blood of the enemies, but there was plenty of own leaking out due to the many scratches and deep cuts that covered his body. Grunting in pain, Abel turned towards the attacker and raised his sword, slashing through the man's throat and nearly decapitating him. As the man fell over, Abel's view was clear to see the scene happening a few feet in front of him.

Cain was locked in a tight battle with a much larger soldier, their swords clashing together as each struggled to land a hit. Blood poured from wounds on Cain's strong thighs, and his legs quivered as he struggled to stand and push against the other man. Caught up in the fight in front of him, and not being able to afford to look away, he didn't notice the presence of another soldier creeping behind him. The foe's arm pulled back, sword drawn, and then thrust forward, spearing the weapon far through Cain's shoulder. The tip of the sword split through the fabric on the front of his clothes, the metal blade stained dark maroon with blood. After a quick moment, the soldier withdrew the weapon just as roughly, and red liquid gushed out from the wound in streams. The red-haired cavalier dropped his own weapon in shock; his mouth hung as if he was trying to scream, but no sound came out. The enemy in front of him took the opportunity to brutally punch Cain in the face, knocking him to the ground where he remained, unmoving.

"Cain!"

Abel screamed his partner's name and tried to rush forward, but his path was blocked by a powerfully built man. I need to get help, Abel thought frantically. We can't do this alone. He tried to jump to the side of the soldier in front of him, but two large hands reached out and grabbed him by the throat. The thumbs of the giant man pushed into his windpipe, and Abel let out choked gasps and he struggled to breathe.

"Altean scum." A gruff voice flowed from the mouth of the enemy soldier as he sneered.

Abel could barely register the words as he pried at the fingers crushing his neck. He was weakened from the lack of air, and his struggles proved useless. Letting out short gasps, his vision pricked red at the corners. He gave one last attempt to wrench away, but the powerful man's grip only tightened in response. His strength gone, Abel's beaten body went limp as his world went dark.