Next piece is here.
Thanks so much for reviews :) I'm really happy that you liked whatever was born in my wicked mind :D
This one is again a bit bloody so you've been warned.
Counting on feedback as always and have fun with this piece!
MS
Nuada woke up to feel sharp pain at the back of his head. His vision was blurry, he had to blink several times to clear it. He was lying on damp floor. He found thick rope wrapped around his torso. He struggled to break free. Suddenly cruel laughter made him freeze, as his memory came back to him. He rolled over to find himself lying at the feet of an Elf he used to call friend.
"It's no use my Prince" – Nathaniel mocked – "I tied you personally, and you know I'm second to none in this field…"He paused sneering at the elf lying at his feet. After a moment of hostile silence he continued – "I suppose you'd like to know the meaning of this. And although I don't need to explain anything to you, I'm very eager to do so…. Well my.. Prince.. I'm just rewriting my future… As the king of Bethmoora."
"King of what?" – Nuada unexpectedly chuckled – "As far as I know Bethmoora already has a king. Who would happen to be my father…." The laugh became more hysterical. Nathaniel calmly waited for Nuada to calm down.
"Alright my friend… that was… odd joke. I actually still not get it, but why don't you untie me and explain it to me?" – as he was trying to sit up, he was abruptly pinned to the ground with black boot.
"But it was not a joke I've been planning this for so long, I've sunk so low to get here, sacrificed so much. No MY PRINCE, IT IS NOT A JOKE… It is a dream of Nuada Silverlance at my feet coming true. And it was worth it, every second of disgrace was worth it…." – he closed his eyes for a moment and continued – "I'm convinced that you're dying to know, how I am going to accomplish what I've planned.. And I'll be more than happy to share it with you. You'll rot in closet and watch every single stage of it coming true… That would be like perfect ending…"
Nuada watched Nathaniel with mixture of surprise and disdain. He didn't recognize this man, he used to call friend. With face stretched in evil grin and eyes filled with hatred he was more like the worst enemy. Wave of shattered thoughts ran through Elf's head. How could he be so blind. How could he not notice a traitor by his side for so long? How could he trust him so much? Nuada's heart was an open wound now. He dedicated his life to destroy human's , those treacherous, self-indulgent, hollow and heartless creatures. And now one of his own kind, one of a superior race stabbed him in the back, without single blink. Everything he believed in, every sacrifice made, now turned to dust.
Nuada was brought round by a sound of a chair being pulled. It was Nathaniel, he sat astride and leaned over lying Prince.
"So how does it feel Nuada?" he scolded – 'How does it feel to be betrayed and humiliated by your own kind?"
"What are you talking about?!" Nuada frowned – "I regret to say this, but you're insane my Friend. I don't know what got into you. I don't know why you're doing this, but this is madness… pure madness…"
"YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW IT FEELS TO BE ALWAYS IN SHADOW!" – outraged elf jumped to his feet and with one kick sent the chair against the wall - "You have no idea…
"Nathaniel…" – Nuada started and was broke off by brutal kick in the ribs
"SILENCE!" Nathaniel panted – "Now I speak and you listen for I have a lot to say to you… Before I'll hand you to your father… as traitor of Bethmoora and its King…" he sneered at choking prisoner. He took a step back and started to circle lying elf. "I must say, that I perfectly know how you must feel right now, my Prince. I felt the same when you humiliated me in presence of this human whore. Betrayed by YOU, a champion who was supposed to lead us to war against human vermin. This just assured me that you cannot be our king. You would sell us to humans just like your father did. I just cannot let this happen, can I?" – he mocked
"Your plan will never work…" Nuada hissed – "Even if you get me out of your way, there's no way to fulfill your sick fantasies…."
"Oh but there is Sire…" – Nathaniel purred narrowing his eyes – "Precisely one…. Oh I see you're beginning to understand…"
"Don't you dare…"- Nuada growled struggling – "I'LL KILL YOU IF YOU EVER TRY TO PUT YOUR FILTHY HANDS ON HER!! – he roared
"And what if she wants me to do so?" – Nathaniel watched struggling elf with amused face expression – "I was not wasting my time in Bethmoora my Prince. Your sister was lonely after you abandoned her. It was me who comforted her, it was me who eased her pain. I think that I've become someone… of importance to her. And now, when I'll bring her lost brother home and help to prevent him form doing those "evil things" what do you think my Friend…..will I deserve her gratidude and win her heart?" he paused fixing his gaze on the ceiling. – "I think I will… And you'll be watching our happiness for the rest of your days, from behind castle tower bars."
Nathaniel's words stabbed Nuada like daggers. Suddenly he realized that for the first time in his life he lost control over his own fate. Disarmed and tied up, betrayed and alone he just could not fight back. What pained him the most however, was the fact that he was not able to protect Nuala from consequences of his own actions. Nuada didn't know, if Nathaniel loved his sister or not. In this moment it didn't really matter. He was ready to make her a plain tool to achieve his twisted goals. Nuala was not stupid. Even if she got tricked now, she would see the truth sooner or later. And he knew that she would do anything to help him out. And this would put her in deadly danger. His mind raced to find a way to reverse all this.
"Nathaniel…you were my friend for whole my life. We've had the same goals, the same allies and the same enemies." – he spoke quietly – "What did I do to become you enemy. I think I deserve the answer. Why did you betray everything we've gone so far, what we believed in? When did it all become a lie… Or was it always a lie?" he queried locking Nathaniel's eyes against his
"It wasn't a lie…" – Nathaniel's gaze for a moment became softer – "It was not a lie until you treated me like a friend. Your friendship meant everything to me. Everything…" last words were merely a whisper "But then you reminded me where I belonged. I was not supposed to be your friend. Just a servant. "Follow the rules…" "Obey my will" these were the words which came my direction. I did everything to satisfy you, I spied, cheated lied and killed for you. And you treated me like your pet." – elf snarled to the space in front of him – "Well I've grown tired of being your pet…. I've grown tired of being in the shadow. The fate has given me a chance and I do not intend to waste it."
"I pity you then…" – Nuada started and continued seeing Nathaniels puzzled look – "I pity you for not seeing how I loved you, how I respected you and how precious you were to my heart. It breaks my heart to see how corrupted you've become. Do you really believe that power which you desire so much is a blessing?! Look where it got me!" Nuada snapped – "Look what I have become! I'm cursed! I have to betray my family to save my kind. Is it really what you want? Is it your dream?"
"Quit it Nuada." – Nathaniel snarled – "You are not the one to tell me about sacrifice…" – he paused and then continued – "For the sake of old friendship I'll give you something that should lessen the bitterness. I did not betray everything. I intend to awake the Golden Army. The difference is that I will be the Commander. You'll live to see our enemies annihilated. I think it's a generous offer… taking your situation into consideration…"Nathaniel's laughter resounded through the room
"Nuala will never give the crown piece away. She's meant to guard it and she will never give it to you." Nuada growled through the clenched teeth
"But I will be HER KING. She will obey… don't you think?" Nathaniel scolded – "And if she doesn't I will get rid of her… and you. There are many maidens who dream of marrying the king. And I appreciate beauty…"
"I'LL KILL YOU MAGGOT, YOU FILTH!" within fraction of a second Nuada was on his feet and charged at the other elf. The action initially surprised Nathaniel for he didn't expect Nuada to get to his feet so quickly. But with his arms tied even Nuada Silverlance didn't make up for a challenging opponent. Without much effort Nathaniel took Nuada's legs out and knocked him down to the ground.
"I'm afraid that I need to put you to sleep my Prince. It's not safe to keep you awake.." after saying this word he pressed a small point at Nuada's neck. Before Nuada blacked out he managed to rasp –
"I will kill you…. Consider it a promise…. I will….. kill… you."
Nathaniel sneered at unconscious Elf and whispered
"Not this time my Prince. Not this time…."
He left the closet and turned the key. Then he turned to Tuatha who was humming over Matham's dead body.
"Watch him. And be careful, don't let him deceive you with any of his tricks. I need to think. I'll be back in short time."
Tuatha nodded and then watched Nathaniel leave the building.
*****************************************
What the hell am I doing…It's the most stupid and reckless thing I believe I have ever done…- Nessa thought to herself focusing her gaze on the door of graveyard's administrator quarters – I don't even know if he's alive, I cannot just dart in there with a battle song on my lips…I really should leave this all behind… Suddenly the door opened and she saw Nathaniel. Subconsciously her hand went to the daggers, and stopped at her chest. No I cannot do it. It's too risky. He's too fast…Her mind raced as she watched him vanishing into darkness.
"Now' s your chance Girl…" she whispered to herself. She stopped in front of the door and unsheathed her blades – "If you die here…. well that'll probably be the dumbest death ever…" – he reached for the knob and pressed it.
The door slowly gave in. First thing she saw was Matham's body lying on the floor. Then she saw infuriated gaze of the Elf that was sitting next to it. His face stretched in anger
"You….." – he hissed through the clenched teeth. He slowly got up unsheathing his sword." I didn't expect to see you again. But cannot say that I'm not happy to see you. On the contrary, I'm very pleased with your presence." – very slowly they started to circle each other as the Elf continued – "You'll pay for what you did to Matham, bitch. You'll feel that you're dying. That I promise you…"
"If you didn't betray your sovereign, your friend would be alive right now. I'm not responsible for your bad sense of loyalty..." she retorted.
That was too much for Tuatha. With a growl he charged at Nessa. She blocked his blow, is't strength however forced her to take a step back.
"I will break your body bit by bit." – Tuatha hissed cornering her again – "But first I'll leave you for Nathaniel to let him finish what he had started. This night will be special. Perhaps we'll let you live just to that you could remember it" - he lunged forward. This time Nessa didn't try to block the hit she just dodged it and rolled to position her behind elf's back.
"You coward…. " – He hissed twirling around and starting sequence of incredibly fast attacks – "Fight back!"
At first Nessa tried to avoid his blows but eventually she had to use her blades to deflect them. Outraged elf was incredibly strong, she had to put all her strength in order to keep her blades. With a growl she managed to make some quite successful attacks wounding her opponent, but he didn't seem to notice. She gathered all her strength for a attack, that was supposed to finish the fight. She put herself in an appropriate stance and using all her speed, she attempted to cut the elf through his exposed abdomen. To her horror he deflected the attack. All she felt was him grabbing her wrist and using her own speed against her, he sent her to the ground. Nessa screamed as she felt terrible pain in her shoulder joint. He must have dislocated it. Her right arm became useless, she let her blade out of it and used it as a mirror. She saw Tuatha approach her from behind. With her left arm she pulled one dagger out of her armor and waited for her opponent to approach. It didn't take long when she felt him grabbing her hair and yanking her up. Both of her blades clanged as they fell to the floor. Her right arm was hanging inertly. She clenched her teeth as he started to pull her towards dead elf's body. She tightened her grasp on a dagger and waited for better (and probably only) opportunity to attack.
"Look what you've done" – Tuatha hissed almost lifting her off the ground. Tearing pain in her scalp made her face cover in sweat. The elf continued – "I want you to take good look at him. I want you to see his face, to know what you're dying for….This one mistake will cost you dear…." – he purred sending her to the ground. She fell on her injured arm. Scream that tore out of her throat made Tuatha's lips curl. That was just prelude…
Nessa watched his feet, as he approached to yank her up again. This was her chance. She clenched her teeth and reversing quickly send the dagger his direction. Pain in injured arm made her close her eyes. She didn't know if she succeeded. After a moment she turned over to see Tuatha on his knees. Her dagger plunged into elf's throat. He was now fighting for air with his eyes bulged and fixed upon Nessa. His neck and chest were covered in blood. Eventually he fell to his side. Nessa waited until rattling stopped and slowly got up. She actually could not believe how lucky she was. The chances for hit were close to zero, and yet somehow she succedded. Her body was still shaking from the adrenaline that rushed through her veins. Very carefully she circled Tuatha's body assuring herself that he was dead. Then the went to reclaim her blades. The pain in her arm now became dull, she was sure however that false move could make her at least nauseous. Sheathing her second blade, she walked to the door. Very slowly she opened it to see tied up elf lying on the floor. Her heart fastened when she saw blood at the back of his head. She hoped that she was not to late. With two leaps she was by him. She turned him on his back and gently patted his cheek. It was warm. Unexpected wave of happiness made Nessa's face lighten.
"Your Royal Highness…. Nuada… wake up… Please wake up…" she whispered not entirely understanding why she wanted him to be alright. A silent groan came out of elf's throat, his eyelids fluttered. He opened his eyes and frowned
"You…. What are you doing here? Where's Nathaniel?!" he queried trying to get up
"There's no time for this…We need to flee quick" she answered helping him to sit up. With her healthy hand she reached for the dagger and started to cut the ropes
"What's with your arm? Why did you come after me? Answer me HUMAN!" –with one last struggle he got rid of his bonds and grabbed Nessa's arm
"I'll be more than happy to provide you with all answers, but not here and not now. Someone might catch us here, and it's not what we need right now.. " – she hissed freeing her arm They both froze at the sound of voice coming from behind
"Well…I didn't expect for Gods to be more generous that they have been so far. And yet my little doe, you willingly come back to me. That's too good to be true, really…" Nathaniel's voice was soaked through with sarcasm – "I believe we've been rudely interrupted the last time. Here's our chance to finish what we've started…." – he purred narrowing his eyes
"You will not touch her… " – Nessa heard Nuada's voice coming from over her head – "You will not touch neither her nor any other woman you corruptible maggot…"
"Oh, don't be so strict my Prince." Nathaniel jested – "I'll let you watch. Now hand her over to me.." – he reached out his hand
"I thought I made myself clear…You will not lay your filthy hands on her" Nuada's growl made Nessa's body shiver. He sounded like an outraged wolf which is preparing to rip opponent's throat.
"And how are you going to stop me?" -Nathaniel's face now stretched in a sneer – "Without your lance I don't think you'll last long" The sneer disappeared from his face as he watched Nessa's move. She turned to Nuada and whispered
"I'd be more than delighted to claim this maggot's head. But I feel it's not my fight.. Take my blades and do what needs to be done…. Finish him…"
Nuada's face remained still, but his mind could not comprehend the situation. Was this woman willingly offering him her blades? The most valuable possession? Then he saw her eyes, determined, encouraging…and somewhat warm. He didn't waste anymore time. With one quick move he unsheathed the blades and and took a step forward. Nathaniel's face was pure definition of surprise and disbelief. This was the scenario he did not expect. Seeing Nuada's gaze, he took involuntary step back. Nuada slowly and calmly advanced on his opponent.
"I promised you something, remember?" – he said - "You should have known that I always keep my promises." subsequently he started his assault on Nathaniel.
Nessa stood at the door and watched the post beautiful performance she had seen in her all life. She has never seen such fight before. Both elves used acrobatic attacks, recoils, enormously strong and fast blows. There were moments when she hardly could see the blades. With a powerful arc Nathaniel attacked aiming for Nuada's head, Nuada locked his blade with the help of his two and kicked Nathaniel in lower abdomen. Elf rolled back, and almost at once avoided Nuada's air attack that was supposed to pierce him to the ground. With a hiss he sprinted along the wall and tried to accack Nuada from behind. Forseeing his opponent's intention Nuada fell on his side and with a kick he knocked Nataniel off his feet. Surprised with Nuada's action, Nathaniel fell to the ground with a loud thud. With a growl he attemped to stand up when to his horror he felt Nuada's blade pressed to his neck. He moved his gaze from the blade to Nuada.
"In my worst nightmares, I would have never thought that we could come to this. You were my friend. MY BROTHER! How could you let this happen Nathaniel. HOW?!" the blade in Nuada's hand started to shake slightly
"I have nothing to say to you." Nathaniel answered coldly – "Just do what you have to do. I knew that you would sell us to humans. Luckily I won't live to see this…"
With a roar Nuada threw one blade aside. Clanging sound echoed through the room. He turned around and walked away. Nathaniel's treachery pained him to an unbearable extend. But what hurt him even more were his cold eyes, disdain, and hatred that seemed to emanate from his every pore. He hanged his head and clenched his hand on a handgrip. He was about to turn around and end Nathaniel's life when Nessa's scream stopped him half step
"LOOK OUT!" – he heard and then he felt sharp pain in his arm. He lowered his gaze to see a dagger sticking out of his bicep. Then he moved his gaze to Nathaniel. They looked at each other for a moment and then Nathaniel fell to his side. Still not understanding what has just happened he approached Nessa who was leaning against the doorframe.
"I'm sorry.. I had to… I'm sorry" she murmured half to herself. He casted one more look at Nathaniel and he understood everything, when he saw a dagger between his shoulder blades. He tore the Nathaniel's knife off his arm and threw it aside.
"Thank you for saving my life…. Again…Human.." he muttered her direction. "I don't know why you did that, but I'm going to squeeze it out of you… I need to know…"
"Right now we need to get out of here." she hissed picking out her blade
"And we will." he stated reaching for his spear and sword lying in the corner of the room. Then he reached for the crown. With his dexterous fingers he detached desired piece and threw the rest of the artifact aside. He turned to look an Nessa and piercing her with his golden eyes he stated – "This conversation is not over. Not at all…"
They left the building in a hurry, leaving a part of Nuada's soul among bloodstained corpses of his former companions and slaughtered ideas of friendship and loyalty.