Chapter 31
3 hours ago, before sunrise
Bruce and a small group of Gotham knights quietly entered the Metropolitan Palace. They were dressed in the Genesis armor General Lane had waiting for them in the tunnel. Their faces were concealed by great helms. Two knights stood as lookouts until everyone was safely out of the tunnel. When they were all out, they closed the trap door and covered it with a rug. Bruce removed his helm.
"We meet back here in one hour. You go for the Baroness's daughter. The baroness says she will be under the effects of a sleeping remedy." Bruce ordered two knights and they nodded. "You come with me for the prince." Bruce ordered a knight. "The rest of you meet with General Lane. Good luck to you all." The knights bowed to their king and went off in different directions to fulfill their roles. Bruce put the helm back on.
It was common to see two knights patrolling the palace so no one paid attention to Bruce and Sir Jason Blood. They soon made it the nursery. "We are here to relieve you." Sir Jason said to the knights guarding the nursery doors. The knights handed them their spears and left.
For the next five minutes, all was quiet. Bruce nodded to Sir Jason. Bruce slipped into the nursery while Sir Jason kept watch. A glamorous hand-carved, gold plated cradle engraved with dragons and lions resided in the middle of the room. Bruce approached the cradle quietly and peeked to see the sleeping prince.
"A bargain is a bargain." Bruce whispered to himself and gently picked up Prince Alexander. The baby moved slightly so Bruce rocked him. He then heard a footstep behind him. He turned around to see Queen Helen wielding a crossbow.
"Put him down." Helen said. Bruce noticed how calmly she was wielding the crossbow so she was prepared to shoot him if necessary. Bruce nodded, gently put the baby back in the cradle, and then held his hands up in the air. "Reveal yourself." She demanded.
Bruce slowly removed his helm and surprise was written all over Helen's face. He slowly put the helm down onto the floor. "There is no need for the crossbow, Your Majesty. I do not wish to harm you or the child." Bruce said.
"So you claim. What bargain did you just speak of? And do not lie." Helen demanded.
"For information on how to take the city, we were asked to spare Mia Mercer and Prince Alexander. We do not want to stain this city with the blood of innocents. They will not be harmed." Bruce said.
"On your honor?" Helen said.
"On my honor and the lives of my children." Bruce said. Helen slowly lowered the crossbow and Bruce sighed out of relief.
"Now I know you speak the truth for I am still alive." Helen said and he nodded. "If you are to take him, promise me you will give him to Kal-El… I can think of no one better to raise and guide my son. Will you give him to Kal-El?" She asked.
"You have my word. I believe with all my heart that he will do what is best for the child." Bruce said and Helen nodded. Her eyes began to fill with tears and she put the crossbow down.
She approached the cradle and gently picked up her son. "You may not remember me, my son, but know that I love you with all my heart. You are the best thing I have done in my cruel existence and I want you to have a chance for a life far better than this one." Helen said to the sleeping Alexander.
Helen tearfully kissed her son's cheeks and then his forehead. She carefully put him in Bruce's arms. Then she picked up the helm off of the floor and put it on over his head. She kissed her son's forehead one last time. "At sunrise I will sound the alarm. You best be gone by then." Helen said and Bruce nodded.
Bruce quietly slipped out of the nursery and Sir Jason nodded the all clear. Baby Alexander was wrapped up in a brown cloak and as long as he did not wake up, they hoped no one would give the bundle a second look.
On the other side of the castle, Tess Mercer kissed her daughter's forehead. A Gotham knight held the sleeping girl in his arms. Tess then gave the other knight two letters. "Give these to your king. If I do not make it out of the city, tell him to give these letters to King Oliver." She said and the knight nodded. He took the letters and hid them on his person. They left her chambers. "Farewell, my beautiful Mia."
The four of them met again at the trap door leading to the tunnel. The two knights climbed down first and Bruce handed them the children one by one. "Sir Jason, stay here and await the Amazons. You know your way around the palace?" Bruce asked.
"Yes, my lord." Sir Jason said.
"Good. Guide them around the palace once the Atlanteans begin their attack." Bruce ordered and Sir Jason nodded. Bruce then climbed down the trap door. Sir Jason closed the trap door and concealed it with the rug once again.
Helen held her son's blanket as she watched the sunrise through the window. She could not remember the last time she glazed upon the marvelous site. Then she saw a peek of the army advancing over the hill and she knew it was time.
She stood and walked to the door. She opened it and let out a piercing scream that echoed throughout the halls. And she continued to scream until her husband came running into the nursery.
Now
General Fine was scouting the wall with a telescope when he saw a white flag being waved from the top of the wall. "Kara!" Fine said. He tossed her the telescope and pointed to the flag. She looked through the telescope and then passed it to Kal-El.
"This is a stall tactic, no doubt." Kal-El said as he looked the telescope.
"Good. This means we caught them off guard as planned. They will not have much time to prepare a proper battle plan." Carter said.
Bruce rode up to them on his black horse and Kal-El looked at him. "It is done… Diana and Orin are ready. They are waiting for our signal." Bruce said and Kal-El nodded. The smaller door in the city's great iron gates opened and thirteen horsemen exited the city followed by Wilson's troops, who took up battle formations.
"I doubt they are coming to welcome us." Oliver said and they all chuckled. Oliver had a quiver full of broadhead arrows on his back. On his hips were his dual swords and his bow was hanging off the quiver. He wore a black gambeson under his chain mail and a green archer's over tunic his mail. "Shall we ride out to meet them?"
Carter nodded with a grin. Each king then pointed to an ensign bearing their realm's flag. "Captain Ak-Var, Peter, you ride with me." Kal-El said. They nodded and Ak-Var then pointed to ten Red Shard knights, who nodded to him in return. "Lois, stay here. We do not want Lex to see you just yet." She nodded. Then the sixteen of them then rode ahead to meet them.
The two groups met in the middle of the grassland. Kal-El wore his gold circlet, gambeson, chainmail, chest armor, black boots, and red knight's cape. He was not strong enough to wear the rest of his upper body armor. Carter and Bruce removed their helms and put them under their arms.
Lex kept his left hand on the reins, took off her war crown with his right hand and then put it under his left arm. The crown was set upon an open face helm. Lex tilted his head to the side when he saw how pale Clark was. "You are looking ill, Kal-El. Perhaps you should go home and consult your physician." Lex said.
"You should look to your own health, Lex." Kal-El replied coldly and Lex chuckled. "It is in your best interest and that of your men that you lay down your arms and surrender. You are greatly outnumbered and there is no need for bloodshed." He said.
"Did you just assume that I would just look upon your army and be overwhelmed with fear that I would surrender like a coward. Well I am going to have to disappoint you, Kal, for you are nothing more than a thorn in my side." Lex said.
"Choose your next words carefully, Luthor, for they will be your last as king." Peter said and Lex sucked his teeth.
"Your father was not fit to wear the crown or to even a rule any kingdom. William's recklessness nearly bankrupted the treasury and there were many who wished him ill besides my father. Who are you to say that I am worse than he was? Are you any better?" Lex asked.
"I am my father's son but I am not my father." Peter said. "Listen to Kal-El and surrender now. You know you cannot win this fight."
"Your overconfidence will be your downfall, young Peter." Lex said.
"Is your sword as quick as your mouth, Luthor?" Peter asked coldly.
"It is quicker. Is that a challenge?" Lex asked.
Slade then leaned over to whisper something in Lex's ear. "My king, is this wise? My men can fend them off until you are safely away." Slade whispered.
"Yes but this whelp can give us more than enough time to prepare the ships." Lex whispered. "As I was saying, is it or is it not a challenge? Or are you a coward? A dog that is all bark and no bite." He taunted.
Peter tightened his grip on the reins and Kal-El put his left hand on Peter's shoulder. "Is this really what you want to do, Peter? Do not make a hasty decision out of anger. The city could be ours before the sun sets." Kal-El whispered.
"Yes but at what cost? Hundreds of men will die to take the city by nightfall and that great a loss will affect each and every one of us. This way allows for bloodshed to come from only two men. And I am calm." Peter whispered.
"I am waiting, young Prince Peter." Lex said and tapped his fingers against his war crown. The sounds of his fingers tapping against his father's war crown were ringing loud in Peter's ear.
"I, Peter Ross, son of King William Ross and the only living heir to the throne of Argos, challenge you, Alexander Luthor, to single combat upon the field of battle. The reward will be total surrender. Do you accept this challenge?" Peter asked.
"I accept; however, the fight shall be to the death. And when I kill you, your allies turn around and leave my realm for good... and Krypton will surrender." Lex said and smirked. Everyone cut their eyes to Peter and Kal-El.
"To the death." Peter said and Lex smirked. Lex then turned his horse around and headed back to the city with his generals and knights. Peter did the same and the group followed him back to the army.
Peter dismounted and Oliver was the first to speak. "Are you mad, Peter? Luthor is just using you to stall until he has an escape plan. You do not even know if you can defeat him or better yet, kill him." Oliver said. Peter grabbed his sword from his saddle.
"I am sorry that you have so little faith in me. I do not know you all very well but I know Clark. We have trained together for almost all our lives. I know how to fight. And I am not just fighting for my father's throne. I am fighting to save my friend and brother. Now get out of my way." Peter said.
Oliver and Carter moved out of his way. "Do you ever know when to stop speaking?" Carter asked Oliver sarcastically. Oliver opened his mouth but Carter held up a hand. "Do not answer for I already know." Clark patted both their shoulders and followed Peter.
Peter went over and down the hill to the makeshift camp they had set up the night before. He entered the tent they were using as an armory. He found a suitable bascinet helm and grabbed a sword belt. He slid a dagger into the small scabbard and then his sword into the longest scabbard. He then picked up a steel Kryptonian shield.
Clark entered the armory with Lois right behind him. She has hardly left his side for days. Peter gave them a quick glance and then went back to preparing. Clark did not even have to ask for Lois nodded and left the tent. "There is nothing you can say to change my mind, Clark."
"It is a good thing I am not here to change it." Clark said and Peter looked at him. "This is much your battle as it is Krypton's." He placed his hands on Peter's shoulders. "I would have made the same offer to Lex if I were fit… Now you need a sword."
"I have a sword." Peter said. Clark raised the tent flap and Lois came back in with a long, wrapped object in her hands. Peter put down the shield and helm.
"You need a better sword." Clark said and she handed the object to Peter. Peter could feel the hilt of a sword and grabbed it letting the wrappings fall to the ground. He marveled at the magnificent sword in his hand.
The sword had a dark red hilt and the pommel was the head of a lion made from gold. There were gold etchings on both sides of the blade. "Pick me up when you need me." Peter flipped over the sword. "Cast me away when you want me." Peter read the etchings.
"A sword worthy of a prince or better yet, a king… I was saving it for a special day but this day you need it." Clark said. Lois linked her right arm with Clark's left. Peter twirled the sword in a hand a few times and then lunged, stabbing the air with a perfect thrust.
Peter stood straight and admired the sword once again. "It has almost perfect balance." Peter said and examined the sword once more. "This is not steel or iron."
"Kryptium, just like what my own sword is forged from and the swords of that of my forefathers and fellow knights. It seemed only fitting that your sword should be forged from the same metal." Clark said.
"I cannot accept this, Clark. I am not worthy of it." Peter tried to hand it back but Clark held up his hand. Clark caressed Lois's hand, unlinked their arms, and took a step forward.
"Luthor's blade has left its mark on my flesh…" Clark put his hand on his chest. "His blade must be made from Kryptium as well to get through my armor. I know Lex and that is why I want you to be prepared for anything." Clark said.
"And if Luthor breaks his word, the army is prepared to defend you. You are not alone in this fight, my prince." Lois said.
Peter nodded and stuck the sword into the ground. He unsheathed his old sword and stuck it in the ground next to it. He sheathed the new sword. "Here, a dagger to go with your sword." Lois said and removed a dagger that looked like a miniature version of his sword. He took the dagger from her and swapped it with the one already on his belt. "The gods be with you." She said and Peter nodded.
The gates opened for Lex and the knights. They dismounted in front of the armory. "The boy is more foolish than I thought. Although, I had hoped Kal-El would challenge me." Lex said as they entered the armory.
"Yes. King Kal-El is a worthy opponent for Your Majesty and not this exiled prince but I am sure you can easily defeat him." Slade said.
Lex grabbed a dagger and put it in his sheath on his left hip. "How long before my ship is ready to sail?" Lex said.
"The knights have not even emptied half of the treasury but they are just about finished loading yours and the Queen's wardrobe. If you wish to empty the whole treasury, then we will need two, maybe three more ships." Slade said.
"Load as many ships as you can. I doubt the Kryptonians will lay down their arms and surrender when I slay Ross. I will leave immediately afterwards... Have you found my son?" Lex said. Slade looked to a knight, who shook his head.
"We have yet to find him, Sire, but there is no way they could have escaped the city without our knowing." Slade said. Lex took a deep breath and sucked his teeth.
"The archers will remain on the wall while Lane's troops within shall search the entire city for the traitor with my son!" Lex demanded. He then slid another dagger in his left boot. "If the Kryptonians attack, then all soldiers and knights will return to the wall. Then get the Queen and I to a ship and go forward with our plan."
They exited the armory to see a servant came running down the street with a silver shield baring a red dragon. "I sent for your shield, my lord. It is far better than any of the ones here." Slade said and Lex nodded.
Lex mounted his horse and the servant bowed before handing him his shield. "Slade, come with me. Lane, stay here and defend the wall." The two generals bowed. Slade mounted his horse and the two men headed out of the gates.
Peter reappeared on the hill and the troops cheered. "Carter, Ak-Var, ride down with him. If Luthor breaks his word, signal us and we will begin our attack. Oliver, move up the hill with the archers and be ready to signal General Lane. Lois, stay with Bruce and me for now." Kal-El said and everyone nodded understanding their roles.
Oliver and the archers took positions at the top of the hill. Peter mounted his horse and a Red Shard knight passed him his helm and shield. Carter and Ak-Var mounted their horses. Carter winked at Shiera before putting on his helm and she gave him a nervous grin.
Two horsemen left the city heading for the middle of the field. "Let's go." Peter said and rode out to middle of the field with Carter and Ak-Var following him.
The five men stopped and dismounted leaving about a distance of ten feet between them. Carter and Ak-Var removed their helms and put them under their arms. "I have seen Luthor fight. He is strong and smart so be wary for he loves trickery. Watch him carefully." Carter said quietly.
Peter nodded. "If I fall, tell Lana…" But Carter held up his hand and shook his head.
"You think of his sword and your sword and nothing else." Carter said.
"But if I should fall, will you…" But Carter cut him off again.
"I will." Carter said and patted his shoulder. Peter nodded and the two gripped each other's forearms. Peter then nodded to Ak-Var, who nodded back. Ak-Var kept his hand on the hilt of his sword. Carter kept his hand on the shaft of his mace.
Lex removed his knight's cape and threw it over his saddle. "This will be over soon but you know what to do." He said to Slade, who nodded. Slade grabbed a crossbow, letting it rest on his left arm while his right hand remained on the trigger. Carter and Slade exchanged glares.
Peter put on the bascinet helm but kept the visor up. He put his left arm through the strap of the shield and drew his sword. Lex grabbed his shield and helm. The two men then began walking up to one another. Peter's heart rate increased but he kept a straight face.
They were soon only a few steps from one another. "I am going to enjoy this." Lex said. He put on his great helm and drew his sword. He twirled it in his hand and charged at Peter.
It happened in slow motion to Peter as he lowered his visor. He saw Lex pivoted his left foot meaning he was going to charge. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. At the last second, Peter spun to the right causing Lex to stumble slightly. Peter slashed at his vulnerable backside but Lex quickly raised his shield blocking the blow. Both armies cheered.
Peter and Lex's blades continued to collide. The sounds of metal striking metal echoed. No one had yet to make a mark on the other, only their shields took the real beating. Lex kept making slashes at Peter's legs, which were the most vulnerable part of his body for he only wore demi-greaves over his black boots. Peter made well to shield his legs from Lex's downward slashes.
Peter was faster but Lex was stronger. Peter stumbled back as he parried another blow. Lex then took his shield and used it to hit Peter across the face. The force knocked off Peter's helm and knocked him to the ground.
Lex thrust his sword downward to stab Peter. Peter then kicked Lex in the groove of his elbow. Lex yelled and dropped his sword. Peter rolled to get up and began making quick, furious slashes at the unarmed Lex.
Lex used his shield to block each blow but his shield could not take so much damage for long. Lex then removed the dagger from his sword belt. He spun around and stabbed Peter in his left shoulder. Peter cried out in pain. Carter and Ak-Var winced. The Genesis troops cheered.
Peter removed the dagger from his shoulder as Lex ran to grab his sword off of the ground. Peter then threw the dagger at Lex, who dodged just in time but the blade of the dagger cut his left cheek. Lex growled and stood.
Peter's left arm know lay limp so he painfully shook his left arm out of the shield's strap. He unsheathed his own dagger and wielded it with his left hand. The league of armies cheered. Lex sucked his teeth and threw down his own shield. He also took off his helm and threw it down. He picked up his fallen dagger and also wielded it with his left hand.
Peter charged Lex and their blades interlocked. Lex was stronger and the blades moved closer to Peter's face. Peter then kicked Lex's right knee. Lex screamed and fell down to one knee. Now the blades were moving closer to Lex's face. Lex then dropped down to both knees and used his left leg to kick the back of Peter's legs.
Peter fell down hard onto his back and Lex stabbed at him with his dagger. Peter rolled out of the way and the dagger plunged into the earth. Peter groaned as he rolled onto his left shoulder but he quickly got back up and thrust his sword down at Lex. Lex quickly rolled off out the way and kicked Peter's sword out of his hand.
Peter had no time to retrieve it so he had to only rely on his dagger. Lex got back up and started swinging away at Peter with both hands on his sword. Peter did his best to dodge each slash but then Lex smacked him across the face with the pommel of his sword twice. Peter was dazed and could feel the blood rolling down his chin but he quickly shook it off.
Peter ducked another blow from the pommel and Lex's hand went over him. He suddenly found himself behind Lex so he took his dagger and stabbed him below the right shoulder blade. Lex screamed and dropped his sword. Peter then quickly picked up his sword and charged Lex.
Lex quickly removed the boot dagger, turned around and stabbed Peter in his right side. Peter could feel the dagger penetrate his chain mail and the burning sensation the blade made as it pierced his skin. Peter dropped down to one knee and placed his left hand over the wound gasping for breath.
Lex's right shoulder has numbed up and he could not reach the dagger still plunged into his back. He picked up his sword with his left hand and turned around to face Peter. "Time to die, son of Ross." Lex said and prepared to thrust.
Peter saw Lex's dagger still plunged into the ground before him. Peter used his sword to block the thrust and it was knocked from his hand. He grabbed the dagger and stabbed Lex in the left thigh. Lex fell back plunging the dagger deeper into his shoulder blade. Blood now gushed out of both of his stab wounds.
Peter slowly stood and retrieved his sword. His left hand was still over his stab wound. He was sweating and pale, and he dragged his sword. He stood over Lex breathing heavily. "Time to die, usurper." Peter said and prepared to thrust.
Slade then raised his crossbow and took aim. Carter sprinted to Peter the moment he saw the crossbow raise an inch. Carter grabbed Peter by the shoulders and pulled him back. Slade fired and the arrow flew over them. The arrow hit Carter's black stallion. The horse yelped before falling to the ground dead.
"Mkhai!" Carter saw his prized war stallion fall. Carter scowled and gritted his teeth furiously. He turned his head to see Slade helping Lex on to a horse. Ak-Var ran to them and put Peter's arm around his neck. "Get him away from here!" Carter ordered and grabbed his helm where he dropped it.
"Go Sire!" Slade said after he helped Lex get on the horse. He gave the horse a slap on the rear end and it took off back to the city. Slade turned around and quickly drew his sword just in time to block Carter's mace. Their weapons were now locked.
"First, you conquered my home and now you kill my stallion… Now is the time for my revenge, General." Carter said and backhanded Slade across the face. Slade stumbled back but quickly swung his sword at Carter.
Ak-Var held up Peter as they rode back to the army. "TO ARMS!" All the kings, queens, and generals yelled at the same time. The soldiers thrust their spears and halberds into the air.
"To arms! Defend your king!" Lex shouted and 8,500 men outside the city walls thrust their spears in the air. The iron gates opened and Lex rode into the city.
Peter and Ak-Var made it back to the bottom of the hill. As soon as Ak-Var let go of him, Peter fell off the horse. His blue tabard was stained with his blood. He was barely conscious and his breathing was labored. Kal-El quickly ran to the aid of his friend.
"Get him to the infirmary quickly." Kal-El ordered and two knights carried Peter away. "Archers at the ready!" He shouted. An ensign held up a green flag and the archers put arrows on the quivers of their long bows.
Captain Rick Flagg of the Draconian Cavalry of the Genesis Army watched intently as King Carter and General Wilson dueled in the middle of the field. "Draconians, protect the general! CHARGE!" He shouted. The cavalry of over a hundred men took off at full speed with their spears and lances at the ready.
They saw the Genesis Cavalry charge. Shiera's grip tightened on the reins of her mare, Anippe, and then she put on her helm. Kal-El and Bruce nodded to her and she nodded back. "Thanagarians, protect our king!" Shiera exclaimed and they cheered. "CHARGE!" She cried and the Thanagarian cavalry charged, 150 of them. The Thanagarian soldiers remained in formation.
Carter attacked Slade furiously but Slade parried each blow. Their weapons locked again and they grunted trying to overpower the other. Slade then pulled out a hidden dagger and stabbed at Carter's throat. Carter caught his wrist and their weapons were still locked.
Carter's war gauntlets were shaped like claws, it even had talons. He could see the Draconian Cavalry charging. He bumped Slade and used to the talons of his gauntlet to scratch his face. Slade fell back screaming and covered his right eye with his hand. Carter turned around and saw his cavalry charging.
Slade crawled to his crossbow and picked up an arrow off of the ground. He tried to load the crossbow but Carter could hearing him grunting as he tried. Carter quickly turned around and grabbed a throwing dagger. He took aim and threw it. Slade yelled again as the dagger penetrated his hand.
Slade grabbed his hand, stood, and then began running back to the city. Carter grabbed the crossbow and reloaded it. He dropped down to one knee and took aim. Carter fired but the Draconian Cavalry had already passed Slade and the arrow instead hit a cavalrymen. The man fell off his horse but he was dead before he hit the ground.
"By Horus!" Carter swore. He reloaded again as quickly as he could and took aim. This time he reluctantly aimed for a horse. He fired and the arrow hit a horse in the leg and the horse crashed into the horses next to him. Three cavalrymen were thrown from their horse and two of them were trampled.
They were getting closer. Carter quickly picked up Peter's fallen shield and picked up his mace. He knew he could not outrun the cavalry so he was prepared to make his stand. He looked over his shoulder to see the Thanagarian cavalry almost there but they still seem so far away.
Clark could not just stand by and watch his mentor die. He took off his circlet and knight's cape, and dismounted from his stallion. "What are you doing?" Lois asked. Clark then disappeared in a blur surprising the army. "No!" Lois exclaimed.
Clark appeared in front of Carter. "What are you…?" Before he could finish speaking, Clark grabbed Carter's shoulders and they disappeared in a blur. The Draconians were shocked by what they had just seen that they lowered their spears and lances for a moment and that moment was all the Thangarians needed.
Thanagarian spears and lances pierce the Draconians' armor. Some Draconians raised their spears in time to stab the Thanagarians. Swords were drawn and the fighting continued on horseback.