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Mrlemuel:
*smiles* I guess so...
Keep it coming bro...I will vote for u in d literature section, have followed every single story of urs so far...

Thanks for the support, I appreciate.

The ice serpent of Thrace opened its mouth and a sudden wind blew out it with the strength of a freezing cyclone. The wind blew over the fire and the flames went off.
“You surprise me young mage, so you can also conduct a perfect summoning. You were able to bring up a perfect antithesis of the fire serpent I called up. Good, now let’s see which of our construct will outlast the other. “ The priest said as he began another more powerful round of spell. The fire serpent suddenly blazed brightly and burst into a wild burning fire which formed a whirlpool turning with swiftness releasing not breeze but intense heat. The fire rolled up and prepared to descend on the acolyte and his serpent of ice.
Thrace mind reeled on the proper solution for this new threat. He can’t just use his construct to pour water on the fire, it may cause the fire to explode because it has generated too much heat. Just then a solution presented itself to his mind. He spoke a word of power then the icy serpent went up into the whirlpool of fire. As the huge flame engulfed the icy image, Thrace uttered another word and the ice snake expanded and exploded into several tiny pieces of ice. Then the ice pieces started to turn within the whirling flames, the turning ice started to produce a counter cold wind to the hot blowing flame. As the ice turned, it melted exploding into a million drops of cold rain. The hot air feeding the fire started to grow cold and the strength of the flames waned then died down. Just then the fire vanished and so did the rain.

Quickly, Thrace lifted his hand raising up a magical shield that deflected the attacking fire. Though the shield prevented the fire from engulfing the acolyte, still the flame continued to pour around him, circling the spherical shield in which Thrace was protected. Sweet started breaking out of his brow as the heat continued to build around the shield, though the shield protected him from the flames but the heat penetrated the shield. Thrace searched his mind quickly for the proper counter spell to the deal with this threat. Something crossed his mind, a particular summoning he learnt recently from the book of forbidden spell.
As the heat continued to build within the shield and the sweat running through his body, he started to speak the words of the forbidden spell. The language wasn’t familiar to him, still he spoke the words allowing it to fill his being. As the spell build around him, the building heat within the sphere vanished and was replaced with numbing cold. As Thrace opened his eyes, he saw a ghostly image forming beside him. Soon it started to take form looking more solid. The image was serpentine in appearance too but has the color of ice. It was the image of the ice serpent, that once lived in the regions of the frozen tundra of the far north, beyond the Earthwall mountains. None has been seen for long centuries now.

“ Alright then stripling I will oblige you. “ Khaufir started mumbling words in the normal arcane language of the higher echelon of the priests of Nemphis. A language that the regular priests are forbidden to know except the high priests. But Mibazar had secretly taught him that hidden language and the power that language commands. He formed his hands in the intricate symbols that accompanying the arcane speech. Just then an amber colored image began to take form around him. It was at first translucent then it began to form solid shape and grow. It took on a sinuous shape. When it fully formed it appeared like a flaming snake. It is an ancient creature that had become extinct, the fire serpent that once proliferate the fiery pits around Krager’s mountain. They were ferocious creatures that terrorized the countries around the mountain side, till they were all hunted down and killed.
This shape, though having the full likeness of a fire serpent was not of solid flesh but a creature of pure energy having fire blazing round its amber colored form. Just like the fire serpent, it has the face of a snake, two bulging eyes, wide mouth with four prominent fangs and a black forked tongue. The flaming snake reared its head lifting itself up easily getting to the height of five grown men, it faced the acolyte and attacked. Its mouth opening and spewing a gush of flame flowing like liquid fire.

“Blasphemer! “ Khaufir cried, he voiced raised high sounding like a strained screech. “You will pay for such insolence by your death. “ Both of his hands blazed with purple colored energy, stretching them towards the acolyte, the energy shoot at him like forked fingers of purple lightning.
Thrace lifted his hand with palms open wide, he caught the purple lightning directed at him. As the bolts touched his palms, they blazed for a while and went off as he closed his his palm. “An entertaining display of light show. Anyway I’m not impressed though cause I have seen it before. “ Opening his hand, the same type of purple lightning flew from his palm back to the priest. “Here, take it back let me see if it will impress you. “
The jagged lightning bolts all struck the priest, hitting him with bright sparks and immediately winking out. “So you have comprehend the purple light strikes and maybe encountered it while dealing with less powered followers. But I am a priest so turning the purple lightning back to me won’t harm me. It came from me so cannot hurt me. “
“Borrriiing. Please can we do something else? Like really getting to kick you posterior for a gag. “ Thrace winked at the priest.

CHAPTER SEVEN


“So the bumbling intruders brought with them a half wit child mage to protect them. “ Khaufir said as he faced Thrace. “A pity, I thought one who dare oppose my master will do better. ‘
“Oh despite all you just said, I think am still enough to wipe the floor with your face. “ the acolyte replied with an exaggerated display of boredom.
With low voice sounding raspy like sands robbing on each other, the Nemphis priest said. “Your power of sorcery is nothing but cheap parlor tricks compared to the power available to the priests of Nemphis. We wields the might of Nemphis, most mighty among the gods. “
Casually with a cocky smile, Thrace looked at him tapping his chin with his index finger. “Well I wouldn’t know about that so can’t argue with your logic even if it is hopelessly flawed. So answer me this, mighty priest, how come Nemphis is the mightiest of the gods and yet he was kicked off this world and prevented from returning. “

Mrlemuel:
Mibazar, the guy have been patient like a viper, its time for him to strike, besides, it seems he must have learned a little from the dark book...

Hmmmmmn seems u r catching up. It's like u r suggesting that he finally found a secret in that book that will show him how to defeat Achron.
Em... Well Mibazar's new boldness against his lord, whom he had been afraid of before till now presupposes that he must have a trick up his sleeve... Well that most certainly is true. But believe me it's a trick none of you can predict

Ultimategeneral:
truth is that mibazar is very ambitious

Don't you think Mibazar is a bit justified in some of his actions considering the points he raised?

That's it for today guys, hopefully will post more updates tomorrow.
So for now what do you guys think, who has the worse diatribe, Achron or Mibazar?

Mibazar paused a bit for effect, toning down his emotional outburst a little. “Nemphis is not a coward god, he is a god of war and conquest. We the priests of Nemphis are not made to sit in a fenced city away from the world, we are to conquer the world in his name and for his glory.
“ But because of fear, you fear to loose your power and influence over the priesthood, you have kept us hidden away in the black tower, your cowardice infesting all in the priesthood. You fear the power of the Council of Five. Tell me, jittering fool, is the power of the Council of Five now greater than that of mighty Nemphis? Do you think the Council of Five can defeat the priests of Nemphis in an open battle?
“Your fear have kept us away from the glorious conquest of this world and confined us to this festering pit you call a city. “
“Enough! “ Achron’s voice sounded like the roar of thunder, the din reverberating through the chamber. “I will entertain no more of your effrontery. If your other crimes can be overlooked, your blasphemy and insults will not. “ Picking up his staff which immediately started to glow green from the gemstone at the top of it. The emerald jewel affixed to the circlet around his neck also blazed, leading his eyes to shine brightly with green lights that crackle like lightning bolts. His whole body became surrounded by a sphere of green energy shooting out tendrils of light. “Stand ready to be judged Mibazar. “
“Come to me then Achron, “ The high priest responded with a vile guffaw as his eyes also blazed with a purple colored light, a purple colored energy surrounding his body and blazing like burning coals. “I await your lordly pleasure. “

“ When was the last time anyone have given birth to a baby among us? I doubt you will care to remember that, two years ago. As the years had gone by , more and more worshippers of Nemphis have shown less interest in being joined, mating and giving birth.
“Over the years, we have been having more still births than actual babies. Look around you, blind Achron, how many children do you still see running down the streets of this city. Each year the numbers grow less.
“Due to our distaste for females and the low status they have in our society, none want to associate with them, this have also affected our men’s desire to mate with them. We have suffered more death of females and less birth of female babies. If you weren’t sightless and foolish, you would have seen that this is ultimately leading to an end of females in our midst.
“Our way of life is leading us to extinction, yet you held on to it and encouraged it. Fool, in your stupidity, you are becoming responsible for Nemphis not having any worshippers in the nearest future.
“Have you ever considered the impact this is having on the strength of the priesthood? With the turning of every year less and less people are joining the priesthood. You are pathetic. In all these yet you rejoice in keeping us pure, keeping us away from other nations. Keeping us locked up in this fenced city making us live here like dark moles in holes. Tell me o wise lord of the priesthood, of what use is the outside world to us then? “

meneski:
Nna men!

Lol
Yea na Achron has intimidated Mibazar enough na so the high priest come change am for him na... Lol see drama

Laughter full of scorn and derision intrude on Achron’s tirade. Mibazar looked up at the Arc priest, all acts of contrition and deference discarded from him. “A fool of fools you are Achron, to even think you know the mind of Nemphis and considers yourself his favorite. Your stupidity is way beyond that of the crawling blind squirming cephalopods of the black bits. “
The sudden change of attitude from the high priest knocked the Arc priest to silence. All he could say was, “You dare blaspheme? “ He noticed the attitude in which Mibazar had mentioned the name of their god, with nonchalance and lacking reverence, a way in which no priest of Nemphis dare call on the name of their god.
“Blaspheme? Blaspheme you say? Your very life is a blasphemy, Achron. You sitting as an Arc priest is a blasphemy. All your acts as the lord of the priesthood are blasphemous . I’m sure Nemphis will be sickened with loathing as you sit there and dictates to his worshippers. You are an abomination to this priesthood. “ As Mibazar words left his mouth, his face showed all the fury, frustration and hatred against the Arc priest that his duties as a high priest have forced him to cover up within him.
“You claimed to have ruled well the black tower and its inhabitants , what a blind fool you are. “ Mibazar waved his hand . “Have you taken a look around this place and see beyond your tenacious grasp to power? If you care to look, you will see that as a race the worshippers of Nemphis are slowly dying out and will soon be extinct.

After a while without saying anything, the high priest looked up. “These are not enough reason to punish me, none of them still constitute a crime as far as the priesthood laws and edicts are concerned. Also I’m a high priest, you cannot pronounced me guilty and condemn me without a trial before the priesthood council and punish me without their approval. “
“So in your perverse subtlety, you want to delay your judgement with the idea of awaiting a trial that might not convict you or achieving your goals before your case is presented before the council. Time enough to cover your tracks better, destroy evidences or escape. “
After a lack of response from Mibazar, Achron spoke. “You seem to have forgotten one tiny detail, that I am the Arc priest of Nemphis, lord of the black temple and all who worship Nemphis. I’m Supreme, therefore I am the law, my words are final in all things. I don’t need the approval of the weak Council to find you guilty, condemn and punish you. It is all within my power to do so.
“I have ruled well and kept this place safe. I have retain the purity of the true worshippers of our mighty god, not allowing other races and their inferiority mix with us. I have kept us strong and continued to uphold all things that have made us a terror to all other races. I have reigned well and enjoyed the benevolence of our god. I, Arc priest Achron, is the most favored of all who worship our lord and master Nemphis. “

With rage the Arc priest stood up from the throne. “You disgust me Mibazar, you are a filth, worse than a borrowing dung worm. You reek so much of degenerating subtly and abhorrence that it is unbelievable you ever become a priest.
“Well if you will not challenge me for the seat of the Arc priest, then stand ready to be punished for your crimes. “
“Which crimes my lord? I see no way I have violated the priesthood’s codes or edicts. “ Mibazar said still sounding contrite. “In all my activities, I never allowed my personal ambitions to go against the oath I swore to the order of Nemphis. “
“Well why don’t we start with the obvious one, consorting with non worshippers of Nemphis in the world beyond these walls , in schemes against us. “
“My lord supreme, you possess no real evidence to prove that. Furthermore relating with those outside is not a direct crime in itself in the laws of the priesthood. “
“So you think yourself clever don’t your? Still I have learnt enough about your actions to make you culpable. “ Achron sat back on the stone throne observing the high priest with keen interest. “Another of your crimes, you brought in strangers to the city of black tower, not just that alone. You allowed them access into the sacred temple, pulling down briefly the defenses around this place that normally should have prevented that from happening. All these you did and covered up expertly, even to the extent of bringing in foreign magical objects that are an anathema to us, there by exposing us to dangers and attacks. Which at the moment is going on in this tower, other strangers have taken advantage of the weaknesses you created and employed for your personal gain, and they are attacking this place at this time. “

“Silent still? Oh don’t tell me this revelation had made you dumb. Mibazar this is unbecoming of you. You have always been very eloquent and vocal. “ Achron snickered with mockery overlaying every of his acts “Tell me, what actually is your plan? Do you intend forming political alliances with the kingdoms out there then using their armies to attack this place or are you planning to pay for the services of mercenaries to help you in your fight to wrest the power throne from me? Or could your journey to the icy wastes of the north be to help you secure items of great magical powers you can use against me? Which of them is it or is it all I just mentioned? “
Oppressive silence permeate the place, an unnatural stillness that weighed down on the spirit, stealing all warmth and filling the void with numbing cold. “So nothing to say still? “ the voice of the Arc priest rasped, grating the cold walls. “Now will you stop this cowardice and come to challenge me face to face for my seat? Priests of our order are not known for diplomacy. “
“My lord supreme, I never intended to challenge you for your position, not once in all my personal pursuit, have I at anytime desired to undermine you. “ Mibazar’s voice sounded so low like a whisper.
Sneering titter was the response to the high priest’s words. “You know among the present crop of priests and high priest, you are the only one I perceived as anything remotely resembling a threat to my power over the priesthood, the only one with the ability to openly challenge me. That was why I paid special attention to you and shadowed all your moves.
“So Mibazar, high priest of the order of Nemphis, will you now openly challenge me for the power throne and the position of Arc priest? “ Achron asked formally.
“No, my lord. “

“But my lord… “
“Silence. “ the Arc priest screamed, his voice reverberating through the empty hall. “I don’t know what sickens me more, your stupidity in thinking you can have a private agenda that can be successfully hidden from me or your total cowardice in secretly plotting to undermine me instead of coming to challenge me openly for the throne of the Arc priest, as others have done in the past and as the priesthood edicts designed. “
Mibazar remained silent as he felt no need to give any replies to these accusations. Achron laughed as he continued. “I know of all your trips outside the walls of the black tower. Know of your visits to Aram and the desert of Amir, your subjugation and the forced allegiance you had extracted from some of the primitive tribes of the herdsmen.
“You spent time forming alliance with the city of Aram and Hocklam. I knew of your visits to somewhere beyond the shores of the world edge sea. Were I not watching you in all your moves, your few trips to the far north beyond the Earthwall mountains would have been a total mystery to me. What is that about? What are you searching for in that frozen wastes around the Shattered Steps? Eh care to tell me about that? “ mocking laughter continued to trail all his sentences.
Mibazar stood still his head bent down refusing to speak.

“Crimes my lord supreme? “ Mibazar asked bowing lower as required of one in supplication.
“Spare me your theatrics Mibazar. “ the arc priest changed his sitting position on the uncomfortable power throne. “I’m glad that I ignored my very necessary duties at the initiation ceremony going on now just to have the pleasure of seeing you humiliated and personally punished for your many infringement of the priestly codes. “
“But my lord I have ever served faithfully, always hardworking and diligent in my duties. “ the high priest insisted as he remained in his bowed position.
With an amused smile, Achron said. “Yes, yes, I can see how hard working and diligent you are when it comes to running your personal agendas, for self centered goals and lofty ambitions. “
“But all I do, either openly or in private, is ever for the well being of this priesthood. “ Mibazar stood up straight as he tried to gather what ever little dignity he still posses before the Arc priest.
“Lies and denials won’t save you, Mibazar, while you may have felt that your clandestine activities were well hidden and you may have skillfully cover your tracks, still I have been aware of all your moves. “ adjusting his sitting on the throne, Achron allowed a little silence to hang on the letting his words to sink in. “Your confidence in your abilities failed you. Nothing happens in and around the black tower that I am not aware of. “

meneski:
Viewing this topic: Apollux(m) and 3 guest
(s)... Oga we de wait for you over the steel.

Pls you guys should bear with me o. The area in ph I'm at the moment haven't had light for like 2 weeks now so that is a serious limitation. Anyway I have some updates already typed and I intend to type more later today. Hopefully will post some this evening or definitely tomorrow.
By now u should know there will be a showdown between Thrace and Khafir, then Achron and Mibazar. These fight scenes are really challenging for me to discribe...but I have already started on them. Em.... As u mentioned me here, let me whisper a secret to you.. ( there will be 2 surprises coming soon, one of them will make lots of my readers really hate me... And the bad one will come first.)

Gamba ran at the creature while it is distracted by its cry of pain. But a sudden punch from the Muk-Anolis knocked him off his feet and slammed painfully on the ground. The creature followed with a savage kick to his side, that lifted Gamba off the floor and also cutting deep into the flesh by the rib areas. He almost swoon from the pain and blood loss. He cleared his eyes just as another kick was coming down at him. This time he brought up his single axe and aimed at the Muk-Anolis knee. The blade hit the knee of the lizard man, cutting it cleanly off. The Muk-Anolis staggered back and fell. Gamba jumped from his fallen position and dove at the creature, landing at the chest. Lifting the axe with both hands, he smashed the edge of it at the forehead of the lizard man. The axe cut through flash and the dense bone of the forehead cutting through the brains, severing the bones connecting the head with the back bone. He had angle the cut downward, so the cut reached the backbone. The strike was so strong that the Muk-Anolis was almost decapitated.
Gamba tried pulling the axe out of the head it was impaled but his strength was failing him. His eyes clouded over and he dropped on the Muk-Anolis he just killed his breathing slow and shallow. Meera was by his side a moment later applying healing salve on the deep cuts at his back and sides which slowly stopped the bleeding. She pushed him with some effort to turn him upwards so his face will be turned and she can pour in a little of the healing draught into his mouth because she suspected he may have been severely injured internally. With that done, she forced his mouth opened and poured in the healing liquid. Few moments later his breathing stabilized and another after that, his eyes snapped open. She was surprised at his quick recovery, either Gamba wasn’t as seriously injured as she feared or he is one of the strongest man she has seen.

Gamba was breathing heavily, despite his strength, he was weakening and losing blood, he could feel it dripping heavily behind him. If he doesn’t look for a way to end this fight soon, he might just die from exhaustion. Coming at him again and again, the Muk-Anolis attacked with its sword, getting deflected by Gamba but the Hokunian was getting slower with each blocks. He was sorely pressed and put on the defensive. He did realize something though, the Muk-Anolis may not be showing any sign of tiring but the accuracy of its strikes were less than they were before. So it means this Muk-Anolis is more skillful with twin blades, so knocking off one of its sword had somehow reduced its effectiveness.
The new insight energized Gamba giving him a new strength. In other to conserve more of his strength, he dodged strikes more than parried. He also attacked less, allowing the creature to expand more energy, which doesn’t seem to slow the creature in anyway but gives Gamba space to work out another strategy. With a sudden move, Gamba dashed towards where his fallen axe was, but the Muk-Anolis may have anticipated the move because instead of attacking him as the creature should have done, it ran ahead to block Gamba’s move towards the axe. Well that was exactly what Gamba wanted. The little opening offered by the Muk-Anolis not attacking him but running ahead to prevent him from the axe gave Gamba the opportunity to strike. The creature realized the deception too late, as it turned, lifting the empty hand to prevent the downward cut of the axe. Gamba saw this and quickly adjusted his aim towards the other hand holding the jagged sword. The axe hit the hand at the wrist, just above its protector. The axe blade slice cleanly through the joint of the hand with the arm. The hand holding the sword dropped to the ground as the Muk-Anolis wailed forlornly, the cry sounding like that of a hundred tortured creatures. Dark blood pouring from the stump as it jerked uncontrollably.

Gamba held his remaining axe with both hands, also ignoring his other axe lying discarded. He can still make a stand with just his single axe, as his opponent is also having a single sword too. But he reminded himself that doesn’t mean the Muk-Anolis is less dangerous. Gamba faint a charge at the creature running towards it but almost close to the Muk-Anolis he dropped and slide down, aiming the axe at its knee as the slide took him below the lizard man. The creature quickly lifted its leg beyond the slicing arc of the axe and at the same time kicked backwards at the sliding off Hokunian. Gamba was hammered heavily at the back. The Muk-Anolis sharp toenails gorged flesh off Gamba’s back drawing blood. Still he was pushed heavily by the impact. Tumbling several times, he came at a stop in a spread-eagle. His heart beating twice the normal time, he rolled off just in time as the Muk-Anolis feet came crashing down at him. He rolled twice more avoiding sword strikes but deflected the third one, holding the axe with just one hand but the made the empty hand a fist that he smashed into the Muk-Anolis eyes. He followed with a heavy kick that bashed the creature at the jaw. The kicked jarred the Muk-Anolis head backwards. There wasn’t enough room for him to pull his axe back for a strike, so he carefully crashed into it at the waist side, hitting below the silver colored armor line. Tackling the Muk-Anolis down, rolling off the beast as it fell heavily on the ground. Another roll and somersault took him beyond it. He watched in amazement as the Muk-Anolis stood up quickly as if nothing happened but he was glad to note that dark colored blood was spilling from the lips of the creature.

Numbing feeling flowed through the hand holding the axe aimed at the Muk-Anolis head as the creature’s knuckle hit his elbow, creating enough shock to knock the axe off his hand. Though Gamba was surprised a bit about the quick recovery and comeback by the creature, but he struck back instinctively with his other axe. The axe struck the arm protecting vambrace, the jarring impact knocked the sword off the creature’s hand. Before Gamba could revel in that tiny bit of success, he felt the now empty hand of the Muk-Anolis formed a fist and smashed him hard on his chest. He rolled backwards to move with the impact. Still when he got up, he felt his whole body trembled with pains. His eyes almost clouding over. He looked up at the Muk-Anolis, saw the creature snarl, looking at him menacingly. It changed the hand holding its sword to the now empty one. Gamba was hoping on the creature going for the sword now dropped several feet from it so he can go ahead and target the creature’s head or neck this time. The Muk-Anolis looked at him and seem to read his intentions, and it moved ahead instead coming slowly at the Hokunian.

He pulled himself back a bit to give himself a little more room to better observe his opponent and upgrade his battle tactics. First his eyes went to the weapons held by the the Muk-Anolis, twin swords, with jagged edges. Those tiny protruding points had made his parries a little off at the start of the fight. Of course the chest armor his aware of. The fore arms and legs of the creature were covered with protectors that appeared strong enough to stop a direct hit from his axe. So the only vulnerable areas he could see are, the head, neck, upper arms and thighs. He also took into cognizant the huge strength of the Muk-Anolis, way stronger than he is. It means he can’t match it strength for strength. Then he considered the creature’s speed, battle skill and size, all are advantages that leaves the Hakunian less than fortunate. At least this beast had its tail sliced cleanly off, probably from a previous engagement. Well he won’t have to worry about an attack from that area.
The twin swords of the Muk-Anolis came at him again but the axes were up just in time to deflect them. This time Gamba decided it’s better to deflect strikes than a full on stop, that will only sap his strength and make him weaker. But one advantage he has is that his war axes are much heavier than the swords. Gamba attacked delivering swings at the Muk-Anolis which it deflected accurately but Gamba seems to be hitting the flat sides of the blades than the edges which slowly begin to leave the creature more widely opened. Before the Muk-Anolis could compensate for the change of Gamba’s tactics, he smashed the head of his axe at the silver covered chest of the lizard man. The axe blade bounced off the silvered colored armor, but the amount of force he put behind the strike was strong enough to knock the creature back a few steps . As the creature staggered a bit slightly bending it’s head, Gamba aimed his axe at it, as the unarmored head just got within striking distance without him jumping.

Looking up from ministering to Khen, she saw others in fights that seems to task them beyond endurance. Though the draught she had taken for her internal injuries are working, still she felt weak as the medicine did its magic healing and mending broken bones and damaged tissues. She wasn’t sure how helpful she can be in helping others of her companions. Looking at Khen once again shows he is healing well, but he may still stay unconscious for a little while yet. He had really come close to dying.
Gamba felt both of his hands jerk greatly as both his war axes clashed with the jagged swords of the Muk-Anolis he faced. The impact was strong enough to have knocked a less stronger man off his feet. The shock jarred the joints between his shoulders and arms. He kicked with his foot. It hit the Muk-Anolis solidly on its chest without moving the creature as the chest armor absorbed it. Gamba hit himself mentally reminding himself once again about the chest armor of the Muk-Anolis. It’s so easy to forget minor details like that in the heat of battle and those tiny bits of information determines the outcome a lot of times.

zelaws:
credit: Pinterest

Good
. renditions but the 2nd one looks more badass and close to it. But the Muk-Anolis have 2 toes forward and one at the back. Still good any and I love em

The Muk-Anolis lifted its head and howled, a sound that was strong enough to freeze the blood in a man’s veins. It lifted the stump of its hand to its face watching as the blood spill from the sliced area, turning to face Khen, it moved so fast the Kyaki didn’t even have the time to react. A clenched reptilian fist smashed his jaw, lifting him from the floor and throwing him several steps behind. The blow almost knocked him senseless. The lizard man descended on him with a flurry of fist attacks, each with the strength of a thick wood striking flesh. He was pummeled and his rips cracked after having endured enough of the punishment. His lungs felt like on fire as it started to bleed. Blood was pouring out of his nose and mouth freely. Just then the Muk-Anolis stopped the blows and gripped his neck with its other hand, wrapping the palm on the white lotus warrior’s throat in a vise grip like iron. The Muk-Anolis was totally in a blood rage that temporarily clouded its reasoning to the other attacker.
Meera staggered to her feet, held her head steady in other to prevent the nauseous feelings threatening to overwhelm her and make her pass out. She walked with unsteady feet heading for the direction of where the Muk-Anolis was bent over Khen and slowly strangling him to death. If she doesn’t act fast, he will be killed very soon. She looked sadly at the thin rapier in her hand and shook her head sadly realizing that it will be inadequate to accomplish what she intends to do. Just then her eye fell on the curved sword of the Muk-Anolis that rolled of the severed hand. She picked it up with both hands, the sword been heavy and too big for her to carry easily. She ran towards the lizard man hoping that Khen had not been killed yet. The Muk-Anolis was so blinded by rage and pain it didn’t realize when Meera got behind it. Meera lifted the heavy crescent blade with both hands, standing beside the Muk-Anolis and brought the blade down heavily with the edge aimed at the creature’s neck. The strength put in by Meera and weight of the sword gave the downward cut all the power it needs as it hit the Muk-Anolis behind its neck, slicing cleanly and separating the head from its shoulders. With a heavy thud, the decapitated body of the Muk-Anolis after jerking heavily fell on the ground. Meera sigh with relief when she noticed the body didn’t fall on Khen.
From the little Meera could tell as she looked at Khen, he is barely breathing and staying alive. His injuries seem severe and his internal organs are either damaged or bleeding. With haste, Meera pulled out a tiny vial still containing healing ointment, forced Khen’s mouth open and pour the ointment into the mouth. Meera watched with relief as the unsteady breathing of Khen stopped and became steady. Then the steady flow of the blood from his mouth and nose stopped.

Khen rushed the Muk-Anolis with several vicious strikes, both feints and real ones trying to make sure the Muk-Anolis gives him its full attention at least for the duration she will need to play her part. Just then, the rapier of hers flashed and a deep cut appeared on the Muk-Anolis arm holding the curved sword. It screamed and turned to face her. This time Meera wasn’t fast enough to dodge as the fist it threw at her connected heavily hitting her in the mid section and clobbering her. That fraction of a moment left the injured and armed hand of the Muk-Anolis opened and Khen took advantage of it. With all his strength, while realizing how strong and dense the body of the Muk-Anolis is, he brought the sharp edge of his sword in a downward cut aimed at the place above the arm guard just below the elbow. The blade hit the reptilian flesh with such brute force that it sliced through the flesh cutting through the hard bones and severing the hand from the arm. The hand holding the crescent sword dropped to the ground amidst heavy spray of dark colored blood. A last moment muscle spasm made the fingers twitched as it hit the floor and the sword bounced off the open palm.

Khen came in at the Muk-Anolis, giving Meera the little respite she needs in getting away from the Muk-Anolis. He had shaken the daze that descended on him from the blow given to him. The surprised attack was deflected by the Muk-Anolis as it turned the sword in a quick arc.
Taking a quick look at Meera, Khen noticed that Meera was tired. Her moves were getting slower each time. Same can be said of him too. It was bound to happen since they have been on the move for days without much rest. It’s beginning to take its toil on them. The Muk-Anolis is making it really difficult for them to score critical strike at it and the lizard man doesn’t appear to be tiring in any way.
He realized that if this will continue, sooner either one of them will fall to the speed and accuracy of the Muk-Anolis, he had to come with a plan that will help them win. He sort for lady Thorn’s face and tried as much as possible to signal his intentions to her hoping against hope that she will be able to understand his intentions. Just then she nodded slightly and prepared to move.

Khen went in low as an opening appeared when the lizard man turned to Meera to fend of her strikes. His blade move and with fluid strike made a deep cut on the creature’s thigh. The Muk-Anolis wailed with several hiss and punched down hard with its free hand. The blow smashed Khen on his shoulder jeering him. Before he could move, he felt the Muk-Anolis kick him savagely on the chest. He was lifted up and knocked back several feet.
Meera came in behind the Muk-Anolis as it attacked Khen, her rapier flashed. She aimed for the helm of the chest covered armor, since she already know by experience that anything hitting the torso get blunted. Her strike was aimed at the neck just above the top of the silver armor. A quick move of the head by the Muk-Anolis saved it from being sliced deeply at the throat. Still a long slice appeared at the necked which bleed dark colored blood. The Muk-Anolis swing a fist backwards aiming for Meera which she dodged by quickly dropping down and thrusting her thin blade rapier upwards aimed at it. The lizard man slashed down quickly with its curved blade knocking her attack wild. It followed with two immediate slashes at her which she dodged by rolling out of its way.

Khen already had his sword out when the Muk-Anolis with the crescent blade attacked him. This Muk-Anolis was already a familiar enemy to him so it was like resuming the fight from where they stopped before. But this time there is a little difference, lady Thorn was by his side. The reptilian man attacked them both with blinding quickness. Khen was able to deflect the initial strikes which slacked off as lady Thorn attack the creature from the other side. The Muk-Anolis was forced to face them on both sides, still it effectively defended itself against their attacks and still offered some of its own.
At first the combine attacks of Khen and Meera were clumsy, since this is the first time they are fighting the same enemy together, but as the fight went on, they were able to blend their attacks so well that they started having increasingly accurate strikes at the Muk-Anolis. But the creature’s armor help a lot in blunting their attacks.

I will have to wipe that dirty smug off your face, won’t I, he thought angrily. At once he purged his mind of every thought or feelings of the baron, which has been clouding his judgement. He opened his mind to the sword dance, giving himself up totally to the spirit. The euphoria and joy of the dance filling him up and running through his vein like charges of lightning. He moved, his scimitars moving with perfect symmetry and coordination as if having lives of their own. The fury of the attacks dazed even an experienced warrior as the Muk-Anolis. With twin strikes that sounded like one, both blades struck the middle point of the pole the Muk-Anolis was holding. The pole was cut cleanly into two parts.
The reptilian mouth opened in a snarl like a cross between a hiss and roar, dark colored bile dropped from the gaps between the sharp teeth. Still the Muk-Anolis held the twin parts of the cut pole on his hands, twirling them, it held the shorten poles up turning them around to bring the bladed ends up and taking an attack stance. The blades at the ends of the now short poles could still do the job of taking down enemies. The man and the lizard man stared at each other with nothing but hatred covering the distance between them which in a burst both combatants moved to cover physically as they attacked each other.