Zjjan Master 23 sp03 06, Invitation

Altrass is still calm and patient. Added by the rain, he can no longer take risk.

Zahamara receives the report about the outcome of previous engagement. But, limiting the casualties on both sides are in his highest priority. He's willing to wait until the next movements of his enemies. Only then, he'll going to counter every possible attack that their opponents will perform.

"Sir, we have been bathing on the rain too much and our scouts aren't comeback yet, what we're going to do?" has asked by Dakul Boyin, one of Altrass fine man.

"(Hiss…) The Shadow Army gets involve huh? I never thought that the kingdom has a new bearer for those heartless…" Altrass has replied; however, only his persuasion.

He yells to his platoon, "We're being cornered! We can't afford to draw back into the woods! Stay still! Don't let the rain beat our will! If Lladamak has failed and our scouts never accomplish their mission! The prince will send a message, asking us to surrender! But, we'll charge into the woods! We can't let those blinds get the better of us! Remember! Deceiving is our specialty!"

"For justice, for the truth!" has yelled by someone, and the army continues yelling their impulse.

Lladamak walks in a path ambient of dull sounds… Only the pouring rain, the rustling of branches, and the croaking of frogs are racketing in the surroundings and weighting on his shoulders. Feeling the guilt after leaving his platoons has made him wanting to cry. He stares at the sky. Wanting to ease this frustration, he's cold.

A young man appears into that path kneeling in pain. He's filled of blood around his thorax. "Young prince of Jelfry, what are you doing here?" Lladamak has asked.

"I'm the one (cough, cough), should asking you. Why are you helping those people against the throne? You even let them died."

"Shut up, blind ruler! Have you thought sitting inside your office will make a difference? How many people on each year died without knowing the cause or the criminals who slaughtered them? Hiding those documents won't solve this matter, right? Did I hit the mark? We're in the same boat!"

He has felt Lladamak's words, heavy inside his chest and shoulders. "Sh*t, at least don't (cough, cough), don't add some unnecessary conflicts on this preceding problem. My sister is trying to do anything. Is our ruling not enough?"

A swift blow of wind rustles throughout the leaves, targeting the unaware prince.

"Argh!" has cried by Lladamak, who's caught the arrow onto his shoulder as it's pushing him to fall and bump to the prince.

"You... save me (cough, cough)."

"Don't mi, misunderstand. My, my mission isn't to de, dethroned you. Bu, but to release the barrier that, that your mother created."

Stealing their attention, leaves are rustling as the assailants are exposing their identities. One is squatting on a branch, whereas the others are standing beside the trees, and all of them are Lladamak artilleries that have been assigned on the woods.

One of the assailants, a male goes near. "Sire, why did you save him? His sister killed much of our platoon. We have to kill him for vengeance!"

"Really?" has asked by Jesifer from behind him. She continues walking, alerting those other members of the platoon, preparing their weapon yet their body is shaken.

Everyone around is disturbed and shivering by her presence, and even more trembling as the person in front of her falls to the ground. He groans out loud from suffering on a great pain on his dislocated knees.

"Sis, stop," Raume has begged.

Other members of the platoon respond on revenge. One holds Ruame as hostage. The others aim at Jesifer in pointblank.

Her sad smile, her beauty, her attired torn royal dress and her posture are different to how she treats her enemy. Her brother is powerless for he's even terrified, as well as Lladamak who is no longer had the will to escape.

The person behind Ruame suffers his dislocated arms and knees. So the others are lying on the ground being tormented.

She walks heading to his brother; yet, Lladamak can't glimpse at her nearing. "Forgive me... please, spare the life of these people in exchange of mine," Lladamak has begged. His body is in fever.

"Please take care of them," Jesifer has tasked.

"What—"

"If a government goes wrong who will stand?" Her eyes and smile are painting her sadness. "I'm just doing my duty to minimize the casualties. I'm doing my duties to protect my kinds behind the eyes. Of course, I'll take responsibility for what I've done.

"I can be a sadist sometimes but if people do something to gain their rights, then they should ask. Don't cause trouble. Don't fear my power, for I care my people, my kinds. Go and heed my command."

Silent — and Lladamak cries. He begins to stand, and cries much as he pulls the arrow on his shoulder. "My men! just wait for me!" He then disappears.

"Sis…"

"I have a task for you." Another silent as Ruame prepares to listen. "First—" This word makes his Adam's apple shook. "—marry Sai Mea."

"Ha! What? (Cough, cough, cough) Bu, but it's my personal affairs." And subsequently, he vomits blood.

"Don't get excited or I'll kill you!" —scaring Ruame.

"Second?"

"Invite their leader in…"

Successive events lead unrest

Self-control is for survival

in the game of this world of lies

Chapter end