Chapter 6: Vandolph’s Ego
Seeing the ring of armored knights slowly surrounding around the small wooden house, Robert knew it was only a matter of time before they would find the child.
Their armor shone like judgmental eyes in the morning. The clink of metal, the low mutters of men preparing for violence—it was a sound he knew all too well as a previous soldier for the king.
But he would not allow his friend’s sacrifice to be in vain. No, not after losing both of them yesterday.
He turned to Marissa who stood tensely by the cradle. Her hands clenched into fists while her eyes wide with worry. The baby looked at the two of them oblivious to the danger brewing like a storm outside.
"Stay here with the baby," Robert said gently. "I’ll try to talk to them first. But if I fail to negotiate, then prepare to run."
Marissa nodded despite her face was pale with fear. She bit her lip and held back tears. She looked at the magic wand in her waist and thought deeply as she looked at her friend’s figure leave the room.
The moment Robert stepped outside and revealed himself, the knights surrounding the house instantly tensed.
The man that walked out may look like just a regular man in his mid fifties but their instinct told them that he is not just any ’ordinary’ man.
Without hesitation, several unsheathed their swords with a metallic clang, each blade gleaming with enchantments etched by royal mages from the capital. These men were no ordinary soldiers—they were elite knights, chosen for their unwavering loyalty to King Aurelus and backed by deadly skill.
Robert raised his hands slowly, trying to keep his voice steady and present himself as harmless as possible despite the loud beats in his chest.
"May I help you, gentlemen?"