Right hook, left jab, knee, sidekick. The Basilisk was a fighter, using a form of boxing arts to try and overwhelm Jace. The captain kept his composure as he avoided every strike. For a while now he didn’t attack and merely defended.

His only words to his opponent were the moment he struck it would be over for him. Was it intimidation or could he back up this claim? As of now his opponent didn’t believe him and was starting to bash him for even saying something so foolish!

“What a joke! You can’t even fight! Some captain you are!” He taunted while never letting up on the attacks. He even went for a rising uppercut, but Jace was able to avoid it by performing a backflip.

The Basilisk licked his lips upon seeing this as he knew that it wouldn't be long until he made a fatal mistake and that would cost him his life. He released a fearsome yell which echoed amongst the cave before he charged in and struck with a flurry of punches.

“This is the end for you! As a captain, it’s your responsibility to lead your soldiers to greatness, not their graves!” He insulted while increasing the tempo of his attacks.

Jace completely ignored him and only thought of where each strike was coming from. Right, left, right, right, left, left, uppercut. Not one punch was able to land on him and soon there was more distance put between them as he released a soft sigh.

“You’re weak! You can’t even land a single hit on me! Time to finish this off!” He rushed in, focusing all of his energy into his right fist as he slid against the ground by sticking out his dominant foot. Jace expected him to swing a wild right, but instead of moving he guarded himself which surprised the enemy.

Seeing this he took an extra second before swinging with all of his might. Could he guard against this? Well, it would cost him in the end. His fist broke through the air and soon… didn’t hit a thing? He felt his body propelling forward as he gasped. How did he punch thin air..?

Before he could comprehend what was happening… it was over. A hard elbow connected against his throat, cutting off his air and choking him up. The monster struggled to breathe, but before he knew it Jace was behind him… twisting his neck in one smooth motion as an unruly SNAP was heard. Soon the Basilisk’s body dropped to the ground.

Jace stared down at his opponent before glancing at Yadon and Isaac. “Give me a break.” He muttered as he joined them.

Somehow Yadon was a statue and was unresponsive. Was he dead? Well, to them he might as well have been. This did pain him, but right now they couldn’t wait around here. He placed a hand on Isaac’s shoulder who was still trying to get Yadon to say something.

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“Yadon won’t respond. He’s petrified.”

“Can we bring him back, Captain? Is there any way we can save him?”

“I don’t know… but I do know if we don’t get to that castle there could be some real trouble.”

“Damn it, you’re right… fine.” He agreed with Jace, but his attention turned to face Yadon one last time. “We’ll come back for you, I promise.”

……

Back at the castle… Zain’s words were weighing true as those who had issues with the King and his family was seen surrounding the building. The guards were struggling to keep them at bay and soon they barged their way inside.

“King Bram! The situation outside is getting worse. They’ve broken into the castle and soon…”

“What is this all about…? It couldn’t have happened at a more awful time. Keep strong, I’ll step in since it seems like I must.” He announced.

“Father if you’re going then I will accompany you,” Lamont muttered.

“No… I want you to keep an eye on the humans with your sisters.”

As if on cue, Claire and Keianna could be seen joining them in the throne room as they heard the loud ruckus outside.

“What’s going on…? There’s a lot of people outside the castle.” Claire asked.

“We fear that my father’s rival has led a band of rogues to attack us. It’s not against his mind to do something so seedy.” Lamont answered.

“Children this isn’t a matter for you to worry about. Wait upstairs, my family will keep you safe.” Bram instructed.

“I’m not so sure I believe you. I can keep myself safe.” Keianna corrected.

“I’m sure you could, but please don’t get involved. It would make things confusing. Lamont guides them to their rooms please.” Bram stated before walking off.

“You heard him, you have no reason to get involved. My father will take care of this.” Lamont nodded.

“Still… I wish we could help in some way. But, we don’t want to cause trouble. Especially when we haven’t heard from Jace and the others.” Claire gives off a worried look.

“If you want us to stay put we will for now. But, if this keeps up you won’t be able to hold me back.” Keianna sighed as she followed Lamont upstairs.

…..

Bram was now adorned in a knight’s armor-wearing chainmail and battle plates along with carrying a broadsword as he fought his way outside. Slaying any stragglers who happened to pass by him. Once he was outside he glanced around to see if he could spot anyone until he heard a voice…

“Old friend… I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist my trap.”

“That voice… there’s no doubt about it! Sebastian!”

“Correct old friend!” Riding a horse up to the front of the castle a tall and lanky Basilisk dropped down, adorning armor as well and wielding a longsword. “I knew you couldn’t resist seeing who was causing this much trouble.”

“What is the meaning of this!? You’re disturbing my family with all of this nonsense!”

“Well... I’m here to challenge you and something like this deserves an audience. I, Sebastian hereby challenge you for the title of King, Bram. If you decline then I will know that you are a coward with no intentions of leading our people to glory!”

“I accept!”

“Just one more thing… this duel will be to the death. There will be no redos. I’m laying it all on the line, friend. I want it… I want your throne.”

Bram gave the man a menacing stare as he clenched his blade. The two were about to engage in combat and only one man would be left standing by the end of it...