Chapter 6: Our First Dance 

Flags hang high above the city. Waving masterly in the high wind. Storm and thunder crossing the land soon to cause waves of chaos.

The clergy upon his houses staring down the masses. With the doll Ehzra by his side waiting for his command. The morning sun stood bathing him in his robe. With the finest wine enough to please the gods they say.

"Deals or contracts powers in their own right, giving if both parties accept fair trade." Monologued to himself.

"A power no greater than anything in this world, giving my words even more strength."

"Absolute domination over people, to be gods, when they chose to not show themselves."

The tyrant helped himself to the world's joy and pleasure above the people who got him there. With his power of words, it itself got him higher.

Poor Ehzra truly the great beauty of the eastern side. Wrapped around by those sweet words. Now even after some time since then. Her icy heart turned to a raging blizzard. No better than the doll kids play with.

Ezer dove into training his way of the spear. Seeing Ehzra ignore him further, like he was never there, their friendship was gone in instant. Deepened the void in his heart further. Even he didn't know what those feelings were for her. Back then and now.

The days went by they grew distant. That Clergy had a watch eye on Ezer. Nol took his time to wander the streets of the cult-like kingdom.

Praises to the Clergy were far and wide. Aside from that it was clean face. Digging deeper should the cruel world surface being despair to many. Slaves to a system working hard, for little to nothing. Zealous to this one icon enduring these conditions for a lie. Nol took up the challenge to help them. Not because of his strong sense of justice, but in memory of someone.

The all-seeing eye of the Clergy. Seeing every corner of this kingdom. Information pillars of his strength. A masterful system made by him and another who lived on Earth giving information leading to great advancements in technology.

Now with time lovers bound together by fate cut it apart. The last dance has yet to be played. The rebellion fought hard to go against the Clergy, but time deteriorated their chances. Nol and Asher had made some stance to bring down the tyrant. The rebellion does not play with battles and men, this was of strategies and mind games.

One brings down the supports structures and the other takes down chances of uprising and controlling the masses that don't know. The rise of propaganda calling those non-believers heretics. Spreading more lies.

A hidden so-called love story hid underneath it all. Ezer trained the freedom of the spear. Ehzra bound to the sword of lying word.

Ceremonies were heard for Ehzra and her loyalty for the cause and devotion to the one "true" king. Ezer watched the parades as they gifted her a beautiful long sword that glimmered as it basked in the sunlight.

From the spectacle of glamor and music. Ehzra took up the sword given to her by the Clergy. As he gave speech in about her zealousness and how she'll be regarded to the god. Giving more reason for the public to act.

That same blank stare unlike before her outburst taking control of her. Now it seems like it never happened.

"Like we never had something." Ezer muttered to himself and walked away from the festivities. "What happened to us."

"You've ignored me since then was our friendship nothing to you." Ezer thought.

Ezer thought of this unknown feeling towards her. He clicked his tongue from his frustration and walked on. No

He's still stuck in the Clergy regime. From learning more about it. He was able to send important information in early forms of decrypted messages. Sometimes I find a way to meet in person.

Ezer cursed himself since that day. Wishing for another chance to fix wrongs. Begging for time to change. Days of past since then that empty feeling lingered on. The spear carrying the hope and ambition of Ezer with every swing and thrust. Was there for him.

Nol somewhere among the kingdom hidden away. Nol the mastermind of the rebellion a master mind of fighting and warfare. Absolute talent piling on as the decades play on. Something he hadn't considered.

Ezer managed to sneak away the watchful eyes of Clergy back then to meet with them. The regime had intense security to ensure no one escaped. Somehow Ezer managed and Nol called his men to leave the kingdom. Called out a signal.

The Clergy sat atop a throne of lies and great power. To think he wouldn't see such an attempt is laughable.

"Nol you're smart but compared to a god you're nothing." The Clergy spoke to himself. Alone waiting.

Paladin forces came barging in. Nol didn't fight but let him get caught as well. Ehzra at commending them. With her stunning armor and that blade at her waist.

"Capture those heretics. By the order Clergy ******." Announced Ehzra.

"My, well aren't you just proper. Tell the Clergy I ask for an audience." Nol asked

Was it confidants or arrogances that drove Nol to ask. Nevertheless, Clergy was pleased from the request and set up a due date.

As the capture was happening. Ezer training once again. Bound to chains and sent see cell to await further actions.

As those so-called heretics framed for misdoings. They were walked along the busy streets and ridiculed for action with no wrong doings. Nol and Asher held their heads high not to fall under the words.

"My men don't hold your head down face forward." Yelled Nol

As they came to the gates of the churches the Clergy look down on them and was thrown into a cell with Ezer also trapped in chains.

While the palace was decorated for upcoming guests and a few men were getting ready for a departure to a castle. The Clergy had his paladins praying strengthening the words coiled around their hearts. Ehzra was truly under his every control ready for any. Shadows forming where the words lie, a faint sound of life was still there.

Systematical the soldiers and every personnel. All worked in harmony with a mesmerizing choreography. Handling Nol and the others to the throne room. To be greeted by the Clergy sat atop a throne higher than those below. His personal men on his side. Rows of soldiers ready to attack at a moment's notice. Everything shinned and glowed glamorously. Even he wore a robe lined with many jewels and made with the best fabrics from just the looking at it.

All were bent to the knee by the guards as they looked up at him. His face made his arrogance clear. Woman and wine at his disposal even now.

"Well don't you have such obsequious men. "

"Oh, my what have I done to displease you." Mocked Nol "Oh great ******."

The Clergy watched in silents.

One of the guards grabbed Nol's head to the ground. The Clergy lifted his fingers and the guard brought up

What was Nol's plan to take down such a dominant force in the world? Shear power would take kingdoms of armies to and immense amount of bloodshed. Playing with a game of knowledge brought him here. Dauntless task, but worthy one for his journey and hers.

Nol hand planted the seeds of ambitions beforehand. Using his knowledge, showing the slaves of the kingdom which, the Clergy calls his subjects. Nol got enough people to lead a rebellion against the tyrant. The younger people are born into seeing the freedom of the outside world. Grew hopeful and went with Nol's ambition.

Storms of people came to the gates. Some questioned the religion and mass hysteria ran wild. This so-called hope they clung on to was breaking and the façade coming to light.

Nol gave a smirk to the enraged Clergy.

"How dare a human stand out against a god like being." His outward calm nature was changed in full display. No one batted an eyes.

Mutiny called the masses.

"Oh, how quickly they change." Mocked again. While still chained and kneeling.

Ezer part came into full swing. Those tales and ambitions. Those that couldn't be fully control under the Clergy had doubt. The ones raised by him held strong to their beliefs.

"That unnatural power you held so highly is starting to crumble."

"Wait, how could you have none about it. That's not possible." Panic ran through him. His calm demeanor came back.

"Your powers that go beyond human limits or so they say."

Everyone in the room was confused at what Nol called Power. Powers that go beyond the natural order not that of spirits either. Something more than even that.

"Should I talk about the deal perhaps." asked Nol.

The Clergy now worried and sweating profusely. A man from the shadows came by. With an odd appearance. Relaxing the Clergy. While they were busy staring at the odd man. Nol had broken free and was ready to kill the guard besides him.

In happened very fast, but Nol had used his monstrous like strength to break free and grab the guard's weapon. Start off the fighting.

"Kill yourself." Coldly said the Clergy. "Don't make yourself a burden."

Even though they wanted to leave his grasp. Those words coil around the heart had finished the job. As he tried desperately to stay. His body giving out almost instantly.

"Does your power have no limits."

"It seems you don't have full control over your victims."

From just Nol was able to figure out the situation. I was able to come up with a solution.

"Well don't need this anymore." Threw the body aside. Playing the part of heartless revolutionists.

Picking up another sword after incapacitating each guard while only those watched.

"Why must you try to go against a god. You'll only lose."

"Why should a god fear this pebble. I have great power." Thought Clergy.

"I still have my loyalty of my paladins, manpower rivaling kingdoms." The Clergy assured himself.

"Fix the problem outside." The Clergy said to the odd man.

"Your arrogance has no end too."

The mass of guard also was still hesitant whether to act the question ran wild like the masses outside. With that Nol freed his companions appalled at what conceived. The talk was about Power and how Nol planned all of this. Had them in dismay. Why get caught by them.

"Paladin ready your weapons, kill those heretics." Announced the Clergy.

With that the paladins got ready to fight. Nol knowing they were at a disadvantage, and he couldn't fend them off alone.

"On my signal we move."

"RUN!'

They all ran out of the throne room. In great succession one after another.

"W-w-what n-now, sir." asked Ezer. His breath breaking the words.

"Let's head outside first." replied Nol. His breath was steady and calm.

Their breaths puffed as they ran for their lives. Getting to the door they closed it shut for the paladins following them. The paladins were nowhere to be seen.

SLAM!

Ezer and others gasped in the fresh air. Relived from the pressure of death. While Nol and Asher were already talking about the next plan. Fixing their clothes from running.

"Can we stop at the cells." asked Ezer. "They took my spear and left it there."

"Perfect, that was the plan anyways." replied Nol.

"We need our weapons back." added Nol.

"Asher and Ezer come with me, the rest blend in the crowd and head back to base b. Ready the for the upcoming fight."

Drops of rain came down. The dark clouds of storms were far still. Loud thunders claps were heard for the impending doom.

They ran towards the cell. The cell door was open leaving every free for the taking. Nol took back his dull sword the sheath had markings barely visible. Keeping it to his back still using the sword from early to his hips.

Ezer found a spear, the cloth wrapped around gone. Ezer gripped the spear, feeling the roughness of the wood and weight of the blade. Knowing it was his from that. It all felt natural to him. The cloth that was wrapped around in the on the ground torn. Ezer tied around the between the blade and shaft.

While Asher was smiling with glee to have his armor again. Picking at a shield and great sword from the random mess of items.

Those small drops a rain with storms so far away. Came with thunderstorms with claps roaring louder. Vicious wind tearing around the trees. Pouring cold bitter rain. The sun is gone with dark clouds covering the sky. The whole kingdom was engulfed with the darkness like night.

"How ironic for it to rain now." called out Nol. Looking outside

Marching feet in the mud and clinking of armor. The splash of raindrops on the said armor filled the area.

"Ready yourselves and prepare this battle shall test your limits." Teaching Ezer.

"This is just a warmup" Ezer joked around

"It's just the paladins it seems the other guards have given up." Said Nol

"We don't kill, but this may be that changes." Said Asher while walking into the room.

"Don't forget to stretch you'll sprain something old man." Ezer kept joking as they were getting closer. "Thank you for everything father, let give it our all." Given with that same bright smile.

They both gave a hearty laugh.

"Don't worry about me, with me here no one's going to die."

"Well here they come." Said Nol "Ready your weapons and mind."

"You better survive" Ezer said

Ehzra commanded her troops searching for the lost prisoner. She tapped her foot on the damp soil. Something itched her body that couldn't go away. Her body was restless for something. Her bitter heart covered it.

"Let me take on Ehzra."Ezar asked. His childish voice was gone. It's serious tone and stare. "I wish to talk with her."

"This isn't the time for that." called out Asher. "Shes the head of the paladins with great strength."

Asher knew what should be done as a warrior. Nol gave a deep sigh

"Think about the plan and how we'll do this. But that being said I trust you."

"Go, we'll take care of the others. You'll have to take care of yourself."

With a deep breath and a glance at his torn hand from training. The feeling in his heart. He gave a nod to Nol and Asher. They went to take care of the rest.

Nol knew this already and planned for Ezer to act out. So, everything came to motion for Ezer and Ehzra to have their first dance.

Of course, they don't know that since I planned for this to happen. A dance for the ages. I shouldn't go on. Let me continue.

Nol and Asher guide the attention the paladins leaving Ezer and Ehzra to face their problems alone.

"Hello Ehzra it been a while since then. How have you been." Ehzra only blankly stared at him.

Before that let's see the greats fight.

Veterans of many great wars. To see them fight was a great honor. Men that fought off demons and saving the land from their clutches. Fighting even humans once.

Those's two synergy was perfect. That could be said by the hivemind of paladin as well.

Heavy strikes coming, each in perfect forms from all directions and Asher endured all the blow holding still. Using the shield to block. Great sword usually meant for two hands. Asher was enormous and strength comparable to Nol. Swinged the great sword cleanly and effortlessly one handed. Making space for Nol to attack or break their guard.

While Nol goes in for the attack. Asher takes the bulk of it. Using both of his swords blocking with one and attacking with the other. Such a method is bad since one sword would fare better. He was able to use both swords perfectly. With the amount the power he has and wrists allowing for the power to be consistent. While going against the strong winds and rain.

Of course, being this powerful. Those paladins wouldn't stand a chance. Their skills and number over them with 10 against 2. The fight could play either way.

That gave enough time for Ezer and Ehzra to have a chat.

With the common greeting from Ezer. Ehzra just stared at him. Without saying a word. All the while the pouring rain came down upon them drenched them. Ezer clothes stuck to his body. Bounced off Ehzra armor. The ground here became mushy to them, and others are meaningless.

"You, heretic I must kill you." harshly told Ehzra unfazed. Getting into a attack ready stance.

Her words were cold and blank as usual. This time it heart Ezer even more.

"Don't you remember our time talking with each other." Cried out Ezer.

Before Ezer could get another word in. Ehzra launched her attacks.

Common sense brings the spear and longer weapon than long swords. Would always win in battle.

Ezer blocking with shaft of the spear. Keeping his distance. Guiding the blade out of way.

"Please, Ehzra hear me out." begged Ezer.

Blind of his words continued her attack. Each slice follows a trail of water. Her barrage of blows came to a stop. Backed off to rest.

Ezer made so distance and went into an attack stance as well.

"Ehzra I don't want to do this. I don't want to hurt you."

Those words were unable to reach her. She came back lunging in. Ezer went for a thrust going for her body to minimize damage. It spun in the air and vortex of water with it.

Her flexible body was enough to dodge the bulk of the attack. Leaving a small scrape on her armor.

The fight went on, both unable to get the upper hand. While Ezer went on about the past they had together. Though neither wanted to believe they had feelings for each other. Relegating it to a friendship.

Their first dance played as they traded blows in the bitter cold. The rain splashed between them. Their feet molded into the ground as they stepped.

Like any performance it must come to an end. In reckless fashion I had a bold plan to finish this struggle. He ran at her pushing away the mud as he ran. The first time he acted first in the fight. Going for the stomach to knock her out.

It worked, knocking her down and ending the fight. Dropping her blade on the ground. Feeling guilty, he went to help her and move her somewhere safer.

She was still awake as Ezer got her up. Used the hidden dagger stabbing him in the stomach.

Ezer coughed up blood and yet still held up Ehzra. The warmth of it felt nice in the rain. Moved himself to hug her.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't do better. I wish it knew what to say or maybe acted then."

"I-I-I I-loved you." giving that smile bright smile even in the pain.

From that Ehzra unbound to the word. Breaking free of the Clergy's grasp got control again. Seeing what she did to Ezer. Sobbed again.

"Don't cry it's a shallow wound." before fainting.

Nol done with his battle had Asher grab horses. While Nol got Ezer but I he laid in the crying arms of Ehzra.

"He'll be fine let's go before we get caught." said Nol.

He figured that she managed to break free of his spell. Nol carried Ezer while Ehzra followed and held his spear.

The rebellion failed; the people that tried to rise got put away. The odd man used the storm to tell the masses the gods were mad in doubting them. Spreading the lie even more. Made the Clergy even more powerful

Asher had gotten some horses to flee to the dark forest some time away. With two horses they left treating Ezer wounds with the little time they had and set off.

Seeing a broken man using a sword as a cane walking to that kingdom.

Ehzra finally saw the open world. Nice, but Ezer rode tied behind Nol. While Ehzra was behind Asher.

Now the story of the unlikely group of people has made history. No nothing of that sort. The true beginning of the story. Riding the winds of freedom onward to the great dark forest. Meeting a strange young boy around the age of Ezer and Ehzra.