The Decoder - Chapter 38

Avery

The sounds of metal clashing and the floorboard creaking filled the office as Avery and Noel fought the High Commander, striking, evading and striking again. But the High Commander was powerful, skilled even for both Avery and Noel. He was no match against two and it was that the High Commander was the most powerful fighter in the Militia. Now that Avery clashed wits with him, he could confirm that claim.

Avery swung his dagger sideways, the High Commander ducked and jammed his shoulder toward him, but he side-stepped before the High Commander could land a blow on him. Noel lunged towards the High Commander for out of nowhere, his rapier ready to cut through, but the High Commander was quicker. He slashed his rapier upwards and knocked the steel from Noel’s hands. The rapier landed somewhere behind them, clattering loudly.

“Give up. You are no match against me.” The High Commander gave a smug smile.

Avery and Noel were panting hard. They had engaged in a sword-match for the past fifteen minutes. At that moment, the guards chose to barge into the office, demanding is everything alright. He could hear the shocked gasps, and Avery gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on the hilt of his dagger. He had yet to use his stiletto.

“I’ll deal with them.” Noel whispered and catching the High Commander off guard, Avery flung his dagger toward the High Commander, blade face-first. The High Commander hit the dagger away with his rapier and while he was it, Avery drew his stiletto from its sheath strapped to his back and lunged, aiming for the High Commander’s chest.

The High Commander managed to dodge his attack, but not quick enough, the blade of the stiletto sliced his right shoulder. The High Commander grunted and staggered backwards. Avery did not slow down, and he used the opportunity to strike and they engaged in a metal-to-metal battle once more, dodging and attacking. Avery could feel he was losing his energy, but he was not going to give in, not yet. The thought of his father lying lifeless on the throne, the injustice inflicted upon him, and Edith lying unconscious on his bed at his private apartment, fueled his anger anew.

He swung his stiletto with vigor. Damn the High Commander for his quick reflexes. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Noel beating the guards senseless.

“Have I ever told you that your father had tried countless times to hide you from me?” The High Commander said casually as his hand moved effortlessly, dodging Avery’s moves.

“But I always manage to find you. The seven years old you was very adorable, you know?” The High Commander continued, not waiting for a reply. Avery knew he was taunting him.

“Shut it!” Avery yelled and lunged with all his might. Suddenly, he was on the floor, lying on his back, the sharp point of the rapier pressed against his throat and the High Commander’s right boot rested on his right wrist, pinning him to the ground.

“Brother!” Noel charged forward, but the High Commander gave a side-kick into Noel’s abdomen, sending him flying across the office and hitting against the wall with a loud crash.

“I’m willing to give you another chance, Avery. Give up and become my General. Conquer the lands with me.” The High Commander said, narrowing his gaze down at him.

“You can rot in Hell.” Avery gave his iciest glare, his voice dripped in venom.

The High Commander clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“It’s a pity a young talent such as you would choose otherwise…” He said mockingly, “you leave me with no other choice.” And drove the tip of the rapier deeper against his throat, breaking the skin and blood welled, trickled to the side. A large spot of dark red formed around the High Commander’s right shoulder, staining his white tunic shirt red. Avery groaned as the blade pierced his skin. There was no way he could escape unless…

He gripped the blade and held it steady. Sweat broke at his brows and he winced when the blade pierced through the leather of his gloves and into his skin. Ignoring the pain, he swiped his left leg under the High Commander. The High Commander staggered from the impact but righted himself immediately. The pain was making Avery’s mind muddle, affecting his strength.

“You do not know when to give up, do you?” The High Commander eyed him and applied some pressure on Avery’s wrist, which made Avery groaned in pain.

“I will never join you in your conquest.” Avery said weakly, still holding the blade from his throat.

“Then I have no use of you.” The High Commander said without expression and was about to jam the blade through his throat when the cold blade of a short knife rested on the High Commander’s throat.

“Let him go, father.” Ira said softly, her voice could freeze the entire office.

The High Commander was startled by Ira’s action and her presence in his office.

“And what if I don’t?”

“Then I have no choice but to hurt you. I will do it, father.”

“Why are you doing this, Ira?”

“My conscience is niggling at me. Avery doesn’t deserve to be our pawn. Besides, I have no desire for a war to start to begin with. I only follow your pursuits because…I do not know what I seek in life.” Ira said.

“Ira, you do know if you join me, we could rule the empire…” The High Commander’s voice was growing desperate as he tried to reason with his daughter.

“No. I wish to lead my own life. I had enough of your antics, father. I only tolerated your crimes because you are a family, but I can’t stand it when you go about murdering people and manipulating them to your will.” Ira said and pressed the blade to the High Commander’s throat as a warning.

“You are serious, Ira.” It was a rhetoric question, but Ira answered anyway.

“Yes.”

The High Commander removed his leg from Avery’s wrist and lowered his rapier when Avery released the blade.

“Team, arrest the High Commander.” Ira ordered and suddenly a trio of men, whom Avery recognised from the Secret Intelligence Unit appeared from the doorway and dragged the High Commander away from him. They bounded his wrist with a steel manacle.

“You will regret this, Ira.” The High Commander said and glared at his daughter.

“I don’t think so. You will spend the rest of your life in the dungeon. And, Operation Z will be called off.” Ira said and sheathed her knife, which was strapped at her hip.

Avery rose to his feet and staggered but managed to gain his bearings. He couldn’t believe Ira would go against her own father and he noticed her trembling hands despite her rigid form. He reached out with his uninjured hand and gripped her hand in his, intending to provide some comfort. Ira turned to look up at him and gave a small smile. He had a new respect for her and sincerely wished she would find her happiness.

“Thank you.” Avery said.

“Just doing what is right.” Ira shrugged.

Avery turned his attention to his brother who was being attended by a man who was also from the Secret Intelligence Unit at the corner of the office. Convinced his brother was safe, Avery let go of Ira’s hand and strode to the High Commander, standing before him.

“Wait.”

The three men stopped in their tracks and the High Commander’s face twisted into one of a deranged man.

“I have one last question. Did you order for Sir Alcoft’s execution as well?” Avery narrowed his eyes to slits.

“Aye. Took me almost three years to track him. He had been hiding you and getting in my way.” The High Commander scoffed then smiled a feral smile. Avery suddenly felt ill.

“This is for my father, my brother and Sir Alcoft.” Avery reigned in his fist and gave the High Commander a good punch in the face. Several gasps were heard in the office, but Avery ignored them.

“And this is for Edith.” Another punch. The sound of bone cracking could be heard.

“And this is for everything you put me through.” One final satisfying punch and the High Commander fell to the ground with a loud crash, blood splattered from his mouth.

“I hope we never cross paths again.”

* * * * *

“Are you certain, Ira?” Avery asked as he sat in her spacious and comfortable office the next day. Unlike the High Commander’s office, her office had a feminine feel to it. The wallpapers were of pastel pink with intricate cherry blossoms patterns. The curtains were see-through and willowy. Potted palms filled every corner of the office, a couch and low coffee table were placed at the centre and mahogany table with rose-inlaid was placed before the full-length window. Rows of bookshelves lined the walls on the right and there was a mini pantry to the left of the office.

Avery rarely stepped into Ira’s office unless necessary, and he had no reason to either. His assignments rarely involved her to begin with.

“Yes. I do not wish to take over my father’s role. I wish to explore the land.” Ira said and sipped her tea.

“I’m not certain if I have the skills and capabilities to fill the role either.” Avery looked down at his bandaged hand, reminding him of his confrontation with the High Commander last night. He was glad the High Commander no longer reign over Rayard and the operation was called off, preventing a war entirely. The aftermath of the confrontation still made him a little giddy and he’d managed to calm his nerves not too long ago.

“I think you have the capabilities. If it’s not you, I don’t see any other candidates. We can’t leave the role empty as it is. Rayard needs its ruler.” Noel said from his position on the couch opposite of Avery while Ira sat on the armchair facing them on either side. The idea of taking over the High Commander’s role wasn’t inviting, and Avery had plans to spend the rest of his days with Edith. He even contemplated proposing to her, now that his betrothment was officially annulled. He and Ira have come to a mutual understanding. However, the thought of Rayard without a ruler, unsettled Avery. The citizens will be left in a limbo and he does not wish for that to happen. Every kingdom and empire need a ruler, a king.

“Besides, you are the second prince. The High Commander has been grooming you to become the General. I could guide you through for a month before I set off.” Ira added.

“What happen to Major Wright?” Avery asked, remembering the High Commander’s righthand-man.

“Resigned. I made him leave.” Ira said casually and took another sip of her tea.

“So, we need to fill that position as well.”

“You could find someone you trust. Lucien maybe?” Ira suggested. Avery pondered at that and he wouldn’t mind promoting Lucien as the new Major. Afterall, he deserved that position.

“I could guide you through as well, brother. It would be thrilling to have political business with you.” Noel grinned.

“Are you sure you wish for me to take up the High Commander role?” Avery asked again while casting his brother a playful smile.

“I will not be electing anyone else. Now that my father is no longer the High Commander, I assume the role by default until I find a successor. I choose you, Avery.” Ira smiled, the smile that could melt men’s hearts, not Avery’s though. Only Edith's smiles have that effect on him.

“Then…I will be in your care.”

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