Chapter 2- Failure in command, Failure in life

“Why are you doing this?” Ulric snapped as he grinded his broadsword against the battle axe. Everard smugly grinned as he bore down the weight of his massive body. “You know our kings rule for commanding officers. Failure as a commander can only be answered with death!” Everard let out a roar as he pushed downward trying to destroy Ulric’s blade, sweat and rain running down his stern aged brow. “NOW DIE!”

Ulric fended the axe off to the side as he jumped back his crimson bangs falling forward with the wind.  “But I have not lost this battle yet.” Ulric screamed in anger.
Everard snickered. “But it has taken you this long to win a battle. That’s why YOU ARE A FAILURE!” Everard boomed as he plowed forward rushing at Ulric.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Ulric readied himself pulling his broadsword forward.
“I guess there is no other choice but to fight for my life then. If I may die here, I die with honor!” Ulric glared forward meeting his blade with the axe. Turning and striking at each other the two battled fiercely.

Ranulf looked on in disbelief. “No. This can’t be.” He thought watching the horror before his eyes. He turned to run and stop them when he felt someone grab his shoulder. It was Kele.

“Ranulf, I understand how you feel but don’t. If you try to stop them Everard will kill you too.” Kele said solemnly. “It’s better to just let fate take its course.”

Ulric and Everard glared intensely at each other grinding teeth and blades. Suddenly Ulric felt himself move. He slipped backwards on the mud and fell to his doom. A great battle axe slammed down through his armor. Tears beginning to run down the sides of his face he let out a small sigh as he breathed his final words. “Well, I guess I am a failure. If any of you men can hear me. I’m sorry. I’m a failure in command and in life…” He closed his eyes as his head fell gracefully to the side looking at Ranulf with a smile.

Ranulf looked on at the scene in terror unable to move he fell to his knees. “Why would our lord wish such an atrocity?” Everard strode toward Ranulf and Kele through the mud in his bloodied boots. Blood staining his full black beard and strong boned cheeks, he stopped just short of Ranulf. Then quickly pulling his axe forward rending Ranulf from his place and throwing him across the battlefield he smirked.

“RANULF! WHY DID YOU DO THAT COMMANDER?!” Kele screamed in disbelief of what his eyes were seeing.

“Are you questioning your commander boy?” Everard growled “I will do as I please! We were told to eliminate both sides and that’s exactly what I intend to do!  Even if that means killing my own men to accomplish the work of our king.” He glared at Kele. “So I’ll ask again are you questioning me, boy?”

Kele turned away gritting his teeth as he began to tear. “No, sir…” Ranulf gazed onward to Kele as he watched his world slowly fade around him. Until all was black and cold…