Chapter 45

Emeric paled as he watched the hammer in it's swift descent towards his wrist which was splayed helplessly on a large, flattened stone bench. He wanted to pull his hand away. His instincts sent warning bells blaring off in his head, but his father's iron grip held him still.

He shut his eyes at the moment of crushing impact. Their was a hideous clang as Emeric's cuff burst apart into two pieces. As it fell away from his wrist, he glanced at the raw, scarred tissue that remained where the iron had become a part of him. The result of years and years of constant rubbing and pressing.

Emeric winced as the raw flesh stung under the sudden air that came in contact with marred skin. He turned his wrist over, examining the damage that had succumbed over the years. He had gotten used to the cuff and now he distinctly felt aware of its absence.

Rayhan also winced as he got a close look at the marred wrist. He gestured for the physician who stood a few paces away. Th elderly man stepped forward with a readily mixed paste of herbs and honey. He swiftly applied the sticky mixture to Emeric's wrist. The strange concoction would soothe the pain and ward off infection. However, as a precaution, he also wrapped a clean bandage around Emeric's wrist to keep the wound clean.

"Doesn't that feel better?" Rayhan questioned his son who was still slightly pale in the face. Emeric let out a sigh of relief. "Well, at least he didn't take my arm off." Emeric teased as he sent a smile to the blacksmith who had removed the cuff. The man smirked. When he had his forging hammer in hand, he easily sent men scattering away in fear...He had a lethal glint in his eyes.

Rayhan chuckled and then left the blacksmith's forge. Emeric was quick to follow after nodding a thanks at the physician and blacksmith. As he exited the cabin behind Rayhan, he heard the distinct sound of cheering and the clanging of metal...weapons.

His skin prickled as memories from the Dome haunted him, but he shook the images from his head and limped after his father who had quickened his stride after hearing the commotion. Although a few weeks had passed and Emeric didn't need the crutches to get along anymore, his ankle was still uncomfortable and he knew that the limp would follow him to his death bed.

The occupants of the settlement were all crowed in the centre of the village, standing in a large ring around two men who were battling ferociously. Rayhan and Emeric pushed themselves to the front of the ring to get a better view of what was causing the havoc.

When Rayhan spotted the two brawling men, a smile crossed his face. It wasn't uncommon for a rank battle to tale place in the settlement. The warriors were always eager to practice their skills and most had the determination to rise in rank as they did so.

Hunter was battling against an older man who appeared to be in his early thirties. They both held strong, well balanced swords in their firm grips. Malicious smiles claimed their faces as they attacked with deadly accuracy. The strokes were almost to fast for an eye to follow, yet the defences matched the speed of the attacks and neither of the warriors' blows managed to break through his opponent's guard.

As the battle drew on, Hunter's youth seemed to be on his side. The older man was tiring and that was when Hunter attacked with the ferocity of an enraged bull. His sword seemed to be a invisible blur as he attacked. A few seconds later, he stood victorious with the point of his sword by his opponent's neck...The victory was his.

The gathered crowd roared at the brilliant display of skill. Hunter grinned and then shook the older man's hand, making sure there were no hard feelings between them.

Rayhan strode forward and clasped Hunter's shoulder in a congratulating manner. Hunter was by far one of the most accomplished warriors in the settlement and few men had the skill to defeat him. Rayhan was one of the rare men who still stood superior in skill above the young soldier.

"I declare a challenge of rank." Rayhan called out in a traveling voice that hushed the crowds who stood by in new found anticipation. For a few seconds complete silence claimed the village, and then Rayhan spoke again, "A dual between Hunter and my son." He declared proudly. The crowds cheered excitedly, but when Rayhan saw the expression on his son's face he frowned slightly.

He strode over to Emeric, "What's the matter?" He asked quietly so that only Emeric heard him. Emeric met his eye with a steal like glare, "I've had quite enough fighting for one lifetime." He stated in a low voice. Before Rayhan could say anything, Emeric added, "It brings up memories...Ones that are best forgotten." Rayhan gave him an almost pleading look, "Come on Emeric, it's a friendly dual, there's nothing to be afraid of." Although the words sounded as if they were meant to comfort, Emeric picked up the mild insult in them. 'Just like the old days.' He thought gloomily.

"I'm not afraid." Emeric hissed softly. Rayhan grinned and had a challenging glint in his eyes, "Then prove it."

Emeric shot his father a deadly glare as he stepped past him into the ring of onlookers. Hunter had and eager glint in his eyes as he hefted his sword up once more. Emeric drew his own sword which he wore permanently in a scabbard by his hip. It was a precaution that everyone took. They never knew when the Elites might find them, but they were all armed and ready for when the day came.

The weapon sat comfortably in Emeric's grip, but it instantly sent flashes of his past into his vivid mind. The faces of all the men he had killed haunted him. He shook his head to clear his mind and he and Hunter started circling each other. They carefully watched each other to get a better grasp at their strengths and weaknesses.

Emeric felt his father's eyes on his back. He knew that it had been years since Rayhan had seen him fight. He was eager to see his son's dexterity in combat.

Hunter was the first to attack. He stepped forward and feinted a stab at Emeric's torso before swiftly adjusting his strike to cut horizontally at Emeric's shoulder. Emeric had fallen for the trick, but his reflexes were swift and he easily managed to block the blow before the opposing blade could make contact with his skin.

Hunter nodded almost approvingly as he got a better grasp of Emeric's skill. Emeric didn't give Hunter time to attack again. He stepped forward and struck at Hunter with swift yet random blows that forced the other warrior to deflect the blows. Emeric's sword cut arching slashed through the air as he worked to break through Hunter's defences.

The young opponent did his best to deflect the blows that Emeric attacked him with, but with grim realization he knew that Emeric was more experienced than he was. As an ex-Dome fighter, Emeric had battle engraved into his veins. Once he started, it came as naturally as breathing. His limbs moved on their own accord as he tried different tactics to break through Hunter's tight guard.

As Emeric increased the strength behind his blows, a red haze came over his vision, just as like in the Domes. He grit his teeth and took a few deep breaths, trying but failing to ward the sensation away. His heart was hammering and in his mind he could hear the crowds of the Dome.

"Blood, blood, blood, blood...." They were cheering in his mind and he could do nothing to block them out.

In his moment of distraction, Emeric failed to see Hunter's attack. He came at Emeric with an overhead cut that split the sky. Just before the blade could cut his skin and earn Hunter another victory, Emeric twisted away and stepped back.

Emeric repeated a move that had earned him a victory multiple times in the Dome. He stooped down as Hunter swung a horizontal strike. The sword flew over Emeric's back and as he straightened up again, he flicked dust and soil into Hunter's eyes.

Hunter was a second too late at ducking down and the soil made its way into his eyes. A few of the bystanders protested against the foul play and Hunter stumbled back, wiping at his eyes. He was half blind as Emeric charged at him.

The red flare took total control of Emeric and his mind was transferred back to the Dome. The chanting of the Dome's crowd drove him on as only on thought rushed through his mind. 'I have to kill to survive...To get Kedo out." He lunged forward...

Hunter could only make out the blurred figure of Emeric as the Rogue charged at him, sword ready to deliver a killing blow. Hunter dropped to the ground and rolled to the side evading the deadly attack. He sprang to his feet and blindly deflected Emeric's sword as it arched down at him. The glint in Emeric's eyes sent fear through him...A feeling Hunter rarely felt, but the determination in his opponent's eyes made it seem as if this wasn't just a friendly battle...As if he was fighting to kill...

Hunter realized that he had to disarm Emeric before the young man did something he would regret later on. As Emeric attacked again, Hunter brought the flat of his sword down on Emeric's knuckles.

Emeric grunted from the hard blow, yet he relinquished his hold of his sword. As Hunter swung another deadly blow, Emeric brought his sword up to deflect the attack, but his hand had gone numb from the previous blow and at contact, Emeric's sword was sent spinning from his grip. He grit his teeth through the red haze, eyes fixed on his opponent.

Hunter stepped closer to Emeric with a hand held out, showing he meant peace, "We're done." He said with a note of finality in his voice. Before he could react, Emeric swept Hunter's feet out from under him and dropped down on top of the fallen warrior. As Emeric pinned Hunter down, he drew his dagger from a sheaf and struck down, the blow was aimed at Hunter's neck and was blindingly fast.

Hunter reacted just in time as he caught Emeric's wrist, stopping the descent of the gleaming blade. Emeric pressed down with his body weight added to the strength of his upper body and slowly, but surely he started overpowering Hunter.

"Alright, Emeric, you won." Hunter admitted defeat through gritted teeth, but Emeric continued pressing down. Hunter paled as he felt the blade come in contact with his neck...That's when he realized that Emeric wasn't in the right state of mind. He wasn't going to let Hunter go because he had been defeated, he planned on killing him.

Rayhan also noticed something was wrong and rushed forward, "Emeric, enough." He commanded as he grabbed his son's arm. Emeric shot his elbow back into Rayhan's face, knocking him away. Rayhan grunted a he fell back, blood dripping from his nose.

Hunter's eyes grew wide when he felt the blade pierce the skin and blood started weeping down the side of his neck. "Get him off!" He yelled desperately as his arms started shaking with the effort of holding Emeric back. More men rushed forward and grabbed Emeric, lifting him off of Hunter. He struggled against them, but they were stronger than him and held him back effectively.

As Emeric was being held in a vice grip, he felt the red haze leaving and the chanting of the Dome spectators died down until only silence met his ears and he gazed at the scene around him. Hunter was laying in the ground with a hand pressed to his neck where blood flowed from a wound. Rayhan was crouching by Hunter, a trickle of blood running from his nose over his lips. That was when Emeric saw all the fearful eyes that were all trained on him.

Emeric swallowed fearfully as he felt the hands release him and he took a step away from Hunter and his father as he realised he was responsible for their injuries. He paled and his eyes grew wide with fear for what he had done.

"I'm sorry..." he murmured as Rayhan helped Hunter to his feet. The young warrior watched Emeric wearily as he held his bleeding neck and Emeric couldn't quite make out the expression on Rayhan's face. Was it disappointment...fear?

Emeric couldn't stand their gazes anymore and spun on his heal. He broke through the ring of Etreshians watching him fearfully, Kedo among them. Emeric ran full pelt for the woods. He needed the comfort of them, the safety they had always offered him. He ignored the pain that shot up his ankle as he ran, he deserved the pain after what he had done.

The shadows of the trees grew thick and foreboding...They too seemed to scrutinize him for what he had done. When Emeric's breathing grew heavy he came to a stop. "Damnit!" He yelled and punched a tree with extreme force. He nearly cried out when the bones in his hand nearly snapped. The skin of his knuckles had spit open against the rough bark and blood rand down Emeric's fingers. He watched it as drops slid down his fingers and finally dropped to the ground. It served as a reminded of all the blood he had spilled.

As his breathing slowed down, Emeric sank down against a tree. He pulled his fingers through his hair as he tried to calm his racing heart, but his efforts were in vain. He didn't know if he would be welcomed back into the settlement, if his father would allow him to come back. He wasn't the son Rayhan remembered after all. That Emeric had died along with the first man he had killed in the Dome.

His thoughts travelled to Kedo. The fear in the young boy's eyes had stung just as much as any sword wound Emeric had ever felt.

He wasn't sure how long he had sat there when he heard footsteps approach. The footsteps came to a stop when Emeric felt a shadow fall over him. He raised tormented eyes only to see that it was Rayhan who stood over him. He tried holding his father's gaze as he had always done, but shame made him lower them after a few moments.

"Is he alright?" Emeric asked softly. They both knew who he was talking about. Rayhan was silent for a few seconds as he tried drawing Emeric's eyes up once more, but the young Rogue kept them angled down. Rayhan sighed softly, "You only pierced the skin. He's fine. Although, you might have broken my nose." Rayhan added the last part with a smile on his face as he watched his nose with crossed eyes. The words were supposed to ease the gloomy mood, yet Rayhan saw even more guilt come over Emeric at the words.

"Everyone's fine, Emeric." Rayhan concluded. Emeric sighed with relief, "I'm..." He started, but Rayhan stopped him. "You're not apologizing to me, Emeric. It's my fault. I pushed you when you weren't ready." Emeric simply shook his head. When he remained silent, Rayhan sat down next to Emeric.

"He hates me now, doesn't he?" Emeric asked solemnly after a few moments of silence. Rayhan chuckled softly despite the serious mood, "If Hunter had been anybody else, he would have, but rest assured. He's is an easy going fellow, he won't hold a grudge because of a fight." The tone of voice in which Rayhan spoke hinted that there was more he wanted to say, but wasn't sure if he should.

Emeric waited, not wanting to push his father. Rayhan spoke almost reluctantly, "Hunter knows what you went through, or well, he understands how hard it had to be for you in there...Especially you." Emeric wasn't quite sure how Hunter knew, but he took his father's word for it. "And..." Rayhan added softly, "He's family."

Emeric raised his eyes at this, "Family?" He questioned as a frown crossed his brow. Rayhan nodded, "He was my brother's son. They were the first one's I found, but his father was killed on the escape. I promised I'd take care of Hunter." Emeric was shocked by the news. "Why didn't you tell me this before?" He asked.

"He doesn't want the others to know. He says they'll treat him differently, like a chief's relative. I guess he just enjoys living amongst the others as their equal."

Emeric nodded his understanding. "What now?" He asked as the uncertainties of the future came over him. Rayhan gazed at his son and felt pride swell in his heart like every other time he saw his son. "If you want you can go talk to him when he get back, explain what happened, but the choice is yours."

Emeric met his father's gaze with relief, "So you'll allow me to go back?"

Rayhan frowned, "Did you think I'd kick you out? You're my son, Emeric. I could never do such a thing." Emeric lowered his eyes again, "But I nearly killed him." Rayhan shook his head. "It was an accident. It'll take much more than that to be thrown out of our settlement." Emeric shut his eyes with relief.

That evening, when they walked into the camp, Emeric went to Hunter to make amends for what had happened. But as it turned out, Rayhan had been correct. Hunter although he had been slightly wearing of Emeric had easily dismissed all his attempts of apologizing stating that everything was already forgotten.

They shared jokes and old tales around a large bonfire with the rest of the Etreshians until the moon sat high in the air.

Rayhan sat silently pleased as he watched Emeric and Hunter talk. They both laughed wholeheartedly at a joke that didn't reach his ears. He relished in that fact that Emeric had made an effort to make amends for his actions. He could already see a long-lasting friendship form between the two young men.