Immortal

The chief went into the forests who being trailed closely by Archimedes. As the chief dropped his pace, Archimedes would simply warn him "Faster" he would say and the chief would pick up his pace. I'm the chief here! he lamented. I know, replied Archimedes in a cool demeanor. This is beneath me, said the chief. What is? asked Archimedes. The chief before he replied wanted to take a breather. As he grasped for some air , he bent down and rubbed his knees. "Faster" said the voice behind him. The chief once again picked up his pace "This is beneath me, being commanded by a man much younger than me" said the chief. Archimedes did not indulge in any further talks, he simply spoke only when he was required to. The cunning and deceptive nature of the strongman was known to him. Especially the leaders! As they walked the chief kept looking to his either side. As they entered the dense part of the forests , he looked up and down the giant trees. Archimedes although he found the chiefs activity to be curious, he simply chose to ignore it. He just wanted to get to the ship and then make a run for Andorra. That was the only thing in his mind!

As the trial continued, there were large thorns and snakes that entered their paths. The chief and Archimedes had a sword each and chopped whatever came on their path. As the path cleared and there were grasslands all around the chief once again looked to his left and right! Now the movement of his neck was so extreme he sometimes paused on his steps to look to his left and his right. Finally Archimedes decided to have a word with the chief "What is going? why do you look here and there?". The chief looked back and spoke to Archimedes " Oh, it is nothing! it just an old silly habit" he said to Archimedes and continued to walk down the path. Archimedes chose to believe the chief and truly did not make much about it. They walked along! You think of us as cowards, don't you? asked the chief. Certainly not, replied Archimedes. But I assumed you all to be a lot braver. Considering our size? interrupted the chief. Yes, said Archimedes. The chiefs voice changed for the rougher " A mortal is a mortal, his size nor skill matters!". And the chief continued, a mortal has his fears and doubts, he has his family, he has lot of things to lose!. Are you trying to justify your false bravado, asked Archimedes. No, I'm not trying to justify anything. I just am telling that you will not understand!

Why? asked Archimedes. Is it because my mortality can be questioned that I would not understand what you are saying!? Yes, said the chief. You think I do not have anything to lose, that I do not have a family? asked Archimedes. The chief kept silent and watched his tracks as the forest got dense again. No, we all got something to lose said the chief as he continued to chop the thorns and snakes on their path. "So do I , said Archimedes and he swung his sword at the marksmen on top of the tree". The sword cut through the branches and stabbed the big and thick branch of the tree, just beside where the marksmen was sat". Get my sword back, he shouted to the marksmen. The chief was terrified and he bowed to the king "I'm sorry , he apologized profusely". You are truly a great warrior, the chief said to Archimedes. He came rushing towards him and tried to beg for his life. But before the chief could any such thing, Archimedes stopped him!

Archimedes, said the Chief as he bowed. I promise you that my men are now your men. You can train them and make them part of your army. As the chief was pleading his terms, the man from the trees approached Archimedes and handed him his sword. Archimedes took it and put it back on his scabbard. He then walked past the chief "Just get me to the location of the ship" he said. The chief then rushed ahead of Archimedes and the poison darter too walked behind the chief. There was complete silence from all of them. And after a while, there was a small path to the left that led somewhere. The poison darter bowed to the king Archimedes and took leave. Finally, the ship could be spotted from a distance.

There! said the chief and pointed at the location of the ship. It was being guarded by two strongmen. They held an axe, the two them. Archimedes called to them. Yes, they said to Archimedes. Do you know how to wield one? he asked them. Yes, they replied confidently. The Chief was indeed ashamed and told them that their charade was over. You can drop the act, he said to them. Sir, what act? they asked the chief back. That you can really wield the axe. The two of them were shocked. We can indeed wield them, they said confidently. Show me! said Archimedes. The two of them got into a fighting position and went into serious blows. It was not great, but it was far better than what Archimedes had previously seen. Impressive, he said to the both of them! How did you get so good? the chief asked them. Before they could say a word Archimedes proclaimed "Here they train without any fear". The strongman were happy that Archimedes answered the chief before they really could. As they really did not have an answer. Join me! he said to the both of them. They looked at their chief. The chief pointed to them the entrance of the ship "You can go inside" he said to the both of them. Archimedes nodded at the chief and he too went inside the ship.