Chapter 6: The Battle for Freedom

The boys searched frantically through the dusty chests and barrels, their hands shaking with the urgency of the situation. Time seemed to drag as they rifled through old scrolls, broken artifacts, and tarnished jewels. The pressure was mounting, and fear gnawed at their hearts with every passing second.

"We have to find it," Max urged, his voice laced with desperation. "Keep looking!"

Just as hope began to wane, Noah's hand brushed against something cool and metallic. He pulled it out—a small, intricately designed key, gleaming even in the dim light of the basement.

"I found it!" Noah screamed, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "I found the key!"

The boys' faces lit up with relief, but their celebration was cut short by the sound of heavy footsteps echoing down the staircase.

"Soldiers!" Jake whispered urgently. "We have to hide, now!"

They scrambled to find a hiding spot, but the soldiers were too quick. Within moments, they were surrounded, the soldiers' torches casting eerie shadows on the walls.

"Drop the key!" one of the soldiers barked, his voice cold and commanding.

Reluctantly, Noah let the key slip from his fingers, and it clattered to the ground. The soldiers grabbed them roughly, binding their hands before dragging them up the stairs and out of the basement.

"You're coming with us," the lead soldier sneered as they were led to the castle dungeon. The boys were shoved into a damp, dark cell, the heavy iron door slamming shut behind them.

One of the soldiers turned to them with a smirk. "The king has announced your execution for tomorrow morning. Enjoy your last night."

As the soldiers walked away, their footsteps fading into the distance, the boys huddled together, fear gripping their hearts.

"This can't be happening," Jake said, his voice trembling. "We're going to die."

But just as despair began to settle in, Noyon, who had been silent up until now, suddenly smiled.

"Do not worry," Noyon said calmly, his tone confident.

The boys looked at him in shock. "What do you mean, 'don't worry'?" Max asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "We're locked in a dungeon, and the king's going to have us killed!"

Noyon's smile widened. "Trust me. Help is on the way."

Before they could ask more, a loud commotion erupted outside the castle walls. Angry shouts and the clashing of weapons echoed through the night. The boys rushed to the small barred window, peering out into the courtyard.

An army of villagers, armed with whatever they could find, was storming the castle. The people had risen against the king, their anger fueling their attack. The castle's soldiers were trying to fend them off, but the villagers were relentless.

"They're here to rescue us!" Liam exclaimed, hope surging in his chest.

The battle raged on, with villagers breaking through the castle's defenses and flooding the courtyard. The noise grew louder, and soon the door to the dungeon was kicked open. A group of villagers, led by a burly man, rushed in and freed the boys.

"Take these," the man said, handing them swords. "You'll need them."

The boys took the swords, their hands gripping the hilts tightly as they followed the villagers out of the dungeon. The castle was in chaos, with battles raging in every corner. But the boys had only one goal in mind—the pyramid.

"We have to get to the portal!" Max shouted over the noise of the battle. "It's our only way out of here!"

They sprinted through the chaos, dodging swords and arrows, and made their way to the pyramid. As they entered the ancient structure, they descended into the underground chamber, the air thick with tension.

But as soon as they reached the chamber, they were confronted by a horrifying sight—mummies, their bandaged bodies moving with unnatural speed, emerged from the shadows.

"Get ready!" Noah shouted, raising his sword. "We have to fight our way through!"

The mummies lunged at them, their rotting hands reaching out with deadly intent. The boys fought back, their swords slicing through the air as they battled the undead creatures. It was a fierce and desperate fight, but the boys fought with everything they had.

Finally, the last mummy fell, its body crumbling to dust. The boys stood there, panting, their swords still at the ready.

"There it is," Jake said, pointing to the far end of the chamber where a swirling portal of purple light hovered, its glow illuminating the dark room.

But before they could reach it, they heard the sounds of the king's army approaching. The clattering of armor and the shouts of soldiers echoed through the pyramid's corridors.

"They're coming!" Liam cried out, his voice filled with urgency.

"We have to go, now!" Max shouted.

The boys sprinted toward the portal, the sound of the approaching army growing louder with every step. Just as they reached the portal, Max turned to Noyon.

"Come with us, Noyon! You don't have to stay here!"

Noyon shook his head, a sad smile on his face. "This is my world, Max. I belong here. But you—this is your chance to escape. Go, before it's too late."

The boys hesitated for only a moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Noyon," Noah said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Without another word, the boys jumped into the portal, the purple light enveloping them as they were pulled into the unknown. The last thing they saw before the portal closed was Noyon, standing tall and proud, as the king's army flooded into the chamber.

Then, everything went dark.