10. A Clash of fire and steel

Chapter Ten: A Clash of Fire and Steel

The Hunter's eyes gleamed under his dark hood, a predator relishing the moment before the strike. His voice was a deep rumble, laced with cruel amusement.

"Did you really think you could run from me, Elias?"

Elias tightened his grip on his sword, his stance unwavering. "You'll find I don't run easily. But you already knew that."

Marvis could feel the tension radiating off Elias, his every muscle coiled like a spring ready to snap. He wanted to help, to fight beside him, but the Hunter's presence was suffocating, an oppressive weight that made his limbs feel like lead.

"Step aside, boy," the Hunter said, his gaze shifting to Marvis. "This doesn't concern you. Yet."

Marvis clenched his fists, his fear giving way to anger. "It concerns me when you threaten my life and the people I care about."

The Hunter chuckled, a low, chilling sound. "Brave words for someone so fragile."

Before Marvis could respond, Elias stepped forward, his sword flashing in the dim light. "If you want him, you'll have to go through me."

---

The Hunter moved with terrifying speed, his blade slicing through the air in a blur of silver. Elias met the strike head-on, their swords clashing with a deafening ring. Sparks flew as the two warriors exchanged blow after blow, their movements a deadly dance of precision and power.

Marvis watched in awe and horror as Elias fought with a ferocity he had never seen before. Every strike was calculated, every step deliberate. But the Hunter was relentless, his strength and speed almost inhuman.

"Stay back!" Elias shouted over the din of battle.

Marvis obeyed, though it took all his willpower not to rush in. He felt useless, like a bystander in a battle that determined his fate.

The Hunter feinted left, then swung low, his blade grazing Elias's side. Elias hissed in pain but didn't falter, countering with a swift strike that forced the Hunter to step back.

"You've gotten better," the Hunter said, his voice tinged with grudging respect.

"And you've gotten sloppy," Elias retorted, though his labored breathing betrayed the toll the fight was taking on him.

---

Marvis's gaze darted around the clearing, searching for anything that could give Elias an advantage. His eyes landed on a pile of loose rocks near the riverbank.

An idea struck him. It was risky, but it was better than doing nothing.

He moved cautiously, keeping low to avoid drawing attention. Grabbing one of the larger rocks, he hurled it with all his might at the Hunter.

The rock struck the Hunter's shoulder, causing him to stumble. It wasn't much, but it gave Elias the opening he needed.

With a roar, Elias surged forward, his sword slicing through the Hunter's defenses. His blade caught the Hunter's arm, drawing a line of blood.

The Hunter growled in pain, his expression darkening. "You'll regret that," he snarled, his movements becoming more aggressive.

But Elias held his ground, his resolve unwavering.

---

The battle raged on, the air thick with the sound of clashing steel and labored breaths. Marvis watched, his heart pounding, as Elias slowly began to turn the tide.

Then, with a sudden, powerful strike, Elias knocked the Hunter's sword from his hand. The blade clattered to the ground, and Elias pressed the tip of his own sword to the Hunter's throat.

"It's over," Elias said, his voice cold.

The Hunter smirked, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "You think this changes anything? The Council will never stop hunting you. Or him."

Elias's grip on his sword tightened, his jaw clenching. For a moment, Marvis thought he might strike the killing blow.

But then Elias stepped back, lowering his weapon. "Tell the Council that if they come after us again, I won't show mercy."

The Hunter laughed, a low, chilling sound. "You're a fool if you think mercy will protect you."

Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, his presence leaving a void that felt almost as oppressive as his arrival.

---

As the adrenaline began to fade, Marvis rushed to Elias's side. "You're hurt," he said, his voice trembling.

Elias waved him off, though his face was pale. "It's nothing. We need to keep moving."

"No," Marvis said firmly. "You need to rest. That's not up for debate."

Elias opened his mouth to argue, but the look in Marvis's eyes stopped him. With a reluctant nod, he allowed Marvis to guide him back to the inn.

---

Later that night, as Elias rested, Marvis sat by the window, staring out at the darkened village. The encounter with the Hunter had shaken him to his core, but it had also strengthened his resolve.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key, its surface cool and smooth against his skin.

"We can't run forever," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Elias stirred, his amber eyes opening to meet Marvis's. "We won't," he said, his voice soft but firm. "But we'll need to be smart about this. The Council won't stop until they get what they want."

Marvis nodded, his grip on the key tightening. "Then we'll make sure they don't."

Elias smiled faintly, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "You're stronger than you think, Marvis. Don't forget that."

As Marvis returned the key to his pocket, he felt a spark of hope amidst the darkness.

The journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but for the first time, he believed they could face it together.