A Royal Obligation
Chapter 194: Protect Prince Eirik

Chapter 194: Protect Prince Eirik

Eirik’s blood ran cold at the mention of Thaddeus, Carl’s father. His gaze flicked to Sadiki, who had positioned himself firmly in front of him, his body tense, eyes narrowed with fierce resolve.

Sadiki’s voice was low but unwavering. "You’ll have to go through me first."

The lead man laughed, a harsh, chilling sound that cut through the quiet of the forest. At his signal, the others began to fan out, their intent unmistakable as they surrounded them. Sadiki’s mind raced, calculating every possible escape, but he could feel the weight of the menacing circle tightening around them, and the odds were grim.

Eirik’s heart thundered in his chest. The enormity of their situation crashed down on him, a wave of terror battling against the will to survive.

The lead man stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "Brave words, but futile."

Sadiki’s grip on Eirik’s arm tightened, a silent promise of protection. He scanned their surroundings, looking for any advantage, any path to freedom. The men moved with practiced precision, their weapons glinting ominously in the dappled light.

Sadiki leaned close, his voice a hurried, urgent whisper. "Stay with me. We’ll find a way out."

But the leader took another step forward, his sneer widening with cruel amusement. "There’s nowhere to run, Prince. Surrender now, and perhaps we’ll show you mercy."

Sadiki’s jaw clenched. He knew better. There would be no mercy here, only chains and suffering.

Eirik could see the determination in Sadiki’s eyes, but also the grim acceptance of their dire situation. They were outnumbered and outmatched, but Sadiki stood his ground, a shield between Eirik and the encroaching danger.

The lead man raised his hand, ready to give the order to attack. Time seemed to slow, the tension in the air almost unbearable. Eirik’s mind raced, searching for a way out, but all he could see were the cold, unyielding faces of their pursuers.

Just as the lead man’s hand began to drop, a sudden rustling in the underbrush drew everyone’s attention. For a split second, the circle of men hesitated, their focus shifting. Sadiki seized the moment, pulling Eirik with him as he bolted toward the thickest part of the forest.

The forest erupted into chaos, shouts and curses filling the air as the men gave chase. Eirik stumbled, but Sadiki’s grip was firm, guiding him through the dense foliage. Every step was a battle, every breath a struggle, but they pushed forward, driven by the desperate need to escape.

The lead man’s voice rang out, furious and commanding. "Don’t let them get away!"

Eirik’s legs burned with effort, his vision blurring with exhaustion, but he forced himself to keep moving. The forest seemed to close in around them, the shadows deepening as they ran, the sound of their pursuers growing louder with each passing second.

Branches whipped at their faces, the ground treacherous and uneven beneath their feet. Eirik stumbled, his weakened legs struggling to keep up, but Sadiki’s grip was unyielding, guiding him forward, deeper into the forest’s tangled shadows.

The sound of footsteps crashed behind them, closer, relentless. Eirik’s breaths were ragged, his body wracked with exhaustion. He knew his strength was fading fast. But as he stumbled again, his fingers tightened around Sadiki’s arm. This was a fight he had to face.

Eirik pulled back, feeling the last dregs of strength settle in him, a calm resolve overtaking his fear. He let go of Sadiki and turned, positioning himself with a determined set to his jaw. Sadiki’s eyes widened in alarm, but Eirik stood firm, his stance ready.

Branches snapped underfoot as their pursuers closed in, the forest echoing with the sounds of the chase. Eirik’s heart pounded, but his mind was clear. He could see the determination in Sadiki’s eyes, the unspoken plea for him to keep moving, but Eirik knew he couldn’t run forever.

The first of their pursuers burst through the underbrush, a menacing figure with a sword drawn. Eirik’s muscles tensed, his body ready to fight despite the exhaustion. He could feel the adrenaline surging through him, sharpening his senses.

Sadiki stepped forward, his stance protective, but Eirik held up a hand and shake his head, as if to say. ’No, Sadiki. This is my fight too.’

The man sneered, advancing with a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Brave, but foolish, Prince."

Eirik’s jaw tightened, his resolve hardening. ’We’ll see about that.’ He said internally.

The forest seemed to hold its breath as the two sides faced off, the tension crackling in the air. Eirik’s mind raced, calculating his next move, every muscle coiled and ready. He knew the odds were against them, but he also knew that he couldn’t let fear dictate his actions.

Sadiki, realizing there was no choice left, drew his own sword, now positioning himself at Eirik’s side. He knew Eirik’s skill with a blade, but the thought of Eirik fighting in his condition, in his weakened state, it twisted his gut with dread.

With a sudden burst of energy that surprised the soldiers, Eirik lunged forward, striking one of the soldier’s arm and disarming him. His movements were fluid, skilled, even if weakened, and for a moment, a hush settled over the group as they saw the defiance in his eyes.

Sadiki’s relief was short-lived as the men began their advance, encircling them both with renewed aggression. He fought back, his sword slicing through the air as he struck down the closest attackers, each blow delivered with raw, fierce energy. But his focus was split, torn between fighting and protecting Eirik, whose breathing had grown more labored with each swing of his sword.

Eirik fought bravely, managing to deflect the strikes of the soldiers surrounding him. But he was weakening; Sadiki could see it in the way his movements slowed, in the way he pressed one hand against his stomach protectively, his face twisting in pain.

"Go for his stomach!" the leader barked, noticing Eirik’s vulnerable movements.

Sadiki’s heart dropped. He knew Eirik was protecting not just himself, but his unborn child. A surge of desperation fueled him as he cut through another soldier, trying to reach Eirik. But he was outnumbered, the attackers closing in on him from every side.

Eirik’s breaths grew shorter, and his defenses wavered. One of the soldiers moved in quickly, catching him off guard with a powerful kick to his stomach.

Eirik’s gasp was sharp, pained, as he fell, his arms wrapping around himself protectively as he hit the ground. The pain was blinding, radiating through his abdomen, and his vision blurred as he struggled to push himself up.

"No!" Sadiki’s cry rang out, raw and desperate. His attention wavered for just a moment, and he felt a sharp sting as a blade sliced across his bicep. He clenched his jaw against the pain, swinging his sword back at his attacker with renewed fury. But his eyes never left Eirik, who lay on the ground, his face contorted in agony.

Eirik tried to push himself upright, his movements shaky, each one sending sharp waves of pain through his body. His hand went instinctively to his stomach, terror creeping into his heart as he thought of the child he carried. He couldn’t let them hurt his child. No he has to protect the baby.

But the soldiers were closing in, circling him with mocking smiles, ready to deliver the final blow. Sadiki, too far to intervene, struggled against the men keeping him at bay, his desperation mounting with each second that passed.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air, followed by the sound of arrows slicing through the trees.

Eirik watched in stunned silence as several of the soldiers around him stumbled, clutching at their chests where arrows had embedded deep. The forest erupted with chaos as more arrows rained down, striking the men surrounding them with deadly accuracy.

A voice called out from somewhere within the trees, clear and commanding. "Protect Prince Eirik!"