Hidden Pathways

Shadow Reckoning - Chapter 114

The tumultuous clash between Gargeal and Valoron reached its zenith, Zach's voice shattered the chaos like thunder on a stormy night.

"Gargeal!" Zach's call sliced through the fray, commanding attention from both combatants.

With a momentary ceasefire, Gargeal and Valoron stood apart, eyes fixed on Zach as he strode purposefully toward them.

"Zach," Gargeal murmured, a flicker of recognition in his gaze.

"Hmm, Zach, the esteemed leader of the Renaissance band," Valoron remarked, his tone tinged with disdain.

But Zach's response crackled with a fierce determination, his words cutting through the tension like a blade through silk.

"Let's go. You're the only one we've been holding out for. And by the looks of it... those wounds, those scars... Gargeal," Zach declared, his voice steady despite the turmoil around them.

"It's not every day I see you looking like this," Zach continued, his gaze lingering on Gargeal's battle-worn form.

Valoron's retort was swift, laced with a bitter edge of defiance. "Ignoring me, are you, Zach?"

A wry smile curved Zach's lips as he turned to face Valoron, his gaze unwavering. "Oh, I see you, Valoron. The lone knight, standing solitary in the shadows. How fitting for one who bears such a title."

Zach's piercing gaze shifted to Valoron, who stood nearby with a mix of defiance and curiosity in his eyes.

"You, Zach's voice was low, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone as he addressed Valoron.

Valoron, sensing the tension in Zach's words, took a subtle step back, a flicker of uncertainty passing across his face before he composed himself.

"Backed into a corner, aren't you?" Zach remarked, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he observed Valoron's retreat.

Valoron remained silent, his eyes flickering with uncertainty as he took another step back.

"Scared, Valoron?" Zach's voice dripped with contempt, his tone cutting through the tension like a knife.

"Why?" Valoron muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes fixed on Zach's imposing figure. "Why now? Why him?"

"You're not just facing me, Valoron," Zach's voice was low, but carried a weight that seemed to reverberate through the air. "You're facing the will of those who stand behind me. The will of those who believe in something greater than themselves. And that, is something you cannot overcome with mere strength alone."

"Why... why do I feel this way?" Valoron muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper in the face of Zach's formidable presence. 

"I've faced countless foes, stared death in the eye without flinching," Valoron thought, his mind racing with terror. "But this... this is different. This is something I've never experienced before."

Zach advanced, his steps sending shivers down Valoron's spine as his heart raced with the weight of impending confrontation. With a deliberate motion, Zach drew his claymore sword from its scabbard.

"This is our first dance, Valoron," Zach's voice cut through the air, commanding and resolute. "Gargeal, stand back. I'll handle this alone. It'll be over quickly."

Gargeal nodded in silent agreement, his eyes fixed on Zach's back as he prepared to step aside.

Valoron took a cautious step back, his mind racing with uncertainty and fear. The sight of Zach, approaching with determined purpose, filled him with a sense of foreboding dread.