Redemption

Without a route to escape; caught between a rock and a hard place. Jaseh braced to defend himself, sure there was nothing he could do to make it out alive. He raised his fists to protect his face, carefully analyzing the creatures around him. This was the first time he saw five Cerka in the same place—with their silver fangs covered in saliva.

Jaseh was exhausted from running away, while the creatures seemed to enjoy the hunt. Ready to surrender, he picked up a piece of wood from the floor, held it with both hands. “Do your worst”

One of the Cerka grunted, taking a step forward. Apparently, the group was preparing to prolong the encounter. The creature raised its silver claws to protect its face…the blow was precise. Jaseh tried to smash the piece of wood against the monster’s head, but didn’t even get a reaction.

Jaseh felt the creature’s hand on his neck—he was easily lifted— he held on with all his might to breathe. Just kill me, he thought, feeling the heat of the beast’s breath. After a moment, the creature threw him against a wall.

As he fell, Jaseh lost his visibility and slowñly regained consciousness. When he finally managed to open his eyes he noticed that he was alone in the room. He struggled to get up—despite the pain that ran through his body. The sounds also returned, and with it the growls of the creatures.

But where are they? he wondered, walking slowly towards the only door in the room. With each step the growls grew louder—curiosity washed over him. Jaseh came to the door to watch the creatures fight another man, a knight. His black armor gleamed with the light from the fireplace.

The Cerka were sent across the room after each impact. The knight didn’t seem to have difficulty fighting the five creatures. Jaseh watched in admiration, hiding his body behind the door.

The knight moved in circles, crashing his massive black war hammer. It was like watching a whirlwind sending the creatures against the walls, but they didn’t seem to care—returning to attack again and again.

Eventually, the knight managed to strike with a precise attack, hitting one of the creatures on the head. Only this time it was different—his weapon seemed to explode, leaving behind a cloud of black smoke.

Jaseh watched with a mixture of fear and admiration. Desperate to know what was happening…when he felt a hand take him by the chest. And he saw the creatures pounce on him.

Cleirk—the knight in black armor—now held a black shield. Protecting himself from the creatures’ attacks, hitting them with his weapon at every opportunity. One by one, the Cerka fell. Cleirk made sure to hit them again when they were on the ground.

Jaseh couldn’t understand…the creatures were rushing at him. Something was holding him from behind, someone was moving him from one side to the other. Jaseh watched each of the Cerka fall. What happened? he thought once Cleirk put him down on the floor. Jaseh regained his normal appearance and watched the black armored warrior leave without a word.