16 Dont Kill the Messenger (2/2)

”But it's such a waste!” Vilme protested ”Look! He got some gold coins in his bag” he said as he showed the gold coin to Krul.

” Fine” Krul gave up. ”Do it quickly. We still need to bury him and burn this letter.”

”We will split it I promise”

”No need. I don't…”

Krul heard the approach of horses. From experience, he estimated that there were five riders.

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Bisham saw everything. He and four other royal guards rushed to help the messenger but it was too late. He saw the Wismarine kill the messenger and take the letter. And then one of them looted the body. Despicable, Bisham thought. Truly despicable.

Bisham charged his horse towards the taller Wismarine. The shorter one who looted the body was quick to mount his horse and run away.

”Chase him!” Bisham shouted. ”Leave this bastard with me” He looked at the other Wismarine. He was muscular and young. Since Bisham was already old, he can only rely on experience to win.

He unsheathed his sword and aimed for the bastard's neck. Bisham may be old, but his arm strength never diminished over the years. He swung his sword towards his opponent's neck. The Wismarine was able to parry the sword in time. Clang! The two swords met. If the Wismarine was a second slower, his neck would have left his body.

Bisham quickly turned his horse around. He swung his sword again but the Wismarine dodged and aimed at his stomach. Years of fighting had trained Bisham for this. Although he was not experienced when it comes to fighting on horseback, he knew how to fight a man on horseback- dodge and aim for their lower body. Bisham redirected the sword with his dagger. He then kicked the man in the chest. The Wismarine lost his balance and fell down. Bisham again turned his horse around. He directed the horse so that its hooves will trample the Wismarine. The man's right arm and leg were crushed by the hooves. The man cried in pain.

Bisham didn't waste any time and dismounted his horse. Bisham kicked the Wismarine again in the chest. He then lunged towards the man, putting his weight on top of him. He grasped the hilt of his dagger and stabbed the man's chest. At first, the Wismarine struggled. He was strong but Bisham really put his weight on top of him. Additionally, the man's right arm was crushed. Bisham stabbed him many times until the Wismarine ceased on struggling. Bisham was panting and his clothes were red with blood. He looked at the Wismarine. The man was gurgling blood in his mouth. He was still alive but soon he will cease to exist. Bisham's hand were trembling. He's too old for this.

On the other hand, the other Wismarine surrendered after he was surrounded by the four royal guards. They confiscated his weapons and tied his hands.

” Captain, we found the letter. But the messenger was already dead.” One of the royal guards reported to Bisham.

Bisham wiped the mud from his armor with a cloth. He approached the royal guard and verified the letter. It was what they've been looking for. It was a shame that they failed to save the messenger, but sending the letter to Thespelae was their priority. As for this man, they need to extract information out of him.

” Let's see if he could reveal something useful.” Bisham said as he looked at the Wismarine