Chapter 175: Twentieth Episode: Chapter 3 (2/2)
”Good boy! Good boy!” Oscar calmed little Oslu. Just when he was about to lose his patience as well, the huge gates of Baqeeda Palace flew open. The Ottoman warriors that lined both sides of the public square immediately blew their horns. The soldiers guarding the gates gave an ancient salute to the Narcissus knights and then they sank to their knees beside the horses of the conquerors.
Oscar was a little perplexed, but his brother leaped off the back of his horse freely. Figg Andrew Tibotty stepped heavily onto the human bodies that acted as dismounting stools. He could feel the flexibility and tremor of the ”dismounting stools”. This realization made Figg heave a contented sigh, but his younger brother averted his head derisively.
With an agile movement, Oscar leaped off the horse on the other side and helped the soldier that had prostrated himself on the ground. He had fallen with everything that he could possess as a conqueror, but when he saw the machetes hanging on the waist of the Ottoman warriors, he developed a strong sense of belonging. This sense of belonging was the deep impression left by his continuous listening to litanies and the few near perfect sword dances when he was young.
A Narcissus officer violently struck a ”dismounting stool” that was distracted using his riding crop.
”Don't block the way!”
All around, the Ottoman warriors directed their attention towards them. They saw that there was a distinct lash mark on the soldier uniform of their fellow compatriot.
The warrior who had taken a beating locked eyes with O'Neil Andrew Morissette. Although he could not read his opponent's expression, he could feel the peace and tranquility in it. Without the expected fury, the soldier withdrew.
Oscar's gaze swept over the crowd present on the scene and looked at the deep palace gates. Suddenly, he felt could not wait any longer. Totally different from his previous disapprove; he tried his best to visualize his bride's appearance. He even prayed to the gods that the third wedding of his life would be unique.
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Although the Titan Prince's imagination of Baqeeda Palace had a fair amount of magical tint to it, the luxury and extravagance of the palace still made young Oscar pale. Regarding the extravagance displayed in the palace, Oscar could only understand it as… the ruler of the Mogadishu tribe detested gold and porcelain and hated enamel household utensils and agate crystals.
The parts within view all had their original color obscured by the sunlight and brilliance of the golden tools and only the dark green enamel pillars and crystal lampstands that made one dizzy were shining with golden rays. Compared to the uniform decoration of the Eastern palaces, the Persians loved the sunlight, land, flowing water and the color green even more. Every room in Baqeeda Palace had windows and balconies that provided good lighting set up. A few circular domed roofs that were not set with gold carvings were replaced by glass and crystal. All sorts of green shrubs were planted in the palace. However, one would by no means come across a porcelain flower pot because the constructors of the palace had left loose, fertile soil on the ceramic tiled floor.
Within the great hall, gold-painted pieces of furniture were in picturesque disorder. Most of them were chairs and soft beds that had enormous cushions. Bright rays of light spilled onto the furniture from the skylight and an oversized Persian cat had settled itself onto it, forming a harmonious scene with the women on the rug.
Under the leadership of the Great Mogadishu Emperor, the men weaved in and out beside the group of women. This crown prince did not seem to mind others nitpicking at his wife. He was observing Oscar's expression. If the young commander found someone that he took a liking to in the imperial harem, he did not mind sharing that wonderful thing with his son-in-law. This was one of the customs of the Imperial Persian Ottoman Household. The royals used the ability of their wives to attract men in determining the worth of that woman.
Passing through rooms upon rooms of the palace, when more than a hundred gorgeously dressed women had made an appearance, the Great Mogadishu Emperor finally came to a halt before a huge door.
The great royal that was sparkling with the brilliance of precious stones bowed to the young Titan prince, ”You have given me livestock and in exchange, I hand over my most precious riches over to you!”
Oscar nodded, ”That's right!”
The Palace's chamberlain immediately opened the huge doors. Outside the door was a vast clearing. What made it difficult for Oscar to believe was outside the doors, spread out following the topography of the mountain, was actually… a theatre? However, Wozakad Elladan, who had been reserved all the while, reminded the groom that this was the battleground of the wedding.
The battleground of the Imperial Household wedding was not much different from the semicircle theater of the ancient Roman era and the Persians merely added their own decorations to this building. The semicircle, hilltop theater was not more than thirty meters from top to bottom. It was connected to Baqeeda Palace and in the direction of the fighting platform, a massive wall stood, covered with relief sculptures and decorative motives. The massive wall still had a spire and that was the watchtower of the palace.
Ottoman nobles had filled the battleground. However, there was not a single clergy. It seemed that this was the agreement of both wedding parties.
The appearance of the conquerors did not stir a commotion on the scene. This was probably the most peaceful wedding ceremony in the history of the Imperial Mogadishu Family. A true Persian wedding ceremony would always be accompanied by the deafening sound of drums and relatives and friends that were making a racket.
The bride sat on the rug at the center of the fighting platform alone. She was draped in a dark red wedding dress and a veil decorated with diamonds obscured her face.
Oscar sized up his new wife. Strangely, his previous yearning had vanished into thin air. The Persian Princess sat there stock-still, as lifeless as a dead fish laid out to be slaughtered. Oscar could not help but feel a little suspicious. Had something gone wrong somewhere? In his subconscious, he recalled the Persian bride was not as she was now.
The Titan Prince inclined his head slightly and turned to face the Mogadishu royal. ”Tell me, what should I do?”
The great royal clapped his hand and more than ten warriors that sat on either side of the Princess immediately got up.
”Defeat them and then you can bring my daughter away.”
Oscar also stood up, ”then… how does it count as a victory?” It seemed that he did not want to waste any time.
The Great Mogadishu Emperor measured up the young commander of Andrew calmly. ”When you have won, I will naturally see it.”
”So be it!” Oscar left his seat and walked slowly towards the center of the battleground. Ten identically dressed Ottoman warriors gradually spread out, forming a fan formation that had a repressive nature around the Titan Prince.
Oscar came to a halt at the center of the formation. He removed the leather purse on his back.
Eight Ottoman warriors stepped out of the formation and raised their machetes and greeted the groom according to the custom practiced for countless generations. Oscar tapped the leather purse lightly and the pouch immediately loosened and fell to the ground. However, that gleaming machete had the people completely captivated.
”Anti Dragon Scale!” someone shrieked from among the Persian nobles.
”It really is Anti Dragon Scale!”
Oscar slowly gripped the hilt of the blade and then lunged the machete out violently. The Anti Dragon Scale emitted a bright sound. This sound penetrated into the heavens and resounded for a very long time in the skies of its native land. Oscar felt every throb of the hilt. That was his blood surging and also the cry from the soul of the blade.
The eight Ottoman warriors who had stood out could not help but exchange glances with each other. What was Anti Dragon Scale? They had all heard and seen on the murals of the temple. They were merely warriors who served the True God. They were not worthy of the battle invitation extended by the Great Ottoman Kahlifa's warrior of God.
Oscar observed the eight sword wielders carefully. The position and angle in which they stood were extremely odd. The teaching of the Black Belt Warrior, Wozakad Elladan told the youngster that he was about to experience a formidable knife formation.
”Withdraw!” a sweet-sounding voice suddenly traveled out. Oscar's attention was instantly captured by the source of the sound.
A female warrior with an elegant figure emerged. She was aware that the man at the center of the battleground had already taken note of her long since. She had to admit that this man was difficult to deal with. This was because his thoughts had all the while been on her and the Black Belt Warrior. As for the other eight sword wielders, he only looked directly at them a while ago.
”Everyone withdraw!”
Relieved, the eight warriors heaved a sigh. Under the murmurs of the crowd, they swiftly withdraw from the battleground. Oscar watched all these, somewhat suspicious. He did not expect a single machete to have such a huge impact.
”The Anti Dragon Scale is a keepsake bestowed by the True God. You're a child of Andrew; how did you come to have it?” the female warrior whose face was obscured brought forth her question in the crisp Titan language.
Oscar shrugged. He felt regret over the disrespect in the other's words. At this moment, any move that provoked the Andrews would receive the cruelest beat down! It was such a shame to the woman's figure and her superior gifted tongue.
The Titan Prince who had made up his mind paid no attention to the inquiry of the female warrior. He circled his machete around his chest.
Then, he spun the point of his blade towards the direction of the sun. The warm current circulated on the blade. Oscar's thoughts drifted into the distant time and space. A silent prison cell, a tattered rug, sunlight brought in a shaft of light through the iron window. The shrine radiated with serenity and peace via the incense burner.
The female warrior was infuriated by the other's manner! She thrust a narrow female sword into the air! The Mogadishu royal who had witnessed all these could not help but cover his face. This female warrior who came from the temple was actually vowing a battle to the death!
Oscar's eyes widened abruptly. The figure of a teenager emerged in his mind. The teenager was brandishing his sword silently in a prison cell. The glint of the sword swept in every direction as if encompassing all living things beneath the heavens.
In practically a split second, the female warrior's face became stiff. The man's silhouette had vanished without a trace before her eyes! She only felt a breeze brush past her. The warm spring breeze ruffled her hair, but she did not feel the cold that penetrated her bones. She subconsciously glanced to behind. The man was actually crouching on the ground. His arm was held before him with the Anti Dragon Scale in his hand!
”He… has already drawn his blade?” the female warrior's consciousness plunged into complete panic. She had not even started, but the opponent had already finished! This was the showdown she had imagined and also a kind of humiliation, a humiliation that was far more painful than that experienced years ago!
The Black Belt Warrior suddenly supported the female warrior by the shoulder. ”You've lost!”
Oscar stood up from the ground and also swiveled around to face the female warrior behind him. ”Yes, you've lost!”
The female warrior's shoulders were trembling. She shook off the Black Belt Warrior's massive hands fiercely and without a backward glance, rushed down the fighting platform. Not long after, a great bang of a door traveled out from the direction of the palace.
”Black Belt Warrior?” the remaining blade wielder inquired respectfully.
”Black Belt Warrior!” Oscar raised his machete and nodded at his opponent.
The crowd of Persian nobles once again erupted in earth-shaking cheers. What had become of this world? The Anti Dragon Scale had suddenly shown itself! Furthermore, the leader of the Andrew Family was actually a Black Belt Warrior! He had even inexplicably defeated the top-notch swordsman that was nurtured by the temple. However… there were a few people present that had managed to observe the Titan Prince's attacking move. Wozakad Elladan was one of them. To be more precise, he was so excited he was trembling. His student being declared to be a Black Belt Warrior was not a surprise in the slightest. This was because his student had already mastered the true essence of the machete. The machete originated from the Ottoman tribe's ancient worship of the moon god. They believed that it was the wane of the new moon that dominated the survival and destruction of all living things in the world and the machete was the symbol of such power. It vanished during the waning moon.
The Black Belt Warrior on the battleground finally sprung into action! It had been ages since he had performed a sword salute to anyone, but his movements were as natural as the rising and setting of the moon.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette's gaze moved slowly, following the shadow of the other's sword. He did not feel any pressure for this empty, imaginary feeling, but instead felt a great tremble to his soul. He gave a violent shake of his hand and the pitch-black gleam of the blade immediately flooded out.
The Mogadishu tribe's Black belt Warrior did not use the ”wane” of the machete to counter his opponent's attack. With incredible speed, he met it with the perfect ”circle”. The two crescent blades sparked brilliant and enticing fireworks in the air. The violent clash of metals caused the two battling men to be within an arm's reach of each other.
The Black Belt Warrior circled the scene slowly with the youngster opposite him. They maintained similar steps. Their eyes only saw the point of the other's blade and the various details of the body. This subtle rhythm made up a difficult to describe melody. The swordsmen who were in sync with each other were like spinning dancers.
Oscar was the first to break the impasse! His first lunge already bore results. The person, or perhaps it was his blade, caused the Anti Dragon Scale soldier of God to develop an ingrained fear. His moves evidently came to a standstill at the moment both the blades clashed and then the force that was imposed onto the Anti Dragon Scale vanished rapidly!
Just this slight hesitation was sufficient to determine the outcome of the decisive battle! The Titan Prince was completely engrossed. His machete sliced through the spring breeze, broke through the sound barrier and swept towards the enemy's throat like the surge of the crashing tide.
The Black Belt Warrior did not choose to parry. Instead, he used the back of his blade to block the opponent's Anti Dragon scale. However, his eyes were confused b the jet-black scabbard.
”This is the left hand!” the Black Belt Warrior only hesitated for half a second. His machete, upon coming into contact with the scabbard immediately flew, spinning away. The sharp, gleaming blade spun one round slowly and then accelerated with unbelievable speed until it collided with the chest and abdomen of the Titan Prince.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette's machete had also left his hand at that moment. The Black Belt Warrior's blade throwing technique was already as easy as pie to him since long ago. The two machetes met by chance in the air. The acceleration of the spinning created a massive force. The machetes flew upwards upon colliding. Two figures soared into the air. They caught their respective weapons and then during that brief moment they brushed past each other, exchanged numerous blows!
The whole sky that was dotted with stars surrounded both the forms of the top-notch swordsmen. When they landed on the ground due to gravity, a new form was born! The Titan Prince used the leverage from the last collision of the machetes to do a flip. He spun the blade in his left hand outwards and it struck on the Black Belt Warrior's backhand.
The Black Belt Warrior's expression was unusually dignified. He used his elbow to hit the scabbard that was studded with black diamonds! With a clang, the scabbard flew and landed in a corner of the battleground.
Oscar landed, followed by the Black Belt Warrior. However, the people could tell that the commander of the Andrew Family was calm and composed while the strongest Mogadishu warrior's left arm was shuddering mildly.
”Stop!” the Great Royal's shout finally rang out. The middle-aged man who was brimming with vigor left his seat and strode into the battleground. He then held onto his son-in-law's arm.
”Go on and take her!”
O'Neil Andrew Morisette gazed at the scabbard, which had landed at a distance. The Black Belt Warrior had already picked it up.
”Here!” the warrior knelt down on one knee and offered the scabbard with both his hands.
Oscar took the scabbard and turned towards his wife. His current state was even more like a conqueror than any point before.
”Rise and follow me!”
The princess got up. She was of a very tall height that almost came close to her husband's forehead.
Oscar heaved a gentle sigh. He was already indifferent to the sight of Arayna. He only remembered that this princess had once followed the Mogadishu's assassin unit and ventured into Narcissus territory and even took away many lives of knights. However, now… she was actually his wife? This was something that only heaven would know!
The chant of evening prayers traveled out from the silent palace. The True God's apostles stood on the tower of the Prophet Sailimi Mosque and sang the prayers from the scriptures. The noisy Justania was extremely quiet. Aside from the resounding, suave sound of chanting, there was not any other sound that could be heard, as if the whole universe had at this moment stopped moving.
The believers of the True God threw themselves onto the ground devoutly on the streets and in various worship buildings. They called out in unison and prayed to the True God that was far above in the heavens to grant them luck and blessings. O'Neil Andrew Morisette had already witnessed the religious custom of the pagans on more than one occasion, but each time, he was moved by this united spirit!
The drifting clouds in the sky and the lights over the great land reflected the ancient religious scriptures. The efforts of the believers of the True God created a scene that caused one to be on the verge of going mad and our little Oscar just decided to go mad at that moment! He abandoned his wife of a different tribe. However, to be more precise, it was his wife who cast him away. The Persian Princess did not seem to be very fluent in the Titan language. She did not respond towards her husband's words. When the entire palace was praying, Oscar was finally certain that this was not the thing he wanted.
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The commander of the Andrew Family rode on his Raytheon and dashed over the mountain road. He arrived at the temple of the swordsmen before sunset.
”I'm looking for the female dancer on the wedding battleground!”
The defenders that were guarding the door bowed respectfully. Their gazes inadvertently fell onto the other's machete, which resulted in an even more intense devotion burning in their eyes!
Oscar saw the female warrior in one of the pavilions by the beach! The female warrior was wearing flimsy cotton clothing. The fiery light of the setting sun lit up her skin and hair. The ocean breeze lifted the hem of her clothes and exposed her smooth and round legs and solid belly.
She was practicing the ancient yoga techniques and did not seem to have any intentions of bothering about the man.
O'Neil Andrew Morisette stepped onto the soft rug and held the woman's waist with both his hands.
The woman stopped her actions but did not seem to resist.
”I've won, is there a prize?”
The pagan girl opened her purple eyes and gazed intently at the man before her. This man… was not someone she wanted! However… why did she close her eyes as his lips gradually edged closer? Why did she allow him to tear at her cotton clothes as he pleased?
”By the True God, rescue the confused Arayna!” the woman prayed anxiously. Her soft body moved under the man's touch. Her eyes were distant but still held stubborn rays of light.
When O'Neil Andrew Morisette's mind and form had received the most intense and fulfilling satisfaction, he bit the woman's ear.
”Arayna, this is what I want!”
The ocean breeze and the man's words caused the body of the princess of a different tribe to shrink back. She lay down in her husband's embrace, not making any comments regarding the man's crazy talk. However, she thought… if this were really the karma that the True God had in store for her, then she would try to endure it.