The New World Chapter 10

My eyes open as I slowly rise from my bed. The sun is peeking into my window, letting me know it's morning.

"Morning already, huh."

I move to the edge of the bed and stand up. My soreness is doing well today and my pain is minimal.

"Today is the day I make my rule public. I should feel nervous but I'm excited, putting my life on line seems to light a fire inside me like nothing else."

I walk out of my tent and am greeted by five Imps fully clad in black armor. Their spears glow in the light.

"Lord Leo!"

They all bow and look up to me with a pride in their eyes like I've never seen. I can't help but smile at them seeing how far they've come in such a short amount of time. Din appears next to me and seems to read my mind.

"Leo, you did this, you got them here. A few weeks ago they were clinging to life and forced to work under the iron hand of King Bron, but you freed them and brought hope to their lives. Believe in yourself as they believe in you and I assure you that you will do great things by our people."

I turn to him and try to speak but I can't think of any words to describe my feelings of gratitude, so I just nod and turn to my warriors.

"Everyone, I cannot say how proud I am of all of you, you've done me proud in the face of overwhelming odds. Now our hardships shall be rewarded. Today we fight to free your families. I'm sure I do not need to tell you all how important today is; not only will we be freeing your loved ones but we will be starting our path to glory.”

Their eyes turn fierce and they bang the butts of their spears on the ground creating a loud harmonious rhythm as they shout in unison.

"For Lord Leo, our families, and the freedom of all!!"

I yell over them: "Now my brothers, let us show the alliance that we are not to be underestimated!"

We burst from the gates and march down the gravel road to the village of our people.

The sun is setting as the village comes into view. An imp comes up to me and bows.

"Leo, my lord."

I look over to him. "Speak" I say in a commanding, but not threatening tone.

He lifts his head. "I have information for you, sir. Master Din has questioned the men you recruited and they have told us what they know of the village."

I kneel beside him "Go on."

"There are two guards placed at each entrance, north and south, 3 guards patrol town center and each guard has a night counterpart, that makes 7 in total." I grin.

"I know that sounds easy to you lord Leo, but please listen."

My grin disappears and Is replaced by a look of confusion.

"My lord I don't mean any disrespect but we have families down there. At any time they could be taken hostage or killed. We need to do this quickly; no mistakes can be made. There are 10 women down there, at least 6 children, and 5 men. None are warriors; please, lord Leo." He begs me with his eyes as tears begin to form.

"Alright Lux." I smile as he looks at me shocked.

"Yes, that is your new name. You showed initiative and advised me well, and probably saved lives in the process. Use this name well as captain of my troops."

I stand as his head hits the ground from bowing low.

"Thank you lord Leo, I will not disappoint you."

I turn to the other four. "Everyone, you shall all follow Lux and attack the north gate. I shall take out the guards to the south and make my way towards town center. We shall meet there; afterwards I shall go to the barracks and kill the remaining guardsmen. Use the darkness as cover and stick together. Everyone check your gear and get ready, let's go to war." We descend the hill and rush into battle. For better or for worse, the war to free our people has begun.