Wrinkles formed from Jorel's eyes down to his upper lip as his eyelids parted.
"You!" Jorel's voice scorned while he fully unsheathed his sword and moved towards Isan, each step increased in pace.
Tch!
It's probably him! I mean…He has every reason to!
I just want to leave! He's ruining everything!
SWISHH–
CLUNG!
Bits of wood chips flew in the air as if time had slowed down, Jorel twists his fierce face to the left.
"Oh no…" Dorel sighed while his hold on Tina loosened. The peasants there stare, all silent, fewer than before.
"Why are you attacking me? Aren't you a noble?!" Isan smirked as he flew away.
Jorel's throat silent, his anger loud, he dashed towards him once more, this time with a thrust.
"Wow!" Isan barely dodged to the side, Losing his balance and tumbled into the mud.
CLUMP!
Jorel's sword cut the wind----but not Isan's gut! Jorel's teeth gnashed as the grip on his sword creased.
"All because of what a horse?" Isan chuckled while he crawled in the mud.
"For a noble you sure are petty!" He snarled.
"..." Jorel stared down on Isan as the sun shone through the clouds overhead.
When did I ever mention anything about looking for my horse?!
Which could only mean…
It's him! He did this!
"Where is my damn horse?!" Jorel shouted, purposely cutting the mud besides Isan.
"I don't know!" Isan barked back while he clinged to the mud and his legs kicked through it like a tadpole in the water.
"Hrgnh!" Jorel's throat vibrated as Isan on the ground gripped more mud in his hands.
Isan swiftly threw some mud towards Jorel----towards his eyes. Jorel was quick to notice this as he swiftly raised his sword to his face, to protect it.
SCHLOP!
The mud touched the cold steel and slided off. Isan, though struggling as he tried to gain footing, tried to stand up and run away from Jorel. Dorl and Tina run closer towards them with the peasants nudged behind them.
"Where"
"Is"
"My"
"Horse?!"
Jorel kicked Isan's heel as he fully stood up.
CLUMP!
Isan fell right back into the mud!
This is what he deserves----for making me touch mud!
How could he first disgrace me!
And now steal from me?!
A peasant?!
Jorel raised his sword in the air, ready to drive it down into Isan who looked at him---his eyes, watery, his mouth quivered as he put out his right hand.
At this point, I do not care anymore---he could even be pretending.
As if that'll make a difference.
Jorel changed his stance from holding the sword from downwards to upwards, the sun slightly reflected off the blade and onto Isan's pitiful face.
"No!" Dorl shouted as he got loser with Tina right behind him who looked like she could trip and her face, heavy.
A quick silence then a ringing sound can only be heard, only the people's eyes spoke for them as Dorl extended his hand forward----his pupils dilated.
SWWIISH—
SSSHLP!
The sword slashed downwards, his right hand clean off as it twisted and turned in the air with blood that spewed all over which touched Jorel's face and clothing.
Isan's hand flew to the ground and landed in the mud, it painted the brown a slight red while Jorel's once clean blade was now stained with blood.
"AAHHHHHHHH!" Isan's irritating voice tore through the entire street while he grasped the lower part of his right hand, blood gushed all over.
Jorel's gazes above him.
He should've deserved more…
His inner voice, cynical.
"Isan…" Dorl fell to mud as he looked at Isan, his hands trembled while he still continued moving towards him, though his steps were dragged.
"U-Uncle..Isan…?" Tina, her voice fractured, her once gleeful face painted all over with tears. She moved closer and rested her head on Dorl's body. The peasants all recoiled back----Their eyes all fixed on Isan groveling with his hand besides him.
Jorel reached into his satchel for his cloth and used it to clean the blood streaks off his face and sword. When done, he sheathed his sword back and fastened it to his waist.
"Hey, Kumigara!" His voice deepened as he directly faced Dorl.
It's about enough now…
"Hmm?" Dorl's body jolted and his head faced Jorel.
"I want to leave, and not wasting a second longer."
"Do something about it." Jorel stared directly into his soul as Dorl looked back, speechless. Everyone there was just silent, their eyes watched Isan rolling in the mud as he bled out.
Or was he deaf when I spoke?
"Now!" Jorel spoke slowly but more sharp and leaned in closer slightly.
"Y-Yes S-Sir…"
Tina's continued cries drowned out Dorl's stammers and Isan's scream.
"Someone please help! Help...Help...!" Dorl shouted, his voice though weak, prevailed against Isan's screams and Tina's cries. He gently held Tina's head to his leg and they both rushed off somewhere.
Oh good heavens.
At least I won't hear that brat's awful voice anymore.
The clouds parted, some of the sun's beams shined through and directly on the road as birds flew under the light and Jorel standing there while his eyes were lost on Isan.
Wait...
Did I–I cut off someone's hand…
Me?
He bent his head down while his hair covered his eyes.
---The end of chapter 17---