The Clock Awaits for You to Kill
By: J. L. Carin


Synopsis:

This story was about John Hart who was revengeful about his father's death and did everything to become a Guardian. He hated a person with a bloodline (a Palladium blood that was believed to have the power to protect and preserve the Kingdom). All people but him believed it. In order for him to carry out his plan, he decided to become a Guardian - the protector of Princess Julia, who inherited the bloodline of his father. Because of his outstanding skills and wit, he succeeded to become one. He then decided to kill the Princess but will he succeed? What is the true secret of the bloodline? Therefore, Andrew's journey begins with a vengeance.





Chapter 1: Hatred

"This is it...my most awaited moment, huh?" I sighed then drew my attention from the sword at my left to the east where I heard the sounds of whining horses and their thumping feet approaching.

They're here...again.

A haunting sickness of heart smote me but then I tried my best to look formal and added life to my face pretending I was grateful being chosen as one of the Guardians.

As I looked outside the broken window, I saw two powerfully-built men; profound and rather irritating egotists by nature (at least, that's what I thought of them). Anyone who sees them will surely be frightened especially for those who always look up to them like some high Priests or even next to gods - BUT NOT ME!

I suppose they're just apathetic law enforcers who follow orders without effort in making their own dignified judgments.

Wearing a spiked helmet, a chain mail shirt; by his side hung a curving scimitar and a round shield studded with bosses of brass hung at his back; one of the soldiers dismounted from his horse.

Ah, as what I expected... they brought me a horse; a strong dappled horse with flowing mane and tail, much different from theirs. I thought it's a nice beast.

I didn't notice my Uncle Demetrius drew near them. With an evident admiration in his eyes, he saluted the officer by putting his right fist on his chest and made a short bow.

The man gave him a glance; a glassy expression of inattention, then continued his pace towards me when he saw me coming out. As soon as he noticed my gaze, he paused and made a salutation.

"Second Guardian Andrew Hart, it's an honor for us to escort you to the Palace." He said after a left and right glimpse on the small rustic house.

"Thank you." I replied then he got my luggage which was piled up next to the doorway.


I made a final look behind me; a small dwelling that has spent its life in vain and is nearing to retire now. On the other hand, it sheltered me in a way that I was able to survive for the past nineteen years.

"So now I'm leaving you after all..." I whispered.

A sudden painful thought flooded my mind and a heavy sensation sat through me.
I will not return to this hell and I will leave everything behind now...everything!
Can you? Hah! I doubt it... I heard a tiny voice echoed somewhere in my mind then I almost forgot what my purpose really was.

I headed to my horse passing by my Uncle; an old man wearing a ten year-old pantaloon which his so-called friend George gave him on his birthday. His long-sleeved maroon shirt only showed significance to his petite body and his baldness confessed a long wicked life. Who would have thought that he was an ex-officer of the King? Your time was up Demetrius! I thought with a fiery exclamation of wrath within me.

I paused and turned to him. I ignored his miserable visage and started to utter words I was longing to say.

"Good bye, Uncle..." I said without remorse then I moved on with a triumphant smile.

Though I love to see him suffer, I have no plans on going back to this place filled with memories and I can't allow those thoughts to be part of my sanity anymore.

Although I was glad to get away from here, I couldn't let my self feel privileged for having this job. However, this was the only way to change my life and to carry out my plan. I have no other choice...for now.

- - - - -

From the Death Forest where I came from, we had traveled on for hours and hours; past more bays, rivers and villages, and now we reached the border of a wide river which was divided into two streams and on the island between stood the Palladin Palace. We stopped for a while and had had a drink on the river. Even though we had our drink earlier from the vessel which the officers brought, it was more satisfying to drink directly from the river. We rested for about half an hour then continued our travel and crossed the bridge which led us to a zigzag road directing us to the city before we could reach the Palace.