Kim and Mao

 Fire!!!
More arrows to the left flank and fire at will.
Kim has been shouting at the top of the battlement trying to defend the southern garrison of the king's army, he knows if the invaders gain access or overrun his position, the kingdom will be lost. It had been a hard war and he couldn't help but feel hopeless trying to use five thousand men and women to defend against a hundred thousand invaders. 
Kim couldn't help but reflect on how power had been entrusted to him, he was just a poor youth trying to live a solitary life until he met the general of the garrison General Sao, who took him under his command which surprised him because he wasn't a soldier but an aide to the general. His mind was brought back to the present when an arrow missed him by a finges breath, he snapped ofingershis daydreaming and surveyed the battle fie)d and was shocked to see how the invaders were gaining a foothold on the right flank trying to use scaling leathers and grappling hook due to fewer number of defenders. Kim smiles knowing they have fallen for his gambit, Eagle Squad to the right flank he shouted and bless them with the oil. He smiles with satisfaction as he sees a squad of his sappers's a hundred of them throw out burning oil over the invaders and are rewarded with a scream, he signals to the squad of bowmen to fire flaming arrows and they waste no time in carryingout the order and the floor was a maze of flaming corps and screaming men the air is ting with burning flesh. He feels a sense of relief when the enemy signals for retreat. He orders every squad leader to a meeting." This will not last, he told them we needed to end this war.
We also need reinforcement from the capital Eagle Squad leader complain.
That will take close to two weeks and we don't even have up to five days to hold this garrison, we are too few. Pak the logistics leader explained.
So what do we do? Jung the infantry leader asked.
Tonight I will infiltrate their camp and kill their king in his command tent Kim told them.
No!! They all exclaimed that is too dangerous.
Don't forget the men look up to you and if anything happens to you, we are sunk. Pak told him.

I guess it is time I told you guys the truth, Kim sigh's and look at each man in the eyes and told them I'm the last student of Master Mao.

Impossible exclaimed Eagle Squad leader Master Mao died twenty years ago and you are barely nineteen years old Kim?

Kim smiles and shakes his head, well Master Mao died about two years ago.

That is impossible they all shouted and he had to raise his hand for them to quieten. Please let me explain.

As you all know, Master Mao is a prince and the younger brother of our king, he looked at them and they all nodded in agreement.

Good, one thing Master Mao hated most in life was politics, he had such a great mind and he was one of the greatest swordsmen to have ever lived in our country's history. I was just a baby when Master Mao adopted me and raised me like his son, he taught me everything he ever knew and I believe he is the one who recommended me to General Sao. They were stunned and short of words.

Master Mao has a son though, but just like his father, he doesn't care about the title of a prince or that his uncle is the king.

Where is he? Asked Pak.

Oh, the little rascal is about and nearby if I'm not mistaken, he is keeping an eye on me even now.

Can we meet him? Eagle Squad leader asked.

Probably not and that is the best, he is stubborn, troublesome and very poor in following orders but he is my little brother and we will both infiltrate the enemy's camp because only we are students of Master Mao.

You know if the king finds out about his nephew, he will want to meet him.

Oh, the king already knows as from this moment if what Master Mao told me is true, the king is watching. At that moment they heard a curs behind a cabinet and a bang on the wall." Damn, the fool and his loud mouth.

Who is there? Pak asked drawing his sword.

Shut up said the voice and they heard footsteps retreating.

Kim was laughing hard and when they turned to look at him, he smiles gentlemen that was my brother Mao.

At the capital, the king mutters the word 'Mao' my nephew as he searches for him in his scrying glass. He turned to his court and asked General Kung when will the army reach the southern garrison.

Your Majesty General Kung Bow, they will be there in two weeks.

That is too long, my nephews are trying to infiltrate the enemy camp tonight.

Your nephew's Majesty.

Yes, it seems my brother adopted a son and had one also, I never knew he married.

We must hurry to save the prince, I will not be happy if anything happens to my brother's children, treat them as my children and see how urgent the matter is if they get themselves killed. I want to see them and I want them here in the capital at once.

Yes, your Majesty.

Now be gone and hurry with preparations.

The bargain

 You aren't supposed to see me like this, you just signed your death certificate.
 I'm sorry, I was told to come in at the gate.
That was no excuse.
It will never happen again I swear.
But it has happened and you have seen my true form, hence a price to pay.
I have nothing valuable with me and I'm here concerning a job interview.
The demon laughs and takes a menacing step toward Anna.
Please don't kill me, Anna pleaded.
The demon paused and looked at her and then it smiled a hideous smile with a fang as long as an index finger protruding as it enjoyed the fear and wanted to torment her more." Well, it seems there is a way out, the demon said stroking his chin with fingernails as long as two inches nail.
What can I do?
Are you sure you can do it?
I don't want to die, I'm only twenty years old, I will do it.
You don't even know what I want.
If it does not kill me I will do it.
Now that is the spirit, you look you and strong so I guess you get a lot of energy.
Energy for what?
To feed me.
Oh no, you just promised not to kill me. Anna said sobbing while the demon enjoyed every moment of her fear and distress it gave him energy and he marveled at her.
If you want to live, give me your soul.
My soul?
Yes, that is the price, you will serve me and do my bidding, and I will hold your soul and do with it whatever I want and when you die, you will be my plaything hell.

What would you do if it was you?

JACOB

 Jacob grew up in one of those poor slim sprawling cities, he is a timid boy and honest with a fault, he will never find trouble nor even think of doing anything that is illegal or can lead to a fight. He came from a middle-class family, his dad is a health officer while his mum is a nurse. They are not wealthy but they are comfortable. He is the third child in a family of four kids.

At a young age, Jacob was afraid of school and didn't like schooling, he could hardly read or write and everything seemed like jargon to him anytime he opened a book. One day, they were asked to write a letter to any of the girls they admired and each of the girls was also asked to write a letter to each of the boys they admired.

Jacob was perplexed because he couldn't be able to write anything, he was just there holding his pen and paper not knowing what to do, he craned his neck to look at what Mary was writing since she was his seatmate." Better mind your business and don't copy. Mary told him as she fumed covering her book. Just then someone tapped Jacob on his shoulder and he turned to see who it was and was shocked to see it was Thelma.

Thelma is the most beautiful girl in the class and the most brilliant one too, Jacob has always admired Thelma and always daydreamed about her and how he wishes they could marry. She is so sweet and her friend Eka is also brilliant and beautiful, but Thelma is the best, he looks into her eyes and is drowning in their beauty." Yes, he finds himself saying.

And she hands him a folded paper." Take this and find someone to read it for you. She said while shying away with a coy smile.

Jacob took the folded paper and noticed it was scented too, he put it in his bag and couldn't help smiling of all the girls in the class, he got a note from Thelma. He grins and hurry hurried home after school. He rushed to his elder brother Samuel to read the note for him." Sammy, could you help me read a letter?

Sure, who is it from?

My classmate Thelma.

So you have a girl now?

No! We were asked to write a letter and she send me one.

Alright, let me take a look. And Jacob hands the letter to Samuel who sniffs it and mutters something under his breath.

What did it say? Jacob asked.

Calm down man let me read it. And he starts.

 Dear Jacob.

It is nice to write to you and I feel glad this opportunity came by, I have been noticing you and I have no way to approach you to express how I feel about you. 

I like you, for you are humble and kind, you have a beautiful heart and I would like to be part of your story. Even my friend Eka is willing to tag along because she is also interested in you thank you.

Yours Faithfully 

Thelma.

NB

Please reply.

Jacob snatched the letter from his brother and couldn't help smiling while his brother called him names, he ignored him and brought out fresh paper and asked his brother to help him with his words.

That will cost you, his brother told him.

I'm your brother he protests.

Then go and learn how to read and write. Jacob feels defeated." How much? He asked.

A hundred bucks.

That is a lot, I don't have that with me.

Start with your lunch money then.

I'm given only twenty bucks a day.

Well, that is not my problem you know.

Alright, you can have it.

His brother then crafts a short note.

Dear Thelma,

Thank you for your kind words, I accept.

Yours Faithfully 

Jacob.

Jacob took the note handed to him by Samuel." But this is not much he complained.

That will do.

Are you sure?

Damnit if you are not going to take it then go and write your own his brother said so angrily. And better start paying from tomorrow.

Jacob handed the letter the next day to Thelma after school closed and hurried home not wanting to see her reaction. He went home and was shocked to see his family packing out of the house, he hurried to his dad." Daddy, why are we packing out?

Sorry son, it was so sudden, I have been transfer and we are changing location.

But my school?

You will be starting a new school son. Jacob couldn't believe what he was hearing, he could see Sammy laughing at him behind their dad, he started crying not knowing if he could see Thelma again.

That was like ten years ago, he is now fresh from college and looking for a job, sometimes he will sit in a corner looking at the sky for a very long time with his mind focusing only on Thelma, he will wonder how she is and what she is doing now? Is she married? He will question himself not wanting to know the truth. The pain is always unbearable anytime he thinks of Thelma. He could do nothing but try to set his life in order.

He finally got a job as a Data Entry Officer with a telecommunications company and he discovered his boss was worth a billion dollars. Those who had been there claimed if you worked hard, you would be rewarded so Jacob put his heart and soul into the job, for two years he bled for his boss but later started noticing that his boss didn't appreciate hard work, his boss spends more money on prostitute and night club than he spends for his workers.

Jacob started using his head to make his own money and things was going well for him.

He was promoted to Branch Manager and he was enjoying life to the fullest, he could get anything and any woman he wanted. Money was no issue because he made more money from his side deals than his salary. Then one day he was visited by his boss." Good morning boss.

Good morning Jacob, how is everything going?

Everything is fine sir.

I have very bad news, Jacob. Jacob started panicking inside, he thought his side deals had been exposed, he started sweating even though the air-conditioning was at its fullest." Sir, I don't understand he managed to say after a few minutes. Did I do anything wrong?

No Jacob, it has nothing to do with you.

What is wrong sir?

Well, Jacob, I'm closing the company.

WHAT! Jacob exclaimed.

Yes, you heard me, I'm closing the company down.

But why?

Well seems like the government is not honoring the terms of the deal I made with them so he said shrugging his shoulder.

But sir, if you close the company I will be jobless and getting a new job is not an easy task in this bad economy.

I know Jacob, that is why I'm sorry. His boss said standing up, please when you are leaving, pack your belongings and hand over the key to security, I'm really sorry.

Jacob was stunned, he could only nod his head as he stared at nothing in particular, he started packing his stuff while his mind ran riot. He knows getting another job will not be easy in the bad economy with inflation so h

igher than Mount Kilimanjaro. He sat down and wept.

Two years later Jacob was seen on the street job hunting, it had been very difficult for him in the past two years as he was among the millions of people looking for a job, anywhere he turned there was no vacancy or more than ten thousand people are applying for a single vacancy and you need to bribe to get the job. He feels bad because he has become cashless and trying to feed has been very difficult, he is running out of his savings one thing he is grateful for is that he is still single and never married. He wonders what would have happened if he had a wife and kids, he can see how others are going through a tougher time than he is, he sighs after another rejection and comes out of the office, he wasn't looking where he was going and he steps on a lady who just alight from a range rover." I'm so sorry I was not looking where I stepped my foot please forgive me. He apologizes.

It is okay sir, it was nothing.

Well, I'd best go on then because I may miss out on opportunities, I'm sorry again.

What opportunities?

Well as you can see many people around here going on with brown folders in hand just like this he said showing her his own.

Yeah, I see them.

Are you new here?

Yes, I just relocated here to meet my husband.

I see.

What is the matter?

There is no job in town and for any single vacancy, you will see about a thousand people applying for it.

That is very bad.

Yeah, I guess so, people are going crazy and some have even taken their lives. It is a hard world here.

I'm sorry I never got to know your name.

My name is Jacob.

Jacob, that is odd.

Why?

I knew a Jacob back then in elementary school. At this Jacob gets intrigued and looks at the young woman well, she is beautiful and that smile and when he looks into her eyes he just knows.

THELMA! He exclaimed.

Jacob, is this you?

Yes oh my God Thelma I can't believe I'm seeing you after all those years.

Jacob, what happened?

Many things.

Start from that day you gave me that letter.

That is a very long time.

Yeah. Care to give me the story over lunch?

I'm not having a dim on me.

Don't worry come on. And she dragged him to one of the best joints in town and asked him to order whatever he wanted.

Jacob couldn't believe Thelma was sitting right in front of him, he had a few tears in his eyes just looking at her, he ordered a king meal for he was famished and after the meal, he told her his story until he met her.

Did you forget about me?

I never for once in my life, there is no day I never think of you.

Why?

I have always loved you before you wrote that letter to me.

Well, what about now?

I will never stop loving you, Thelma.

I'm married now, Jacob.

And I have wept every time I think of you knowing you are married, I have always known and my heart breaks every time knowing another man is having you.

Let me have your papers, I can find you a job.

How?

My husband is the minister.

Jacob was speechless but he handed over his file to her.

We will talk again Jacob. And with that, she left.

The prisoner

 Kendrick swore as he docked behind a dark doorway concealing him from the street light, his heart was beating faster and he slowed his breathing doing a little yoga in that moment of panic. It has been five years since he had been on the run, he is dubbed a murderer, a thief and a swindler by the authorities and he has been hiding for the past five years now from every cop. He lives in the lowest of society and comes out only when it is dark, the underground tunnel is the only way he used to move during the day. Word had come to him about a deal with a huge profit, hence the reason he is hiding now." What are they even doing here? He asked no one in particular. How can they be out right where I'm supposed to come out from he query? This is not good, I need to get out of here before things go south.

James wasn't having a good day patrolling the street of the urchins, he felt bad and bored about it, it seemed quiet yet everyone claimed it was the roughest place in town, yet James wasn't convinced. He turned to his partner Rodney who was humming a silent tune. " What a night! He exclaimed.

Yeah, some nights are quiet.

Not this part of town, if what I have heard is true.

What have you heard about this place?

I was told it is where all the dregs of society reside and where you can get anything illegal and murder occurs every hour.

Well seems like the wrong description.

I guess so.

Suddenly they heard a noise and they turned in the direction. " Did you hear that noise?

Yeah, it came from there. Rodney said pointing in the direction of the darkened door.

Kendrick was frozen in place when he saw the officers looking in his direction, he swore silently and cursed the low life who left a can in the area where he stood. He prayed they never investigate and wait silently.

Must have been a cat, James was saying.

Does it matter? Asked Rodney if we were on the beat and needed to investigate it no matter what.

Okay, I will cover you.

Kendrick's heart started racing when he noticed the officers coming his way, he swallowed hard and tried to wet his dry mouth, and he felt a movement on his foot and stifled a gasp, he could hear the damn rat chewing at his shoe and then he feels a pain on his toe and he screams.

James and Rodney hurried and came across a young man battling a hoard of rats, he was jumping up and down screaming get off me, get off me you little suckers.

Rodney grabbed the man on his shirt and yanked him into the bright street light, the young man was still screaming so he slapped him once and he quietened." Who are you? Rodney asked.

My name is Kendrick Jeff. Kendrick wasn't aware he just gave them his real name until he had said it.

James started laughing, so you are the wanted man?

Kendrick kept silent, wondering how something as stupid as a rat could get him caught.

Well, you are under arrest for multiple murders and theft.

Officers I can explain, he pleaded.

Keep silent, anything you say will be used against you in court, you have the right to an attorney and if you don't, one will be provided for you.

That was how Kendrick was put on trial convicted of his crime and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The bus was given entry into the prison yard and those who were out working in the yard stopped what they were doing to get a look at the new inmate, there were a few catcalls and a threat which the warders silenced with just a look. The prisoners were led in line to the warden who was waiting at the front. When they were arrayed in front of him, he looked every one of them in the eyes and nodded." Welcome to the prison, in this place you are nobody but babies who need to learn how to crawl before they can walk, and I as your parent will make sure you learn to walk in a few days he chuckled looking at the first prisoner, grips him at his collar and shouted who are you?

I'm Brodrick sir.

The warden hit him hard and shouted you are a baby and I'm your parent. He turned to the others and looked at them." Who are you?

We are babies they shout back.

Who am I?

You are our parents.

Now that is good, put that in mind and we will have no trouble, and remember when your parent asked you to do something you did it without complaint or excuse is that clear?

Yes, sir, they shouted.

Now dismissed.

Kendrick was taken to cell twenty-five and as the iron bar closed, he let out a nervous breathing he had been holding. He turned around to inspect the cell and was shocked to see the biggest guy bunking at the lower bunk, the guy was just staring at him without a word. Kendrick moves in toward the guy and extends his hand." My name is Kendrick, I guess we are going to be bunkmates as of today.

The guy looked at him and stood up. Kendrick swore silently and took a few steps back, for the guy was huge and Kendrick could only reach him just below his chest.

Who the hell do you think you are? The guy asked him in a voice like two gravel scrapping together." How dare you talk to me without my permission? In one swift motion, he grabbed Kendrick by the neck with one huge hand and used the other hand to slap him.

Kendrick's eyes water and he is shocked as his breathing becomes difficult, he tries to pry the big guy's hand but his efforts are abortive." You can call me Basher because I have bashed many heads and I know who you are because one of your victims was my cousin and you have a debt to pay. He lets go of Kendrick who gulps in the air while coil up on the floor grasping, he starts crying silently and regrets every action he has taken that has led him toward where he finds himself presently, he has always wanted quick money and to get rich easily and doesn't care if blood got spilled in the process. He is brought back to reality when Basher gives him a vicious kick, he yelps and looks up to see Basher looming over him." I said get your ass out my way and don't think of bunking on the top bunk or you will have it coming hot.

Kendrick crawled out of his way and went to the foot of the bunk to sleep.

Kendrick grew up in one of the best neighborhoods in New York, his dad was a doctor and his mum was a social worker caring for the less privileged and downtrodden in the society. Kendrick has always had a rebellious spirit right from when he was twelve years old, he is fond of causing one trouble after another since his dad is not always home due to his tight schedule, so it falls on his mum to put him in the right track, but due to her soft and caring heart she always gives him less punishment and told him to behave.

At thirteen years of age, he starts smoking secretly and at fifteen he joins a street gang run by one of the notorious killers in the underworld wanted by everyone cops and individuals due to his notoriety.

Kendrick's first crime was murdering a young girl of seventeen when she refused his advance and he swore no one would have her if he couldn't have her one particular night he waited for her at one of the dark alleys knowing that it was her regular routes from work.

Her name was Audrey she was a beautiful young woman with Spanish blood and tall for a girl of seventeen, with eyes as blue as the sea and