Ascension Of The Blood Throne by Mikel Wilson (red scrolls of magic .TXT) 📗

larger man’s legs out from under him. Maximus fell hard, and once they hit the floor, JH began pounding away with shots to the big man’s head and body. Maximus swung from his position on his back but was unable to generate any force for his punches. JH continued his relentless assault to the vampire’s body and head.

The crowd could not believe what they were witnessing and quickly took up chanting the name of the boy they thought stood no chance at all against a champion like Maximus. “JH! JH! JH!”

Maximus finally made it to his knees, his breathing heavy, but didn’t make it any further before JH wrapped his arms around the man’s thick neck and forcibly pulled him back down to the floor, choking the much larger opponent. That’s when Maximus seized his opportunity. JH had made a big mistake. The giant smiled just before biting into JH's arm! JH yelled in pain and was forced to release the hold. This allowed Maximus to finally get to his feet.

Maximus wiped his face and began laughing. “Is that all you’ve got, boy?” He swung and scored a massive shot to JH's body, causing JH to take a knee in pain! He followed by grabbing JH’s head and slamming a knee into his face, which raised JH up before he fell hard to the floor.

JH wiped his face as Alisha began clapping and yelling, "Remember the game plan, JH!”

JH feinted with his right and again kicked the lead leg of the giant. He circled before again. He feinted with his right, which Maximus easily dodged, then he landed a hard kick to the vampire’s calf. This one did its job, causing Maximus to grimace and stumble. He straightened, but he couldn't hide the damage when he started avoiding putting pressure on his lead leg.

"It's working! Chop him down!" Alisha shouted.

JH circled and this time, he scored with a kick across Maximus’s face followed by another hard kick to the leg. Maximus would not give, trying to fight back on just one leg, but JH's speed was too much for him now that he was injured. A punch to the gut, a kick to the leg, and an uppercut from JH nearly did him in.

Maximus was nearly out on his feet when he roared and began glowing. His strength seemed to double, and the coliseum went quiet. JH went in for another kick, but it was caught by the other vampire in one massive hand. With his newfound strength, Maximus began slamming JH around like a rag doll.

Bleeding and nearly exhausted, JH found his strength and flipped his body. Quickly getting into position, he wrapped his legs around one massive arm and with a brutal twist, snapped it with a sickening crack! Maximus screamed, grabbing his injured arm, and JH advanced. He knew he only had only enough strength for a final assault, so he jumped as high as he could into the air, spinning his body like a top to throw all of his strength into a kick straight to Maximus's face. The big vampire rocked for a moment before falling face first onto the coliseum floor.

JH ran over to the giant to finish the job, but Maximus's big hand waved, and he uttered the words no one ever thought they would hear him say, "I surrender."

The entire room went wild in celebration. Robert was completely surprised by the outcome as he lifted JH's arm and declared him the winner. Lillith and Mackinzie both ran to JH, giving him a hug. He had just shown their strength to the Taldor vampires as well as proving that the brood Lillith had brought with her were not the pushovers they were thought to be.

“I am very impressed with your training. I now offer you a place in court if it is well with the prince and princess,” Robert offered. He clapped and four knights wearing armor similar to Robert’s appeared holding another complete set. They removed their helmets and bowed to the prince and princess.

The first was Ayden, who was mixed like Lillith with bushy, curly hair and brown eyes. He was tall and muscular, but unlike some of the knights, he seemed to have a caring about him.

The next was a woman, her hair curly and kinky, she too was mixed, and her eyes were green. As she kneeled, she said, “my name is Emily Elizabeth. Ayden is my brother.”

The next was a blonde-haired man who was short in stature but muscular, He was older than the others, and introduced himself as Wally. The last was a tall, slender man named Ash.

Robert took the armor from Ayden and presented it to JH. “Welcome to the giant slayers,'' he said with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll earn the title soon enough.”

Christian stood and asked, “Giant slayers? My father signed a treaty with the giants long ago. We will not start a war with them now.”

“Forgive me, my prince, but the war has already started. They have attacked us several times. If you hadn't left us to look for a queen, you would know this.”

“You speak to the future king this way?” Gwen of the Federation demanded, smacking the table to get Robert’s attention. “Apologize to the prince.”

“I apologize,” Robert said through clenched teeth. “I suppose you can tell them we surrender, or maybe you can talk the beasts down, but it is our job to protect you and this kingdom.” Robert turned his back and walked away, leaving the other knights to follow. “Are you coming,” he asked JH as he passed.

Alisha shooed JH on so he would follow.

“Forgive Captain Robert, Prince Christian, much has happened since you left. We must fill you and the princess in before your trip,” Gwen said.

“We understand,” Christian said as Lillith stood and bowed her head to the Federation.

“We have much to plan if we are to bring peace back to this land, but I'm sure we can do it,” Lillith said.

“Go, rest, Princess. The journey