Swords of Justice
Chapter 28: The Thick Fog
Dawn broke, and a dense fog spread across the city due to the intense cold. Commander Jalal's instructions were as follows:
They would have to infiltrate the city slowly with their small army, and they must reach the palace walls before sunrise to catch the enemy by surprise.
Each commander would lead their soldiers to the positions discussed in the battle plan, and no one was to begin the attack until they were certain everyone was in place.
Fires would remain burning behind them, and scarecrows would be set up to deceive the enemy into thinking they were still there.
The instructions were clear and simple, and everyone began moving.
As Hamza led his small force toward the city, Fateh, who was accompanying him, told him he would ride ahead quickly to their position to ensure everything was in order. Hamza agreed, and Fateh sped off on his horse.
Hamza and his soldiers entered the silent city, engulfed in thick fog. It was completely empty, as the Lady had ordered its evacuation to ensure the battle would proceed without civilian casualties or obstacles.
But something about the fog felt strange—it kept growing denser and denser, to the point where it became difficult to advance. One of the soldiers said:
"I didn't expect the fog we saw from the hill to be this thick."
Hamza stopped and said, "Be careful… there's something suspicious about it."
However, one soldier, distracted and not paying attention to Hamza's warning, kept walking—until a swift arrow shot toward him, nearly piercing his skull. Hamza intervened just in time, saving him, but his hands were wounded instead.
Whispers echoed everywhere, from every direction. The fog thickened even more, to the point that the soldiers began to believe they were surrounded by numerous enemies.
But Hamza thought to himself:
"I know this method… it resembles that assassin who tried to kill the princess at the inn. That means—"
He then shouted aloud:
"You're connected to the assassin I killed!"
A man emerged from the fog, dressed in black, saying:
"You killed my younger brother while he was carrying out one of his missions. And not only that—you also killed the other two."
Hamza smiled and replied:
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I killed only one—and he was very weak. As for the other two, I don't know… perhaps Jalal killed them."
The assassin said coldly:
"I will end your journey here… then I will end Jalal's life. After that, I might amuse myself with the princess for a while."
Hamza pulled a dagger from his boot and hurled it at him, saying:
"In your dreams, you bastard!"
It struck him—but no blood spilled, and he didn't fall. It was as if nothing had touched him. He said calmly:
"Do you know why I am the strongest among my brothers?"
The fog began to form multiple figures surrounding them from all directions. The soldiers drew their swords, ready to attack, but Hamza shouted:
"Don't move from your positions!"
One of the soldiers asked, "Why?!"
Hamza replied:
"If you want to die, go ahead and fall into his trap. I don't know the trick—but they're all the same person. The real one is that man in front of you."
Everyone was shocked and couldn't believe it. The assassin laughed and said:
"You are very clever. The brother you killed specialized in assassinating targets when the moonlight vanished. Another used poisons and viruses that devour flesh. The last one excelled in strategic plans—cutting arteries and tearing victims apart while they were still alive…"
He paused, then continued:
"But me?"
"I possess the strongest ability among them. I create copies of myself from the fog… so the victim never knows which one is real."
Meanwhile, all the commanders had reached their assigned positions and sent the agreed signals—except for one.
Hamza had not arrived.
Commander Jalal said with concern:
"Why is he late? Doesn't he understand that every part of this plan is carefully calculated? We cannot afford to fail."
Fateh stood at his position, waiting for Hamza to arrive so he could send the signal. But time was running out, and sunrise was near.
He thought to himself:
"Could he have gotten lost?"
Hamza laughed confidently and said:
"I'm already late for my assigned time. It seems I'll have to deal with you quickly… and finish you off myself."
The assassin replied:
"Even if all your soldiers die?"
Hamza smiled defiantly:
"No one will die… as long as I am with them."
To be continued...