Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2612

The rustling in the surrounding woods grew more frantic and wild.

Alfredo's eyes swept the area with fierce intensity, but he saw nothing. Yet, the voice he had just heard was as clear as if it had been spoken right beside his ear.

There was no mistaking it. His lifelong rival was here, in the Eastern Regions, right on his home turf of Swordhaven Keep, yet he had received no intelligence about it whatsoever.

With a furious glare, Alfredo swung his sword down, its tip pointing straight at Andrew as he shouted into the forest. "Reginald, come out! Or I'll tear your son apart right now!"

The wind suddenly died down, and the forest fell silent. Then, the sound of slow footsteps echoed across the leaves.

From between the trees, a tall man stepped out, calm and steady, a faint smile on his face. He stopped about 30 yards away, his presence commanding but relaxed.

Reginald called out with a teasing tone, "Andrew, you little brat. Get up and apologize to Mr. Topsfield Senior. How could a kid like you slap a man like him? You not only stole Swordhaven Keep's century-old divine blade but also broke the man's defensive aura. If I'd come any later, you might've taken the old man apart entirely."

His tone sounded like mild scolding, but anyone could tell there was not a shred of real blame in it.

Andrew groaned and forced himself upright, still aching all over. Seeing Alfredo's sword pressed against his throat made him scowl, so he swatted it aside without hesitation.

Alfredo's eyes flashed coldly, but he did not move. He could feel Reginald's energy locked onto him.

For a martial artist of Reginald's caliber, 30 yards might as well have been point-blank range. If Alfredo dared strike Andrew down, Reginald's counterattack would hit him before he could even blink.

"Alright, Dad," Andrew said casually, brushing the dirt from his clothes. Despite his injuries, he carried himself with a carefree arrogance. "You and this sword freak can catch up. I'm out of here."

He stepped forward a few more paces toward Alfredo, who immediately raised his sword in warning.

"Stop right there. Reginald, one more step, and I'll start killing," Alfredo barked.

Reginald ignored him, continuing forward until only ten yards separated them. Then, he smiled faintly and said, "You've got guts, I'll give you that, laying a hand on my son. This whole game between us has been played fairly. The young ones fight their battles, and we old men handle ours."

He continued, "But Alfredo, you broke the rules. You went after a kid. And you know me; I'm a man of principle. When someone crosses that line, I don't let it slide."

Alfredo sneered. "Don't give me that righteous crap. What I want to know is how you even dared to set foot in Holtrien."

Reginald's voice was light but cutting. "If your own son were in danger and you did nothing, would you still call yourself a man? Besides, you remember Andrew's mother, don't you? She was right there watching when I beat the hell out of you all those years ago. She said you looked like some farm boy with blood and snot all over your face."