Swords of Justice
Chapter 1: The Rise of the Peacebringer
My story begins in a distant age—an era ruled by corrupt, tyrannical, and greedy kingdoms.
They crushed their people and tossed them aside like garbage in a bin.
But in every age, there are tales of brave and righteous men who dream of peace for their people.
This story is no different—
It's the tale of a noble man who carries a mission that could change the very mindset of these kingdoms.
The Kingdom of Dar-Hamsan is no exception.
It enslaves its own citizens and forces them to serve the noble class—all without the knowledge of its kind-hearted king, who remains blissfully unaware of his ministers' crimes.
---
The Royal Hall
King Hussein Abu Marwan, ruler of Dar-Hamsan, sat upon his royal throne alongside his daughter, Princess Hasnaa, and several ministers.
He turned to speak to them:
> King: "Why does my people always seem sad?"
> Minister Taher: "Oh, Your Majesty, they're simply so joyful that they appear solemn in your divine presence."
> King: "Is that even possible?"
> Taher: "Absolutely, Your Majesty."
> King: "Well, that pleases me."
> Princess Hasnaa (interrupting): "I've never heard such nonsense. How can a happy person look sad? That's just idiotic."
> King: "Yes, Taher… Are you trying to make me look like a fool?"
(Taher muttered under his breath: "Curse that princess… always ruining things.")
> Taher (forcing a smile): "I didn't mean it like that, Your Majesty…"
> King: "Then what did you mean? Explain."
> Taher: "Well… I didn't want to worry you, sire, but… there are bandits and mountain gangs attacking villages and spilling blood."
> King (alarmed): "What?! Why haven't you told me before?! Send soldiers at once to fight them!"
> Taher: "But, my king… we'd be putting the kingdom in danger. Sending troops so far would leave the palace defenseless. And as you know, we're already at war with the Kingdom of Malkana. Most of our army is stationed there."
> King: "Then what's the solution?"
> Princess: "Father, I have an idea. May I speak?"
> King: "Yes, my daughter, go on."
> Princess: "Why don't we issue a royal decree—invite any willing warrior to join the royal army, and offer a cash reward for every criminal's head they bring?"
> Taher: "But, Princess… we're not a mercenary guild!"
> King: "No, that's the perfect solution!
Minister Taher!"
> Taher: "Yes, Your Majesty?"
> King: "Write the decree immediately. Distribute it throughout the kingdom."
> Taher: "As you command, sire."
Taher stormed out of the royal hall, grumbling to himself:
("A stupid decree with cash bounties? What nonsense! This royal family is ridiculous.")
Back in the hall, King Hussein turned to his daughter.
> King: "My only daughter, your ideas are wise. But why do you still refuse to marry?"
> Princess: "I've said it a thousand times, Father. I expect nothing from the men of this age.
Now, if you'll excuse me…"
> King: "Very well. You may go."
As she walked out, she whispered to herself:
("I don't trust that man Taher. One day, I'll leave this palace and discover the truth myself.")
---
And so, the royal decree was posted across the Kingdom of Dar-Hamsan—
until it finally reached a small tavern in a modest village.
The tavern was packed with the worst kinds of men—killers, bandits, and scoundrels.
Among them sat one man alone, eating quietly while the tavern owner stood nearby.
> Tavern Owner: "Ugh… This place attracts the worst scum."
> Man: "I can see that."
> Tavern Owner: "This morning, a royal announcement came in—calling warriors to join the army and fight crime.
But… unfortunately, they sent it to my tavern.
These thugs tore it up."
> Man: "So?"
> Tavern Owner: "Well… you seemed different from the others. I thought maybe you'd be interested."
At that moment, two slave traders entered the tavern, dragging five women in chains behind them.
The women screamed and cried.
> Tavern Owner (sighing): "Just what we needed…"
> Slave Trader 1: "Listen up, you trash! I've got some fresh 'merchandise' today—five whores!
Who wants to buy?"
The men in the tavern began to salivate with lust and shouted offers.
One of the women cried out:
> Woman: "Please! Let me go! I have a son and daughter—I want to go back to them!"
> Slave Trader: "Shut up, you whore!
You belong to me!"
> Woman (weeping): "Damn this world! Why am I a slave, and that vile man is free?"
He slapped her so hard that blood poured from her mouth.
> Slave Trader (shouting): "Shut your mouth, bitch! Who said you could talk?!"
> Woman (in pain): "Is there no man among you? Do you enjoy watching a helpless woman being beaten like this?!"
He slammed her head into the wall, knocking her unconscious.
> Slave Trader (mocking): "Ahh… she's out cold.
Alright, who wants her? I'll lower the price!"
> Tavern Owner (whispering): "Poor woman…"
Then, the quiet man stood up.
He thanked God for the food and walked toward them.
He was massive—muscular, powerful, and imposing.
> Tavern Owner (stunned): "He didn't look that huge sitting down…"
> Slave Trader: "You want one of them, huh? Which one?"
He pointed at the unconscious woman.
> Slave Trader (confused): "You want her? She's worthless!
I'll cut the price for you."
> Man: "I won't pay anything."
> Slave Trader: "Huh? You want her for free?!"
> Man: "No. I have a better offer."
> Slave Trader: "What kind of offer?"
> Man: "I'll slap you twice as hard as you slapped her."
> Slave Trader: "Whaaa?!"
Before he could react, the man delivered a brutal slap that knocked him out cold.
> Man (angrily): "That was the costly slap of Hamza ibn Ali!"
The tavern owner froze.
> "It must be him…" he whispered in disbelief.
But the second slave trader didn't stay silent.
He drew his sword and screamed:
> "How dare you strike my brother?! I have a sword, and you're unarmed! You'll regret this!"
> Hamza (calmly): "I think you're the one who misunderstands the situation."
> Slave Trader: "What?!"
> Hamza: "I mean… you are the one in danger, not me."
The man roared and charged with his blade,
> "I'll cut you to pieces!"
But just like before…
no one saw what happened.
Hamza's punch landed so fast, the man flew backward, spitting blood.
> Hamza: "Slow. And you call yourself a warrior?
Pathetic."
The whole tavern stood in shock.
But the second man wasn't unconscious yet—he snarled:
> "Everyone!
Whoever kills this man gets all the slaves—for a whole week, free!"
The offer excited the crowd.
About twenty armed men stood, ready to kill.
> Men (shouting): – "I want the women!"
– "He's strong, you know!"
– "Doesn't matter. He can't take all of us!"
– "He's unarmed!"
But Hamza laughed.
> Hamza: "My sword is clean. I won't stain it with the likes of you—men ruled by their lust like donkeys."
Furious, they attacked.
> Men: – "You mocking us?!"
– "Die!"
– "I'll be the one to kill you!"
> Tavern Owner (in awe): "Impossible…"
But they couldn't match his terrifying speed.
To be continued...