Achilles: The Warlord Emperor

“The sins of the father will haunt his family! Execute him!”

The Field Marshal’s voice echoed with fury, signaling the order for immediate execution.

A sharp thud drove through Colonel Achilles Hector’s body as icy water splashed over his face.

He had been having the same unforgettable nightmare— the tragic event that occurred two days ago kept replaying in his sleep.

His father was found guilty of assassinating the Minister of Defense, and was hanged for it– an unforgivable national crime!

[A first-degree murder! Was he innocent?]

Achilles gasped in shock as he arose from a rough nap, splashed water still dripping from his face.

Owen, the assistant military base commandant, taunted. “Hey! Wake up son of a murderer!”

The mocking gestures intensified. Achilles glanced around and saw soldiers who were once his subordinates, now abusing him after his father was sentenced to death for murder.

All the respect he had earned in the Liverpool Accord Military as a reputable Colonel diminished into thin air like it was never deserved.

Achilles was nicknamed The Vehement WarLord— a high rank ‘God of War’ title coined through blood and vigor on the battlefield due to how fiercely and swiftly he fought.

He had led Britain to numerous memorable victories with the aid of his combat expertise.

Legend has it that the Vehement WarLord’s razor-eyes were so sharp as an eagle that he could sight a foe as far as 3500 meters. This advantage enabled him to move like the wind, invincible but right before their eyes.

“Nitwit! How dare you sleep after what Anthony Hector did!? Thank Heavens he's been executed!” One of the private military personnel barked, obviously lower in rank.

Late Brigadier Anthony Hector was Achilles's biological father and had been his muse in joining the military at age 16 after he lost his mother at a tender age.

Achilles clocked 32 a few weeks back which marked his 16th year serving the British military.

How would they tell him that his father, who exuded a high level of discipline and integrity, would gun down his own best friend?

[For what exactly? At what price?]

Achilles never believed that and maintained that his late father was framed!

Owen, wearing a mean demeanor, announced, “Soldiers! On your feet, march to the Liverpool Mansfield parade ground! The General Commander has some words to share on the council’s decision about Achilles's fate!”

Achilles breathed nervously but refused to show his concerns or any sign of weakness as he remained composed.

Four soldiers quickly had a grip on him and pushed him forward. “Move it son of a murderer!”

He stared at them and sighed inwardly; those were men who once looked up to him, soldiers that he trained and fought beside in various peacekeeping wars across several conflicting countries— now they treat him like trash.

Julius Edmond, the no nonsense General Commander, stood with a straightened face— without hesitation, he cocked his weapon and shot two firearms in the air, which indicated the kick-start of the awaited judgment.

After the walk of shame with co-soldiers embarking on endless taunting— they pushed him to the parade floor.

Ironically, Liverpool Accord Military Base was once his second home, but it has now become an abode of prison, torture, and misery.

The General Commander spat, “Achilles Hector!”

“Your father, Late Brigadier Anthony Hector, was found guilty of a national crime— assassinating the Minister of Defense. The sin of the father shall descend on the offspring!”

“Henceforth, with an immediate effect, you have been dishonorably discharged— stripped of all rank and privileges and barred from owning or using firearms.”

While adhering to the heart-wrenching judgment, his heart was so heavy with dread that raw pain thrust against his chest.

General Commander continued with a merciless tone, “You shall no longer be addressed as Colonel Achilles Hector, AKA— the Vehement WarLord (God of War)”

“Hector's family name, once known for affluence, wealth, and vigor, would henceforth be labeled in endless shame, penury, and stigma.”

“The Son of Murderer that’s what you'd always be called!”

He pronounced and shot another round of firearms, which indicated the council’s judgment had been passed.

Amid the glare of disgust all around him, he boldly spoke, knowing all he had was just himself, and no one would speak for him if he didn't.

“General Commander, with all due respect, this is so unfair! My father was innocent!”

His blunt words had everyone's eyes darting at him in fury.

His co-soldiers muttered in disdain, “What the hell did that fool just spew?”

Achilles, refusing to be intimidated, continued, “I have dedicated half of my age to the military; we have fought alongside and restored peace in several warring countries.”

“My father served this country for over forty years. He was patriotic and promoted to the rank of a Brigadier and yet none of you gave him the benefit of the doubt and were too quick to believe a camera footage that could be fabricated–”

“Shut your crap!”

Col. Michael Julian, the son of the assassinated Minister of Defense, interjected, his pupils reddish.

“Like Father, Like Son; a snake will surely birth something long.”

“Save us these sanctimonious words, we can't be swayed by them!”

“The security footage passed through various inspections and scanning tests, and all came in affirmative that it was your murderous father who pulled the trigger and had my father gunned down!”

He sneered, flashing Achilles a dead glare, triggering more tension and suspense in the military parade ground.