Sitting by himself underneath a large overhanging tree, Ralfus slowly whittled away at the branch in his left hand. With each incantation, a piece of the slender branch was forcefully torn off, and he continued to do so until there was nothing left. Though focused solely on his magic, he could feel the handful of eyes staring in his direction, and the fear in them. He knew that the display would serve as a deterrent to all those around him and he smiled, as it was how the world should be. He was a mage, one gifted with the power of the elements, and should be revered.

Around him was a group of five men, all who had assented to following through with his cause. Seven altogether, they were less than accommodating to his commands at first, but had quickly fell into place. Yet like uncultured savages, they continued to bicker and move about endlessly while waiting for what was to come.

Throwing the shaved piece of wood in his hand away, “Where’s Ludrick?” He turned to question a tall man who was busy sharpening an array of throwing knives.

“Ludrick? Went to check on Nort earlier. Should be back soon.” The tall man replied, holding up a knife to gauge its sharpness. With a quick flick, the man launched the knife at a tree a good distance away.

He watched as the man did the same with three more knives. With a content grin, the man then got up to go fetch them.
He looked to the other four, and they continued to do what they were doing. Three of them were arguing over a game of rings, while the fifth was trying to cook some sort of slop with the supplies they had left.
He stood up and broke a branch from the tree before starting on another incantation.

They had been waiting, hiding in the woods alongside the road to Gravas for the past two days. Not wanting to miss his target, he had made sure all his companions were assembled and out of Ferrent before the mages and knights returned from their campaign. If what Urixx said was true, then it would only be a matter of time until Lord Varath and his group caught up to them.
Their camp being almost a day’s ride from Ferrent, he had gone over his plan with the crew plenty of times, making sure they knew what to do and what they might be up against.
He himself had never seen the Varath guards in action, but if they were anything like those of his own family, it would not be much of a problem.

…

As the afternoon came around, someone approached their small camp.

“Ludrick?” Someone questioned.

A skinny bearded man in his early forties burst through the bushes with a wide grin on his face. “They’re here! Hurry!” Ludrick shouted, shattering the peaceful afternoon.

Just as they had talked about and prepared for, everyone dropped whatever they were doing and grabbed their weapons. Two men picked up their bows, another grabbed the knives he had been sharpening, and the other two tied their swords to their waist. Already equipped with his own weapon, Ludrick ushered them to quicken the pace.

“How many?” Ralfus questioned, standing from his spot.

“Didn’t stay to count, but looked to be around a dozen. All were traveling on horseback, so we have to move fast.”

“To your positions then.” He ordered.

…

Unwary and talking amongst themselves, there were fourteen of them altogether with Lord Varath at the center.
 
Hiding in his spot at the bend of the road, Ralfus watched as the group approached. His men were already in position along both sides of the path, and all that was left, was for the group to come into their range.
Scanning the riders, he quickly spotted the one he was looking for. On a brown steed riding in front, a man in his mid-thirties with short red hair was conversing with the two beside him.

Keeping out of sight, he quietly waited for his men to make the first move.
The plan was simple. A surprise attack with the archers, while the others rush in to block to the road and attack the remaining guards. With the ambush, he himself would assist from the shadows and help the others to kill his target during the confusion.

As the group neared the trap, one of the riders suddenly screamed and fell from their horse, followed by another. It was the signal. The two archers had accomplished their job, and it was time to begin.

“Archers!” One of the horsemen shouted, trying to keep from falling off the panicked horse.

“NOW!” His five men screamed and rushed out of the woods to surround the group.

With the engagement, “Asiran. Dasuu enran verus. Edas nae…” Ralfus began invoking an earth spell.
Being so far from Ferrent, there was nothing to hold him back, and he would not allow the chance to go to waste. There was no need to make it look like an accident anymore, for by the time news of the attack reaches Ferrent and someone is sent to investigate, he would be long gone. It would just be another senseless attack against those traveling through.

 

—

 

The trip was supposed to be a quick and easy one. Go to Gravas, renew the trade agreements with the other town and village elders, then return to Ferrent. They had done it every year for the past three years, and nothing like this had ever happened before. Around him, two of his companions had already fallen, and the horses were bucking wildly.

Hastily dismounting, “Shields! Five to the front! The rest surround the Lord!” Troyle ordered as their assailants emerged from the woods.
The others were also dismounting and scrambling to put up a defense, as another man fell to the ground with an arrow in his side.

“My Lord!” Troyle shouted, seeing Lord Varath trying to help Lenard who had been the first to go down. There was an arrow in the man’s shoulder and he had fallen off his horse. Grabbing the lord’s arm, Troyle pulled the lord away.

“GYAH!! What is this?!” Those who had moved to cover their defense screamed, and Troyle turned around. Three of them had sunk into the ground up to their waist, and were struggling to escape a muddy pit that had not been there before. The other two were able to avoid the pit, but bandits were already upon them.

‘What is going on?!’ His thoughts cried out. ‘A mage?!’
Two bandits broke off from the group and headed straight for those who were trapped. “NOOO!!” Troyle screamed, seeing what their purpose was. The news from two days ago about Galivia surged forth from the depths of his mind. Releasing the lord as the other guards closed in on their position, he grasped his two swords and rushed forward to help his companions who were being slaughtered.

Like a virulent squall, he closed in on their assailants.
Two swords at the ready, twin fangs ripped apart one of the men who was busy attempting to eviscerate the remaining trapped guard. With both swords in motion, he spun and slashed at another bandit to his side, knocking the man back. “Retreat!” Troyle shouted to the other guards as he stood his ground.

“What the fuck is this?! I thought this was supposed to be easy!?” One of the bandit’s exclaimed, going into a defensive stance upon seeing his companion fall.

Troyle glanced at his sides. The two guards who had managed to evade the trap were locked in combat, and the man who was caught in the mud pit was still unable to get out. He needed to find and somehow deal with the mage before it was too late, or their whole group would be in trouble. With his speed he could somewhat fight, but against a hidden mage, his chances were non-existent.
Lowering his swords to his sides, he fell into blade form to calm and relax his mind. The two men before him were watching carefully, preparing themselves.
Lowering his stance, Troyle dashed forward.

“Do something!” One of the two men screamed, holding out their weapons.

“!” From the corner of his eyes, the ground bulged out and a vine suddenly shot forth from his left side, whipping toward him. Changing his direction to the right, he swung in a horizontal crescent and sliced the vine in half. “Troyle!” One of the guard’s cried out and something flickered through the air. ‘?!’ The archers hiding in the woods had changed their targets. Contorting his body in an attempt to bring his swords up to deflect the arrows, the two bandits who had been watching, waiting for an opening jumped in on him. In front of him, with a mind of its own, the vine that he had just cut was swinging back around at his stomach. ‘Fuck!’ They were after him. He braced himself.

*SHLUCK!* the sound of surprised gasps and gurgling resounded through the atmosphere.

…

It had not moved, for its charge was never in danger of losing his life. Yet with the coordinated attack upon the man, from one of the swords, the entity exploded outward.
 
Like pitch black lightning, Feziel suffused through the air, forking into hundreds of branching spikes. Swift and merciless, its liquid metal pierced through the two that had threatened the man in its protection.

 

—

 

Ralfus’ eyes widened in ghastly shock.
Instead of his men impaling their target, something indescribable had occurred.

Pitch black spikes had shot out from one of the man’s swords, forking in every direction and piercing his men. It had even penetrated and absorbed their steel swords, even the arrows. As rapidly as they emerged, the black spikes retracted back into the man’s weapon, leaving the man in confusion.
His own men fell to the ground, gurgling in pools of their own blood.

‘W-what just happened?!?’ He cried out internally, unable to believe what he had just witnessed.

Upon seeing the unnatural spectacle and their companions going down, the two remaining who had been locked in combat with the guards quickly broke off and fled into the woods, leaving the three bodies behind.

‘Those cowards! This can’t be!!’ His head screamed, seeing his vengeance slowly vanishing before him. Without thinking about his position, he quickly began invoking a fire spell, sending a stream of flames at the man to try and finish everything.

“!” From the same sword, a wall of blackness surged outward once more, forming into a large round shield and stopping the flames. Something else entirely began pouring out from the black mass and shot straight in his direction.

Immediately regretting his decision that was made in haste, “No!” Ralfus shrieked. Turning, he attempted to flee as well, but was too late.
The black substance grabbed the back of his neck and he could feel that it was cold and hard, almost metallic.
“No!! Let me go!!” He screamed as the pressure intensified. He could feel his neck being crushed. “STOP!!” A voice came through from behind him, and the crushing pain lessened. Falling to his knees at being released, he attempted to crawl away while trying to catch his breath.

“You’re the mage?!” An angry looking man was staring down at him.

It was his target, and father of the child who had unjustly taken his arm.

 

—

 

Various questions were begging for answers, but answers were the furthest things from his mind. Whatever came out of his sword had stopped at his command, and that was all the clarification he needed. It could understand him, and he was quite certain he knew what it was and who it belonged to. Adalina had already informed him about the small ring around his daughter’s neck, and he was quite sure they were more or less the same.

On the ground before him, was the person who had obstructed their passage and caused the death of his companions. His friends.

Axel’s recollection about the attack on Kerkhill resurfaced in his head. A mage, leading bandit against innocent people and slaughtering them in the name of cleansing. Before him was one such person. Ignoring the entity that had appeared from his sword, he angled the blade down at the young mage’s neck. Looking to be barely in his twenties, the young man’s face was filled with panic and pain, along with raw hatred.
Staring at the young man with pitiless eyes. “Who are you, and why?” Troyle questioned, baring his anger and ready to cut the man down.

*Cough* the young man glared back while rubbing the side of his neck, but refused to reply.

“Troyle!” The lord’s voice came from behind him. Not taking his eyes off the mage, the sound of foots steps quickly rushed over to them.

Upon reaching where they were, “YOU!” Lord Varath exclaimed in surprise. “I know you!”

 

***

 

-Malpaars. Capital Maverus–

A tired and aged man sat alone within his chambers, silently staring into the clear evening sky. With dark sunken eyes and trimmed graying hair, his body too, was but a husk of its robust and stalwart physique from barely two years ago.
In his mind, his troubled thoughts no longer remained silent as the sense of erroneous mistake within him had already corroded much of his mentality.

He was but a false monarch, handed the reigns of the country upon the sacrifice of thousands, only to be subject to the will of others. A man with no real power or voice of his own, relegated to making empty promises to those who had lost something during the war, or to the rampant banditry happening around the country.
His righteousness had blinded him and by the time the cloud of justice and loyalty settled, he was already trapped and without a way out.

Outside the window, the frost birds chirped freely and loudly and he quietly watched as the flock moved in unison, undulating like a wave in the sky. With a deep sigh, the man looked down at the city. As he surveyed all the changes made to the city over the past few years, his eyes gradually fell upon the ground far below his window. The idea of jumping had occurred to him hundreds of times, but as usual, like the coward that he is, he could not bring himself to do it.

As much as he wished to enforce his position and bring order to the country, to his people, it was impossible. His sins could never be washed away and should they learn of the truth, the country would certainly fall into chaos once again.
All he could do now, was accept that everything was no longer in his hands, and to see to the very end, where his folly would lead them.

-Ferrent. 11^th ward-

Sylvia watched with envy as Naleen moved and spun around with the blunt metal sword, falling into different sways as if dancing in the middle of the spacious room. The peculiar sound of metal slicing through the air came every so often, along with what sounded like low whispers.

She had seen what her friend could do during the arms competition, and even though the older girl had awoken to her magic, Naleen was still diligently practicing her swordsmanship as usual.
 
With an abrupt dash and an upward thrust into the air, Naleen muttered something and the sword burst into flames, “Kyah!” She screamed and dropped the weapon.

“Naleen! Are you okay?!” Sylvia cried out in surprise.

“Kuh- why?” Talking to herself, Naleen quickly ran over to her desk and took out a note. “It is Renass enferas Fremas… get it right already, Naleen.” She voiced out loud in frustration.

“Naleen?”

“Sorry. That WAS supposed to be an enchantment to imbue the sword with fire, but as you can see…” Naleen replied with a disappointed frown, gesturing to the sword on the stone floor.

“Enchantment? You can do that already?”

“Father taught me a little, but it is harder than I thought. I keep getting the last few lines mixed up, and I can’t seem to control my mana correctly. If only I… no, never mind.”

“Your lord father taught you? Does that mean you are not going to the academy?”

“I don’t know.” Putting away the piece of paper with the written incantation, Naleen moved to the sword on the ground. Lightly touching it to make sure it was no longer burning, she picked it up. “Since they’re both spellblades, I want to stay here and learn from Father and Grandfather, but I’m not sure what they’ll say after I finish my basic training.”

“Oh.” Sylvia replied in understanding.
She had never seen either of Naleen’s father or grandfather fight, but she had heard many stories about their accomplishments. There was no denying that if Naleen wanted to become a spellblade, it would be best to study under them. “Are you done with practice now?” She questioned, seeing the older girl walking toward the box of practice swords at the foot of the bed.

“I am.” Naleen replied. “You said your mother sent Jill to the Murilons?”

“Yes. To formally accept the invitation to their celebration dinner.”

“Is that so? I bet she just wanted to show Jill off to the young lord of the Murilons. I must admit, your mother is quite amazing in that regard.”

“Amazing is… I don’t know if that’s the right word. I’d say more along the lines of meddlesome.”

“What’s wrong with that?” There was a smile on Naleen’s face as she sat down on the bed.

“All this matchmaking, Jill should have a say in choosing her own partner, plus … Why are you smiling at me like that?” Sylvia quickly asked, seeing the grin on the older girl’s face.

“Well, that’s because I don’t ever hear you complaining about the match your parents made for you.”

“Match? T-that- That’s not true!” She hastily refuted the statement, upon realizing what Naleen was implying. “M-mother never made any such matches for me. I’m still too young, a-and that- that was just a…” A young man’s face suddenly appeared in her mind, and she could feel herself heating up. “A misunderstanding…”

“Oh really?” Naleen’s smile widened. “Is that why you’re so defensive?”

“Wha-?! That’s because you-!”

With a joyous giggle, Naleen grabbed onto her. “I was just kidding. You’re so cute when you get like that.”

“…” She dared not make a sound in case the older girl teased her again. Although she had made her decision to become more honest and forthright with her feelings, it was still quite flustering when faced with such a situation.

“Sorry, I’ll stop. Let me go freshen up then we can go.” Naleen got up and promptly took off her training outfit, leaving nothing but her underclothes. “How about joining me in the bath?” She invited with a bright smile.

“No, I’ll wait for you here.” Intimidated by the shapely figure before her, Sylvia politely declined.

“Alright. I’ll be right back then.” With a bathing robe on, Naleen left the room.

Alone by herself, Sylvia sheepishly looked down at her own bust and frowned. She had learned from her mother that it would be one of her greatest weapon. Yet compared to Naleen and her sister, she still had a long way to go.

…

Located near the center of the 11^th ward, the large plaza that separated the residential mansions and the market districts were filled with people by the time they arrived. Instead of moving through the throngs of people blocking them, the two of them opted to stand back and watch from a distance while they waited for Jillian.

Nobles of all ages and commoners, who had been employed within the ward lined the streets and buildings, moving and conversing excitedly with eagerness and anticipation.
The unusual event was due to the knowledge that many knights and members of the Mystiks guild were returning home.
After hearing of the exploits and problems happening in eastern Darsus, and about how the task force sent to the east had been able to keep everything under control, much of the ward’s populace had gathered to give the returning men and women of the 11^th ward a hero’s welcome.

The sound of thunderous applause and shouting eventually swept through the audience, and a large number of people appeared, coming from the 12^th ward gate and riding through the plaza, moving north towards the direction of the guild.

Dozens of mages wearing the black and red or white and red of the guild—all on horseback—moved in unison through the busy streets, greeting those who were there to welcome them. Lights and magic bloomed through the air as they passed, celebrating the successful return.
After the mages, knights followed behind gallantly, riding steeds of their own while wearing their plate armor and displaying the full splendor of the knights.

 

—

 

-3^rd Ward-

A man covered from head to toe in a full set of steel plate armor stood outside the Paltos house, holding onto the reigns of his horse. Although worn and battered, his armor looked stunning with all the dents and scratches upon it.
Beside the man was a young boy with an expressionless face, quietly staring down at his own feet.
“Good evening, sir.” The knight greeted as the door opened.

“Evening, my lord. Can I help you?” Troyle replied while holding onto a confused looking Lance who was glancing at him, then to the knight curiously.

“Might you perhaps be Troyle Paltos?” The knight questioned.

“Indeed. And you are?”

“Ah, please allow me to introduce myself.” The knight took off his helmet, revealing a man in his thirties underneath. “I am Thirn Devorshin, spellblade under Lord Ravon’s command. I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting your son, but I believe this is the first time we’ve met.”

“It’s my pleasure, Lord Devorshin. How may I help you today?” Troyle repeated, extending an arm out to shake the knight’s hand.

“Forgive me for the intrusion. I’m not sure if you knew, but our expedition have just returned from eastern Darsus.”

“Yes, of course. I’ve heard a bit about the devastation in the east, along with the knight’s contributions into the subjugation of the rogue mages and bandits. Thank you for your services.” He cordially replied, patting Lance’s back a little to calm him down. “And who might that young man be?” He gestured to the young boy who had been standing there silently. The boy looked to be around Anise’s age, but had none of her cheeriness or livelihood.

“Right.” Thirn turned to the young boy. “I’m not sure, as he himself does not seem to want to speak to us, but the others called him Axel. When we were trying to look for his relatives, the few women who knew him mentioned that his mother used to talk about a younger sister living in Ferrent, one by the name of Adalina. If I recall correctly, that’s your wife’s name is it not?”

“It is…” Troyle slowly answered, while staring at the boy. “But surely she is not the only person with that name in this city?”

“Apologies. I did not mean to intrude on you like this, but she was the only Adalina that I could recall.”

“I see.”

“Seeing as how they knew your wife’s name, we were hoping she or yourself might know this boy? Or perhaps give us some clues as to who his relatives are?”

“Hmmm… I cannot say as I do not know, but my wife might. Unfortunately she’s not home right now but if you’d like to come inside and wait, she should be back soon.” He opened the door and stepped aside to invite them in.

…

The boy sat upon the chair like a statue, quietly holding the cup given to him without drinking.
Thirn sat beside the boy, graciously downing a cup of wine while recounting what he knew and could divulge of the expedition in eastern Darsus.

“So he was already with the refugees then?” Troyle questioned, looking at the young boy carefully while Lance squirmed in his arm.

“Yes, unfortunately. From what I was told, their village was utterly destroyed. The group of guild mages that found them brought the remaining survivors back to Tirasaen, where we were already conducting extensive searches for any known relatives of those who survived such ordeals. Regrettably, we had no luck with the boy, and the only clue we could go on was the name of the younger sister given to us by a few of the other survivors.”

“You said they found him in Kerkhill?”

“Yes.”

“… I don’t recall having any relatives in Kerkhill, but maybe my wife might.” Setting Lance on the floor so that the baby could shuffle around, Troyle moved to the young boy. “Son.” The boy stared emptily at the ground. “What is your name?” Silence. “Do you remember your mother’s name? Or your father’s?” Again, the boy blankly stared at the ground without answering.

…

“Good evening.” Adalina greeted the guests upon her return.

Anise followed behind her mother, carrying a small bag of vegetables. “Who are you?” She inquired upon seeing the unknown boy and the man in their home.

“Anise, that’s not how you greet our guests. Greet them properly.” Adalina quickly admonished.

“Hello. I’m Anise.” With a smile and her hands to the side of her dress, she curtsied like how Sylvia had shown her. Lifting her head afterward, “Who are you?” She questioned again.

“Young lady, fix your words.” Adalina scolded once more.

“Kuhuhahaha! It’s fine. How are you doing Anise? I’m Thirn Devorshin, and this here is Axel.”

“Axel?” Anise stepped up to the boy and took a closer look at him.

“Lord Devorshin? It’s been a long time.” Adalina lowered her head, recalling the man who had visited them with the Lord Knight Commander from years ago. “Hello there, Axel.” She greeted the young boy, but like her daughter, received no reply.

“Please, there is no need for formalities. I am not here on official business or anything. Just something of an errand.” Thirn replied pleasantly, standing up to give a respectful bow of his own.

“Adalina.” Troyle spoke after they had finished their exchanges. “Does one of your sisters live in Kerkhill?”

“Kerkhill?” She paused and thought for a moment, then it dawned on her. “Are you talking about sister Galivia?”

The boy immediately looked up at the mention of the name. Troyle and Thirn turned to each other.

“Galivia? She’s still living in Kerkhill?” A shadow quickly fell over Troyle’s expression.

“Of course. Is something wrong?” Adalina looked to the two men, and saw the trouble in their eyes. The young boy was now tearing up. “Troyle? What happened?”

“I don’t know how to say this, but… Kerkhill is no more.”
Upon Troyle’s words, the silent boy burst into tears.

…

“Yes. Don’t worry, we will take care of him.” Troyle reassured as Thirn stepped out of the door. “We owe Galivia a lot. My wife and I will look after the boy as if he is our own.”

“I see… then I bid you farewell, and thank you for doing this.”

“Won’t you at least stay for dinner?” Adalina pleaded from beside Troyle.

“Thank you, but I must regretfully decline. My task here is done and the others are probably wondering what’s taking me so long. I must report back at once with the good news.” Thirn made an apologetic smile. “Thank you both again.”

“No, thank you.” Troyle replied.

Without donning his helmet, Thirn untied his steed and left, riding for the 11^th ward through the darkening street.

After recounting bits and pieces of what he could remember during the attack on Kerkhill, the boy had cried himself to sleep and was resting in Kaidus’ room.

Through muddled sobs, they had learned his name and that of his parents. His full name was Axel Eronhart, the only son of Galivia Rosaye and Edar Eronhart. His mother had been slain while trying to protect him during the attack, and his father, executed shortly after they were all captured. He alone survived with some of the other women and children.

With Anise in the bath and Lance also asleep, Adalina sat down on one of the living room chairs and allowed her tears to flow. She had remained stouthearted to not worry her daughter when the boy was crying, but she could no longer hold it in.
The boy’s mother, Galivia Rosaye, had been more than a friend to her. She was an older sister, someone who taught and watched over her during her years with the Droxxon mercenaries. Even before getting to know many of the others, Galivia was always there, making sure she had enough to eat and watching over her like a sister. They had talked about plans for their futures, shared secrets, hopes, and dreams. To have learned that someone so dear and bright had been taken from the world, not because of some dangerous job, but while living happily with a family, she was heartbroken.

“Those sick bastards…” Troyle voiced angrily, wrapping his arms gently around his sobbing wife.
Having lived a life chasing scumbags and murderers, he had a pretty clear idea of why women and children were the only ones to survive. The thoughts sickened him, and he wanted to find those who had done such a thing. Just picturing his wife and kids in the same situation angered him to no end.
His only solace was knowing that the task force was able to stop such depravity before it could spread throughout Darsus.

“I am fine now.” Adalina’s voice came from under his embrace.

“You sure?” He looked at her and could see that tears were still coming out of her beautiful eyes, rolling down her lovely cheeks.

“I am.” Adalina replied, wiping the tears away. “I just can’t sit around like this. Anise will be out soon, and I’ve still got dinner to prepare.” She looked up at Troyle. “You’ve also got to prepare for your departure tomorrow, don’t you?”

“I do.” Pulling Adalina up, Troyle tightly embraced her one more time and allowed her to go.
She was right. Come the morrow, he would be riding for Gravas with Lord Varath and the others. To have learned of such horrible events, it was certainly an untimely and devastating blow to his peaceful life thus far. Yet, he could not allow it to hinder his life or that of his family.
Although Galivia was no more, her son was still alive. As he had stated earlier, he would look after the boy like his own.

 

—

 

-Two days later-

As per her morning routine while her mother cleaned up after breakfast, Anise sat by the window with a small story book. Lance had fallen asleep after being fed, and it was a peaceful cloudy morning with a cool draft coming through the small window opening.

Though she had barely started on the book, she found herself distracted by the boy sitting in the living room.
The boy had spent the previous day in her brother’s room without coming out, and even after her mother got him to join them for breakfast earlier, he never spoke a single word. The only time she had heard him talking was the other night when he was crying. Yet, sitting there by himself, there was a sad look on his face as if he was about to resume crying at any moment.

Uncertain about what to do, Anise stood up and walked over to her crate of wooden toys by the wall. Taking out a horse and wolf, she stared at them for a moment, then brought them over to the boy. “Do you want to play with them?” She held them out toward him, smiling proudly.

The boy remained silent, and didn’t even look at her.

Placing the two toys on the table, she scurried over to retrieve her book. “Do you want to read?” She queried, presenting the book before him.
Still, the boy remained motionless like a statue.

“Hmmm…” Furrowing her brow in puzzlement, she moved beside the boy and began stroking his head gently. “There, there. It’s okay.” She repeated words that her mother had used to comfort her. Her eyes beamed with excitement as the boy finally turned to look at her. The excitement was short lived, as he then began sniffling.
Her face quickly distorted. “M-mommy!” Anise cried out, running away into the kitchen.

“Why are you screaming?” Adalina questioned, seeing the girl rushing over to her as she was washing the utensils.

“Umm… I- I didn’t mean to make him-”

“What did you do?”
There was soft cries from the living room. Looking over, Axel was crying, and she quickly rushed over to the boy. “It’s okay. You’re safe here. Everything is alright.” She reassured, pulling him to her breast. Turning to Anise, “You should know better than to bully others, young lady.”

“But mommy, I didn’t!”

“Then why is Axel crying?”

“That- be- because… I don’t know.” Anise answered, trying to hold back her tears. “I just… I just wanted him to-”

Seeing the book and two toys lain out on the living room table, “I’m so sorry, honey.” Adalina quickly apologized, extending one arm out to stroke the girl’s head. With the recent news about Galivia’s passing and Troyle leaving the previous day, there was a lot on her mind and she had failed to consider what her daughter was doing. “I know you were only trying to help.” She added, pulling the girl in for an embrace.

“Mommy.” Anise wrapped her arms around her mother’s side and cried.

…

“Mommy, is he okay?”

“He’s fine. He’s just tired.” Adalina replied with a warm smile as they closed the door to Kaidus’ room. The boy had cried himself to sleep again.

“He cried because he was sad right?”

“Yes.”

“Why is he sad?” Anise questioned innocently.

“You’ll understand when you grow up.” Adalina answered with a wry smile and knelt down to eye level with her daughter. “Anise.” Two beady eyes stared back at her. “He’s going to be staying with us from now on, so be nice to him alright?”

“Axel is staying with us?”

“Yes.”

“Uhn.” Nodding, Anise replied with a bright smile.

Spreading its wings to catch the ever-present wind, the young serpent rode it upward into the clouds.
Having gone high enough, it tucked in its first two pairs of wings and dove, using the third pair on its tail to steer and control its trajectory.

Like a pitch-black bolt, the young drakall shot straight down toward the forest, using its newly enhanced senses and vision to close in on something moving in the undergrowth.

Breaking through the opening in the canopy, it spun and unfurled its wings, instantly halting above its prey. With a powerful roar, it sent shockwaves outward, throwing up the leaf litters on the forest floor and stunning the small hog that had been too busy digging up roots.
Running on instinct, it quickly coiled around the stunned hog, tearing at its throat with razor sharp fangs.

Within moments, the stunned victim had stopped squirming.

Grasping tightly onto its catch, the young drakall began beating its wings once more, lifting itself—and its prize—into the air.

 

—

 

In the midst of preparing a breakfast of wild greens and wolf meat, Kaidus watched as the youngling returned with a small black boar dangling from its mouth. Judging by its size, the boar was about the same as the kavaks from a few days ago, only rounder. Yet, the youngling was carrying it with little to no signs of discomfort or struggle. Gliding over to him, it dropped the kill by the fire and swooped over onto his shoulders.

“Krruuu.”

“Good job, Zirus.” He smiled, looking at the bloodstained drakall. With a thought, the sheen of red liquid that was covering the serpent began sliding off, revealing the glossy black scales underneath, and a small red gemstone on its forehead—where the green stripe began.

“Kruuurrrrrr!” The youngling flicked its tongue out in quick successions before leaving him and slithered down to lie beside the fire, to watch the food cook.

Just like the previous day, it was adhering to his rule of eating when he eats.

-Two days prior-

“Do you want to come with me?” Kaidus questioned, holding out a piece of meat to the young hvaral.
It was not yet evening, but they had already left the village of Reigun far behind, and were having an early dinner.

The young serpent flicked its tongue twice before taking the food with a quick striking motion, then jumped onto to him. “Kuuuurrrrrr.”
Slithering across his shoulders, it coiled itself around his left arm once more as it ingested the wolf meat.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”
Grabbing at the black coils, he pulled the serpent and it unraveled, allowing him to pick it up. Docile and completely still, the youngling’s head was arched back and leveled with his own. Its two golden eyes were staring back earnestly, as if not wanting to be left behind again. “What should we call you?” Without answering, it simply gazed back at him.

“Ah, I got it.” Setting the serpent on the ground, Kaidus knelt down on one knee. “Trust me on this, alright?”
With his knife, he nicked his left thumb and allowed a bright red bead to form. By his will, power swelled up from within himself and coursed into the single droplet of blood.

Seeing the action, the youngling began vibrating as if getting ready to flee or defend itself.

“Don’t be afraid. I need you to trust me.” Kaidus repeated, dropping the knife onto the ground and pulling back his powerful aura to show that everything was fine.
Bringing his left hand toward the serpent, “By the gilded laws, intangible and forever bound in eternal darkness. Zivas, nal’ en aelires.” He drew a glyph in the air with his thumb, tracing along an invisible path. “By the blood that flows within me, by my name and my will. Aran zuc inoss.” He pressed his thumb against the young hvaral’s forehead. “As one who rides my wind, I name thee Zirus, Arbiter of the Skies.” With those words, he swiped his thumb upward, sealing in the name with blood.

Like a potent spell, a name in itself was a very powerful form of magic. More so, when the two are combined. By binding his own will to the name, then binding the name to something that willingly took it, it would allow for some form of connection between them both. Although a simpler binding compared to the one used to bind his spirits, it was all he could do, for the youngling was not a spirit. He was uncertain if it would work due to their recent encounter and the lack of trust, but it was worth a try, seeing what had occurred in Reigun.

“SHRRAAAAA!!!” Immediately, the young hvaral began hissing and thrashing about. “KRRAAAOOOOO!!” It howled painfully as the blood upon its forehead began emitting a silver light.

“Don’t fight it!” Kaidus called out as he observed the process.
His magic was rushing throughout the serpent and becoming one with it, strengthening and empowering it. He felt his mana merging with the young serpent, fusing and reinforcing the creature’s own. He watched as the light began shining even brighter, distorting and drawing in more light from the atmosphere.

“KRAAAAAUUUUU!” A powerful roar came through from the serpent and the light quickly vanished. As everything subsided, before him was the young hvaral, staring up with confusion and surprise.

Upon its forehead, instead of the bloody smear, there was a vibrant blood red gem in the shape of a tear. The serpent’s two golden eyes had turned silver, giving its elliptical pupils a reddish polish that appeared as if they were on fire. A glossy luster ran along its pitch-black body, almost like a thin film of protective mana and exuding power.
As it opened its wings, all three pairs fanned out majestically, glistening transparently in the sunlight. With a sharp and focused visage, it turned to look at its wings in wonder.

“Zirus.” He spoke and the beast turned to him once more, lowering its head—bowing. “Fly.” He commanded.

“KRAAUUU!” Zirus roared, and with a single stroke of its wings, took to the sky.

 

***

 

-Darsus-

With a face that displayed irritation and resentment to everyone around him, Ralfus marched through the large Vatenger manor, moving with a brusque and angry pace. A piece of cloth hung over the right shoulder of his finely tailored clothes, concealing his missing arm underneath.
As usual, each and every person he passed felt like they were staring at him, ridiculing him for what he had lost. Yet, such things were not what was infuriating him this time.

“Young master! Young master Ralfus!” A woman’s voice called out to him as he passed an intersecting corridor.

“What?!” He shouted, turning to a servant that was running in his direction.

“A-apologies, young master.” The woman quickly lowered her head, unwilling to meet his gaze. “Your lord father wishes to see you in his study.”

“Can’t you see that I just got back? Go and tell the old man I will see him later at my own leisure.” He replied bitterly.

“T-the lord insists that you go see him upon your return, young master. He’s been waiting since noon.”

“Tch.”
‘What does he want now?’

…

Without knocking, he opened the door into his father’s study. “What is it?”

“Ralfus. Come sit down.” Lord Aelod Irusia Vatenger promptly answered, gesturing to a seat across from him. Putting away his quill and moving the letter he had been drafting to the side of the table, he pulled out a small leather-bound book. “Sit down.” He repeated, glancing up to see that his son had yet to move.

“Just tell me what you want and let us get this over with.”

“Very well, I hear that you have been traveling to the common wards quite frequently. What are you doing there?”

“That is none of your concern, father.”

“Answer me.”

“Why do you care? Just keep sitting there as you’ve always done.” Ralfus retorted with contempt. He had not forgotten what the old man did, and he could not get over the fact that his father had stood idle, while the person who took his arm was still walking about freely.

“Ralfus!”

“If that is all, then I will excuse myself.”

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Lord Vatenger stood up. Opening the leather-bound book, he flipped to a page he had marked earlier and slid the book across the table. “What is the meaning of that?” He questioned.
Upon the pages of the open book were lines of numbers, detailing and recording any withdrawals made from the Vatenger treasury, and by whom.

“What is the meaning of what?” Ralfus answered, ignoring the ledger and not moving a step away from the door.

“Katin tells me you’ve been withdrawing from my coffers. What in the world could all that money possibly be going towards?”

“Is that what this is about? You call for me over such an insignificant amount?”

“Four thousand and three hundred erns within two turns, and you call it insignificant? Tell me what you did with all that money. Right now.” A hint of anger was starting to appear on lord Vatenger’s face.

“What I do is my own business, Father.”

“You will tell me, or by the gods, I will never allow you another metal bit!” Lord Vatenger exclaimed, glaring at the disrespectful son before him.

“… It’s been used toward my own pleasure. There, satisfied?”

“Pleasure?”

“Whores and drinks, father. Must I give you the names of the brothels I frequent? Should I present you the titles of my favorite drinks too? What more do you want me to say father? That I spend my time between the legs of common wretches?”

“Don’t lie to me!!” Lord Vatenger stepped from behind his desk and stalked toward his son. “You think I believe you could have spent this much money on cheap whores and wine alone?! You will cease this frivolous spending of MY money! You hear me?!”

“…”

“Do you hear me!?”

“… Yes, father.” Ralfus replied, unwilling to look into those eyes filled with anger.

“Secondly, you will either keep learning magic from Master Izua until you are of use, or I will find a use for you. Not only that, until I can trust your judgement again, you are no longer allowed to draw from the family coffers.”

“You- You can’t do this to me!”

“I can’t do this to you? Who do you think you are boy!?” Lord Vatenger gave his son a stern scowl. “And you will fix that attitude of yours. Your disrespect towards your mother and myself, even your brothers. All of that will change, or you will start earning for yourself. You are a man. Start acting like one.”

“Kuh-!” He gritted his teeth, holding back his words. ‘Each and every one of them! All working against me!’ The voice in his head screamed, adding to his irritation. Yet responding in anger would not help him in the least. “… Have it your way.” He replied, returning an angry glare. Without waiting for his dismissal, he turned around and left the room.

He had known that it was only a matter of time until Katin, their treasurer blabbed to his father.
Thankfully, the clueless fool had not pressed him beyond what was said.
By using the contacts provided by his benefactors, he had been employing rogue mages—unaffiliated with any lords or guilds—from outside of the city, all to assist him with his ordeal. The money had been used to pay for the expenses of those mages, and to bring them into Ferrent.
But as usual, as if the world itself was working against him, the mages would report their findings for a handful of days, confirming everything with him, then suddenly vanish.

Having traveled to the 6^th ward earlier, his contact this time had failed to show up as well. Four times he had set his plans in motion, and four times he had been disappointed. Even after waiting half a turn between the third and fourth attempt, the results remained the same.

The job was simple. Any of those he had hired were capable of such a task, yet nothing had occurred to the family. It was as if the greedy bastards had taken the advance payments given to them, and simply fled the city without leaving any clues behind. Either that, or they were captured by the Mystiks guild before following through with the job. Regardless, he could no longer find any traces of them.

‘Do I really have to fucking do it myself?’ The question resounded in his head as he made his way to his room. He had contemplated such actions before, but knew that it was too risky, especially within the walls of Ferrent. The boy and his family were well-known because of the arms competition, and he also knew that they were quite close with the wealthy Varath family. Should the Varath and their resources become involved, it could mean trouble for his own house.

He needed to speak to his supporters again, and try to see if they could help in any way or form. As it is, he would be out of a means soon, and with it, his vengeance.

 

—

 

An older gentlemen sat by himself at a table, eating lunch quietly while watching and listening to those around him. Merchants who had been allowed into the inner wards were talking with unwary nobles, discussing deals and making offers, trying to pass off bland and useless trinkets as relics and decors. He saw as couples flirted within the establishment, far from the prying eyes of their own families. He caught minor lords complaining to one another about the upcoming Rinol, and saw guards on break drinking away with friends. Along with various useless gossips, it was overall an uneventful afternoon.

With the door to the inn always in his line of sight, the person he was expecting eventually trudged through the doors. Ralfus Vatenger, a hateful young man whom he had been given the displeasure of working with.
Wearing extravagant clothes and holding his head high like the noble’s son that he is, the young man headed straight for his table.

“Afternoon, master Vatenger. Care to join me for lunch?”

“I didn’t come for idle chatter, Urixx.” The young man replied with an irritable voice.

“Well then, please proceed to my room. I shall be up shortly.” The young man glared at him, then stalked up the stairs.

Instead of following after finishing his lunch, he called for a drink and sat at the table, sipping until he felt like moving.
Urixx. The name was not his, for he had no names and had never required one. He was but a shadow, one that moved by another’s command. The only reason why he had been given the name, was because it would be inconvenient otherwise.
Like all shadows, he was without family or friends, and like them, his only purpose was to move as his master willed.

“Took your time there didn’t you?” A voice filled with impatience greeted him as he entered the room.

“I would never. To even think of such a thing, it pains me.”

“Enough!”

“Well master Vatenger, how may I serve you this time?” Urixx enquired, making a respectful bow before moving over to sit on the bed.

“All those mages you’ve found. They’re fucking useless.”

“Again?” It was the 5^th one already. The first two mages were a pair, but after their disappearance, they had settled on lone mages in order to cut the cost a bit.

“Obviously! Why else would I be here?!” The young man cried out, standing up from his seat.

Urixx narrowed his eyes. “Must I remind you that this meeting is something that never happened?” The anger in Ralfus’ face quickly mellowed upon his reminder, and he sat back down. “Now then, what is your next move?”

“… I know I’ve vowed not to involve you or your master, but I need your help.”

“Yes, I remember. And what exactly would you need my help for?”

“I- I have lost the freedom to draw from the family’s resources. With what I have right now, I am unable to hire another mage.”

“Is that so? That is unfortunate. Will our little partnership end here today?” Urixx replied, goading the foolish boy.

“Of course not. I will have my revenge! Everywhere I go, I am reminded of this- this abomination that I’ve become!” Ralfus exclaimed, lifting up the flap on his right shoulder to display the empty sleeve. “I am a laughingstock!”

“Your voice.” Urixx cautioned.

“It doesn’t matter if it no longer looks like an accident. Find me someone who would do it for the amount I have left.”

He fought down a smile. Everything was moving in the direction he had hoped for. “And just how much do you have?”

“Two hundred and seventy-four.”

“You wish to hire someone to blatantly attack a family in the middle of the city with a measly two hundred erns? Not counting the involvement of the Mystiks guild, such an offence would be a death sentence for whoever did it. And that’s IF you get lucky. Should the guild get involved, and make no mistakes for they will,” Urixx paused to make sure the fool was listening. “If the attacker or attackers were to be interrogated, the line would lead straight back to you. Have you thought of that?”

“Then what am I supposed to do?! Do it myself?!”

“You are a mage. Are you not?” Urixx grinned. “Though I would not advise you on it. The mages you’ve hired happened to be quite reputable. For them to keep disappearing like this, something must’ve happened.”

“Ar-are you’re telling me the guild has…?” There were signs of uneasiness in Ralfus’ voice as he trailed off.

“I don’t know, but it certainly is a possibility.”

“FUCK!”

“Your voice, master Vatenger.”

“Who fucking cares?! I am without any options!”

Another grin. “Now, that is not true.”

“W-What do you mean?” Ralfus’ face lit up, and his anger immediately turned into curiosity.

“What I mean is, there are always options.”

“I don’t have time for riddles, Urixx. Are you going to tell me or not?!”

“You didn’t hear this from me, but Lord Alzin Varath will be heading to Gravas in the next few days. If I am not mistaken, it is for some sort of trade renewal.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Think, master Vatenger. Wherever the lord goes, his guards goes with him.”

“Guards… the father.”

“Indeed. Gravas is at least a day and half’s ride, and around this time of the year where the frost will start setting in soon, who knows what sort of desperate people are outside of these walls, ready to cut a few throats for a handful of coins?”

“Outside of Ferrent… w-we could make this look like a robbery gone horribly wrong. A bandit attack.”

“Now you’re thinking. It would be well out of the guild’s immediate influence, and if you wish to increase your chances of success, why not join in on the attack yourself? None of the Varath guards are mages, and someone of your abilities should be able to handle them. If you hide and attack from a distance, it should be a simple matter. Don’t you think so?”

“If it is an ambush outside of Ferrent, then… it is quite possible.”

“See? There are always options. You just have to find them.” He could see the young fool trying to form a plan in that head of his.

“Urixx. Do you know when they are leaving?”

“I believe within the next five to six days.”

“Tch. That’s quite soon. How fast can you round up some people for me? I don’t care who, anyone willing to go through with this is fine.”

“Ah, as it just so happened, there are quite a number of hoodlums lined up for such unsavory tasks. Shall I introduce you to someone?”

…

Urixx sat alone in his room with a smile plastered on his face. The clueless idiot was undoubtedly running about, trying to locate the contacts he had provided. Like a mindless horse being driving toward an object, everything was too easy.

Although the mysteries of what happened to the five mages were quite daunting, such setbacks did not concern him nor his master.
They were but opportunists, using the vengeance of another to fulfill their own agenda.

By the time the meat was ready, it was evening and the sun was beginning to set.
Picking the thin strips of smoked wolf meat off the two stands, he packed them into a cloth bag that he had been using to carry food.

While working, his eyes wandered over to the young hvaral who was watching him attentively. The beast had woken up around noon, snatched a few choice pieces of meat while they were still being smoked and disappeared back into the sky. Yet just like before, it had returned to lie by his fire and was now watching his every move.

“Can you understand me?” Kaidus questioned, and like a statue, the youngling simply stared back without any indication of such a thing. “Where are you parents?” He enquired as he finished picking up the last few pieces. Again, nothing.
“Here. This is the last of it for you.” Instead of storing the meat away, he extended his arm out.

“Shrraaaa!!” The beast’s mouth flew open and it displayed its dark wings, trying to make itself look larger and more threatening.

“Alright, fine. Here.” He tossed the three pieces of meat over to the serpent without moving any closer.

The snake lowered its head to the ground and flicked its forked tongue outward twice, then slowly tucked in its wings and quickly grabbed at the food.

After making sure that he had everything, he picked up a small bundle containing the horns and metal tails of the five kavaks and tied it to his pack. Turning to the serpent once more, “Well then. I don’t know what happened to you before, but take care of yourself.” He grinned and the fire pits flared up, consuming the two smoking stands he had constructed that morning. The young hvaral sprung backward, using its wings to propel itself away from the flames while hissing at him in surprise.
 
With those parting words, a pillar of wind erupted around him, shooting Kaidus into the air. The young serpent shrieked and began beating its wings as fast as it could, trying to catch the abnormal wind, and to follow.

…

Soaring through the clouds–without relying on Zion–the wind spirit zipped alongside him, flying energetically and ever ready to catch him should he will it.

“Kraaaauu!!”

Kaidus turned to his side to see the young serpent fervently flying alongside them, trying to keep up. It was snarling at him. Not in its usual threatening tone, but one of panic and shock.
He swerved over and the serpent quickly stopped in mid-air, fluttering haphazardly to hiss at him—as if reproaching him.
“Surprised?” Kaidus grinned, looking at the startled youngling before continuing his flight as Zion’s laughter resounded around them.
Once again, the beating of wings sounded behind him as the small winged serpent attempted to follow.

As they continued through the air, “Kuuuuruu!” There was a weak cry.

Looking back, he saw that the snake was quite far behind them. Oddly, it was making panicked noises, as if trying to draw his attention. Kaidus slowed down to allow the youngling to catch up.

“Guh!?!” As soon as it did, the beast swooped over to him, latching onto his neck and coiling itself around it. Surprised by the sudden attack, Kaidus stopped moving. Its elongated body was expanding quickly, and he could feel heat pulsing through the serpent. “… Tired already?” He questioned with a pained smile, and it hissed back while carefully trying to fold its precious wings. Attempting to uncoil the beast from his neck, it tightened itself, unwilling to let go. With a little force he pried it away, and the young hvaral fluttered tiredly, making frightened noises.
Instead of releasing it into the air, he held up his left arm and the serpent immediately coiled around it, hissing angrily with its outstretched head. “Why are you following me?”

“Shaaaraaaa!!”

“There’s no need to get angry. I was never going to drop you.”

“Kruaaaah!!” It roared.

“Enough. That is deafening.” He commanded and mana surged through his body, giving his eyes a threatening glow as a show of dominance.

The young serpent immediately lowered its head and went quiet, silently staring back at him as if understanding what to do by instinct. As it did so, a burst of wind exploded along his arm, throwing the youngling’s wings open and causing it to tighten its hold.

“Hsssss!” Two golden eyes followed the wind, hissing menacingly.

Zion began laughing playfully, swirling around the young drakall and threatening to pry it off.

“Stop it. Both of you.”
Turning to look at him one more time, the snake coiled its upraised head alongside its body, holding onto him tightly. Two pairs of scaly leathery wings also folded along the length of its coils, covering his left arm like a black bracer. It flicked its forked tongue outward a handful of times, then without further disagreement, closed its eyes.

“Selfish little thing aren’t you?” Completely ignoring him, the thing was already trying to sleep.
With a puzzled smile, Kaidus shot forth through the darkening sky—with a young drakall around his left arm.

His destination was Maverus, the capital of Malpaars.
The rings he had taken from Eril had yet to call for their master, but with the information obtained from elder Shradech, he was interested in this unknown advisor who had taken their place beside the new king. The chances of them being a member of Tal’hrus were quite high, and he still needed to find the piece of the Nyzacus shard that belonged to Eril. In their encounter he had neglected to ask the man about it, but such minor complications could easily be remedied.

Having spent the whole day watching the fires and lazing around while waiting for the food to smoke and cook, it was going to be a long night.

…

Throughout the night, the young serpent would leave whenever it was well rested to fly beside him and Zion—as they coursed through the air. And just as it did before, it would screech and call for him whenever it fell behind, latching onto his arm whenever he got close enough. Like an abandoned child attaching itself onto someone who fed and cared for them, it was unwilling to let him leave it behind.

At times he thought it had departed, only to turn around and see two golden eyes shining dimly in the moonlight beside, or behind him. Like the predator it would one day become, it followed him in the darkness, moving silently and swiftly.

“Wait, what’re you-?” Kaidus stopped in the air. The one who had been flying beside him was now moving along his back and digging into his pack. Taking off the rucksack, the youngling had already chewed through the thick cloth. “Ah… Why?” With a displeased voice, he pulled it out of the bag, holding it between its first and second pair of wings. “You’ve put a hole in…” His mouth twisted into a smile, seeing that it was helping itself from the smaller bag containing the smoked meat. “You actually remembered where I put it?” He chuckled, recalling how it was watching him earlier.

“KUUuurrrr!!!” The serpent cried out, stretching its head toward the opening.

Reaching in, he pulled out two pieces and handed one to the young serpent. “For opening a hole in my bag, this is all you’re getting for now.”

“Kuuururuuuu…” It slowly took hold of the piece given to it and retreated along his right arm, moving over his shoulder to coil back around his left.

“Hah… so you can at least understand when someone is unhappy with you.” A thought surfaced in his mind and Kaidus smiled. Repositioning the bag so that the hole was covered from the inside, he watched as the serpent swallowed the piece of meat whole before covering itself with its wings once more.
Eating his own, he stared into the distance. It would be dawn soon, and he himself was quite tired. “I guess I should make camp.”

…

By late morning, he awoke to find the young serpent peacefully sunbathing near the opening of their shelter. It looked quite peaceful, and there was a content look on its face.
Trying not to stir it, he began rummaging through his belongings quietly. After putting the map away, he glanced over to see that the young serpent was already moving in his direction. Instead of moving to him, it went straight for the hole in his rucksack.

Grabbing onto its tail to keep it from entering, he took out the food bag. “?” The bag looked smaller. Grabbing a fistful, he placed them before the serpent and took another for himself.

As it did the previous day, the young hvaral continued to follow him. Surprisingly, it had stopped hissing and screeching whenever he got closer. Instead, it was even starting to crawl onto him, using him as a form of transportation. Instead of flying and resting, it was content to ride him through the air without leaving to spread its wings.

The next morning,
“… What is this?” Kaidus looked to the young serpent, then pointed to the half empty bag of food.

He had found the snake earlier that morning sleeping atop the stone shelter that he created. It looked engorged, and was sleeping with what looked like a very satisfied face. Pulling the food bag out for breakfast, a sizable amount of the smoked meat was missing, and there was another hole.

“Kraaauuu….” The youngling arched its head and looked to the sides with a disinterested face.

“No wonder it looked like there were less yesterday. You’ve been feasting while I’m asleep haven’t you?” He accused, but the cursed beast simply flicked its tongue out. “I know you can at least understand this much. Don’t even try to worm your way out of this.” He added, returning a stern gaze. To help with the disciplinary action, his mana was pouring out, turning his hair and eyes silver and giving off an air of disapproval.

Drakalls were intelligent creatures, and he had seen it for himself. The youngling was amazing and a thing of beauty, but it would have to learn quickly if it was going to keep following him.

“Shrrraaaaaa!!” It replied hastily, as if wanting nothing do with the discussion.

“Enough!” Kaidus roared, and the young serpent immediately went flat on the ground submissively. “Now, if you are going keep following me, there will be rules. You will learn to obey my commands, or I will leave you behind. Simple as that. Do you understand?”

It flicked its tongue and slowly slithered over to him. Peering into the bag of meat, it arched its head once more. “Kuurrlll…” With a soft growl, it looked up at him with its two golden eyes.

“You will eat when I eat and there will be no more of this. You hear me?” He grabbed two handfuls and placed them before the snake. “Since these were your kills in the first place, this is your share along with what you’ve eaten.” Holding the bag up, “and this is mine. As payment for cooking and ferrying you. Take it, and we part ways right here. Right now. Otherwise you will start learning how to behave.”

“Krauuuuu!!” The youngling roared, and the shockwave knocked over the small pile of meat. Sniffing it, it quickly devoured the food. After doing so, it thrust open its wings and took to the sky.

Kaidus watched as it vanish into the distance. “Farewell, little one.”

Removing his thoughts from the young serpent as he sat down for breakfast, he took out one of his rings and began infusing mana into it. It was to show Vick that he was fine, and for the man not to worry. He thought briefly about the group in Esperen, and wondered if they were doing okay. Pulling out the other rings taken from Eril, he looked through them to make sure none had attempted to contact him.

By his will, the stone shelter submerged back into the ground after he was ready to depart. He took one last look at the sky, toward the direction where the young drakall had disappeared earlier. “May we meet again.” With a smile on his face, he lifted off the ground.

…

Like the days before his meeting with the youngling, he soared through the sky with abandon, not having to wait for anyone or anything.

As evening approached, he spotted a village sitting atop a clearing. It was not marked on his map, but it was a thankful sight. There were patches of fields all around the settlement, and he could see that they had recently just harvested.
Lowering himself, Kaidus descended at a distance from the village and walked the rest of the way.

“Halt! Who goes there?” A man shouted as he was within shouting distance. The man was standing atop a wall made of wood. All along the fortification, wooden spikes jutted outward from holes and even the top of the barrier, disallowing any would-be intruders.

“Just me, sir. May I please enter?” He replied, trying not to sound too out of place.

“Who are you? Where did you come from and what business do you have in Reigun?”

“From the west. My name’s Kales Raifer. I’ve been hunting in those mountains, and have some items I wish to trade or sell.”

“A hunter? A boy like you?”

“Not a boy no more, sir. Am a man.” Kaidus replied, puffing out his chest.

“Anyone else with you?!”

“No sir, just me.”

The man stared at him suspiciously, before turning around and shouting to someone else. The small gate opened, and a different person was standing there waiting for him.
“Show Mantir your wares and don’t do anything funny!” The first man shouted back.

Walking up to the gate, he unraveled the small bundle of kavak horns and tails, and presented them before the man.

“Hmm… some metal, and these… horns? And two pelts?” The second man inspected them carefully. “What were you hunting? These are quite small.” The man took out one of the pelts that were being used to wrap the bundle.

“Iron-tailed kavaks, sir.”

“Iron-tailed kavaks?” The man narrowed his eyes at him, then looked to the sword at his side. “And that is?”

“My sword, sir. It is what I hunt with.” Kaidus quickly answered.

“… Make sure it stays in its sheath.”

“Of course.”

“Very well.” The man stepped aside to allow him passage. “Welcome to Reigun. Just let me warn you. Any mischief, and it might cost you your head.” The man added as he passed.

“Yes sir.”

Inside the walls, it was a small village. With barely twenty buildings, he was able to find a little shop selling all manners of random items without any trouble. 

“Oh, look at this one. It’s quite large.” An old woman spoke excitedly, picking up one of the horns. “This size and curve,” the woman bit it. “Ooooh, firm too. It’ll be perfect for fertility powder.”

“No, no, no! Kavak horns are for stomach medicine, you old crone. You’re thinking of cadrain horns.” An old man, presumable her husband quickly corrected

‘Stomach medicine? Fertility powder?’ Kaidus wondered to himself. He had never heard of such properties in the horns before. Horns were great for ornaments, and were usually sought after by skilled carvers. As for medicine and fertility, it was either they knew something he didn’t, or the old couple were overly superstitious. “So… what can you give me for them?”

“Them?” The old man jerked his face up to look at him.

“For the tails, horns, and pelts.”

“No pelts. No tails. Only the horns.” The woman quickly replied, carrying the horns away. He silently watched as she returned with a handful of metal. “For the two big ones, five each. For the other smaller eight, two each.” Without waiting for his consent, she dropped thirteen double bits into his hand and walked away.

“Twenty-six? They’re at least four per small horn, and eight each for the bigger two. If sold to someone who could work with it, I can easily get more than that.” Kaidus replied, looking at the sum in his hand. He was not low on money, but the amount was only a fraction of what he should have gotten.
An ornament or charm carved out of the horns would easily be worth twenty to thirty erns each, depending on the level of craftsmanship.

“Good medicine should never be withheld from the people, young man. Shame on you! Your parents too should be ashamed!” The old man rebuked harshly, eyeing him with a look that seemed to cry out “do you want the villagers to die?”

“Hah…” He looked over to where the old lady had gone and she was already busy crushing the horns, trying to turn it into medicine. “I got it…”

After walking around some more, he found himself a rundown inn in the center of the village. After a little negotiation, he was able obtain another twenty erns, and a room in exchange for the five iron tails and two pelts.

…

The village was rife with activities the next morning. As he was eating, he could hear children and people clamoring outside, running to and fro, shouting about something.

“Taron! You have to come quickly! The guards have captured a drakall!” A man exclaimed as he burst into the empty inn.
The innkeeper turned to look at Kaidus, then walked out the door.

‘Captured a drakall?’ The curious words swam through his thoughts. After eating and gathering his items from his room, he left the inn to check what all the commotion was about.

“Kruaaaaaaa!!” An exhausted and familiar noise sounded through the air as he got closer.

His body tensed, and Kaidus began running. “Kuuuuurrrrrrr!!!” It gave off a frightened screech, and he knew what it was. Without caring about those around him, he pushed through the wall of people until he was at the center.
There was something struggling inside a net and he quickly stepped closer to it.

Pitch black with a green stripe going down its back, a young hvaral was entangled inside. Its wings were bent oddly, and it was crying out in fear.

“Stand back boy. It may be small, but it’s very dangerous.” A guard cautioned.

Ignoring the guard, Kaidus stepped even closer. “You followed me?” He questioned, and the young serpent immediately struggled in the net to look in his direction.

“Kuuuuurr…” Like before, it lowered its head and went completely silent.

Disregarding those around him, Kaidus quickly bent down to unravel the net.

“What are you doing?!” Someone shouted.
“Stop!” A guard quickly tried to stop him.

Instead of complying, he stood up and quickly pulled out the xeberite sword, prompting the guards around to immediate pull out their own weapons.
With one smooth motion, he shredded the net before the guards could do anything and sheathed his weapon. “Forgive me, but this little one here is mine.” Infusing mana into his voice, he made sure all around them heard. As if on cue, the young serpent frantically slithered out of the net and climbed up his legs, moving to coil itself around his left arm.

“Shrraaaaaaa!” Safe, the young hvaral began hissing angrily at those around them.

“Stop that. No one’s going to hurt you.” He coaxed and the youngling turned to face him once more before going quiet.

Looking around them, the villagers were all staring at him and the serpent around his arm. None of them wanted to get closer, but a few of the children were looking with faces filled with glee and amusement.

Kaidus looked down at the net and saw that there was something else in there. Bending down to pull the mesh away, the half-eaten body of a hare was on the ground. Looking closer, it had already started to smell.

“kruuuu…” The youngling on his arm made a low growl and he immediately understood that it was his half. Albeit rotting, the young serpent had brought it along, carrying it and following him all this way. “I see…”
It did not understand what he was saying then, but it had certainly understood that he was unhappy with it.

Two golden eyes stared up at him meekly, looking very tired. “I guess I should commend you for coming all the way here by yourself.” Upon his words and relaxed tone, the youngling curled its head around his arm and attempted to fold its wings as usual. It growled as one of them refused to fold, and he saw that the wing was broken. Placing his hand over the serpent, he quickly restored it.

Without waiting for the villagers to question or apprehend him, a powerful gust blew through the air, kicking up dust and forcing people to shield their eyes.
In the midst of the confusion, he took the sky, vanishing into the clouds.

Those who were out in the fields or far enough to watch the unusual dust storm saw, as an enormous serpent rose from the center of the villager, rising up and swallowing the clouds before disappearing.

…

Away from prying eyes, Kaidus watched as the exhausted creature attempted to sleep. It had probably been flying all day and night with very little rest, just to catch up to him. “Guess I’m going to have to give you a name.” He smiled.

The wind began blowing, and within it, a knowing laughter. Not in its usual playful tone, but one of understanding. One that understood the depths of such words.

Sitting beside a small campfire, Kaidus wordlessly stared at the silver ring in his hand while thinking about his family.

The sky had already gone dark, but the memories of what happened earlier in the day were still fresh on his mind and weighed on him heavily.

Everything that had transpired felt all too familiar. The senseless destruction, the helplessness of those who survived, and the unmistakable loss that seem to always meander through the air after such ordeals. He did not know how many had perished in the carnage, but it was undoubtedly up in the hundreds. After seeing such devastation, he did not dare to stay and watch the mourning process, for he understood what was to come.

Thinking back on everything.
Had he left Vick after learning of the Tal’hrus master’s location, such darkness would have never befallen the now ruined city.
Recounting his activities for the past ten days, the two dozen or so girls that he helped in Karpes surfaced in his mind. “No.” Speaking the word out loud, he stopped himself before he could compare the lives of two dozen girls to the lives of hundreds. It was impossible to save everyone, and he knew it. Had come to terms with it. He had done what he could and freed those who were still alive. The rest was up to them.

Yet, such things had never sat well with him.
“…”
Through the sound of the crackling fire, by his will, his mana surged into the ring in his hand.

 

***

 

-Darsus. Ferrent’s 3^rd ward-

Anise sat in the wooden tub, watching with a cheerful smile on her face. Whenever her mother was not looking, she would submerge herself and blow bubbles before bursting out and giggling at her own antics.

Beside her, Adalina was trying to bathe a squirming Lance who was crying because he had been doused with water.

“Anise. If you are done, go and get dressed. Your father still needs to wash.” Adalina instructed, seeing the girl playing.

“But Momma, I wanna stay until the water is cold.” Anise protested, immersing herself up to her nose.

“It’s already cold. Any longer and you are bound to get sick.” Adalina replied, gently patting the babe in her arms to quell his cries. “Stop dallying and go. I still need to reheat the water for your father.”

“Muuu…”

“Now, young lady.” Adalina instructed sternly, holding Lance to her chest and patting his back while reassuring him that she was not talking to him.

“Kay…” Anise stood up and began shaking her hair.

“Anise? What is that?” Adalina questioned, seeing the faint light coming from one of two rings on the girl’s translucent necklace.

“Hm? AH-! Secret!” Clutching the rings with one hand, Anise grabbed her drying cloth and dashed out of the washroom while butt naked. There was a spring in her steps and a smile on her face as she darted up the stairs.

 

…

 

“Hasen. I’m alone now!” She exclaimed as soon as she closed her door. Grabbing the yellow one-piece dress that was laid out on her bed, she began pulling it over her head while keeping an ear out for her brother’s voice.
“Kai!?” She questioned, thinking she had heard something.

“Are you alright? What was that noise?”

Her brother’s voice came through the silver ring and her face lit up with delight. Even though she had just talked to him a few days ago, she was overjoyed to be hearing him. “Uh-huh! I’m okay.” She replied cheerfully.

“You sound happy. Did something good happened?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Wanna tell me?”

“Hehehe. I’m talking to Kai.” She answered.

“Haha. Is that so?” A warm chuckle came from the ring along with her brother’s kind voice. Yet within his usual tone, there was something else. A distant tinge of sadness, as if he was about to go somewhere even further away.

“Are you okay Kai?” She questioned, having heard the small drop in his voice.

“I’m fine. I just really miss you all.”

“We miss you too!” She exclaimed happily.

There was another chuckle. “Thanks. Is Lance there with you?”

“Momma and Lance are taking a bath.”

“I see.”

“Kai?” She spoke, trying to think of how to cheer him up.

“Yes?”

“Um you know… my… my birthday…” She answered timidly, trying not to sound too demanding.

“Yes, of course. The 12^th of Kinu wasn’t it? Wow, you’ll be nine soon huh?”

“Uhn.” Pleased that he remembered, a smile appeared on her face. He had been gone for almost two turns already, and her 9^th birthday was fast approaching. “You know… if you come home, you can see me and Lance, and Mama and papa.” She added sheepishly, trying to induce him to come home.

Her brother laughed. “Indeed, and I will. Just not yet. Sorry.”

“But why?”

“Because I haven’t found you a present yet. Remember? I promised you I’d bring you something good when I return.”

“Oh. Hehehe. Okay.” Her smile turned into a teething grin at the mention of a present.

“Anise.”

“Hm?” She replied eagerly, having already forgotten about trying to cheer him up.

“Ah, no. Nothing. You know that I love you right?”

“Uhn! I love Kai too!”

“I’m glad.” Her brother’s voice had perked up. “Are you all going to bed soon?”

“Uhn!”

“Well then, I best be going. I just wanted to hear your voice before you all went to bed. Please give Mother and Lance a hug for me.”

“Hehe. You’re weird Kai.”

“Good night.”

“UHN!” She gleefully replied, and the glow from the ring immediately faded.
With a smile on her face, she left the room to go give her mother and baby brother a hug.

 

***

 

-Malpaars-

Closing his hand around the silver ring, there was a smile on his face.
The girl’s innocent laughter, her cheerful exuberance, even her worried voice had calmed him down. As much as she adored him, he loved her for it. Just knowing that his family was safe and sound gave him peace of mind, especially after everything that had occurred.

Tired and unwilling to keep pondering about the unfortunate event, Kaidus erected himself a small earthen shelter and crawled inside.

 

…

 

*Kraauuoooh!!*
A low piercing howl screeched through the air, waking him up to total darkness.
As his eyes adjusted, he saw that his campfire had already gone out, but the crescent moon was still high in the sky. There were sparsely any trees to hide him as he was camping on a mountainside, but such things did not concern him.

Sitting up, Kaidus perked his ears and listened quietly. He felt Zion’s wind moving about like a twisting breeze—ever watchful whilst he slept—before hearing the shrill cries of a creature in the distance, and the sound of barking along with another howl.

Reaching for the Xeberite sword beside him, the wind stormed to his side like a protective shield.

There was another yelp and in the darkness, he spotted a dozen pairs of glowing yellow eyes moving in the distance, running down the mountain side. Still groggy and with no reason to investigate as they were not coming for him, he went back to sleep.

 

…

 

“Cadrians?” He noted the horns on the two wolves and bent down to examine their carcasses. “No… these are much smaller…” Voicing his thoughts out loud as he looked to the second one.

Slim and agile looking, although they had forward pointing horns like cadrians, the creatures were merely a third the size of a normal one. Yet, their horns denoted maturity in such species. His eyes fell upon a very peculiar trait. “Iron-tailed kavaks…” The name came to him upon seeing the slick and metal whip-like tail on the creatures.
Turning one over with his hand, it was cold to the touch. There was a deep gash on the left side of its stomach along with a twisted hind leg, while the second appeared like something had taken a bite out of its neck. He had stumbled upon the two carcasses while following a trail of blood earlier in his hunt for breakfast.

They had probably died sometime during the night but with the cold of Fulta, they were still looking quite fresh. Taking out his knife, Kaidus began cutting off the legs for himself. Thankful for the stroke of luck, he took out a small string from his rucksack and tied the eight legs—each barely the size of his forearm—together.

‘Massssterrr.’ Zion’s voice resounded in his head excitedly.

‘What is it?’ He thought back.

‘A Beassssst Of The Sssssky. They Who Ride My Windssss.’

Kaidus immediately arched his head upward, recalling the last time the spirit notified him of such a thing. There was nothing in the air. ‘Where?’ He questioned.
The breeze around himself began changing, picking up small pebbles and leaves before twirling them into a tube in midair and flying off.

Following Zion, the spirit led him to a grisly sight a short distance away. There were three more dead kavaks on the ground and it felt like some sort of deathmatch had taken place there. Dried blood covered a good amount of the area and just like the previous two, the three kavaks had been killed in similar fashion: broken neck, legs, deep wounds, and weird coiling marks.
Zion zipped away, moving behind a row of large boulders.

“Hssss!” Something made a menacing sound as if to deter the spirit.

Quickly running over to the rocks, Kaidus stared in shock at what was lying before him.

Within the crevices of a large rock, a sleek and beautiful snake was coiled up and hissing weakly. Not just any kind of serpent, it was a young hvaral.
With pitch black scales, it had a silver underbelly and a single greenish stripe that ran from the snake’s forehead, all the way down its back to its small three-pronged tail. The creature was bleeding and he could see puncture marks along its coiled-up body.
It glared and hissed back at him, baring a mouth filled with razor sharp fangs. Judging by its size and the lack of horns and a mane, the thing was probably still a youngling, not even yet a juvenile. Carefully scanning its body, he found where its three pairs of wings should be extending from. Yet, two of them were nothing but scarred stubs, and the last pair—by its tail—was frayed and mutilated.

“They were chasing you…” The howling and barking of the previous night were quickly explained. He looked over to the kavak carcasses then back at the youngling before him. The serpent had probably killed off a few of the small wolves and scared away the rest. Looking at the creature’s condition, it had sustained too much damage and would undoubtedly die in a few days.

Kaidus reached into the crevice and the serpent lashed forward, sinking its fangs into his hand. With a grimace, he strengthened his arm with mana and grabbed the young snake’s body, pulling it out of the hiding spot.

The thing coiled weakly around his arm as if to strangle him, but he could feel the strength draining from its exhausted body. “What happened to your wings?” He questioned, seeing that the creature would never take to the skies again even if it survived its injuries.

“Kraaooou!” Instead of a hiss, it roared angrily, sending a weak and shrill shockwave into his ears.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” He replied, holding onto it firmly. He had seen how large they could get, but the youngling in his hand was barely the length of his left shoulder to the tip of his right arm. It still had hundreds of years left, and he could not allow such a majestic creature to wither away so pointlessly on the ground.

With a thought, he began infusing his mana into the serpent. Although he had never tried healing an animal before, drakalls were creatures that had mana within their bodies, and he was quite certain it would be fine.
He felt his mana flooding the defiant creature on his arm and willed the power to mend and heal. Before his very eyes, the serpent’s hold on him lessened. Its mouth released his hand as if understanding what he was doing and arched its head back, staring up at him curiously.

With another infusion of mana, he began the second phase of the healing process. It was something he had never dreamt he could do, and had kept it secret ever since finding out about it.

The beast began thrashing as if in pain and sunk its mouth into his forearm again. Bearing the pain, he watched as bones burst forth from the scarred stubs—where its wings had been torn off—forking into long lanky structures. Around the bones, flaps of skin started forming, growing in length and conglomerating into leathery transparent wings. Within moments, three pairs of dusky wings were unfurling and stretching into the air, and the serpent settled down, releasing his arm.
Surprised, the beast instinctively began flapping its newly regenerated wings. With each beat, the weight on his hand lessened.

“KRAAAUOOO!!!” A lively roar came from the small creature and its body vibrated as if preparing for flight.

Watching its wings, Kaidus threw it into the air as it began to flap once more.

The hvaral instinctively grabbed onto the wind. With powerful wing beats, it began rising into the sky until it disappeared from view.

Kaidus watched with a smile on his face until the slender shadow vanished into the clouds.
Walking back to the three kavaks that were on the ground. “Thank you for the breakfast.” He bent down and began skinning the wolves with a content smile on his face.

 

…

 

Having an abundance of food, instead of leaving the area, he went back for the other two kavaks.
Adding them to the three that he had already gutted, skinned, and parted, he was busily building a second wooden structure to hang and cure some of the meat.

As he worked, “Krau! Krauuuooa!!” Something roared, and Kaidus looked up to see a snake-like silhouette in the sky. With a puzzled face, he watched as it closed in on his position and saw that it was the young hvaral from earlier. Pitch black with a green stripe and a silver underbelly.

The beast descended next to his smoking fire and turned to look at him briefly, then tucked its precious wings away alongside its body. Arching its head, it began taking bites at a few of the strips of meat that he was smoking before curling itself next to the fire, looking exhausted.

“… Hah… okay…” He stared with a befuddled expression, seeing the guest that had suddenly decided to join him for breakfast.
Moving toward the serpent, it shifted its position and stared back at him cautiously. “What are you doing back here?” He questioned.

“HSSSSS!!!!” It hissed warily, arching its head back in an aggressive stance, reminiscent of the large hvaral that he had met during the rjus.

Backing off, he walked over to the small pile of raw wolf meat that he had sliced into thin strips earlier. Grabbing a handful, he brought them to the snake.
It watched him carefully, then hissed again when he lowered his hand, even lashing forward and baring its fangs to warn him.
Dropping the handful of meat before the youngling, he stood back and watched. The beast simply stared back warily. “… What do you want?” He inquired curiously. After a short staring contest, he gave up and moved back to whatever he was doing.

After finishing the second structure and with another fire to smoke the remaining wolf meat, he looked back to where the hvaral had descended earlier. It was still there.

“You’ve been up in the air this whole time, haven’t you?” His lips curved upward into a smile, understanding the thrill of such freedom.

Beside his first smoking fire, the bundle of black coil was sleeping peacefully.
The handful of meat he had placed before it earlier, gone.

As he stood upon the frozen city, an eerie silence drifted through the atmosphere, dampening the grievances coming from behind him. Listening, he could almost hear the silent screams of those who had perished through the stillness. His eyes scanned for survivors, but all he could see are the streets that were dyed with blood, giving the layer of ice covering them a reflective red sheen. Beyond where the soldiers had been standing, he spotted a pile of corpses in the distance, along with what looked to be two extinguished pyres—now covered in frost—with charred and scorched bodies.

“So much death…” Kaidus voiced out loud to hide his torment and sorrow. ‘If only I had arrived earlier.’ Such thoughts entered his mind, but were quickly discarded. The reality was that he had failed to do so, and no amount of supposition would bring the dead back to life.
“Everything returns to darkness…” He clenched his fist, hoping to have brought some semblance of peace to those who were consumed in the madness.

After a moment of silence, with disheartened steps, he walked over to where he had sat Eril down. There was nothing left of the Tal’hrus master, but a pile of ash.
A gentle breeze playfully swept by and scattered the remains into the air, revealing five metal rings gleaming in the sunlight. “For so many to be lost because of a single person…” Anger flared within him briefly as the spiral of never-ending carnage became all too clear.

‘Master.’ Vishan’s voice echoed in his mind and he heard the gate slowly creaking open. Three men cautiously stepped out.

By his will, the rings flew up to him. After stowing them in his pocket, he wordlessly walked away.

“P-please wait!” One of the men shouted nervously. It was the round short man whom he had seen earlier in the courtyard. “A-all those soldiers. Did you-”

He stopped to consider the question. “I did.” Upon his answer, the fear that the three men had been trying to conceal burst forth through their expressions. Disregarding such looks, “I am sorry for your loss, and thank you for your cooperation in relocating everyone earlier.” He gave them a polite nod of appreciation and continued on his way. They did not try to stop him this time.

Rounding the corner of the street, Kaidus began moving westward through the city. Someone had survived Vishan’s attack, and he wanted to see who it was.

 

—

 

Lying on the cold ground, Kaval gasped for air as unimaginable pain assaulted her. She wanted to scream out and curse, but instead of doing so, she gritted her teeth and fought down the urge—lest she gave away her position.
The last thing she could remember was running toward the western walls where she had infiltrated the city. Her plan was to conceal her presence and get out of the frozen realm before using any magic to ferry herself to shore.  

*Cough! COUGH!* She threw up the discomfort in her chest and upon feeling the sticky liquid flowing down her chin, her eyes widened. ‘No! Not like this!’ Trying to turn her body and get off the ground, she could not feel any strength. Her arms felt scorched like they were melting, and pain was the only thing that came from her legs.

Her mind screamed, reminding her of what happened.
The pillars of lights falling from the sky, the overwhelming force within them, and the terrifying source of power at the center of it all. Even after molding her mana into a barrier, the light had torn it apart and crushed her. Using everything she had, it was just barely enough to preserve her life. *Ku-hauk!* Throwing up more blood, the thought of following after Eril terrified her.

With her awareness waning, Kaval began whispering an incantation, focusing her remaining mana into her earing.
“L-Layna… answer me…” There was no response, and the connection never went through.
Exhausted, she closed her eyes as she lay upon the ice, hoping it would help to dull the pain.

…

Uncertain about how long she had been lying there, she was jerked awake by the sound of light footsteps. In her weary mind, the silver haired boy was walking toward her. He had killed Eril, and was coming for her.

“So you are still alive…” An apathetic voice jolted her into wakefulness. She felt her body lifting off the ground and soon enough, she was standing face to face against the object of her fear. Once again wrapped in a blood red cloak, the boy stood before her, his hair shining a radiant silver.
“!!” She felt her face draining of all colors.

“Who are you?” The boy questioned.

*Kahaak!* Kaval coughed and the action sent shockwaves through her body. In agony, she forced her eyes to look down at herself. Her clothes were burnt, and her exposed flesh was discolored. Focusing on the discolorations, disgusting boils had erupted all over her skin, covering her voluptuous breasts and arms up to her shoulders. Her beautiful legs, beginning from her waist and going all the way down to her feet, were now nothing more than black crusts filled with pain.
Kaval began tearing up, recalling her efforts to escape the light that was trying to destroy her. “I-I had no-” She took a pained breath, “No part in this… please… save me.”

“…” The boy went quiet and two silver eyes looked back at her as if peering into her very being. Her life was his to do with as he willed, and he knew it.

“I beg you…” Kaval pleaded again, hanging her head submissively.

“The presence that diverged from all the others. The explosive mana that I felt earlier in response to my own magic… you are a mage of Tal’hrus.”

A cold voice slithered through the air and she lifted her head in surprise to see a distant look on the boy’s face. “N-no…! I-” She stopped, sensing the cold wrapping around her. She was without strength or control of her own body and there was no way out.

“Do not try to deny your deeds,” the boy replied coldly. “I can still feel traces of your vile magic flowing through this city like a phantom.” The boy brought his right hand up as if to grasp at something in the air.

“NO!” Kaval cried out as the ice rose up from underneath her feet and twisted around her body like an enormous hand.

“I shall send you to join your master.” As he closed his fist, she could feel the ice tightening around her.

“STOP!!” Someone else shouted, and she breathed a breath of relief as the boy turned around. Looking at the intruder, her hopes were quickly crushed, for it was the very man whom she had given to Eril.

“You have been following me… is there something you require?” The boy calmly questioned.

“Forgive me, radiant one.” The knight went to his knees. “My intentions had only been to seek forgiveness.” The man turned and glanced in her direction, giving her a hateful look. “But that woman… I beg you, please give her life to me.” The man lowered his head to grovel pathetically.

“Toward what purpose?”

“She… She has taken everything from me. My brethren, my life, my purpose for existing. I beg of you, allow me to claim her life so that my brothers and I may finally know peace.”

Kaval opened her mouth to try and refute the allegations, but she could not. The boy’s piercing gaze had caused her to lose her tongue.

“I have had my share of deaths today.” The boy stepped away from her and moved toward the knight. “I do not know what ensued between you two, but if you wish to see justice served with your own hands, I will not stop you.” From within his cloak, the boy pulled out a slim longsword and planted it before the knight.

She quickly recognized it to be Eril’s sword.
“No. Please.” Kaval begged once more as she watched the knight taking hold of the weapon and stalking toward her. She commanded her body to break free of the ice that was imprisoning her, but her limbs refused to move. Her mind in turmoil and without any strength left, she begged her lips to cast one last spell.

“GUH-!” Before she could, the man made a mad dash at her, piercing her throat with the sword. *Auaarg!* the ice around her shattered as the blade was pulled away and she fell to the cold ground, throwing up and choking on her own blood.

 

—

 

*Haaah…. Ha…* Breathing heavily, Biran dropped to his knees and dug the sword into the frozen ground.

The woman’s two violet eyes peered back as if to curse him, but all he could think about was the feeling as the sword impaled her. Lowering his head, a sense of triumph flowed through him for the small victory of having avenged those who had sacrificed their lives.

Memories of better days flooded him, and he recalled the faces of all those who had died on that fateful day. The captain who welcomed him into the imperial knight squad. Itnus, a family man who doted on his newborn daughter. The silent Malcus that got louder the more he drank. The imaginative Enain, and many more. All of their faces surfaced vividly before him and tears streamed down his cheeks, for he knew he had failed them all.
He had tried to deny the words of the detestable woman, but he could no longer do so. Having asked many of the survivors, none had seen the boy. Seeing the princess dead along with most of her knights, he could not keep pretending that the young prince was still alive.

With a heavy heart, he pushed himself up and turned to look at the entity behind him. The being who had saved them all from certain death; he who had descended from the sky and annihilated their foes in the blink of an eye. There were no other words to describe the existence before him, besides that of a god. It was as if Ethaer, the god of destruction himself, was in the flesh standing in front of him.

Walking toward the young man, Biran fell to his knees.
“I am eternally grateful…” He lowered his head until it was touching the ground. “Please forgive me for not believing… and please excuse my decisions, for I no longer have a place in this world. I beg of you, allow me to stand at your side upon the fields of Aerlus so that I may serve for all eternity.”
The sword’s sharpness dug into his hand as he grasped it by the blade. Biran looked up at the young man’s face one last time and twisted the sword around, plunging it into his own chest. Darkness and pain overtook him, along with a sense of freedom and comfort.

 

…

 

“If you do not have a place in this world, then strive to make one for yourself.” A voice resonated in his head as a refreshing feeling coursed throughout his body. The pain he had felt only moments ago had vanished completely, and instead of weakening before death, he felt his body strengthening.

“!!!” Biran sat up in alert. The young man stood over him, watching him with two glowing eyes like an unforgiving deity.

“He Issss But A Coward. A Fool Sssseeking Essscape.” Something hissed, and the young man’s red cloak fluttered.

Biran began looking around for the source of the voice, but found nothing. His gaze quickly fell back to the person standing before him. “My lord, did you- why did you save me?” He could not understand how, but there was no point in asking if the young man had saved him or not. The answer was obvious.

“The question is: why did you try to take your own life?”

“I- because… I am a coward…” He fought to get the painful words out.

“That is a lie. I saw your courage as you defended your men from someone stronger than yourself. I saw your spirit as you helped those people earlier. The determination and resolution in your eyes were the reasons why I allowed you your vengeance. I know cowards. You, are not one.”

“Why? Why did you save me?” Biran asked again in anguish.

“The world is an ill-fated place. It is filled with evil the likes of which the vast majority of people will never understand, or see. Evil that lurks in the shadows, haunting and devouring those who wish to simply live. I know, for it was here today and you have seen it for yourself.” The young man spoke solemnly, his voice filled with powerful and unknown emotions belying that of someone so young. “You are one with the ability to protect. I could not allow you to throw your life away so easily.”

He wanted to laugh. He was unable to protect anyone and to hear such words, it was painful.

“I know naught of this field you speak of, and should you choose to take your life again, I will not stop you a second time.” The young man continued. “Yet, if your words were not mere bravado in your final moments. If you truly wish to serve, to make a difference, then death is not the answer.”

“You… Who are you?” Biran questioned with trembling lips. Although he disagreed with a part of it, the young man’s words rang true. He had also already pledged his life, thinking the boy a god.

A warm draft suddenly descended upon them, and the young man’s hair and eyes instantly went pitch black. Steam began rising and he watched as the frozen streets and buildings around them thawed out almost immediately.

“I am Kaidus Paltos, a traveler,” the boy replied cordially. “And you are?”

“Biran Naingart…” The boy’s voice was soothing and compelling, and he answered without even thinking about it.

“Live, Biran Naingart. Live for those who have fallen this day. Live for the people who still needs you. Serve them in life, for there is only darkness in death.” The young man spoke and began rising into the air.

A sense of reverence flared up within him. As if all his misfortune had been guided by the hands of fate, all for this moment in his life. “Wait! Please!” Biran shouted, staring at the being who was returning to the serene fields of Aerlus. Two black eyes peered back down at him, and he knelt. “Twice you have saved this worthless life, even granting me the chance to fulfill my vengeance, a feat I had thought impossible.” He bowed, fighting back his emotions. “For that, I am eternally in your debts. My words were not empty, and if you would, please allow me to serve you. Give me purpose and use me as you will. My life is yours to command.”

 

—

 

“Your purpose is here. Is it not?” Kaidus questioned, looking back and hiding his puzzlement. He had saved the man without intending for such a development.

“Please, my lord. There is nothing here for me but death. Should I stay, I will only bring misfortune upon these people.”

“I am no lord, but first, please lift up your head.” He instructed, and the man looked up. Staring into the man’s brown eyes, grief, misery, loss, and emptiness gazed back at him. Eyes he had seen too often. Pain he knew too well. “You have seen what I am. What I can do. Do you not fear me?”

“I do.” The man named Biran answered with a firm voice and lowered his head again. “It would be foolish of me to not waver before someone such as yourself. Men worship and fear the gods for a reason, and I see that now.”

“The gods, huh?” Kaidus smiled blandly. “Unfortunately, there are no gods.”

“!”

“That look tells me you’ve had the same thoughts yourself.” He added as the wind swirled around him.

“My lord! Please!”

“I cannot give you an answer, for that choice is yours to make. Take some time to think about what you are saying, and what it means.” He calmly stared toward the eastern horizon. “Should your mind not waver in your decisions, may our paths cross again.”
Without lingering any longer, he shot eastward, moving for the capital.

 

—

 

Biran stood alone in the deserted streets of the ruined city with the young man’s words cycling through his mind.
The body behind him had stopped twitching, and he gave it a quick glance before walking away.
Everything had felt surreal and he wanted to wake up, but wherever he looked, the reality of the city struck him.

Instead of heading back to the barracks, he dragged his legs through the southwestern sector of the city, moving toward the small house that he and the prince had been living in.

Without holding onto any hopes, as he feared, the house was nothing more than a pile of burnt wreckage. The house had collapsed, and the only parts that were still standing were three of the corners. Sticking out of the soggy ashes were his partially melted breastplate and helmet. After digging his way through indistinguishable debris, he eventually found the burned remains of a child in the prince’s bedroom, lying under a pile of rubble. “L-Lyal…” Speaking the boy’s name, he could do nothing to staunch the flow of silent tears as he fell to the ground.
He had expected it, had known the woman’s words to be true the moment she told him, yet the pain did not lessen.

The young traveler was right. There were no gods. The weak die like animals, and those who prey upon them become engorged, empowered to continue their reign of destruction. He himself was powerless to do anything, but the same could not be said about the young man.

Gathering up the prince’s remains into his over shirt, Biran clutched them to his chest and shambled away from the house. Upon his grief-stricken visage, a determined glint flashed in his eyes.

A deep freeze blossomed from the center of Vilute, covering the city in frost and devouring Tal’hrus’ flames of purification. Eril’s soldiers who were patrolling the city were petrified with confusion at the unnatural phenomenon, and the prisoners situated before the barracks stared with tearful eyes and hushed breaths.

Kaidus stood at the center of the frozen world, silver hair shining radiantly and two callous eyes glowing with an otherworldly majesty. Power thrummed and vibrated around him like a thick coat of death, and lightning crackled along the ice underneath his feet threateningly.

Taking a step forward, by his will, the remnants of Eril’s meager frost field vanished completely. Walking toward the Tal’hrus master, “I have some knowledge of who and what I am up against.” He glared into the man’s eyes. “The question is, do you?”
His encounters with the two Zavons had allowed him to gauge the abilities of the masters, and one of such calibers could never be a threat to him. Not anymore.

“Demon…” The man who had introduced himself as Eril the Frozen Edge muttered, and those around them began echoing the same word.

“… A fallacy purported by men who feared what they cannot control. What they cannot fathom. How fitting for one such as yourself to mention that very word.” He calmly replied as he approached the man. Yet inside, anger gripped him as he recalled the twenty-six other times he had been sent back to the void—all because of a baseless superstition that had somehow persisted through the ages. “Unfortunately for you, your deeds end here today.” He threatened and the power around him immediately calmed down.

“Asiran! Envato, belor enfarey fremas…” A roaring flame burst forth from Eril, melting the ice in a wide area around himself and creating a cloud of rising steam.

With lightning reflex, Kaidus drew the xeberite sword at his side and met the man’s transparent blade head on, as Eril burst forth from the mist.

“Wha-?!”

“Foolish.” His body overflowing with mana, he forced Eril back a few steps with an empowered push. With a swing of his sword, he quickly dispersed the mist.

The man sidestepped to his left and lunged at him again, this time attacking with a horizontal slash while muttering an incantation.

He could see the confusion and distress in the man’s eyes, along with a calm confidence. Switching sword hand, Kaidus deftly parried the attack with an upward swing, and using the opening, he stepped inward to strike at the man’s chest with his right fist.

Mana surged forth as Eril finished his incantation, and roots pierced through the ice underneath.

Ignoring the roots binding his legs in place, Kaidus leaned forward with his upper body and slammed a fist into Eril’s side. His fist landed, but the man slashed back at him with the slim transparent sword while being knocked away. Kaidus raised his hand into range of the sword’s tip and felt a burning sensation. A small gash appeared on his forearm and beads of blood began trickling out of the cut.

“Ha… Hahahaha!!” *Cough* *Cough* Eril laughed as he got up off the ground, seeing the blood dripping. “The fool… *haaah…* here is you.” There was a dangerous glint in his eyes. One filled with exhilaration and triumph as he held onto his side.

“You have sorely underestimated me if you think a scratch is all it takes.” With a thought, the roots binding him were incinerated. Kaidus fell into blade form and held his sword to his side.

“And you, me.” Eril grinned, sliding his hand along the side of his sword and muttered a quick incantation.

“Guh-!” Kaidus grimaced as he felt the man’s mana surging through the air and the cut on his arm flared with pain. An elongated shard of ice suddenly materialized from the wound, jutting out of his forearm.

“And now your right hand is useless.” Eril sneered, falling into a stance of his own. “To think that I was frightened for even an instant.”

“I see… an enchanted blade, used by a butcher to perform petty tricks.” Touching one side of the shard, pain coursed through his arm.

“You fail to understand your situation, boy. Despair and regret ever encountering me, for today I become Eril, slayer of Death.” The man mocked.

Kaidus’ lips curved into a smile. “I allowed you to scratch me to confirm my suspicion and you think you have won? Let me show you the true meaning of despair.” He grabbed onto the shard and his arm was struck with pain once again. With a forceful pull, he yanked the shard out. “You-!” Eril stared back at him in surprise.
Kaidus lifted his right arm and the hole closed up almost instantly. His healing ability mended and restored his flesh, rendering the injury nonexistent right before the man. “You were already dead the moment you found me beyond that ring. Do not struggle, for there is no escape.” Third form, Hing.

 

—

 

The boy vanished once more and before Eril could react, a streak of light slammed into his stomach. “GU-!” Knocking the wind out of him and almost forcing him to throw up, he could only grunt pathetically and gasp for air—as the boy drew back the fist.
 
Even with a body that had been infused with mana, the attack was devastating. With the previous attack to his side that had undoubtedly broken a rib or two, he fell to his knees while holding onto his stomach.

“We’ve only just started. You will pay for everything you’ve done.” The silver haired boy loomed over him like a vicious demon.

“Y-you… it can’t…” A young mage with powerful healing abilities, he knew of only one. Memories of the meetings years ago before Zavon’s disappearance resurfaced in his mind. “T-the boy *Haaah…* from Darsus…” His voice eked out in a low squeal as he drew a deep breath. He never knew what happened to that specific recruitment job, but it was definitely the same person they were trying to obtain.

“…” Two emotionless eyes stared down at him.

“F-five years ago… Zavon… did you-” As a hunch, he mentioned Zavon’s name to ask about the man’s fate.

“I did.” The boy glared back at him with two cold eyes and grabbed his neck, easily lifting him off the ground. “Both of them.”

“!!” His eyes widened at the revelation.
“Gruaah!!” Agonizing pain assaulted him as the boy’s fingers bore into his neck and a fear he knew all too well confounded him.
Hastily scanning the courtyard, he saw that no one else had been encased in ice as he was. Glancing around with limited head movements, his eyes hunted for the one person who might be able to help him. His men and the ten prisoners simply stared back. Kaval, the one he was looking for was nowhere to be found. His previous confidence quickly plummeted into silent fear.
Before him was someone who could stand to rival the old master, and he knew it. What he could not understand, was how the child had attained the powers of a Malizur and such abilities.

Barely clutching his sword, he flailed it outward in an act of desperation, hoping to free himself. “!?!” Yet what returned was only shock. The blood red cloak had jerked forth and caught his sword. With their close proximity, he saw that it was not made of cloth or leather, but was instead a layer of thick red liquid—blood. His hand shuddered, and the sword was ripped from his grasp.

“It is indeed a splendid weapon.” The boy remarked, as if talking to someone. “Ugh!” Eril groaned as the boy dropped him in order to examine the weapon.

Thoughts of escape flooded his mind. Escape so that he may warn the old master and Tal’hrus. Escape so that he may preserve the glory of the organization and live to fight another day.
As the boy took hold of the slim enchanted sword, “Kill him!” Eril commanded his men. He knew that they would never stand a chance, but he needed to make an opening so that he could flee. If he could just get past the gates, his forces on guard outside could help to buy him more time, and there were always the hostages. With a quick incantation, the ground underneath him rushed him away and he dashed for the gates.

“Go ahead.” Two simple words echoed through the courtyard, and the red cloak instantly tore away from the boy. Flying by itself as if alive, it coiled into a sphere in midair before bursting and sending splatters of viscous red liquid everywhere. A whirlwind manifested in the courtyard, and a powerful wind shredded everyone who attempted to cast a spell or unsheathe their weapons.

“Uaaggh!!!” Before he could make it to the gates, more agonizing pain struck him and Eril fell face first onto to the ground. Twisting his body to sit up, he could only scream as he saw that his legs had been sliced off at his knees.

Save for his screams, the courtyard had gone deathly silent. In an effort to look around, he saw that the six mages and dozen men who had been with him just moments ago were in pieces. An abnormal wind swirled around him and through the sound of the breeze, he could almost make out an eerie laughter.

The white demon who had taken the guise of an adolescent stalked toward him, holding two swords—one of them gleamed with a green light, and the other, his very own enchanted frost sword.

“Uhg- Guh-! … W-What are YOU!?” He screamed through the pain, seeing that escape was impossible.

“I am the harbinger of your mortality.” A soft voice swam through the air, entering his ears like a sweet melody.

“Gu-… Asiran! Enfera remas siuhlo tiefrem- Urgh!” With a quick fire spell, he commanded his mana and seared his legs to stop the blood flow. Pushing himself up and sitting awkwardly, “Hah… *cough* I am Eril… the Frozen Edge…! I refuse to die here like this! *Cough!*” Closing his eyes to calm himself, he quickly focused his mind. “Luvas Arctae, Siran! Aevinora, elantir reul nahvoe. Margoss vintumrae…” He began shouting a string of words, holding back the pain so as not to botch the spell. As he chanted, a deep frost fell around him and he could feel himself changing as power he had never felt before surged through his body. “… Thirna, ell fael! Vanusura Lagus!” With the last of the words, the freezing barrier that had formed around him shattered and he unsteadily stood up upon legs of clear and flawless ice.
 
“Hah… Hah- Hahahaha!” Taking deep breaths to dull the pain, he laughed. Using himself as a conduit, the unimaginable power of Lagus was now coursing through him and he felt invincible. His mind was splitting and he would perish soon for taking too much power, but it was a price he would willingly pay.

Yet just like before, the boy simply watched him with a calm and impassive face as if waiting to see what would happen next.

“GuRah!” Eril screamed as a sharp sensation stabbed his mind and blurred his vision. Striking the side of his head with his own fist, the impact brought back his awareness and without wasting anymore time, he charged the boy.

Commanding the primal mana inside himself, thick layers of ice began forming around his body. Large translucent spikes began erupting from his back and shoulders, surrounding him in an impenetrable armor as his chest thickened and turned into ice. He opened his arms outward and they liquefied briefly before freezing into large transparent claws. He was ice incarnate, and before the last vestige of sanity leaves him, he would kill the demon standing before him.

“Yo… hink…I’d l… ou… off- t… easily?” Fractured words reverberated in his ears and before him, the boy relaxed his posture and brought the two swords forward.

Eril closed in and swiped with his right, aiming to slice the boy in half. The attack went through, but it was his arm that had been sheared off. Pain struck his mind once more, but water gushed forth from where it was severed and the arm transformed into a spear. Not yielding, he swung with his left, aiming to cleave the boy in half as he brought his spear arm around for a follow up attack. He felt some resistance and saw his own slim enchanted sword stabbing into his left arm.

The boy glanced up into his eyes. “Burst.”

With a single word, “Nuaah!!” He howled as his left arm shattered.
“This can’t be!!” He screamed, falling back a couple steps. His mind flashed white for an instant, and he shook off the pain. Commanding the power within himself, he began to construct a new arm.

Before him, the boy threw both swords into the ground and something else manifested in midair: a sword of pure white. Not radiating any light, there was a soft, almost dull glow to it. “You have yet to realize true despair.” The boy grabbed the sword and dashed forward, stabbing him in his chest before he could do anything.

“GUUAAARGGHHH!!!” Eril screamed as both agonizing pain and the splitting headache threatened to tear him asunder. He couldn’t understand what was happening but his claws were reverting back to flesh, and his body was shrinking from its heightened state of transformation back to normal. He felt all the power within him vanishing until all that remained was excruciating pain. He fell to the ground, defenseless, powerless, and unable to move even a finger.

 

—

 

Hiding and watching from the third floor of the barrack, Kaval held her mouth to keep from gasping as cold sweat ran down her back. She had been watching ever since the hateful knight’s group was brought to Eril, and was expecting a swift and fruitless end for the man who had troubled her for so long.

Yet instead of happening as she wanted, Eril was the one lying on the ground like a helpless animal. A young man stood over him and he needed help, but she did not dare to involve herself, lest she succumbed to the same fate.

The boy had suddenly appeared without her noticing, and everything went wrong from there.

Seeing Eril, the only spellblade out of the seven masters and one of their most powerful members being handled so easily, she could not believe it.
The image of the overwhelming frost field, the boy’s disappearing acts, the red cloak that called the tempest, the annihilation of those who moved at Eril’s command, and the boy’s white sword. Everything was like something out of the legends that they—Tal’hrus—aspired for. Legends and stories of mages that overwhelmed lesser men like insects, while controlling the elements and weaving magic as easily as breathing.

Although unable to understand how and what she was seeing, she had always longed for such power. Yet witnessing it firsthand and knowing that such a being was not on their side but against them, it was horrifying.

She carefully peeked out and saw that the boy was dragging Eril’s limp body through the barrack’s gate, out to the city. She saw the bloodied ice field and the corpses upon it. The only survivors were the ten men who had been brought there to die, and like frozen statues, none dared to move—none except for one: the knight who should have perished. With hesitant steps, the man followed Eril and the boy outside as the others wavered briefly before shuffling after.

Not doing the same, Kaval swiftly headed in the opposite direction.

 

—

 

With the xeberite sword in its sheath, Kaidus held onto Eril’s sword in his left hand and dragged the man beside him. Beyond the gates of the fortress-like building, he emerged to the mass of people that he had spotted while flying overhead—all of them were huddling together.
Heavy footsteps sounded from behind him, but he disregarded them.

Eyes filled with confusion were staring in his direction and glancing at the man in his grasp.

“Master Eril?!” Someone exclaimed, and from his left side, something infused with mana was flying straight for his face.

“…” Undaunted, he calmly surveyed the people as Zion caught the arrow in midair.
Beyond the large group that were sitting together and trying to keep warm in his frost field, the others had small fires going and some were even moving around.

A scream pierced through the confused whispers and blood sprayed forth as Zion easily dispatched the mage that had shot the arrow.

“Zion.” Kaidus called, and the wind spirit zipped over to him obediently. He then turned around to look at the people who were following behind. “Are you residents of this city?” He questioned.

“Y-yes.” A man with dirty blonde hair, pale brown eyes, and a sullen face quickly answered.

“Go and bring your people inside. They will not wish to see what is to come.” Kaidus instructed, and upon his words, the man’s face distorted into one of loss and confusion. “Now.” He reiterated, and the group hastily complied.

“No! You fuc-” Someone shouted in disagreement as the prisoners began standing up but before they could finish, they were already encased from head to toe in ice.

With his frost field still in effect, by his will, any and all dissenters were bound in an ice prison. With each new victim, the voices quickly quieted down until all he could hear were the cries of the people as they made their way past him.

He saw a woman clutching onto a small wooden horse, crying painfully as she was led through the gate by two other women. A small girl looked around and asked innocently for her mother as a tearful man carried her inside. Men and woman clutched the motionless bodies of their children in their arms, and the sound of torturous agony began spreading through the hoard of people who had been freed from their silence.

Seeing the gates shutting as the last of the residents move through them, Kaidus looked to those who were left. There was a cold fury in his eyes and he wanted nothing more, than to rip them all to pieces. Lifting Eril up so that the man could see, “Everything that you’ve been doing ends right here, right now.” With a thought, the ground beside him rose up and transformed into a chair. Sitting the incapacitated master down, Kaidus stepped toward the large force of soldiers—not yet allowing his emotions to take over. “Such senseless slaughter… to kill even those who cannot defend themselves…” He looked to the burnt buildings and the bodies in the streets. “For the countless deaths and destruction here today, I hold you all accountable.” Infusing his voice with mana, the words rang throughout the city. “Vishan.” He called for the light spirit.

 

—

 

His arms and legs were useless and not a shred of strength remained within his body. Even the mana that had always been with him ever since his awakening was now absent.
A powerless husk, Eril could only watch as beams of light fell from the sky and engulfed his men. Each pillar incinerated and disintegrated those they touched, and in the blink of an eye, his remaining force of over a hundred and fifty men disappeared from the face of the world.

His eyes were wide open and he was shaking, knowing that he was horribly mistaken in his assumptions. The old master was incapable of such devastation, and he himself had never stood a chance. It was clear to him that the boy could have easily killed him whenever he wished, but chose not to in order to make him despair.

The boy turned to him with a calm and detached face. “Any last words?”

“… You- your name… Please…” He begged through tired breaths. To be slain by someone so overpowering, it was the only thing he required.

“You Are Unworthy.” A disjointed voice replied from above him and he was surrounded by a beam of white light. Intense pain rushed throughout his body.

By the time he neared Vilute, Biran’s clothes were drenched and he was freezing due to the frigid water. In his haste, he had neglected to obtain something to paddle with, and had committed his own arms and legs for the job. A horrible idea due to a lapse in judgement, he was now exhausted and shaking.
A number of row boats were tethered together outside of the city and his heart sunk at the sheer amount of them. Enough to carry a small force, the enemies could easily outnumber their warriors still within Vilute.

After ascending the steps that led to the waterfront, he approached the opened gates, “What’s this? Did Eril miss someone?” A woman walked out of the city, followed by a handful of others.

Two stunning violet eyes were staring at him. The woman was wearing traveling leathers, and had short purple hair going down to her shoulders. The armor gave her a rough and hardy appearance, but it only made her look more desirable. The men around her were cloaked in grey and black, and they too were also wearing leather armor.

‘NO!’ He immediately froze upon realizing who she is.
Memories sped through his mind of the mage who held her own against the imperial guards. She was the very mage who decimated their twenty-man unit and required the sacrifice of three malgins, just to stall her as he made his escape with the prince. The memories from that day when everything went to shit bound him in place, and he could do naught but stare in fright and anger.

She looked at him, then to the water and smiled a devilish grin. A beautiful grin. “Did you swim all the way here?” She questioned, but his lips refused to answer. “Being stared at is flattering, but know that my beauty is very costly.” She quipped.

‘She has no idea who I am!’ The thought struck him, and Biran quickly attempted to calm down. He had been wearing his armor and helmet at the time of the attack that day, and it was possible she couldn’t recognize him. Tearing his eyes away from her visage, he immediately identified the others. They were people whom he had saved barely a fortnight ago: people who had been chained and were being moved to Garnikul—to be sold as slaves. A piece of his waning sense of righteousness died, as he understood what might possibly have happened. Before he could say a word or move a muscle, one of them stepped forward and whispered something into the woman’s ears.

The beautiful smile curved into a sinister grin, and she scanned him with two predatory eyes filled with hate and a tinge of interest. “So it’s you… the bastard that’s been giving me so much trouble.” She spoke, and her voice carried a sweet yet vile sense of danger in them.

Biran instantly grabbed the sword at his waist and charged her. His arms flickered outward in a blur, aiming to kill the woman with a surprise attack. Instead of slashing open her neck, his sword stopped in midair before even reaching her.

“Such obvious retaliations.” She sneered, holding her hand out as if stopping the sword with an invisible wall. “You see, this is the difference between you all, and we, the chosen of this world.” The woman invoked a spell and Biran was immediately thrown backwards. “I can kill you without even lifting a finger.” With another incantation, the ground beneath Biran rose up and caged him in a wall of spikes. “But killing you after all the trouble you’ve put me through would be no fun.” She smiled and looked to others around her. “Go back and prepare the horses for me. This won’t take long.” The woman commanded, and the group bowed to her before descending the steps into the boats.

“You fuckin bitch! Where is the prince?!” Biran shouted from his cage, knowing full well what she was after.

“You will know soon enough. Asiran. Notis vaain hisaara dao-!” She began chanting another spell.

His body started going numb, and he could feel his strength being drained as paralysis took over. Biran struggled, trying to force his body to cut through the spikes, but his arms and legs refused to move. The sword he was holding slipped from his grasp, making a loud clanking noise as it fell. Unable to even support himself with his legs, the cage slowly receded back into the ground and he followed.

“Sweet dreams, mister knight. Your prince is no more, and you will soon follow.” The vile grin manifested upon her beautiful face once more, along with a laughter that ridiculed him to the core. He tried to open his mouth to shout and refute her words, to deny her declaration, but he could not. With a kick, she squared him in the jaws and everything turned to black.

 

…

 

Feelings eventually returned to him, and Biran slowly regained his awareness. He could tell that he was being pulled, and his feet—which were dragging—were constantly hitting something along the ground. With a throbbing pain in his jaw and still without any strength, he opened his eyes, only to see that the streets were littered with bodies and limbs. To his sides, he saw many mangled and burnt figures protruding from the smoldering rubbles as if they were still trying to crawl out of the ashes. All were undoubtedly people whom he had known. People who had welcomed him and his prince, and some were even those that he himself had saved.
With all the deaths around him, his stomach twisted in agony, knowing that he had assisted in causing such a tragedy by rescuing the group he met earlier.
Biran gritted his teeth as he was dragged past the bodies, reminding him once again of how utterly pathetic and powerless he truly was.

“Biran!” Familiar voices called out to him, and he was suddenly thrown onto the ground. Two men rushed over to him and sat him up. “What happened to you?!” One cried out, seeing his flaccid arms and legs.

Around them was a small group of men. All were fighters who had worked alongside him and the other liberators to help free slaves. Across from them was an enormous group of Vilute’s very own residents: men, women, and children—powerless folks who had been gathered and were sitting together in fear. He quickly noticed that their two groups were both before the entrance to the barracks, and a wall of people surrounded them all. Glancing at the enemies, they easily doubled the number he had in his head from seeing the boats.

“W-where is my son?” He managed to question, looking at the two men.
Besides the princess and her knights who were there at the time he revealed everything, no one else knew about the prince’s true identity.

One of the men lowered his gaze. “We haven’t seen him…”

‘Your prince is no more.’ The despicable woman’s words assaulted him, and an image of the young boy being burnt alive manifested in his mind. He turned to the large group, “Lyal!” And shouted with what little strength he could muster, earning him a kick in the back from their guards. Coughing, he turned to the men again. “Guh-… T-the princess… where is she?” He inquired, taking deep breaths to dull the pain in his back. She was his only hope left, as she should have sent someone to secure the prince.

“The princess is…” One of the two answered, but refused to speak any further.

“Vernera is what? Where is she?!” He exclaimed, fearing the worse.

“SHUT UP!” The man who kicked him before shouted, and did so once more.

“Dead.” Solio’s voice supplemented the two men’s silence, and he turned to see the short round man squeezing through to his side.
The older man pointed to a window on the barrack’s second floor.

Biran looked up to see the severed head of the gveril princess sitting on the windowsill, blood still dripping from it, and her horn bloody and broken. He clenched his teeth, holding in the urge to scream out. ‘Your prince is no more.’ The words told him exactly the sort of people he had been up against. “There are no gods…” The words slowly left his tired mouth as the knowledge that he had truly failed registered in his mind. Any reason for ever returning home to Unotus was gone, and his life was as good as over.

 

—

 

His clothes drenched in blood, Eril smiled. The smoking cloud overhead and falling ashes gave his arena a haunting atmosphere, making it perfect for such a situation.
Pulling his beautiful slim sword out from the man beneath him, “Take them away and bring me the next group.” He instructed, and his men quickly hauled away the bodies that were scattered across the bloody courtyard.

He had already slain the princess before her people, destroying any lingering sense of freedom and hopes they had left. He had tested his strength against her best knights, and none had measured up to him. The city was theirs and all that was left, was to gather anything of value and wait for the city to burn to the ground.

Shortly after, a group of ten men were brought into the barrack’s courtyard. All were presumably warriors.
“Pick a weapon of your choice.” Eril gestured to a large stockpile of weapons behind him. None of the men moved. “This is a fight for your lives. Kill me, and you all shall be freed along with everyone in this city.” He added, and a few of them glanced at each other. “Fail or refuse, and you will join the countless others that have fallen to my blade. There are no other options.”

A man with pale yellow hair, a short beard, and a sunken face was the first to step forward toward the weapons. The others followed, each pulling something out from the pile.

“I cannot use a sword. Might I perhaps be given a bow and some arrows?” A short and round unassuming man spoke, not touching any of the swords, spears, or axes.

Eril smiled at the man’s bluntness. “Give that man a bow and some arrows.” He ordered one of his men as the others surrounded him with their weapons in hand.

“I am Eril. Let us begin this bloodbath.” He announced with a smile.

 

…

 

Biran’s hands shook as anger and fear warred within him. He looked at the person who had introduced himself and knew that the man was dangerous. He had heard the screams earlier, had learned about what happened that morning, and had seen the devastation of Vilute and her people with his own eyes.
The usually brown courtyard which they were standing upon was now dyed a dark color, and he could only guess at how many dozens of people had fallen to cover such a large area. A trail of blood led towards the barracks dining hall, and he could see a number of bodies still being dragged away through the exterior hallways.
He had a vivid idea how everything was going to turn out and had already resigned himself to his fate, but if they wanted him to fight, he would struggle until his last breath.

Glancing to the side, he caught Solio’s eyes and the short man nodded calmly.
Seeing the man still trying and understanding the fear in the others, he willed himself to relax and calm down. “Circle formation!” The part of him that desperately wanted to live shouted, and their group of nine—excluding Solio—began moving in a circular formation as they surrounded the man before them.

Seeing an opening, Solio released his drawn bow and sent an arrow flying in between two men—in the middle of their rotation.

Eril twisted his upper body and leaned back to avoid the projectile. In the instant he did so, the man with pale yellow hair lunged at him along with another from behind, both swinging for his legs and chest. With his sword, he easily caught the axe going for his chest. With a quick step, the sword grazed the leather greaves on his left leg as he deftly moved away. Kicking off sideways, he evaded a downward slash that was trying to cleave his head and spun around, slashing at the third man whose downward momentum had created an opening. Severing the man’s arms, he swiftly darted outside of the trap as blood splattered against him and the man howled in pain.
“Solio!” Someone screamed, and another arrow was already flying straight for his chest as he turned around. With lightning reflex, he deflected the arrow with the flat of his blade.
The group was more coordinated than he had thought, and the archer was nothing to scoff at. Precise and filled with intent to kill, the first arrow had astonished him, but the second was just as surprising and lethal. To be able to shoot in between the gaps of his own allies, the archer would be troublesome.

Instead of charging against Eril, the group quickly surrounded the bleeding man in a protective cluster and watched carefully.

“Impressive defensive formation.” Eril gave a wry smile.
With a sudden charge, he bypassed the others and headed straight for the archer in the back. Sword extended outward, he was on track to pierce the man’s stomach.
*Clang!* something struck his sword, and he saw that the blonde man from before had read his attack and even managed to knock it away from its target.
The man’s sword jerked into an upward thrust aiming for his face, but Eril halted his steps and knocked the sword away with the palm of his left hand. He curved his left hand inward and elbowed the man’s face in two smooth motions, sending the blonde man to the ground.
The archer stepped back in an attempt to get another shot.
With his sword, Eril quickly sliced off the bow’s lower limb, rendering it useless before closing in for the kill.

“UhG-?!” A sudden gust assaulted him from the side and threw him across the courtyard before he could do so. Groaning at the surprise attack, “Who dares to interrupt my fight!?” He shouted, looking around at his mages.

Possibly an illusion due to the agonizing pain in his head and the ringing in his ears, Biran could only stare at what was happening before him as he struggled to get off the ground.

Like a herald of the gods, a figure cloaked in crimson descended from the sky in a burst of light. Scattering the dark clouds overhead and stirring the ashes that were falling, rays of sunlight managed to shine down upon them through the open sky. Looking nothing more than an adolescent boy, the unknown intruder had pale white eyes that appear to glow dimly even in the daylight, and long pitch-black hair that went down to his neck. The boy calmly stared at the man named Eril.

Eril himself watched, as the boy took something from his pocket and threw it over to him. He caught the item. “!!” Linde’s ring. He looked over, and saw that the boy had disappear.

Biran’s eyes widened as the unknown boy suddenly vanished. The man named Eril grunted painfully and was abruptly thrown sideways into the barrack’s walls.
He could not believe what he was seeing. The man who had broken their formation so easily, seen through Solio’s arrows, and had slaughtered dozens of their fighters was taken by surprise and had been thrown like he was nothing.

“You should have heeded my warnings,” the boy snarled toward the man. “Yet instead of doing so, I find you here, playing around like the fool you are.”

*Cough* *Cough* “You… you are he who claims to be death?” Eril calmly questioned as he recovered from the surprise attack and pushed himself up onto his feet. Looking at the boy, he was a head and a half taller, and probably weighed almost twice as much. It was quite remarkable that he was thrown such a distance.

A surge of mana began forming a short distance to his right. “STOP!” Eril commanded, and his men immediately halted. “This one is mine.” Rolling his head to crack the stiffness in his neck, he muttered a quick spell and his sword—which he had dropped when he was thrown—flew over to him.

“You claim to be death, but all I see is a rash boy with no idea about who or what they are up against.” With another incantation, he began infusing mana into his body to strengthen it. “Seeing how neither of us introduced ourselves in our last chat, I shall give you the honor of my name. I am Eril, the Frozen Edge. As you have surmised, I am one of seven masters.”
Holding his sword before him, he brushed the runes and infused mana into the weapon. The runes on both sides of the blade began glowing brightly, and with a quick and practiced motion, he slashed the air.
Along the path of his attack, icicles emerged, bursting outward all the way to the boy’s side. With a satisfied grin, “I don’t know what tricks you have, but do not presume that fighting me will be the same as when you fought Linde.” Gathering his mana, he began invoking a third spell. “FROST FIELD!” He shouted, and the courtyard’s temperature dropped drastically, freezing the blood-soaked ground and covering the area around him in a layer of ice. The slim sword began transforming and disappearing as ice formed over it and more icicles began erupting around him. Lowering his almost transparent sword, Eril fell into a fighting stance.

“There is no honor in giving my name to someone such as yourself.” The boy retorted, his tone all too calm. “And what you see, is nothing but your own ignorance.” The boy stepped forward onto his field, and the ice melted beneath his feet. “… Allow me to show you a real frost field.”
The boy’s black hair started shimmering, and streaks of light began emerging until his pitch-black hair was shining a radiant silver. His eyes were no longer pale gray, but glowing with a bluish hue that threatened to overshadow the brilliance of the full moon. Without a single word, the courtyard instantly froze over as thick layers of ice formed along the walls and ground, moving as if they had minds of their own.

‘Voiceless incantation?!’ Eril’s mind shouted as he shuddered, seeing that his own field was being consumed. He attempted to move and make the first attack, but his feet were frozen and the ice was slowly climbing up his legs.

Biran simply observed as everything slowly began freezing around him. Not moving or even trying to run away, the scene before him stupefied and gripped him tightly in place. An icy embrace would free him of all his failures and would be a fitting end for one such as himself, but such thoughts were as far as they could be from what was really going through his mind.
“There are no gods…” He spoke, looking at the young man standing before them.
The arbitrary code that had been given to him that day, before they sailed for Port Novierre and before they were captured by pirates thundered through his mind. 
‘The silver god descends in all his glory, furious and enraged by the wisdom of men.’

“I see…” Eril replied to the ring on his finger as he moved dexterously through the dark forest, guided only by a small light-stone infused with mana.

After his talk with the stranger nine days ago, he had instructed one of his lieutenants to investigate the curious matter of Countess Belinde. As it turned out, the woman was truly gone. Her men could only attest that they were attacked in the middle of the night by a boy and a man. That there was a bright light, and by the time they regained their visions, the countess was gone and their forces had been reduced considerably. Along with everything that occurred, they were also given a very conspicuous warning.
The assailant was undoubtedly the same person who spoke to him that day. It was why they were so arrogant in their threats.

“Master. What are your orders?” A woman’s voice enquired from the ring as Eril was lost in thoughts.

“… Oversee to Linde’s position and watch her territories for the time being. I will sort this out when I have time and appoint a new replacement to that area.”

“Yes, Master.”

“And Inareh. Let me know immediately if anything out of the ordinary occurs.”

“Of course, Master.”

Having given his orders, Eril severed the connection between the two rings.

“My condolences.” A voice spoke from beside him. Although it was supposed to be a sorry statement, in the darkness, he could tell that there was a grin on Kaval’s face as if reveling in his troubles.

Behind them was a sizable group of people all moving quietly through the darkness and following their leads. A handful were Tal’hrus agents, while most were loyal soldiers believing they would put an end to the disasters happening around Malpaars—an end to the Liberation Army.

“It does not matter. We both knew the results already.” Eril replied, not humoring the woman as he kept up his pace.

“Oh? Then why bother sending Inareh in the first place?”

“For confirmation.” He replied insipidly, disinterested in the subject.

“Well, aren’t you the wise one going out of your way to confirm such a trivial thing? They had Linde’s ring. How else would they have gotten it if nothing happened to her?”

“Just make sure your men are ready when this starts.” Ignoring the rhetorical questions, he gave her his own thoughts as they spotted faint traces of light coming from the forest’s end. 

“Don’t worry about my team. They know what to do.” Kaval countered smugly.

“And your targets?”

“The prince has been located, but the knight’s whereabouts are unknown. They will wait for us to begin before apprehending the boy.”

“I see.”

As they burst through the forest, they were met by a wall of fog. It was nearing morning already, but the moon was shining dimly in the sky as clouds and mists obstructed its luminescence.

“Master.” A man cloaked in black from head to toe quickly bowed before Eril as they came upon the waterfront where an even larger group was waiting for them.

Dressed to blend in with the shadows, over two hundred men were waiting for his group. Equipped with spears, swords, axes, and bow and arrows, the only ones who did not have any weapons were the mages.

“Rakkon. Is everything set?” Eril questioned, staring past the crowd before him and into the fog that was covering the bay. It was incredibly thick and impossible to perceive, but he could tell that there was something off about the atmosphere.

“Yes master. All that is left, is to dispel this fog. I suspect it is some sort of barrier to hide their base within.”

“A barrier?” He queried with intrigue as Rakkon’s opinions coincided with his own thoughts.

The man was a loyal subject whom he had left in charge of western Malpaars. Rakkon’s official title was that of a count, and had been elevated to such a position after the revolution along with Linde, and another of his own men. The three of them were gifted with western, southern, and eastern Malpaars, leaving the north to the king, while Inareh acted as his liaison and outreaching arms.

“Yes. Many of the men had gone out to scout, only to end up back on the shore.”

“It is indeed a barrier.” Kaval spoke, joining their conversation. “Layna said it would disorient and misdirect unwary minds that wander into it. She spoke of a spell that would allow entry, but was too far away at the time to hear it.”

“A magic of this scale… Vernera still has a lot of mages at her disposal it seems.” Eril voiced out loud with astonishment as he observed the white wall before them.
It would have taken a lot of mages and time, combining their magic to construct something so elaborate and excessive. Even sustaining the barrier would require a constant flow of mana, and someone to watch it at all times, feeding and making sure it does not run out.

“I will contact Layna and tell her to let the others know. Those fools won’t even know what hit them once we start.” Kaval stepped away and pulled out a ring.

“Rakkon. Gather the men and have those skilled with water magic ready to bring everyone into the fog.” Eril ordered the man before him.

“Into the barrier?”

“Yes. Dispelling it would only warn them of our presence. Get everyone and have them follow me. I shall cut a path and we will take them by surprise.” Eril unsheathed the sword at his waist and all eyes turned to him, watching him attentively. Walking over to the water’s edge, he dipped the tip of the blade into the water. After a quick incantation, the surface began freezing and within moments, a thick layer of ice was bobbing before him.
He then turned to Kaval. “You may join in at your leisure or retreat after completing your job. Either way, I will see this to the end.”

Malpaars was already his.
The king was nothing but a puppet, and one of his trusted lieutenants was watching the man at all times. The assignment of raising the unwitting fool to the throne was over, and all that was left, was to slowly build their resources and amass their forces in preparation for war. The former princess and her army was but a means to keep his men content and busy, while he sorted out the bulk of his new empire. Insignificant, the Liberation Army amounted to little more than an itch upon his back that he could scratch anytime he wanted. Yet it seems their little game of chase has finally come to an end. Before the day is over, the Avarthias bloodline that has ruled Malpaars for the past two centuries would come to an end.

Eril jumped onto the ice and with an ice spell, his legs frosted and bound him atop the unstable platform.

Rakkon’s voice resounded throughout the shore and the men began assembling. Row boats that had been constructed prior to their master’s arrival were being pushed into the water, and mages began invoking spells.

As his forces gathered around him, “Let us begin.” Eril invoked his own magic.
With a wave of his sword, he parted the fog before him and willed the waves to carry him out.

With a thrilled grin on her face, Kaval summoned a large pillar of water that quickly transformed into a serpent. Submerging her body into the familiar, she ordered the monstrosity to follow.

 

…

 

As morning dawned, they easily broke through the barrier into calm water and clear sky. In the distance, floating serenely was the dark silhouette of the floating city Vilute.

“Well then, I’ll be going ahead to meet up with my team.” Kaval’s cheerful voice carried over the water’s surface. With a quick incantation, she ducked into her familiar and it dove into the water, swimming ahead.

“Give the orders. Capture those you can, and kill anyone who dares to resist.” Eril commanded, not looking to the men around him.

“Yes, master.” His agents simultaneously complied.

The orders were swiftly relayed to the others, and with two dozen mages and over two hundred soldiers, the small army quickly split into three forces. Taking the lead, Eril increased his speed, sailing for the gates of the floating city as the others split off to surround it.

 

—

 

An ominous dread overwhelmed her, and Vernera Yufin V. Avarthias awoke from her slumber to the sound of unadulterated silence. In her own private chamber within the city’s barracks, she was sweating profusely. The single horn protruding from her forehead felt as if it had been ripped from her skull, her metallic right arm was freezing, and a sense of fear gripped her body and mind.

A very distinct feeling.
The last time she was overcome by such terror was right before she fled her manor, barely escaping the massacre that eventually followed. Like a horrifying nightmare, she felt sick to her stomach and her legs and arms refused to move upon recalling the calamity that befell everyone. The baseless revolution had cost her everything: her family, her husband, the lives of countless loyal subjects, and the faith of Malpaars’ citizens. Yet with the assistance of the trusted few who had sworn their undying loyalty to her, she had been able to preserve her life, and with it, the hopes of one day reclaiming her Queendom.

Vernera looked to her windows and saw that they were closed. Mustering the strength to sit up, “Asiran. Vaedass vithar, nuitis invatie sairan, Raiut.” She muttered a simple light spell, and a small circular object affixed to the ceiling flashed brilliantly before settling down into a warm glow. With unsteady legs, she left her bed and moved to the windows. An icy chill wafted into the room as she pried them open. It was barely dawn, and being on the fourth floor of the fortress-like barrack, she could see that the city was as calm as ever. Yet the sense of unease continued to fester within her.
Exorcising her fears and wide awake due to the freezing cold, Vernera moved to put on a warm robe and exited her chambers.

“My lady?”
Galefore Rvanius, first of her knights was standing outside the door and gave her a tired but surprised greeting.

The man stood a head taller than herself, and had fine brown hair that went down to his fiery red eyes. Also a gveril, Galefore was one of her oldest friends and they had known each other since their younger days. In the light of the torches, she could see his curved horn—protruding from his left temple—flaring up in a reddish color to match his eyes. Although not wearing his usual dark armor, she could tell that he was carrying his sword and shield underneath the thick fur cloak that he had donned to protect himself from the cold.
“Gale? Was it your turn to watch over me tonight?”
She knew he fancied her, but being four years older than him, she had only ever seen him as a younger brother.

“No, but Igariah looked exhausted, so I told him to take the night off and to take my shift later.” Galefore replied cordially, but his voice carried a curious tone. “Are you alright?”

“I’m not sure. It might just be the pressure of having to deal with those hypocrites at such a crucial point in our plans.”

“If something is troubling you, I can always lend an ear if you’d like.” He gave her a wry smile.

“That would be very much appreciated. How about an early morning stroll?” She smiled back to the loyal and zealous knight as she began walking down the barrack’s corridor.

Although the uncomfortable feeling was subsiding a bit thanks to Gale, she could not help but feel anxious. With the help of twelve mages and the sacrifice of three others who were on the brink of death, they were able to construct an enormous barrier which had kept them all safe for the past two and a half years. In all that time, none had ever breached their defenses or intruded upon Vilute without their consent. She was sure her fear was unfounded, yet it was sitting there in the back of her mind, reminding her of what occurred the last time such a thing happened.

“Lord Buerinsly would like a few more turns to think about his decision, and Madam Onarald is as indecisive as ever.” Vernera spoke, trying to dissuade her thoughts from the unpleasant memories all those years ago. “The woman just won’t stop increasing her demands and frankly at this point, I’m starting to consider other options.”

“What does she want this time? Besides Livunis I mean.” Galefore questioned curiously.

“Apparently a mining city without tax to the throne for ten years is too little. In her opinion, the village should be property of the Onarald house if we succeed, and exempt from the throne’s authority.”

“Hah. And here I thought ten years tax free was too much for such a profitable mining village.”

“To make matters worse, we’ve been unable to reach the Uthiran house for the past turn, and I’m not even sure if they’re still willing to support us anymore.” Vernera sighed as she walked over to an opening in the wall of the corridor to look outside.

Two years of planning. Of recruiting and reconnecting with families who had once sworn fealty to her father. Lords and ladies who spoke and assured with smiles and gifts when asking for favors, but stood and watched with unabated breaths as her family crumbled. She loathed them, yet they were her only possible allies considering her situation.

“What of Lord and Lady Esbullin?”

“I have sent our friend Biran to confirm the agreements. He should be back any day now.” Vernera replied, gazing at the city. There was smoke rising from a few of the buildings near the city walls, but she thought nothing of it.

“That man huh? Are you sure he’s to be trusted with such vital information and so soon?” Galefore questioned, following behind her.

“I am. A voyage back to Unotus is extremely dangerous, and it would be impossible with just the two of them. He has no other alternative than to help us if he wishes to return safely.”

She had promised a fleet of ships with enough men to help the knight and his prince return to Unotus. In return, the man would assist with her plans for two years, as one of her knights.
She abhorred using those who are uninvolved, but soldiers were hard to come by in their situation, much less a trained warrior who could ride and wield a sword. She could not allow such an opportunity to go to waste.

Vernera gazed out at the peaceful city, and her eyes were quickly drawn to the smoke once again. Then she saw it. One of the larger buildings constructed for the people taking refuge in the city burst into flames. Her heart sunk.

“Princess!” Gale exclaimed as he saw the same thing.

She knew exactly what he was thinking. “We have to wake the others!” Vernera shouted, bolting down the hall back to her room.

 

—

 

The purging flames of Tal’hrus exploded around him, followed by deathly screams. Eril calmly walked the streets, heading toward an extravagant looking building he had spotted before starting the purge.

As people scrambled out of the burning buildings into the streets, his men quickly apprehended them. Those who fought back were given no mercy, and those who submitted were quickly corralled together. Using fire to force them out while at the same time creating panic and confusion, it was an effective approach as usual. Those fortunate enough to perish in the flames would find their salvation, while the unfortunate ones would be used for other purposes.

“Jarko, Routhis, and Lemer, with me!” He shouted and three of his agents who were casting fire magic swiftly ran to his side. Leaving the others to do their work, he began moving and the three trailed behind him like shadows.

Ignoring everything else, they quickly made it to the large structure at the center of the city.

“Halt! Who are you?!” A woman’s voice shouted, and he immediately recognized her.

“Well, you’re as beautiful as ever, Princess. Or should I say, former Princess Vernera Yufin V. Avarthias?” There was a smile on his face, and Eril could not help but laugh at how well everything was coming together. For the princess herself to come greet him, it was like some sort of silly joke.

“Princess, please stand back.” A man wearing black plate armor quickly overstepped the princess, blocking her and unsheathing a black longsword.

“Komor?” Princess Vernera questioned.

“Ah, the famed black knights of Vernera. I’ve heard much about you all from those putrid slavers.” Eril shoved back his cloak and revealed his own sheathed sword. With a standard cross guard and hilt, it looked ordinary, but its magnificence came into view as he unsheathed it. A slim longsword that was light enough to be wielded with one hand. Both sides of the blade were inscribed with runes that glowed hypnotically with a bluish light. “A band of cowards who can do nothing but hide and strike against unsuspecting foes. It is a shame we did not meet three years ago, but it looks like your luck has finally ran out.”

“I am Komor, and we are the Knights of Vernera. State your name, intruders.” The knight replied as four more fanned out around him. “All of you, protect the princess at all cost.” The man added.

“Komor… where have I heard that name before? Were you there when Maverus fell?” Eril enquired, curious about the man before him.

“I was fending off the raiders in the Plemara mountains when the capital fell. Who are you to be asking such things?”

“Ah, that’s right.” He smiled, remembering where he had heard the name. “I am Eril, the one who finished off that weakling of a crowned prince. So… you were his sword instructor? Such a pitiful man, unable to even scratch me. I hope you can do better.” He added, trying to goad the knight into making the first move.

“… You will pay for insulting his memory.” Komor stepped forward, and the four knights behind him closed around the princess.

“He cursed me you know? Said that his master Komor would be the one to avenge him. Like a fool, he did not understand who he was up against. Will you make the same mistake?” Eril replied, stepping toward the knight. “I’ve always wanted to see if his master was as skilled as he claimed.”

Seeing the distance between them shrinking, Komor took two fleeting steps forward. With a two-handed overhead swing of his longsword, he slashed as his third step hit the ground, putting all his weight into the attack.
*TANG!* with one hand, his opponent easily caught the attack.

Having defended in a backhand grip, “You are weak.” Eril mouthed off as he pushed the man back. With a quick twist of his wrist, he changed his grip to a forehand and slashed forward horizontally in one smooth motion. The knight stepped back and his sword grazed the man’s chest plate, frosting over it.

“Komor!” Princess Vernera exclaimed, seeing the attack from behind.

“I am fine, Princess. But this might be more difficult than I thought. All of you, take the Princess and retreat into the barracks.” Komor instructed and the others quickly obliged, moving her away.

“Slaughter anyone in your path and bring me the princess. Alive.” Eril commanded, and the three who had been standing behind him—motionlessly—dashed into the building, following the knights. “How admirable, allowing my men to pass like that.” He commended after they disappeared.

“If I had moved, you would have killed me in the instant I tried to stop them.”

“Keen of eyes too. Maybe this might actually be fun. It’s been too long since I had a good opponent.”

“Fun? You think this is a game?”

“No. This is a long overdue execution.” Without warning, Eril shot forward.
With a thrust, he aimed for the opening in the knight’s helmet, only to have his sword parried. Ducking as his speed threw him at the armored man, Eril planted his left foot into the ground and pivoted his body, turning in a circle back around for a second slash at the man’s chest.

Komor saw the attack and bent down, blocking the horizontal slash with his left gauntlet while throwing an elbow into the man’s face at the same time. It was easily evaded, but with his sword still in a two handed grip above his chest, he forcibly twisted his body and brought the sword down upon the man’s right shoulder as a follow up.

Eril kicked off to the side and the black longsword missed, digging into the ground. Using the opening, he brought his sword across the knight’s body, cutting a frosting gash into the side of the man’s dark breastplate. As the sound of metal slicing through wind followed, he quickly flipped backward and avoided a spin attack that was aimed at his head. “Not bad. I underestimated your ability to swing that sword so fluidly.”

“RAH!” Komor shouted, as he continued his spin, using the momentum to go for another overhead strike.

*CLANG!*
Eril caught the sword with his own again. “Too weak. Is this all you’ve got?” He taunted, pushing the knight back once more.

Komor looked at the man before him. He was outclassed, and there was something very wrong. With such a thin sword, it was impossible for the man to be catching his attacks like they were nothing. Not just that, he was starting to feel numb with each attack he incurred even though they were to his armor. He was being toyed with, and had not expected his own physique and skills to be so underwhelming. It was a fight he could not win, and the results were quite clear to him.
“I am a knight. Though I have failed in my duty, I will not die in vain!” He screamed, rushing forward once again.

Eril grinned widely. The man knew it was futile, and their dance was coming to an end. “You will die in vain.” He corrected, hitting away the sword that was trying to pierce his chest.

Yet instead of following up with another attack, Komor threw away his sword as it was parried and slammed onto Eril, grabbing the man’s body—with the slim sword between them.

Even as he was being pushed to the ground, “Useless.” Eril uttered the words calmly. With a thought, the runes on his sword flared up, and with a forceful push, he easily escaped the hold. The knight looked at him in shock and fell back onto the ground. Two large ice spikes were protruding out of the man’s body–and armor–where his sword had come into contact with earlier, and another on the man’s left arm.
Eril stepped to the knight’s head and took off the helmet to reveal an older man.
“You too did not understand what you were up against. But you did manage to scratch me, so I shall put you out of your misery.”
With a quick incantation, the runes on his sword flared up once more, and the dying knight’s face distorted with pain as his body froze and expanded, shattering under the armor.

Eril stepped over the body and entered the barracks.

 

—

 

“This can’t be happening!” Biran shouted as he ran through the forest, keeping to a less cumbersome pathing.

In the distance, instead of the great shroud of mist that rose to the heavens and concealed the city, he could see the clear skies of Vilute and with it, an ominous black cloud of smoke.
The barrier hiding the city was no more, and a single thought ran through his mind.

He had already finished his job, and was almost home when he saw the fog barrier dissipating.
Reaching the shores by early noon, he could see Vilute sitting out there in the water, smoke pouring out of her like some cataclysmic event.

‘Lyal.’ The prince’s name came to mind, and he couldn’t care less about anyone else. Rushing back into the forest, he found the concealed stash of whistling arrows and a bow within the hollowed trunks of a dead tree. The items were how they signaled for the mages to open the water bridges for them, and running back to the shore, Biran began firing one arrow after another. Yet nothing happened, and he soon exhausted the supply of arrows.

Like a crazed man, he ran along the shore, looking for anything that might take him to Vilute. And unlike the gods, they answered his prayers. He found four unusually large pieces of wood a distance from where he had exited the forest. It looked like someone had been logging around the area, and building something. Not caring to look around, he grabbed one of them and began paddling out towards the floating city that was smoldering in the distance.

“This place is dark and unfitting for one such as yourself. Say the words. Ask for my help, and I shall grant it.” The boy’s dark eyes stared at her as his voice weaved through the air like magic. Gentle and filled with compassion, they coaxed and reassured her that everything was alright. That all she needed to do, was to ask and to trust him.

Saadra’s mouth twitched in hesitance.
She was tainted, and after what happened last night, she had already given up. The pain coursing through her body told her that a life outside of the brothel’s cold walls was impossible for them, and that they could never escape.

Feeling Sarah’s unsteady hands clutching her arm, her mouth quivered and her vision blurred. Her sister was why she had been able to endure such a life. Why she was able to smile, despite everything that has happened to her. The young girl was all she had, and the thought of such a daunting and desolate future for them both was terrifying. “Kaidus… please help us…” She cried, releasing all her anguish and sorrow to the kindness that was extended before her.

“Understood.”

A single word of acknowledgement echoed within the small room amidst her cries.
Through pained sobs, she thought she saw the boy’s unwavering gaze glowing dimly. A sense of comfort enveloped her as she stared into the two dark eyes, shaking her to her core and cradling her in their endless calm.

“Give me your hand.” The boy instructed, and she nervously extended a bruised hand out to him. Thoughts of recoiling such an ungraceful hand back into the blankets assaulted her, but she held the hand out. “I’m sorry, but please bear with me.” She heard the boy mutter as a hot sensation seared her whole body, amplifying the pain she was already feeling. Saadra opened her mouth to scream, but as quickly as it came, the burning vanished. Along with everything else.

She stared blankly back at him with a befuddled expression. Her mouth still agape, there were no words to explain it.
She looked at her arm and her bruises were gone. She felt her sides, and the sharp pain where she had been kicked multiple times was nowhere to be felt.
Her body was refreshed and she felt like new. Like waking up from a long torturous nightmare.

“Come.” The boy beckoned without an explanation as he turned to move away from them. She could hear the sound of Myrna and Master Coragus’ footsteps as they attempted to flee down the hall. She saw the boy look to the two unconscious men on the floor one last time before stepping towards the door.

Wrapped in the blanket, Saadra quickly stepped off the bed.
As she had suspected, her legs—too—were no longer throbbing.

She turned to Sarah who looked visibly frightened and was still clutching tightly onto her arm. “Let’s go, Sarah.” She told the girl and heard her own voice shaking with uncertainty.

 

—

 

The echoes of the past swarmed him, whispering and reminding him of mistakes long forgotten. Of consequences that came with such choices, and of his already bloody path.

Discarding his own thoughts, Kaidus stepped out of the room. The world he once knew was no more, yet the nature of things had remained unchanged throughout the ages. Those with power hungrily clung onto it, using it to their own benefits without regards to what or who they were hurting. He had wanted to live his life without being hindered by such pettiness, such unwarranted injustice, yet he could not turn away from those in his purview.

“Our business has yet to be concluded. Where are you going?” He spoke, tailing the two who were trying to run. With the injury he had inflicted, the owner was barely able to walk and had to be supported by the woman.

“Y-You! You will not get away with this! You don’t know… who it is you are messing with!” Coragus shouted back, gasping for air after every few words.

“You should worry more about yourself.” Kaidus replied, widening his strides and catching up to them. “How many others are locked up like Saadra?” He queried, “How many other girls have you forced into prostitution? How many lives have you ruined in your greed?” He closed in on the man and grabbed Coragus’ shoulder, ripping him away from the woman—Myrna. Slamming the man against the wall, “No, don’t bother answering. I might be unable to hold myself back, and I would not wish for you to go so soon… not yet.” He tore the chain of keys away from the man’s waist.

“Th- The guards… they will hang you for this! They will skin you alive! Don’t think you can get away! I- I own this town!”

“They can try.” Kaidus smiled darkly and pushed the man away before turning to Myrna. “How many other girls are here in this brothel?” He gave her an unforgiving glare.

“Fo-forty-seven.” She immediately replied, and he could see that she was trembling. No longer was she the abusive and intolerant lady from last night or earlier, but a frightened aging woman.

“Saadra.” He turned back to the sisters who were following behind. “Are there others who would like to leave?”
The girl timidly nodded.
“I see…” Kaidus turned his attention back to the woman. “You will go and bring everyone out to the front hall.” He tossed her the keys, and she failed to catch it. “I see a single one not in attendance, and we will have trouble.” He threatened, not taking another look at her before grabbing the owner and forcing the man to move forward.

“You think this is the only brothel in the world!? That I am the only one who does this?!” Coragus shouted loudly. “Those girls are mine! I picked them up off the streets! They are mine to do with as I will!!”

Kaidus pushed the man forward.

“You are not some storybook knight saving damsels in distress, you uncouth savage! You are no knight, and these are not damsels! That little whore would take my cock just as happily as she would yours, and she knows it! She’s a whore, and she will always be one!”

“You are correct about that. I am no knight,” jerking his arm, Kaidus slammed the man’s head into the stone wall. “Regardless, you will keep your filth to yourself unless you would like that tongue ripped out.” He rebuked as blood began oozing out of the groaning man’s forehead.

Kaidus glanced back, and saw that Saadra was looking down while Sarah held onto her sister and was looking at him with a terrified face. He turned around and continued pushing Coragus through the long hallway.

As they approached the stairs, the muscles of the brothel saw them.

“W-What the fuck are you all waiting for?! Save me!” Coragus shouted upon seeing the men.

“Stay here.” Kaidus quickly instructed the sisters to stay put as he walked forward—holding Coragus hostage.
“URAAH!!” A man at the front charged at him with a metal rod.

Kaidus pushed his hostage toward the man and drew his xeberite sword. With an arching slash, he easily sliced the rod in half as his attacker pulled back to catch Coragus. With a quick flick, he struck the man’s head with the flat of his blade, concussing the man and knocking him against the wall.

Seeing two men moving in and blocking the corridor, Kaidus swiftly moved to engage them. Leaping onto the side of the hallway, he kicked off the wall and shot toward one of them, knocking the man backward with a solid punch to the face.
An upward-slash came at him from the second man, and he easily deflected it with his own sword. The attack pushed him backward and he agilely landed on his feet with his sword extended out toward the group. “Your swing was wide and sloppy. I can see that you are untrained and unpracticed. Come at me if you would like to see how this end.” He dared, glaring at the man in front and those behind. The group shuffled forward, but none moved to attack.

“What are you all doing?! What am I paying you for?!” Coragus shouted, snapping them out of their hesitation.

A man quickly slipped through the center of the group, charging at Kaidus.

Standing still, he relaxed his posture and lowered his sword.
Kaidus watched as the man swung at him with a horizontal slash, going for his stomach.
Fifth form, Alvue. His muscles tensed and power coursed through his body.
With a quick swing of his sword, he parried the attack with an arched counter, slapping away the sword that was coming for his left side.

“GYAH!!!” The sound of metal against metal resounded through the corridor, followed by a howl of pain. In a flash, the man’s sword arm had been lopped off at the elbow.

Another sword came straight for his face and Kaidus twisted his body to the side. While simultaneously evading the thrust, he moved in on the new attacker with a wide step. Rotating his whole body as he closed in, he planted a firm fist into the man’s chest, shattering bones and shooting the man back into the others.

Taking a step back himself, he lowered his sword once again and stood vigilantly. The man whose forearm he had severed was screaming as blood sprayed everywhere, while the other was writhing on the ground gasping for air and life. “Anyone else?” He taunted, glaring at the group before him in a show of absolute dominance.

The men stopped and none dared to move forward.

Watching the frozen thugs, Kaidus moved back and grabbed his hostage once more. Coragus had gone deathly pale.

“What do you want?! I’ll pay you! If it’s money, you can have it! If it’s that whore, y-you can have her!”

“I believe I told you to shut up.” He replied, shaking the man forcefully. Gesturing for the girls to follow, “Any sudden movements, and it will be your lives. Now get back before you regret it.” He threatened the others.
Walking forward, the group of armed men grabbed those who were injured and swiftly backed off to make room for him and the sisters. 

 

…

 

*Crash!* someone fell from the second floor and smashed into the tables below.
Everyone looked up to see a group of men retreating down the stairs. A young man also slowly descended, dragging someone beside him and followed closely by two girls.

““Master Coragus!”” Those idling on the first floor shouted upon seeing who the man was.

“Mister Coragus. What is going on here?” An aged man with graying green hair questioned, walking over to them as they descended the stairs.

“What do you-!? GUAH!” Coragus cried out in pain as he was smashed into the handrails.

“Kyaaahh!” Some of the girls cried out upon seeing the vicious spectacle.

“What he was trying to say, was that it is time for you all to leave.” Kaidus interjected, speaking loudly so that everyone listening could hear. “This establishment is going to be closed for the day in anticipation of changes in owner and services. Now, if all of you gentlemen could be so kind and leave in an orderly fashion, it would make what is to come a lot easier.”

“What nonsense is this?! Release Master Coragus at once!” A man stepped from the crowd toward Kaidus, pushing through the others.

Kaidus pulled Coragus forward. “Do not test me again. Tell your men to stand down at once.” He commanded, and the man grudgingly obeyed.

Seeing and hearing what was happening, a few of those who were patronizing the brothel began scrambling toward the door while others ignored his words and stayed to watch.

Kaidus scanned the room, then walked to the center and sat Coragus down onto a chair. The sisters wordlessly followed behind him, not leaving his side.

The room became silent, watching his every move. As if waiting for something to happen, the silence prevailed until confused muttering came from the second floor and a group of young ladies and girls appeared.

The remaining customers began asking if it was some sort of special event, even calling out to a few of the girls who were coming down.

“Now that they’re here, let us talk.” Kaidus spoke, and the stone floor rose up from underneath him, forming into a chair. He smiled, seeing the shock on Coragus’ face.

“!!!” Those who were watching became alarmed, having observed the unnatural event.
“Mage!” The word started being whispered around the room as fear became visible in the eyes of the audience.

 

—

 

Vick strolled through the streets, curious to see if the town had a mercenary guild. He had already exhausted what little gossip he could get from the inn, and needed a more substantial source, which a guild would be able to provide.

He passed a few taverns and the thought of eavesdropping on the morning drunks while he enjoyed himself crossed his mind, but decided against it.

He continued down the street until he got to a large red building.
There were no signs on the sides or in front of the building, and people were starting to gather around it. There seemed to be some sort of commotion going on, and he could not pass up the chance to observe something interesting.

Pushing his way in, upon entering the doors, he quickly realized that it was a brothel.
Yet instead of being welcomed by beautiful girls, an unusual spectacle was unfolding before him. There was a group of women standing on one side of the large room, while another group of young girls and women stood on the opposite side. The room had a tense atmosphere, and it felt like some sort of preparation for a fight or an all-out brawl.

He wasn’t sure what was going on, but as he scanned the groups, ‘Kaidus?!’ His mind shouted, seeing the boy in such a place.
Kaidus was sitting on a stone chair that looked very out of place in the middle of the room. Across from Kaidus was an unknown man who look to be sweating profusely.

Lowering his posture, Vick slipped into the small crowd of people standing by the door.

 

—

 

Behind him were seventeen of the girls who wanted to leave.
Including Saadra and her sister Sarah, the group consisted of all the younger girls and two grown women in their twenties.
Mixed in with the group were also five young boys—younger siblings of a few of the girls.
Totaling twenty-two altogether, the number had surpassed his expectations.

A handful of them were around Saadra’s age, and had probably been forced into working already. The other half were too young, but old enough to know what they were being groomed for. He could see that many of them were afraid of their fate and had quickly voiced their desire to leave when he offered them the choice.
Even two of the older girls had voiced their wishes to escape, joining those behind him.

None of them knew what was in store for them. He had only promised them a way out of such a life, and to get them safely away from Karpes. He did not know where they would go yet, but even without a proper destination, they had clung onto his words in desperation.

Kaidus stared at the man sitting across from him. Coragus was glaring back at him angrily. “You are not satisfied with the outcome of our negotiations?” He questioned.

“You call this a negotiation?! This is nothing but outright robbery!”

“I disagree. If anything, this is quite the favorable agreement for you is it not?”

“You expect me to accept such one-sided terms?!”

The terms were that he would allow Coragus to keep his life, and in return, the man would relinquish his hold on those who wished to exit his employ. That there would be no retaliation against any of the girls, and that the man would see them off with an appropriate amount of money, allowing them a fresh start on their new lives.

“Why not? Was it not you who forced these girls into doing what you wanted? Using fear and threats you abused them into this sort of life, even going so far as beating and blackmailing them so that you can line your own pockets at their expense.” Kaidus calmly replied, staring back at the man. “I am merely offering you the same. Take my offer and keep your life, or I can rip you to pieces and burn this place to the ground. Either way, these girls will be freed from your grasps. I can assure you of that.”

“You…!”

“I what? What is it you wish to say?”

Coragus looked around the room. He looked to some of the customers, and they looked away from his gaze. He saw the dozen men in his service, but none dared to move in to help him. Counting them, he noticed that a few were already missing—undoubtedly fled or gone to call for help. “Two thousand erns and two girls of your choice for anyone who can kill this little fucker!” He stood up and shouted, hoping to entice someone to help.

A few of the men turned and looked at each other, their faces showing willingness and hunger for the riches promised.

“Do not even think about interfering, as it will not end well for any of you.” Kaidus warned.
As soon as his words faded, the room lit up with dozens of embers, hovering above them. Swirling throughout the air, they hovered over to him and flared up in a blaze of golden red. Extending and molding themselves, eight fiery daggers took shape out of the flames and surrounded him in a protective circle.

Before the display of magic, Coragus recoiled in fear, stumbling over his chair and the others quickly froze. A few of the men bolted for the doors, afraid of what might happen.

He could feel horrified stares upon his back, and knew that some of the girls were probably questioning their choices after seeing what he was. Yet amongst the stares, there were also those that were filled with awe and relief.
“I see that three hundred per girl was too light. For that foolish outcry, it will be doubled. Now, will someone bring it out to us, or will I have to go and get it myself?

“S-S-Six hundred each?!!”

“Of course. Be thankful for such a low cost, considering the amount you’ve put them through.”

“Those worthless bitches are not worth that much!!” Coragus screamed, glaring at the group of young girls.

“The price is for your own life, Master Coragus. Not theirs. Is your life worth thirteen thousand erns?” Kaidus calmly replied as if speaking to a child. Seeing the man’s hateful stare, “Such ferocity and resentment… is this not how business is conducted around these parts? I’m quite sure I was subjected to such extortive forms of conduct earlier.” He added, giving the man no way out.

“Grrr… You think I have that kind of money laying around? You must be delusional! That amount will ruin me!!”

“One hundred per night wasn’t it? You expect me to believe such a paltry sum would ruin you despite the amount you charge?”

“Fuck you!”

“That is quite regrettable. It looks like I will just have to take a look at your coffers myself.” Kaidus replied somberly.

The eight flaming daggers shifted in mid-air and pointed themselves at Coragus. The air hissed and one flew at the man, missing and stabbing into the chair beside him. From the point of impact, the dagger burst into pieces, covering up the chair and slowly consuming it.

“Forgive me, my aim was off. You can be sure I will not miss on the next one, and it will be extremely painful.” Kaidus reassured, seeing that the man had jumped away from the chair in panic.

“Myrna! M-my keys!” Coragus shouted.

 

…

 

Before long, each of the twenty-two people behind him had a sizable pouch of money. Seeing the demands pulling through, three more women who had hesitated to abandon the brothel switched sides, adding to their group for a total of twenty-five people overall.

After all the girls and the few boys had received their remunerations, Kaidus turned to the group. “All of you, please go outside and wait for me.”
A wave of protest came from a few of them.
“It won’t be long.” He consoled, giving them a steadfast gaze.

“But what if…” A small frightened voice came out from Sarah in protest along with the others. He could sense that she was afraid something might happen to them outside.

‘Zion.’ He commanded wordlessly.
A tempest erupted from his vicinity, blowing through the room and throwing small objects into the air before settling down as a gentle breeze. It circled the room twice with an unknown purpose, then wrapped itself around the group of girls. “Go.” Kaidus told them once more.
There was fear, then panic, then seeing that the wind was harmless, the group hesitantly followed each other out.

He waited until they had all left. “I thank you for your cooperation.” Kaidus made a curt bow to Coragus, then turned to a woman standing with the two dozen others who did not wish to leave the brothel. “Lady Myrna. You are now the owner of this establishment. Congratulations.” He added, appointing the objectionable yet dutiful woman.
She stared back at him with a stunned expression.

“I- I will not stand for this even if you are a mage!” Coragus shouted in defiance. “You cannot do this to me! We had a deal!”

“I can, for you will be in no shape to manage such a place again after today.” Kaidus stood up from his stone seat and took a step toward the man.
 
“You thief! You will never get away with–!”
Coragus’ eyes bulged out in surprise as his mouth locked up and his body became unable to move.

“Thief? No… I am much worse than that.” Kaidus approached the frozen man. There was a reason why he had sent the girls outside. “Terrifying isn’t it? The knowledge that your life is in the hands of another, and you cannot do a single thing about it.” He spoke with the same voice and tone, but now there was bloodlust in his eyes and power coiled around his arm like an angry beast.

As he reached for the man with his hand, someone jumped out from the crowd of motionless spectators.
Something flickered, and Kaidus immediately pulled his hand back and retreated a few steps.

“That’s enough.” Vick stood between them. There was a grin on his face and he was holding onto one of his azurite swords.

Kaidus smiled. “I was wondering when you’d make yourself known.” He replied, not bringing up Vick’s name.

“Exactly what were you about to do?”

“Just a little cleaning up. Don’t get in my way.”

“You don’t have to do that. He already gave you what you wanted.”

“What I want, does not matter. People like him will never change. They will never understand the consequences of their actions, or allow those they can control to live peacefully. Should I leave him alone, he will go right back to doing what he’s been doing all along. You should understand this as well as I do. You should know that the only course of action is to render him incapable of committing such vile acts ever again.”

“Yes, but to kill a man after giving him your word? After he’s literally paid his price? I cannot allow you to do that.”

“Kill? No, I won’t kill him.”

Vick looked to Kaidus curiously, then to the frozen man. “You expect me to believe that?”
 
“I do. Death would be too great of a boon for one such as him.”

Vick shuddered visibly at the apathetic reply and his eyes narrowed. He slowly sheathed his sword and stepped aside as a cold chill ran down his back.

Kaidus approached Coragus once more. Reaching out, he tapped the man’s chest and willed his mana into the man’s body. Taking two steps back, he began concentrating on his mana.
He saw Coragus stare back, his face filled with pain. The man’s eyes and mouth began emitting rays of bright light into the room before vanishing, leaving nothing but burnt out cavities. The sound of flesh ripping apart and bones unhinging followed, along with the crowd’s cries of horror as Coragus’ limbs were torn from his body. The torso and head fell to the ground, and people began screaming and tripping over each other as they attempted to flee the building.

Ignoring everything happening around him.
With a thought, Kaidus willed his mana—still within the man’s body—to heal and seal the fatal wounds, denying Coragus the embrace of death.
He approached the dismembered body on the floor. “As per our agreement, you will live… but you will never truly be living. Your arms, your legs, your tongue, and your eyes. I have taken them all. From this day forth you will exist at the mercy of those around you, just like so many others who had been at your mercy up to this point. Whether you continue existing or not, will be up to them.”
He looked over to the group of women who were huddling together and staring at him in horror, like he was some sort of flesh-eating monster. “The rules have changed. Should anyone else be forced into working against their will again, I will be back. Do not forget what happened here today.” He warned the women, making his intentions crystal clear before turning around.

Vick was staring at him in complete shock. The man looked out of character, and Vick’s left hand was gripping tightly onto an unsteady right hand.

From Vick’s body language alone, he could see an abundance of questions. “Let’s go. There’s something I would like you to help me with.” Kaidus voiced as he walked toward the doors, not taking a second glance back at what he did or waiting for an answer.

 

…

 

A group of armed men wearing painted leather armor and wielding spears surrounded the front of the brothel, walling in the group of young ladies and boys.
Behind the line of armed men, a cluster of people had also gathered to ogle and inquire about what was happening.

Exiting the building, Kaidus scanned the problem before him.
Standing by the walls to the left side of the brothel, the girls watched him with eyes filled with trepidation and unease. They had undoubtedly heard what happened to Coragus from those who fled earlier, and many were watching him cautiously. 

A large force of spearmen stood at attention, surrounding and blocking off their paths. “Spears forward!” Someone commanded, and the wall of spears came down, pointing inward toward them.
A broad-shouldered man wearing light plate armor cut into the encirclement and stared at the group of girls. “Who is it? Who dares to disturb the peace of Karpes?!”

“That would be me.” Undeterred, Kaidus stepped forth toward the man.

“A child?” The armored man glanced back to someone, then to Kaidus again. “For your crimes against a valued member of this town, you are hereby under arrest! Men, restrain and disarm him!”
Some of the spearmen wavered, seeing they were up against a child.

Kaidus almost laughed at hearing the words “valued member of this town”. By his will, the ground began rumbling and people stumbled in surprise as a barrier of stone spikes emerged from the ground, obstructing the wall of spearmen and preventing them from moving forward. “Do not waste my time.” He spoke softly, yet his voice thundered outward. “This matter has already been resolved and I would hate for it to escalate any further. Stay back and allow us to leave peacefully. Consider this my only warning.”

The armored men’s face drained of all colors and he scowled at a man behind him. “M-Men! Fall back!” He shouted, retreating a distance from the spikes.

Kaidus turned to the girls. “I apologize for the delay. Let us go and procure you all some supplies and equipment before we leave this town. Please let me know of anything you may need.” Yet instead of answering, most of them shrunk back at his words.

“Cl-clothes…” A small and frightened voice answered courageously. Sarah peeked out at him from behind her sister Saadra—who was still wrapped in a worn brown blanket.

“Of course.” He smiled softly, trying not to scare her or any more of them.
Without another word, he began walking away and the spikes submerged back into the ground. The wall of spearmen nervously parted for him, and Vick followed along with the group of boys, girls, and women. A gentle breeze circled around them, ever watchful for any unexpected trouble.

 

…

 

As evening rolled around, a group of twenty-seven people were outside the town of Karpes—away from the main entrance.

Using a collective sum of money from everyone, they had been able to procure four large dolshas—strong resilient work horses—along with two old but sizable caravan wagons, and two fat dronnons for 4,287 erns. With another three hundred, they had bought a large amount of enduring provisions for the road ahead, saddling most of them onto the dronnons.

There was excitement abound, and the younger children ran together, happily chasing one another while they waited to leave.
Even the frightened older girls were showing signs of life. Some gazed back at the town with lonely expressions, while others were eager to depart and see the outside world.
Many of them carried small bundles of belongings that they had either went back and retrieved from the brothel, or bought during the day’s preparations.

Loading up the last of the supplies, Kaidus got off the wagon and began looking around. A few of the girls avoided his line of sight as he scouted for Vick, and he could see that they were still afraid of him.

“Are we going to leave now?” Sarah questioned, popping out from the side of the wagon. Unlike some of the others, the girl had already gotten over her fear of him, and her behavior was very reminiscent of Anise’s.

He could not help but smile. “Yes.”

“Where are we going? Do you know?”

“We’re going to a small village with lots of fields and open spaces.”

“Is it far? Are the people there going to be–”

“Sarah, please don’t bother Kaidus.” Saadra interrupted as she joined them.
Wearing a long blue skirt that had three black stripes running from the waist to its hem and a brown tie-up blouse with white lining and strings, Saadra was looking rather lovely in her new clothes.

“It is not a problem. Is everyone ready?”

“They should be.”

“Good. Please tell everyone to get on the wagons then. It is time to leave.”
The two girls looked at him quizzically, but went along with his request.

He found Vick at the front of the wagons taking a last look at the harnesses on the horses.
“Vick.”

“So back to Esperen huh?” Vick questioned without looking back.

“Yes. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but thank you for going along with this.”
He wanted to send them to Lord Shradech because the old man would definitely help them, but he wasn’t sure how the girls would fare in the forest. Instead, he had decided to send them to Esperen and asked Vick to go with them. From their time there, the place looked relatively safe. Being a farming village, the girls would be able to work and live in a different environment.

“Not much of a choice there for me, you brat. Your selfishness is beyond all manner of reason, you know that?” Vick replied, turning to face him with a half-smile.

“I’m sorry for putting you through all this.”

“If you were truly sorry, you’d tell me everything you’re hiding from me right now.” The man grinned jokingly.

“Maybe someday.” Kaidus returned a wry smile. Vick was like a brother to him, but there are secrets that were better off locked away.

“I see. Someday then. As for this task, I’ll make sure the girls are safe before I do anything else.” Vick replied compliantly.

“Thanks.”

“You sure you wouldn’t rather join us instead? Being surrounded by a group of girls, it’s every man’s dream you know?” There was a big smile on Vick’s face.

“You do know what will happen if you force yourself on any of them right?” Kaidus joked back and saw the smile twisting.

“I- I would never!”

“Just making sure we’re clear on that subject.” Kaidus gave a devious smile.

“Dammit, what do you think I am?” Vick leaped over to him and put an arm around his neck, choking him playfully.

“I got it. Stop, it’s time to depart already.”

“Alright then.” Vick released him and jumped onto the driver’s seat, taking the rein. “Good luck, and don’t forget. Every day at noon.”

“I won’t.”

“Good. Go and check the others. I’ll wait for your signal.”

With the group consisting of mostly children, the two wagons easily accommodated them all. Both wagons were tied together and pulled by all four horses and the two dronnons. The plan was to get away from Karpes quickly, then move at a slow pace to help lessen the strain on the animals.

Taking one last look around the wagons, he found Saadra and Sarah standing by themselves at the back. Everyone else had already boarded except for them.

“What are you two doing? It’s time to go.”

“Kaidus… you- you’re not coming with us are you?” Saadra questioned, sounding almost worried.

He smiled. “I am not.” Upon his reply, the girl went quiet.

“Why?” Sarah spoke up for her sister.

“I apologize for not helping until the end, but Esperen is only a handful of days away, and Vick will make sure you all get there safely like I promised.”

“What are we going to do in Esperen?” Saadra interjected.

“That will be solely up to you. Whether such a life as the one you had here in Karpes is what you desired, or a different one, the choices will be yours to make. Should you or anyone choose to leave this group to go and find family or friends, no one will stop you from doing so. Your life is your own, and you may choose to do as you wish.”

“I-… No. Thank you Kaidus. For everything.” Saadra thanked, giving him a bright smile and lowering her head gratefully.
“Thank you.” Sarah imitated her sister.

“Take care of yourselves.” He replied, and they both raised their head.

“Thank you mister!!” Two young boys shouted from the wagons, and he looked over to see some of the girls nodding nervously in his direction.

He waved back to them as Saadra and Sarah climbed onto the wagons.
With a shout to Vick, the horses protested loudly and the group began rolling away.

Kaidus waited until they were out of sight.
Digging into his pocket, he brought out a metal ring and began concentrating on it, expanding his mana outward. The corresponding ring’s position had changed as he suspected. Tal’hrus was on the move, and had been moving nonstop ever since he made contact with them four days ago.
Stowing it back in his pocket, he began walking in the opposite direction of Vick and the girls.

After getting far enough from Karpes, “Let’s go.” He whispered, and the trees rustled violently as the wind gleefully picked him off the ground, shooting him towards the north