Novel The Last Dukes’ Memoirs

Discussion in 'Community Fictions' started by ThePundit, Feb 13, 2020.

  1. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    Hello!

    I'm writing a story called The Last Dukes' Memoirs. It is a new version of my first novel - Tryst City of Scholars. Gonna need some tough love coming from you guys. Please read this not too perfect novel of mine. Anyways, join me on my journey as climb the ladder to become a better writer.

    You could also read it at https://www.scribblehub.com/series/60544/the-last-dukes-memoirs/stats/.

    You could also read it at https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/27634/the-last-dukes-memoirs.


    [​IMG]

    Sypnosis:

    There was a crudely recorded era that had always baffled a great number of scholars, philosophers, biographers, and historians all over the Eudorian Continent. According to the remaining ancient scriptures and old text from that era, it was an era where the earth bled crimson, a time where heroes, kings, and gods fell from their lofty thrones. It was a period where lives were like grass waiting to be stomp. The historians called it the "Era of Tragedy". The scholars and biographers termed the period as the "Lost Era" due to a lack of historical evidence of its existence, raising doubts of its authenticity. But nevertheless, many considered the era a certainty.

    The recovered scriptures and text told a great tale of a tragedy, a lost century. A bloody period of perpetual strife among war gods, powerful heroes, crafty nobles, dreadful demons, mighty dragons, beautiful elves, forging dwarves, deadly beastkins, vagabond humans, and many more.

    Though no matter what the people call it, the ancient text simply called the blood-stained era as "The Dusk".

    Genre: Word Building, Adventure, Action, Comedy, Medieval-like, Fantasy, Drama, Romance

    Table of Contents:

    You could read advanced chapters in scribblehub or royalroad.
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2020
    Marfi09 likes this.
  2. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The beautiful moonlight fell from the stellar night skies. The moon's crafted the shadows of an old mysterious book. A book made of wood. The heavens gentle beams passed through the window, lighting up the forest glass. Catching a glimpse of the shadows of a little boy of around six to eight years.

    The cute kid had his ash-grey hair swaying in the wind every time he flipped the antique pages of a book. His big blue eyes focused and charmed. The light in his eyes reflected a series of unreadable wriggling letters. The words were mosaic-like rough sketches, undecipherable within the pages of the book.

    Yet, if you look deeper within the boy's eyes, you would see shining letters. The letters were dancing and prancing like ants, performing in front of the little boy. As if they were alive.

    In one moment, the little boy would smile. Next, he would pout. Then, he would sniff as if he was ready to cry at any moment. His face was full of different emotions. Be it sorrow, happiness, anger, hope, helplessness, love, fright, and many others - his young face shows it all. His expressions too vivid for a young boy of his age. It seemed like he had seen the lives of many people. An impossibility if we compare it with his young age.

    From time to time, the boy would try to touch the moving letters with his small hands. In turn, sending the letters in panic as it runs away from his touch. The letters in the wooden book were once again acting as if they were among the living.

    All a sudden he whispered in a soft childish voice.

    Then, the letters stopped. Slowly... forming a group of words.

    “Duke Fellington’s Memoirs…”

    His eyes engrossed by the letters and vivid images appearing one after another in front of his eyes. It was telling a story, a story from a very long time ago. A lost era, only known to the wise few.

    - The Year 1007, Spring, The Dusk – Had the Gods Forsaken Us-

    Tis season known as spring, a season of warmth and joy. It’s unfortunate that there were no flowering plants or green trees in sight. Nor could I experience any of this season’s warmth at all.

    I couldn’t help myself but sigh with a heavy heart.

    I only saw corpses from all races blooming in blood, like roses in a dull soil, their petals fell.

    It’s a spring of blood.

    I saw busy coachmen with their wagons driving not the living but the dead.

    It feels stifling to see these comrades in the army thrown in the carts reserved for the dead.

    A few days ago, some of these men were even bragging, talking about drinks and all.

    Some did even claimed that they could drink the strongest beer in Maxim. Boasting that they wouldn't get drunk at all. Of course, that's a lie alright.

    We were still boasting with each other a few moments ago. Each of us promising that we would drink our fill together after this war was over.

    Yes, it was now over.



    Over for them.

    The battles continued to rage everywhere.

    Heroes fell, demigods fell, nobles and even kings fell one after another.

    The hopes in my heart were like a flickering candle flame in the middle of a windy night.

    Thus, I decided to write my heart out.

    To free me from this burden of the heart.

    I, Lord Bach Von Fellinton, the last duke of my line.

    I decided to write my words on this old heirloom as proof that I existed once upon a time.

    Well, the reason I decided to write these things was also to ease my restlessness and fears.

    The worries that were gripping my weary heart.

    The first sentence I built and inked on the first page though was….

    Have the gods forsaken us?

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    - The year 1008, Fall, The Dusk - Vagabonds-

    Ten years ago, it started.

    No one knows what started the war, nor what will end it.

    The Great War bore death, disasters, famines, and poverty.

    I’m still among the living as of now, standing along with a few brothers and sisters as we thrive to survive.

    We marched to these unknown lands where the last bounties of nature remain untainted.

    We survived through scavenging and foraging the forests. Places where the arms of war still cannot reach.

    Since many of the once fertile lands of Eudoria were now barren earth.

    Dead earth and plague lands.

    We decided to build a frontier of sorts in these lands.

    We welcomed the survivors who were able to run away from the war and arrive at this place.

    Giving them little food, a warm blanket, and a not so beautiful place to sleep.

    At first, the people were suspicious.

    Who can blame them?

    This era pulls out the best as well as the worst of a being.

    Well, at least it made them a bit happy.

    I wish to give other people the smallest ember of hope that I could give in these dark times.

    I already saw too much.

    The last bastion I could call?

    A few years before this dark era came to fruition. At a tender age of 18, I became a titled Duke. Though, it is only an empty title now.

    We were like leaves drifting on the wind. Falling from the thick branches of a dead tree, dripping like rain from a cold windowpane.

    Waiting for our inevitable end.

    No land, no riches, and no hope in sight.

    All guts, but no glory.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1097, Winter, The Dusk – the First Duke’s Slumber

    So numbed, so tired, and so lost.

    My eyes blurring, lips chilled and parched, my back hunched, arms and fingers shaking…

    The years, months and days are starting to creep its embrace towards me.

    Ah! It’s time for my successor to take the mantle now.

    I could still teach him a little bit more.

    I would not live for long.

    A few years? A few months? Well, who knows?

    Do the gods know? Are they even still alive?

    Anyway, that darn brat dared not to give me any grandchild at all!

    Sometimes, I ask myself what the heck my stubborn child’s brain was made of?

    He’s as stupid as I am when it comes to making our own decisions.

    A damning proof that my blood runs deep within his veins.

    The kid indeed is my child.

    Though, as a father, I worry about his future.

    It’s decided then. I’ll at least give him time and a nice repertoire of ladies to choose from before I die.

    Fleeting memories came and go.

    My century is gone, like that.

    I watched the small camp became a city.

    It passed like a breeze. It came and it went away.

    I'm not a powerful warrior like my son which could last a few hundred years more.

    ...

    Though...

    I fought a good fight. My heart believes.

    I could hear the calls of my bosom friends, silly brothers, cute sisters, and my beautiful wife.

    They were shouting and calling for me on another shore.

    Will my old man welcome me? Will he say I did a good job?

    I'm tired.

    Perhaps, my duty has finally ended...

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The little boy didn't understand most of the contents and images that flashing before him. The narratives gave him a surreal feeling. Reaching his tiny hands to grasp his chest, he gasped. He felt the small beats of his heart skimping as if something was resonating deep within him.

    His tiny heart lurched. He should have called his sister and brother before opening the book.

    Feeling woozy and dizzy, the little guy almost closed and sealed the book. Such vivid imagery. The story was too much for the tiny child.

    In thought, he wondered about the stories read by his caretaker. It was funnier and happier. There were flying dragons, drunk dwarves, heroic humans, smart-ass lords, and fluffy beastkins.

    How? Why? It was an answer only she knows.

    Still, the unique feeling pushed the little guy to read further, he felt forced to do so. The gears of destiny were moving.

    In the first century of the Dusk, the secrets laid and hidden in a thick mist. There were only two things the boy was sure.

    There was a war of an unimaginable scale.

    And there was death in its midst.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    - The year 1099, Summer, The Dusk – Succession-

    Before he took his last breath, my father called for me.

    He spoke with tears flowing down his cheeks.

    His legacies were like rice buds from the stalks falling in the granary, it was full of his wishes and dreams.

    In whimpers, he asked.

    He asked me how am I right then.

    He asked me would it be okay for him to leave first.

    My father seemed to be worrying too much about me.

    My mother is gone.

    I have no sons nor daughters.

    And he was about to leave me.

    He asked me with glassy eyes to find a wife though and build a family.

    He even voiced out a few unmarried girls while gasping in short breaths.

    I didn't know whether I should even cry or not.

    He told me that he had a list of wonderful ladies, asking me to at least give it a look.

    "..."

    But I do not wish for such a thing.

    I decided to thwart the thought from my mind.

    I do not want them to be born in this era were anyone might die in a snap of a finger.

    Though I am already 63 years old, he still worries too much.

    Unlike him, I could still live for a hundred years more.

    My passion for the arts of the divine allowed me to have longer longevity.

    I also look younger compared to my age.

    Besides everyone in this bastion of ours is my family.

    They are my fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters.

    I wouldn’t be...lonely...in a sense.

    But that does not mean, I would not die though.

    In a battle to defend this last bastion, I may one day fall.

    Oh. He also gave me an old memoir, its pages made from the now obsolete scribe tree.

    A very rare magical tree which produces rough paper unfettered by mother time.

    He told me to read it.

    He told me to continue it.

    And thus I will.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1109, Fall, The Dusk - Remembrance-

    I missed my father.

    My father was the smartest guy I knew.

    He toiled and burned his life for the remains of humanity.

    Along with the last living survivors, he established this paradise in hell.

    In exchange, he lost his chances for a longer life as he forsook the divine arts for those who wished to live.

    His talents obscured and lost with the passage of time.

    To give the lost a glimmer of hope in their hearts.

    As I skimmed around all his logs in the memoir, I cried and laughed.

    I never thought that my strict nagging father was so fluffy inside to the point that I cringed.

    He didn't even forget to list the names of all the unmarried ladies in the bastion in hopes that I would change my mind.

    I’m still here protecting this bastion along with some of my father’s sisters and brothers-in-arms.

    Not for long though.

    We all felt it.

    Like a lull.

    We were waiting for the final battle.

    In a hundred years or so.

    It will come.

    Definitely.

    I must prepare.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠


    -The year 1153, Fall, The Dusk – Funny Little Girl-

    Today…

    We lost someone dear.

    Two great pillars of the last bastion.

    A man and his wife, the bastions most powerful scouts.

    They were my dear friends in years.

    I did not shed tears.

    Numbed by the number of passing deaths I saw in my lifetime.

    They orphaned a little girl.

    She was nine years old.

    For her, I felt wretched and sad.

    For the first time, I decided to break one of my taboo.

    I allowed someone to call me father.

    Though, it seemed like she hates it.

    So, she called me Uncle instead.

    Such funny little girl.

    She’s like a cat, so easy to provoke.

    Though, she’s too mature for her age.

    That’s more acceptable though, due to my divine arts my looks were still the same as I was a young adult.

    After all, it's not a boast to say that I’m talented at practicing the divine arts.

    Even my father and everyone in bastion acknowledged that fact.

    The little girl sees me as a great older brother. I guess?

    Well, It’d make me feel less of an old geezer.

    Hmnn, it's decided.

    I’ll teach her my arts and my ways on how to become strong.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1183, Spring, The Dusk – Hope's not lost -

    They are here.

    I’ve been waiting for this moment for almost a hundred years.

    With their heads held high, the bastion’s last army gazed towards the upcoming enemies.

    We’ve done all we could.

    It was a preparation for a hundred years.

    Behind me, lies the last bastion of humanity.

    I heard earth-shaking roars vibrating throughout the sky, again and again.

    Seas of monsters were in our sight. There end we couldn't see. A horde.

    I am currently sitting on a chair on the top of the towering walls.

    As I write, my table covered by the strategies we were about to put in place any moment now.

    Still looking young, as if time was nothing but a word to me.

    Beside me was my feisty adopted niece, until now she refuses to call me father.

    I couldn’t help but grin every time she lashes out at me when I call her little shrimp.

    She matured enough to think for herself though.

    And well, she indeed became a…very fine lady.

    I could see that she was ready to die with me.

    The problem was…

    I am not ready.

    I am not ready to lose her…

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1183, Fall, The Dusk – A Bellyful of Laughter-

    This might be the last time I would write in this memoir.

    I already decided to pass down this memoir to my adopted daughter.

    I’ll force it to her.

    Like how my father asked me.

    I would ask her to read it.

    I would ask her to continue it.

    Anyways, I would also add my seal as my gift to her, my successor.

    I would stay here until the end.

    Until these walls fall and its bricks turn to ashes.

    The soldiers in the army all knew that this might be the last.

    Thus, they left their wills to their families, friends, and brothers.

    The months of testing and light skirmishes would be ending soon.

    Bloody hell. Ten thousands of deaths for a light skirmish!

    We already established a cave system with the help of all the races. The last remaining dwarves and gnomes allowed everyone a slim chance of survival.

    We also developed some edible scrubs that could grow there in the cave through the help of the elves.

    The livestock brought by the beastkins also helped. All races also brought some magic items necessary to live there.

    I decided that the last batch of people to retreat to the caverns must prepare and go now.

    Including those who didn't wish to remain here.

    And those who didn't belong here.

    I asked my soldiers who were the people that we still need to send to safety.

    After the not-so-loud commotion, the old veterans were the ones who earned the right to call the shots.

    But I heard almost all decided to stay.

    Those stubborn young ones who wished to stay were shooed away.

    Knocked to the ground by the old soldiers, they were loaded in the carriages.

    They looked like logs for delivery, making everyone laugh.

    The old veterans gagged the fools with clean cloths.

    Their hands sealed with tight ropes.

    The moment I saw those sleeping boys, I couldn’t help but show a thumbs up.

    Haha. Nice one old guys!

    The last reverie is about to start.

    I could hear the rumbling sounds of the marching beast army.

    It seemed like all their preparations were complete.

    The great party is about to begin.

    Oh! Rosalyn would be reading this later once she arrives at the cave.

    So, I wrote something extremely important in another paper.

    I could imagine her shock once she reads this letter.

    Thinking about it, I couldn’t help but burst in a peal of hearty laughter, a bellyful of laughter.

    My adjutants were even giving me worried looks.

    They were wondering if I finally lost my mind.

    I wrote my thoughts with zeal, the secrets of my heart bared.

    No more pretending anymore.

    The ink brush on my hand waltzed and danced on the piece of paper.

    The black ink pursued the words I have to tell.

    I decided to protect her until the end.

    It’s time, I gotta start moving my ass off.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
  3. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1184, Winter’s end, The Dusk – The Duchess –

    Every time I close my eyes, I always see the last finest hours of the bastion.

    I remember the images of crazy monsters rushing through the fortified walls, roaring as they crashed like waves into the solid bricks created by the dwarves and gnomes.

    The bastion’s hundred-year-old walls started to crumble, slowly falling from the sheer weight of the monster tide.

    Soon, death filled the four corners of the last bastion’s walls.

    The soldiers were already in blood-lust, competing with the beasts in terms of savagery as they roared along with the beats of the war drums, boosting their morale and will, knowing that this would be their final resting place.

    Their swords, spears, bows, and spells slaughtered every monster it met.

    The more they kill the safer their remaining families would be.

    I was ready to die with them and him, any time and any moment of that day.

    As long as I was with him, it would be bliss. Even in death.

    Yet, he pushed me away. That damn geezer.

    I still vividly remember what that douchebag asked me to do last year during the war.

    He stuffed my mind with things about righteousness and the things about hope.

    He ordered me to lead the remnants of the races away to safety.

    I knew we were battling on two fronts, one against the beast horde and other against time.

    I fell in a great dilemma.

    I knew this order was for the greater good. An order I couldn’t go against. But deep in my heart, I still wanted to remain.

    And he knew that…

    I couldn’t help but sigh every time I remember that moment. It was bittersweet.

    Still, I forsook my deep wishes for the many. I carried his cross for him.

    On our parting, he gave me an old-looking yet well-maintained memoir as a parting gift.

    He said it was from his father, the founder of the last bastion.

    He told me to read it when I arrived at the caves.

    He told me to write my thought freely on it just like the two of them.

    Along with it was a box, he said it was his seal and his divine art which must be kept for the future generations to come.



    And it was also for me.

    It would serve as a beacon for me and the others.

    Anyways, I knew he would make me his successor.

    Though, it was the duty that forced me to lead the remnants to safety.

    Not him.

    I mean it…

    We marched away from the last bastion. Though, it was more of a procession for the lost. I saw it all. I heard crying children on the bosom of their mothers. A shivering pregnant women weeping as she peeked from time to time at the last bastion. Mothers praying for the safety of their sons and daughters to the gods, not knowing that they had already fallen.

    Despite that, the carriages’ wheels continued to turn and move, there was no turning back.

    This lady carried it on her heart, the burden of the living as well as his own share of the burden.

    It is winter now, yet it’s warm, no snow fell from the sky.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1184, Spring, The Dusk – The Duchess Fellinton’s Ring-

    We continued the journey which lasted for a month. When we arrived at our destination at that time, everyone was already anxious and tired. We were warmly welcomed by the hearty dwarves and the intelligent gnomes upon our arrival.

    Before we entered our new home, I saw many weary eyes still peering at the direction of the last bastion. They were hoping for a sign. Hoping to see the smiling faces of their husbands, their friends, their sons, their daughter, their brothers, their sisters, and their Duke.

    I decided to wait. No…

    We all decided to wait.

    We waited until the sunset, till the skies were robbed of its brightness. Until the night breeze and darkness blew the light in our burning candles.

    It was already getting cold.

    Thus, I strictly ordered everyone at that time to settle in with the assistance of the gnomes and dwarves.

    One more month passed, our lingering hopes were already fading. There were no more messengers coming from the last bastion. Perhaps, it had already fallen.

    Until one night, few of the young scouts managed to find someone around the dead forest, nearby the edges of the cave.

    Purple patches of bruise covered the body of the man, signs of dried blood covered the dry grasses around him. One of man’s arm was teared-off in a brutal manner. Perhaps, chewed off would be a better term.

    His face pale as a sheet of paper, dried tears mixed with dust could be seen trailing in the sides of his still wide-open eyes.

    His body lying like a twig along the dead branches on this cold dark forest.

    It was one of my brother-in-arms, a promising soldier in the bastion’s army.

    I remembered that he was one of the most trusted soldiers of that guy.

    I lowered my knees to the ground, then I gently closed his eyes. I grieved.

    He had already passed away for quite some time.

    I noticed that his remaining hand was grasping something tightly, as I open his stiff fingers one by one, a crumpled letter fell to the cold earth.

    Slowly, I opened the wrinkled paper.

    And…

    My tears fell…





    I ran immediately to the cave, forgetting everything.

    I looked for the locked box containing his seal and art.

    Sobbing silently, I opened it, I saw the book of his divine art, his seal…

    And a ring, a tiny paper tied to its upper shank coiling like a snake, too scared to let go.

    My finger’s trembling, I slowly opened it.

    “My Dear Rosalyn,”

    Wait for me. I knew you love me… Will you marry me?


    Gently, I lose my grip on the letter from the departed messenger. I bit my lips till it bled. It landed on the ground, the words within were written on glimmering blood. My warm tears flowed uncontrollably, it fell like white snow on a wintry night.

    “My Rosalyn”

    I’m sorry… I would not be able to stay with you till we grow old…






    So he knew…

    Yet, this damn jerk decided to make me cry till his last.

    This stupid guy didn’t even allow me to say goodbye.

    Until the end, he’s still a bastard.

    ♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1244, Spring, The Dusk – Beauty Blooms in Death-

    Gazing at the old mirror beside my table, the time had been too kind to me. No wrinkles nor age spots could be seen.

    My looks were the same as before I led the exodus of the last remnants here.

    But so as my feelings for him.

    My yearning heart still burning, full of incandescence. My hope lifted up my will to continue and hold on.

    More determined than ever to safeguard what he had left to me. I promised myself to live his share till the last.

    I also look at the logs of my predecessor and the buffoon. My father-in-law is a man of wit and words while the buffoon was still a buffoon in his writing. Though, it seemed like the two loved to use one-liners instead of paragraphs. It’s really manly. So I decided to put more descriptions and words for my successor later.

    Counting from the fall of the last bastion, forty-nine years had already passed and only a few things had changed.

    Life continued for me, the remnants - and the beasts outside.

    Though the number of encounters and skirmishes with the beast horde was starting to dwindle fast. Aside from the few preys falling to our traps and ambushes from time to time, there was none.

    It’s a piece of very welcome news for everyone.

    Still, my consciousness tells me that it never hurts to be more cautious, especially in this era of chaos where dangers lurk in every shadow.

    After all, I saw and experienced some events that only a few know.

    I decided to write it on this memoir, as a warning to those who would inherit this book, if there's any.

    It happened in the year 1227, Mid-spring of this era. An era of blood and gore.

    We were curious and scared of what was happening above the ground. After the fall of the last bastion, the information we were able to get from the outside world slowly declined to nil.

    Information was a lifeline for everyone here in the cave systems, especially in this rapidly changing world.

    So I, along with the other leaders and elders agreed to send some scouts for a reconnaissance mission. We commissioned five elites for the operation. Thinking that they could give us a better view of what’s really happening outside.

    We called it “Operation Seeker”. We hoped to seek light and hope.

    Fully geared and well-supplied, the scouts started their journey to the vast wasteland.

    Then, we waited and let the days take its course.

    Until one day, they returned from the long journey.

    It took three months before they decided to end their mission.

    I sighed in relief after I saw there weary and dirt-covered faces.

    We allowed them to take three days of rest so that they could relax while arranging all the information they had accumulated.

    And it took us that three days to realize…

    That it was a mistake we never intended to make.

    The first day passed with everything still fine.

    Early morning of the second day came, three of the scouts fell asleep, never to wake up as eternal slumber embraced them whole. Their lifeless bodies covered with patches of violet, creeping like ivies as it entwined the corpses. As fast as we could, we isolated the remaining two. We burned the dead ones as fast as we could, not willing to take chances. An epidemic spreading around the cave-dwelling would be the last thing we want.

    Wasting no time, we decided to seek clarity of what was happening and what did they really see. The two scouts also agreed as colored bruises slithered in their skins.

    Narrating what they discovered one by one, their encounters were just what I expected to hear.

    Rotting corpses of beast and man alike sprawled in all places their eyes could reach. Caws and Kraa’s of crows echoing in chorus throughout the now lost lands as if declaring their dominion over their new home. They saw towering beast mowing the ruins of civilization, seeking for any possible survivors in this no-man’s land.

    They roamed to seek the living only to find death across the land. Yes, even in the last bastion…

    Their narration ended with no clear answer.

    I questioned them whether they knew what made them sick.

    Instead of hearing any answer, blank stares were their response. They didn’t know.

    Along with the others, we nitpicked each of the details of the information they gave, none of us slept due to anxiousness.

    Yet, the conclusion we sought never came, we couldn't see any patterns nor details that could explain what was happening.

    The night came carrying the reaper's scythe, another scout had succumbed. His corpse cremated just like the three before him. From five, we were down to one.

    The third day came.

    Early in the morning, the sentry guarding the last scout’s isolated room sent a letter asking me to immediately go to the isolation room. The last elite was asking for me, claiming that he now remembered the cause of their current predicament.

    I was curious…very curious at that time.

    My steps light as the wind, I arrived at the isolated room where the man stayed.

    The man wished to have a talk with me alone with no barriers, walls nor other people between us.

    Respecting his will, I granted it, though with some assurances.

    My body shielded by a white aura originating from my divine arts, I entered the isolation room, my slow and deep steps echoed across the room.

    I saw deep scratches on the walls tainted with blood, some clipped nails stuck on it.

    Looking around the place, an image of a man crouching on one side of the room welcomed me. The man’s face twisted in extreme pain, bulges of veins could be seen all over his body. The violet patches were like a sloth slinking towards his left cheek, his suffering revealed to me in its full glory.

    The man took a deep breath and looked at me. He mumbled vague words about a field of white lilies they found after running away from the towering beast. Grating his teeth, he told me to be wary of those flowers. And watch him…

    Yes, watch his disturbing suffering…

    I asked him why he was only telling the story now.

    Yet, no answer came.

    I saw him spasming and writhing on the ground, the shadows of death slowly dragging him to the dark abyss. I felt like he was fighting something deep within him.

    I asked him whether he wished for a painless death.

    Yet, he replied with a sobbing no.

    He then shouted the word “watch” unceasingly like a cornered beast on its death throes.

    The patches in his cheeks wriggled upwards to each of his eyes. The moment the patches reached his eyes, I felt his pulse weakening.

    Then the man took a deep breath in difficulty, it sounded like a gasp of an old dying man. Gathering his last straws of strength and will, he then uttered.

    “It made us forget.”

    He had lost his breath upon finishing those words.

    I can’t describe what I really felt that day.

    If you asked me I could say it wasn’t anger, pity, nor shock…



    It was pure, unadulterated horror.

    After his death, I saw tendrils of a plant rising up from the ground gently coiling around his body.

    Stalks of a familiar plant gently grew and appeared from the now coiled corpse.

    In a few moments, a beautiful white flower bloomed from its shoots.



    Lilies, a symbol of hope, purity, and innocence.

    It’s beauty, so beguiling.

    I felt an extreme yearning coming from my heart as if someone was calling me to give it a light touch.

    Hairs all over my body shivered in caution, signaling danger. My instincts screamed as if it knew of the screaming peril coming. It was a parasitic monster.

    Yet, I stood there. I was stunned, mesmerized, and charmed.

    I knew I was its prey.

    Step by step, I strode like a wild rabbit walking into a wide-open hunter trap.

    I couldn’t help but grimaced in terror and helplessness. That was the second time I felt so vulnerable ever since the fall of the last bastion.

    The moment the stalks blossomed, the white aura emitted by my divine art roared in wrath, like a dragon appearing without any notice it slammed towards the innocent lilies.

    Awaken from my stupor, I saw a wicked sight.

    The white lilies turned black, it’s stems and leaves now looking like patches of innards stuffed together to make a grotesque art. Each of the flower’s petals showing writhing faces of suffering, pain, wrath, helplessness, sloth, envy, greed, and death. There I saw a familiar face, it was the man who just died, his eyes hollowed and mouth opened wide as if screaming to be freed from his curse.

    I retched after getting a whiff of the stench coming from it. The smell seemed to be coming from a rotting mountain of corpses with maggots and worms feasting all over it. That was the first time I ever smelled something so abysmal. I felt the acids of my stomach rushing to my esophagus then to my mouth, its sour taste sensed by my tongue.

    I retched.

    Alarm bells rang all throughout my brain as I gathered the most powerful white flame I am capable of. It seemed like that the divine art I practiced abhors it to no end. It was calling me to burn and exterminate this appalling creature to the crisp of inexistence.

    This creature must not exist!

    Taking a deep breath, I gathered all of my white divine aura in my palms. I could feel an intense flame roaring in my hands, the white flame in my hands was extremely livid as if it was throwing insults and curses at the malevolent flower. This was the first time that the flame aura I gained from the bastard’s divine art acted like a sentient being. Drops of sweat formed at my eyebrows as I closed my palms and balled it into a fist. In a few moments, I gasped as the flame in my fist changed its color from clean white to deep violet. I felt deep awe and reverence rising within the depths of my heart. Then, I felt at ease.

    Then I heard a whisper of a lady…

    “Burn!”

    I felt shocked as I look around the small isolated room to look for the source of the voice. Yet, there was no one around.

    My soul was telling me to follow the plea of the whisper.

    Fearing that I would lose control of the great flame, I gritted my teeth and threw the most powerful blazing punch that I could at the monstrosity. Fortunately, there were no booms that occurred as I smite inexplicable creature to its death. I could even hear my heartbeats galloping in a rhythmic manner, it sounded like a war drum due to fear that it would affect the cave system.

    The lilies, no – the monster screamed like a banshee on its death throes as the white and violet blaze engulfed its existence.

    All of a sudden, I felt the violet blaze was sighing in relief. I put my hand at my head thinking that I might be feeling a bit disillusion. The violent blaze was still continuously scorching the demonic flower to crisp as if it was making sure that none of its ashes shall remain.



    I puked my guts out after the ordeal.

    My heart was still stumping hard as I felt death brushing over me.

    Not even on the battlefield of the last bastion did I saw such a horrible existence.



    I now understand what happened to them as silence returned to the room. Only a few flickers of violet flame continued to burn on the ground.

    I gave one more look at the ashes of the monster and my comrade.

    Striding away from the isolated room, I decided to tell the tale only to a few of my trusted men.

    For fear isn’t what we need right now.

    But hope.
     
  4. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1298, Fall, The Dusk – Dreams and Wishes -

    Three hundred years had passed since the start of the war. Three hundred years since the first duke wrote on this paper. Three hundred years since the burning of Elvenfield and the World Tree – The cradle of the elves and fairies. Three hundred years since the fall of the great Maximus – The capital of the human empire. Three hundred years since the fall vast Orcus – The lands of the orcs. Three hundred years since the downfall of Runemar – The center of the crafting world, home for the gnomes and dwarves. Three hundred years since the ruin of Levastain – the kingdom of the beastkins. Ah! Three hundred years since we all lost our homes.

    Few streaks of white hair now flow on my hair, my face now concealing a few lines of furrows. It made me feel a little peeved. If I wrote and say only a few, I mean only a few okay? I couldn’t help myself but itch to pinch away those white streaks of mine. But in the end, I am always stopped by the dwarves and elves, saying it was a sign of great wisdom while the other said it was beautiful. On the other hand, the beastkins and orcs were telling me that these white hairs were a sign of authority.

    Authority my ass! It’s a responsibility! And it’s very heavy. I’m gonna torch the asses of these beastkins and orcs one day.



    I knew long ago that I wasn’t as talented as that guy in terms of mastering the divine art, he was a freak of our era. A wonder of a generation. My age was catching up with me. Anyway, for people like me, age was just a number.

    Who am I kidding anyway!

    I still looked young and cute not counting the few white streaks in my hair.

    The population in the cave-systems was growing like a mushroom as time passed, the jolly kids kept popping out everywhere as I looked at my window. It seemed like the few years of peace had contributed to the increase in our population, hastening the need for more homes and goods. So I along with the elders from different races decided to extend the cave again, a project that literally bore us a new great view.

    With the aid of the dwarves and gnomes, the subterranean dwellings had increased in size once again. Yet, all the races longed for one more thing, they wished for their children to see the sun and the sky. They felt the children need to know that it was light that belongs to them not this dark mossy cave.

    Thus, with everyone's help, we engineered and developed a way to make it come true.

    Above the roofs of the cavern now lies a massive hole connected to the dull sky outside, its aesthetics satisfying the fairies and elves. It’s an enchanted architectural craft built through the joint efforts of all the races inside the cave-dwelling. The dwarves and gnomes even praise it as an architectural wonder.

    The great success proved that the races could work together for the greater good; the dwarven blacksmiths crafted the tools for the groundwork; the gnomes invented the runic blueprint for this ambitious plan, the humans contributed their art and magic to serve as foundation; the beastkins’ shamans inked their totems to strengthen the magic array that would serve as protection of cave-dwelling; the elves and the fairies deployed their mythic art to camouflage the cave-systems, and the Orcus tribe doing the odd jobs that required manual labor and muscle power.

    At the end of the construction, they forced this duchess to name the giant hole in the middle of the dwelling. Well, this proves that this old woman is still popular among the young ones. I felt a little glad. I looked at the big hole in the sky thinking of a nice name. At first, I decided to name it the “big big hole” as it should be. But due to scathing looks given to me by the elves, fairies, dwarves and the gnomes, I decided to call it the “Heaven’s Stairway” instead. Soothing the nerves of some grumpy old ladies and old foggies. What’s wrong with calling it a big hole right? It’s a pure and nice big hole in my eyes.

    Maybe before I die this cave system would become a massive metropolis where races co-exist as one big family. A place where races don’t even matter.

    Glancing outside through my old window, I felt a breeze of fulfillment leaping out of my chest. I could see the little children of different races playing and laughing together, the little ones carry no burden on their backs, running as fast as the world allowed them too. Mothers taking care of chores, gossiping about each other’s husbands and in-laws.

    On the other hand, the men were working hard, budding seeds, planting crops and growing livestock. It was a sight to behold, never did I thought that the apocalyptic war could bring everyone together with their differences set aside.

    I wasn’t able to see such sight during my life in the last bastion. Perhaps, not even during the time of the first duke.

    In our time, there were only death, war, famine, and fear as if our lives were only wilted grasses on the ground waiting to be stepped on and crushed.

    I think the gods witnessed our misery, granting us this peaceful solace. For this place was a great blessing for those who sought refuge that day.

    If only that stubborn old man settled with me here instead of staying in that bastion. Maybe, my life would be bliss right now… Perhaps… Perhaps not.



    Age tends to make women more emotional…

    You know as of late, my dreams kept repeating and repeating a certain setup. It was a situation that I wished deeply in my heart. At first, I could only see a man waving at me, on another shore.

    I thought it was just some good old nightmare. I thought that the old reaper was waiving at me. Yet, as my dreams continued every night, the man’s visage started to become more and more vivid and familiar. Wide shoulders of a bulky man, a long loose chestnut hair fluttering in the wind, his strong hand continuously waving at me. A cheeky grin masking his face. So cheeky I want to slap it with all my strength. I want to send those pearly whites of his flying away in the shoreline.

    The dawn would then came, burdened by the litters in my dream, few tears staining my face as I open my eyes from my creaking bed.

    Even just for a few moments, at least this dream and wish of mine came true.

    I never felt so glad as I wake up for another day…

    Thus, I write this passage to share a bit of my happiness to future generations.

    I believe that we still have hope and a future.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The little boy with an ash-grey hair looked at the images appearing at his mind, he felt that he was in the midst of every letter and at the center of every image. At first, the kid wanted to help the old grandpa in building the bastion. But he failed since he couldn’t touch anything. Then during the fall of the last bastion, he wanted to tell the shiny man to go with the beautiful sister to the caves. Yet, neither his whispers nor shouts reached him.

    He watched the beautiful sister writing every night on the old grandpa’s book with tears in her eyes. He wished to comfort the beautiful sister by petting her head like what his mom and dad do to him every time he was sad. Yet, he couldn’t touch her.



    He couldn’t.

    That he finally understood.

    From then on he knew that he was just a bystander, a watcher. A spectator in a place unknown. An observer with tied hands. He stood still, watching everything happening yet unable to touch anything, unable to do anything.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    -The year 1299, Spring, The Dusk – Weeping Heavens –

    Last night, in the middle of our slumber, an abrupt ear-piercing sound boomed like peals of thunder during a storm, the deafening echoes surged throughout the vast lands of the Eudorian Continent. At first, we thought it was just a storm. Yet after looking above the Heaven’s Stairway we were dumfounded. There were three pillars of light bursting out from the once dark sky, its luster purging the dimness of the starless nights of the Dusk. Then, the night turned bright, painting the sky with hope and anticipation. A series of intense vibration drummed all over the caverns as spatial rifts appeared in the sky.

    I thought it was the end. They finally found us.

    I heard the rumbles and crackles originating from the rifts, I could not help but gasped as the hairs on my skin stood up due to instinctive fear.

    I ordered an immediate evacuation.

    I thought that the end was extending its hand towards everyone. Hoping for a chance of survival, I along with other old ones immediately gathered together to form a last stand as we cast the biggest magic shield we could produce in a short time, wishing to at least give the little ones a few minutes to evacuate to another area.

    All of a sudden, three circular domes emerged from the sky. I witnessed three silhouettes controlling the very essence of gravity as their dainty feet drifted in the air. In contradiction to their divine presence, sets of chains bounded their hands and feet while their mouths gag by a black mass. I could feel that those chain were very heavy. So heavy that I wouldn’t even be able to lift it away from the ground.

    In a moment, I saw the heavy chains cracked as each of its pieces slipped down from the sky, turning into moats of lights before it could even plunge to the now hard and barren soil, the once-great land of Eudoria.

    We finally saw what the pillars were.

    They were three ladies.

    I could see the two of the three doll-like ladies, their eyes observing everything as they stood in the sky.



    The first lady was garbed in long white-satin robe her eyes blue as the ocean. Dangling from her shoulders, the damsel’s light blue hair sashayed with the cold night breeze. She was looking at me, no perhaps she was looking at everybody. Her gaze carried a soft gentle whiff, like a mother looking at her beloved children. It felt like a warm embrace was coddling me, evoking beads of tears to fall from my aged eyes. It felt like I saw my long-dead parents from her gaze.

    I looked around and saw other oldies sniffing along with me. I knew it! It wasn’t just me. There was something more in them than meets the eye.

    Damn, I almost thought that this old lady’s age was acting up again.

    The second damsel was a little girl clad in white armor. I couldn’t help but think that she looked silly in such attire. Her eyes were like red rubies in harmony with her long crimson hair. Unlike the lady in satin, she carried a passionate aura. Her presence was like a burning coal in a long winter night, heartening and soothing. She was like a burning hearth on a cold snowy night. An unending bundle of warmness that I so dearly wished to hug before I sleep.

    I would love her to be the daughter I never had.

    Unlike the first two, the last dame had more chains and manacles sealing her movement. Her eyes were also covered by a thick black cloth as if preventing her from seeing something. A few minutes passed, the chains and the black cloth disintegrated into flakes of light, freeing the lady from her captivity.

    Her eyes were like clear purple lilac blooming in the night, containing images of innocence and deep love… as well as pain. Her deep-black hair whirled along with her purple silken flared gown.

    The moment her bindings dissipated, the other two cast their moist gazes at her. Their lips gently slipped as if they were trying to find words of comfort to say yet were unable too, their eyes dropped into a corner, sorrow and forlorn weighing on their gaze.

    Three hundred years…

    Echoing throughout the heavens, those were the first words we heard from the lilac lady. Her tears sliding from her cheeks like rain, it carried the burden of the three centuries of waiting and helplessness.

    Upon saying that, we could all tell that she was weeping.

    Hearing her peals of sobs I couldn’t help but gasped, my heartfelt tight and full as if acknowledging the release of her hundred years of frustration, anger, and helplessness. The feelings I locked deep within my heart bubbled up to my eyes.

    My old tears were rekindled by her, my memories flashed like it was just a few days ago. My 155-years’ worth of memories drizzled in my mind. From the laughing young ones of the cavern, the hard-working cave-dwellers, the always hopeful elders, to the warmth of my mom’s hug, my dad’s big back, and that buffoon’s hearty laughs.

    In just a few seconds, the reminiscences passed by like pitter-patters of rain.



    I cried…

    No, we cried. We felt like we were about to be released from our dark prisons. The prison called “The Dusk”.

    The lady’s tears swept my old burdens away.

    She then uttered in a firm voice. Two sentences that I would never forget. Thus, I decided to share it with you, my successors. The last miracle of our era. For it was the end of that age as well as the start of a new one. It was a sad whisper and a frightening roar.

    The first one was…

    “I’m sorry I am late.”

    The second one was…

    “Let the Darkness Tremble!”
     
  5. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    I had a good hunt today. I managed to catch a yummy looking fowl as well as a rare dear. I guess it accidentally separated from its herd after being hunted by a predator, maybe it was a bear or perhaps a pack of wolves. Well, thanks to them I managed to catch a good game. It seemed like we would have a sumptuous dinner of venison meat tonight. Thinking about whether my wife would stew or grill it, I couldn’t help but drool.

    Oh, maybe I’ll sell a little to the other villagers. I’ll also give a bit to our overworked old chief, my sister, and my in-laws. I’ll also ask my wife to smoke some of the meat, saving it for my later hunts. Then I’ll tan the deerskin and make hunting clothes to combat the cold during winter.

    Anyways, I heard that a new lord will come today. Should I also give him some? Hmnn, never mind. The others will think I’m sucking up to the new lord. Some of the old people here could really be petty and nasty at times, they’ll never even let such simple gossip die down.

    I am worried about our old chief. The old chief would have a lot of explaining to do. This village had at least 500 people and only a few people are working to sustain the village, just enough to provide the village with enough food for the last winter. Aside from that, most of the working villagers were the old people or middle-aged men like me. Though, the village has a lot of young dimwits who don’t want to work or so slow at work. Forcing them to their jobs had been a real pain in the ass, I’d rather do the job myself rather than wait for those slowpokes.

    Will the new lord maintain the old tax rate? I hope it stays the same. As long as we have good food on the table, that’s good enough. If the new lord increased the tax rate a lot of villagers would definitely starve. After all, the number of the last few years' harvests was dwindling and getting meager and meager.

    It even forced the village elders to look for outside help but to no avail. Adding coal to the fire, the young dimwits don’t even understand our predicament. Their heads were only loaded with romance and heroes. They won’t even care about the tilling and farming preparations for the next winter. If you beat them up, they’ll do their work for a few days. Then, they would return to their usual ways.

    Thinking about such things gives me a big headache. I’m really bad at thinking, I’d rather go and hunt. I’ll leave the thinking matters to the old chief and the others.

    The village of Lother could be considered as a young village, as compared to its counterparts in the other regions. Thirty years ago this place was just a little hamlet roughly prepared by young soldiers during the monster subjugation of the great forest of wilderness. My old father even wears his old shabby army uniform from time to time, telling thrilling stories to those who were not born yet at that time. If it’s children, he’ll tell heroic stories.

    If it’s a young man or a young lady he’ll tell stories of tragedies during the campaign, scaring them until some of the youth wet their pants. I wonder what’s going in the old man’s mind. My old man just loved teasing the young ones. He also tends to reminiscence his experiences in the army.

    I once heard from him that this village was just a little hamlet before. It was once used as an army camp thirty years ago. The army commander of that time knew that monster subjugation missions usually take more than a few months, if things go south it would even take a year to complete. The commander knew that they would need a makeshift resting camp, temporary shelter and home for the tired soldiers.

    My old man always told us that the commander was a kind man. The commander also wished to improve the soldiers’ lives after the war since most of these young guys were considered a family burden. The commander knew that his soldiers were mostly second, third, and fourth sons that wouldn’t inherit any of their parents’ properties. They couldn’t be even married off like young girls, troubling their poor households.

    Instead, they would only add expenses and problems to their families. Their families would eventually let them become independent once the firstborn son officially inherits the house, throwing them away in the street, leaving them with nothing aside from a few clothes and coins.

    Some would be able to find a job, but the majority would have nowhere to go, traveling from one place to another until they find a good job. One of them was my old’ father, he said he’s family wasn’t rich so the family was forced to throw him out of the house after his parents died and his eldest brother inherited the house.

    Since they couldn’t stay, most of these young men forced themselves to apply in the army or enlist in conscription orders for monster subjugations and wars despite the high possibility of death, thinking that they might be luck out in the army. At least, they would not starve and would have some savings for themselves.

    Feeling pity for his soldiers, the commander decided to build this little camp to at least let the young guys have a place to settle in after this monster subjugation. He knew that most of his soldiers had no place to go back to at all.

    According to my old man, the little peddlers and merchants eventually smelled the sweet scent of profit after monster subjugation took longer than the commander’s initial estimation due to the tenacious nature of monsters in the forest. The

    The peddlers and merchants knew that the army would require more rations aside from what the kingdom provided. The merchants and peddlers opened their shops thinkin’ they could get some rare monster materials to sell in the capital. They brought their coins along with their families, gambling for a chance to get big transactions.

    Some succeeded while others lost their capitals eventually forcing them to stay in the army camp and lived there to at least recover a few coins to start another venture. After all, the materials from strong monsters were a common ingredient used to create potions, medicines, and even weapons.

    As the subjugation of the forest of wilderness progressed, my old’ man also told us that the number of dead soldiers also increased due to the fierce battles with the monsters. There were even a lot of cases reported about a number of undead appearing in the forest due to improper burial of the dead, damaging the morale of the tired soldiers.

    The event even forced the commander to write a letter of request to the King and the Priestess much to his annoyance. He requested a dispatch of clergies to deal with the dead and a few gold coins to build a new church. It was also to bless the souls of the deceased, preventing them from becoming undead.

    The request of the subjugation commander had unknowingly caused the little hamlet to officially become a village. The place finally had a little market, a good number of soldiers that wished to live here, and a brand new chapel.

    Upon the end of the subjugation, the makeshift camp eventually became a village called Lother Village, after the name of the kind commander, General Lother Hayes Mills.



    I ran back to the village with deer on my back and the fowl tied on my sides. I thought I should at least look at the new lord. It would be troubling if I don’t know his face. I wonder if he’s an old man just like the village chief and my father.

    “Oh! Higgs, you caught a big one today. Eh, ain’t that a dear! Oops, my drool. Damn! You’re really in luck today,” It was an old man with a shepherd’s cane. He was herding some animals to graze in the pasture.

    “Ol’ Gil, it was a good hunt. It seemed like the dear was accidentally separated from its herd, making it easy to hunt,” I answered, behind my back was the dead deer, I raised the sides of my mouth in pride. “How about it ya’ want some?”

    “Eh, really? Yal’ give me some? The shepherd answered, his eyes full of questions.

    “Well, I’ll want some of yar’ goat’s milk and cheese in exchange.” The burly hunter scratched his cheeks. “Ya’ see, my wife and the little guy in my house loves milk. And I love yar’ cheese. It’s very tasty.”

    “Fine! Ya’ really know my stuff, Higgs.” The shepherd said as he touched his nearly bald head. “But I’ll only have little cheese, about the size of a fist. Is that alright?”

    Hearing the old shepherd agreeing with my barter offer, I grinned and whistled like a child. The old man’s goat cheese was one of my favorite foods even when I was still a child. Well, the little boy in my home also loved it.

    “Alright!” I almost drooled as I answer, I think the cheese would definitely go well with this meat. “I’ll go to yar’ house later after I butcher the deer. Prepare yar’ cheese alright! Hahaha.”

    “Suit yar’ self,” the old shepherd smiled, his eyes still glued at the deer meat. “See ya’ later, I gotta move to another place now.”

    I waltzed my way towards the village until I eventually reached the village plaza. There were a lot of villagers in the plaza today, both the old people and the lazy younguns’ were gathered here, their curious eyes fixed at the village’s main road. The new lord would finally arrive today. I could hear the buzzing gossips of the villagers about the new lord.

    I’d rather bring this deer back to the butcher first than listen to this gossips. I hate chinwags, their murmurs sounded like flies to my ears. I even get an urged to slap them dead. They were so annoying. The forest was much more peaceful as compared to this place. They were whispering with each yet their voices were loud enough for everyone to hear. It’s so irritating.

    Well, I guess I’ll at least wait a little bit more until I see the shadow of the new lord. My eyes are good enough to see him from afar. Well, it would give me a few stories to tell the kid later. After that, I’ll go to Butcher Gan and asked for his help.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The thin flickers of light signaled the cry of the new day. The chirping of the birds and the boisterous noises coming from the running kids heralded the coming of springtime for the village of Lother. The young kids chortled and giggled as they play around the village’s wooden fences, picking branches from the nearby tree to play princess and the night. They were as free as the doves, making the village more alive with their innocence.

    The main plaza of the Lother Village was buzzing with the sounds of laughter and whispers from the chattering of the villagers. A mixture of anticipation, hope, and nervousness could all be seen in the eyes of the men, women, and even children.

    “I heard that the family of the Knight Brooks would be transferred to this village today.” The lanky village carpenter Zaan spoke: “I believed he tasked by the Lord Baron to further develop the wilderness.”

    "The forest of wilderness, though full of danger, is also full of unique plants, animals and monsters. “The village carpenter added. "When I went to town, I tried selling a unique plant that I found in the forest and it fetched quite a nice price there. I also overheard that this village will be the knight's fee from Baron Gisvon."

    Suddenly, a young child shouted; “Daddy! I was the one who picked that plant up”. Inviting the laughter of the villagers.

    “Hahaha, Brat! What's yours is mine. I’m your father. You hear that young’un!” Zaan, the head carpenter of the village had his thick cheeks reddening a bit like a ripe fresh apple. “Just wait, hmmp, you're gunna get beaten with my wooden stick latter.”

    Hearing what his father said, the little child immediately pouted and ran after the group of children playing nearby, apparently trying to avoid further angering his petty father.

    On the other side of the plaza, a few elders were chatting with each other as they waited for the arrival of the new lord. They were assigned by the old chief to welcome the Lord and to lead the crowd.

    “I wish the new lord would not take to much of our harvest.” An old fat elder murmured, his tone showing a few of his frustrations. “If not, many of us will definitely not last for another winter. The damn fields are not producing enough harvest for us!

    “Damn old man, you’re cursing us!” A skinny old man tried to avoid the jinx as he cursed the guy. “The goddesses would definitely take you first next winter first.”

    “What did you say!? The old fat elder’s face turned tomato red. “You bag of bones! You dare!? The goddess would definitely take you first!” They'll need your wood-like skeletons to warm their hearth next winter!”

    “Bah! Who will need this bag of old bones?” The skinny old man laughed. “Your fats would be good enough to let the fire in their hearth burn throughout the winter.”

    “Shut up!” The fat old man huffed. “Are you cursing me to die in anger!?

    “Haha, guess? A witty look appeared on the face of the skinny old man. “Anyway, how about we get your lazy grandson to help in the fields?”

    “Trash! I’d rather till the fields all day than convince that no-good kid to do farm work.” The fats in the old man shook. “His laziness would kill me faster than talking with you!”

    Clak... click, clack. Clack.

    The sound of horse hooves suddenly clamored around the street, silencing the chatting old men. It also invited the expectant gazes of the people nearby. Sitting on the strong horse, was a muscular bearded man. He has brownish hair, blood-red pupils, and a manly face. His gaze was sharp as an iron, but upon looking closely it was also full of passion and warmth. The knight’s posture resembled the noon itself, firm and fiery.

    There were almost 30 horses in the knight’s contingent; 10 horses were used to transport provisions, 8 horse for the wooden carriages behind, and the rest were ridden by the esquires and the knight’s family.

    The villagers were enamored after seeing their new lord and the knight’s escorts. It seemed like they were curious and a bit intimidated by the appearance of the knight.

    Although the knights were one of the lowest ranks in the nobility, a noble was still a noble. Their appearance could still be considered rare; they could mostly only be seen during wartime, territorial campaigns, and in big cities. The last time the village saw a noble was a few years ago during a surprise inspection by the Lord Baron.

    “Halt! Halt!” shouted the knight in a booming voice. “Haha! At last after a week of the journey. We already arrived at this fief of mine. See this, my beautiful lady? This land is ours as promised by the Lord Baron.”

    Behind the proud knight, was a beautiful lady. The lady had unique silver hair draping down her slim waist. She had an oval-shaped face that would seem to fit a man’s palm. In the eyes of the villagers, she was like a goddess, a rare beauty. Though the lady’s attire was like a knight, it only made the lady more charming and endearing.

    Sounds of choking and pain could be heard from the men of Lother. It seemed like the pinches of the village women have awoken the men from their stupid stupor. They lowered their heads because of the sheer embarrassment and excitement.

    Seeing her husband’s playful grin along with the word “darling”, triggered a little tiny bit of embarrassment from the lady. Setting that aside, the lady chastised her husband while giggling a little, her eyes now looking at the curious villagers.

    “Levo, stop that. Introduce yourself to the villagers properly.” The charming lady gazed at the burly man. “Look at them they are already gawking at us. Please explain to them what we came here for, introduce our little guys along the way.”

    “Villagers of Lother! Hear me. I am Knight Levo von Brooks! Knight of Baron Gisvold and your new lord. The village of lother was awarded to me by the baron upon my merits.” The knight announced loudly. “Behind me is my wife, Madame Annis von Brooks, and the 3 behind her are my children bore of her. Hey, little guys do introduce yourself!”

    Hearing the words Madame and wife, many of the men gulped hard in fear and lowered their heads deeper. They never thought that the lady was actually the madame. They remembered the terrifying stories spread by the traveling bards about villagers getting beheaded along with their whole family after getting caught having dealings with a noble’s wife.

    Meanwhile, the eyes of the women dilated then rounded upon hearing the words bore and children, they also never thought that the madame actually managed to bore three children and still look like that.

    “I am Liszt von Brooks, the eldest son of Knight Brooks! I’m 10 years old. A pleasure to meet you.” The grayish haired child said. It seems like the little guy with baby fats in his face managed to inherit his father's sharp red gaze.

    Then a little silver-haired girl firmly walked near towards the madame’s side. She curtsied at the villagers and said;” I’m Ciera von Brooks, firstborn daughter of Knight. I’m 8 years old. A pleasure to meet thee, acquaintance.”

    The little lady resembles her mother more. The villagers believed that she would definitely be a beauty when she grows up. Her eyes were shining with curiosity and wittiness.

    Lastly… The villagers tried to look at where the third one was but to no avail. Then suddenly, a little one shyly strutted at the front of the villagers. Mumbling a little, the little boy said.

    “I ’m, I’m. hmm. My name is Klive and I’m the youngest! I’m..hmnn wait let me count.”, counting with his tiny fingers he proudly added; I am 6 years old. The boy had a striking grayish hair and blue eyes, seemingly inheriting both his parent’s looks. He looked rather clever, amusing, and full of life.

    Seeing the funny little lord, the tension in the air slowly dissipated into nothingness. There were gawking and weak giggles coming from the villagers. While some of the curious children eyed the gray-haired little boy while hiding behind their parents. Hearing the peals of mirth in the air, the little lord pouted and hid behind his mother again, his blue eyes peeking a little at the villagers.

    “Lord Knight! We are at your service!” said the villagers in a loud and clear voice, their knees and heads lowered on the ground. It was something they had rehearsed a few days ago under the instructions of the old village chief.

    Looking at the villagers, the Knight grinned at the villagers.

    “Stand up! Bring us to the village head. Lead us to his house!”

    The villagers bowed their heads towards the knight in agreement. It seemed like what the old chief taught them about etiquette had been put to good use. Their actions gave the knight a good impression.

    “Yes, Lord Knight!”

    Thus, signaling the arrival of the family of Knight Brooks.
     
  6. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The news about the arrival of the Knight and his contingent quickly spread throughout the village. It triggered the curiosity of the whole village. The villagers gingerly talked about the affairs that happened in the village plaza.

    There were some young men bragging about what they saw to the young ladies of the village. They puffed up their chest as if they were a protagonist of a heroic tale, adding sweet nothings to their every word. The young ladies, on the other hand, giggled sweetly in turn, triggering the young ones to brag to point of insanity.

    The village elders were looking daggers at the naive youths, some even shouting at the young brats to help in tilling the fields. Nevertheless, the hoarse shouts just fell into deaf ears, the young ones still ever busy with their bragging. They would just shout ‘okay’ or ‘I’ll go later’ to the elders then eventually forgetting it altogether in a few minutes.

    This was a daily happening in the village of Lother.

    Meanwhile, the married women of the village gossiped like disturbed chickens about the secrets of the Madame’s beauty. Wishing to learn how the Madame maintained her beauty after carrying three children. After all, no women wished to be neglected by their husbands. Wanting to become beautiful was something inherent in every woman.

    Thus, they decided to ask the maids serving the Madame later. Perhaps, they knew how the Madame’s managed to keep her beauty.

    The other villagers and elders discussed the village issues discreetly. They were thinking about the new changes that the newly assigned lord might implement. They also planned to raise some issues about the village. Though, some of them ambitiously dreamt to become one of the lord’s stewards by showing their worth.

    ========= Village of Lother – The Commander’s Manor==========

    After establishing his merits through the regular monster campaign enforced all over the country. Knight Brooks managed to earn the trust of the Baron and the current King of Rutherford. His exemplary courage and wit in battles earned him a rich award from the Baron and a fief from King. During his three years stint in the monster subjugation army, he led a lot of victories and conquered a lot of lands that were once infested by monsters.

    He also saved a lot of soldiers which included the Baron. The knight earned the admiration of many people, some of them even decided to follow him to his new fief. He was then awarded a fief, the village of Lother. From then on the former landless knight became a pioneering knight, the knight had finally succeeded through grit. It was decided that the knight would facilitate the development of the wilderness near the village.

    (1000 Acres = 4 square km)

    “The village of Lothar is around 2000 acres alone.” The white-bearded elderly village chief seriously reported; “Aside from that, the size of the forest of wilderness is still unaccounted due to the presence of dangers caused by wild animals and monsters. Still, the forest of wilderness contains abundant resources of nature… though fraught with danger. We currently have about 73 families living here, a total of around 500 villagers. We also have self-learned carpenters, forest foragers, hunters, farmers, few militiamen, etc.”

    The village chief was trying his best to get the new lord recognized the exact value of the village. He knew that a simple snap from the new lord would affect the lives of all the villagers.

    The pangs of passion coming from the old man received the nod of the other village elders. Knight Levo was also continuously nodding along with them, acting as if he understood the explanation of the old chief.

    The look of approval from the knight truly appeared genuine.

    “Lord, what are your plans for the village. Should we expand to the wilderness? Plant more crops or focus more on foraging?” One of the elders asked. "How about the trade and caravans? Would you implement a new policy or continue with what we have?”

    “..”

    The questions carried the hope of the villagers for new ideas for the development. The people seemed to be expecting a lot from the lord. Yet, looking at the dumbfounded face of their new lord. Their gazes wavered and dimmed a little.

    It seemed like the knight does not know much about land management.

    Seeing that face, the village head thought that the lord… was indeed more of a warrior than a manager. Something common to new lords originating from the military, they were nobles but had zero experience in managing lands. They were good at wars and battles but bad in managing their lands. Streaks of disappointment immediately flashed in the elderly village head's face. But nevertheless, he immediately hid it from the knight and everybody in the room.

    “Kuhumm, that’s enough let me handle this, Levo,” The madame intervened. “Let's first start with the introduction. He is Knight Levo von Brooks, my husband. I’m Annis von Brooks. I would be the one assisting my husband in issues about the management of the fief, policies, taxation and land distribution. Now, introduce yourself and your duties to your new lord.”

    The wise look of the madame alleviated some of the worries of the village elders especially the old chief. The eloquent introduction of the madame was rather effective.

    In turn, the villagers introduced themselves one by one.

    “This old man is called Bose, at your service lord Knight, I am the current village chief. I’m responsible for overseeing the whole village. Accounting and distribution of harvest and yields are something I also handle. I am also the one who received the sealed letter of the lord Baron.”

    “Lord, I am Zaan, the head carpenter of the village responsible for building and repairing houses, sheds and tools.”

    “Higgs! Sir Knight. I’m the head hunter of the village. I scout the forest and wilderness for resources needed by the village. Hunting wild monsters to prevent monster overruns is my responsibility. We also foraged foods such as vegetables and berries from the forest from time to time.”

    “Gil, my lord, I am the herder. I take care of the domesticated boars, goats, and cows of the village. I usually bring them daily in the nearby grassy hills.”

    “Sean, my liege…”



    The introduction took a lot of time during the meeting. It seemed like the madame was trying to get as much as possible information from village elders. The focal point of the meeting focused on the villagers and their jobs. Then the madame's questions revolved around goods, peddlers, and skills of the villagers.

    After the initial show of anticipation, the long introductions and queries dwindled some of the village elders' interest.

    Some of the elders wondered why the Madame insisted on knowing such tedious thinks. If they were in her position they would rather talk about the new gossips coming from the nearby town. Going home and lazing around would be more interesting than remembering such wearisome things. That’s what the ladies and women do in the village.

    Forcing to keep their eyelids in check from sliding down, they nodded continuously to each of the introductions. Feigning attentiveness was their answer to this dreary experience, some of them even couldn’t wait to return home.

    Well, anyway it’s rare for a village to have a lord presiding over it. Usually, the management of the village was left to rot in the old chief’s hand.

    The usual routine was to follow the orders of the chief, then finish it. Though they thirst for new interesting things, most of them don’t even put a little effort to do something new. As long there was food and water in their tables, all things were good and well.

    Never did they thought that noble couple was actually watching their every movement, yes, everything. From the elders' room-exploring eyes, soft yawns, and even their unsettling fidgets.

    Nevertheless, the meeting still continued. The madame only showed a beaming smile after each introduction.

    Catching a glimpse of the madame's calculating grin, the attendants of the Lord’s family smiled wryly. The maids shuddered. The esquires’ shadows were now nowhere to be seen. Upon seeing the madam smiling, the esquires’ immediately told the attendants that they would patrol around the manor until the meeting ends.

    The gentle smile of the madame was a bad omen. A simple simper carried the most devilish plots they knew in the knight's household.

    The elders had offended someone that they should not.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    A few minutes had passed from the aspect clock inside the meeting room as the meeting continued after the elder's introductions. The temperature inside the old manor turned warm after the fireplace was lit up.

    According to the letter of the Lord Baron, the lord would focus a lot on the current status of the village. The available coins in the village coffers, the harvest's yields, illnesses, infrastructures, manpower, and issues which might need immediate attention. This was the standard question that should be us by the new lord according to protocol when they received their new fiefs. Though, only a few of the new nobles really cared about this.

    "Ahem, the assembly today would be a simple question and answer," the madame said. "Remember I'll be the only one asking questions. You guys would just answer, as simple as that. Do you get it?"

    "Yes madame," the elders replied in chorus.

    "Ciera, please do write up all their answers in a paper," The madam walked towards to the little lady then patted their head intimately. The eight-year-old lady’s eyes shone as she purred in delight.

    The old chief and the elders threw a surprising look at the little lady, their bored eyes had found something interesting. The villagers' curiosity had been tickled by the young girl. Most of the eight-year-old brats in the village would usually play around the village like noisy critters. Those little kids don’t even know how to write their names.

    Hearing her mother's request, the little lady leisurely strode, a proud smile held in her adorable face. Carrying a piece of paper, a bottle of ink, and a newly cleaned writing brush, she sat at a chair near the oak wood table. She tried to imitate her father who was sitting straight at the nearby chair. She then looked at the villagers, waiting for the answers that she would write.

    "Okay elders, let's start with the first question." The madame’s eyes turned a bit sharp. "How much do we have in the village coffers?"

    "This Old Bose answers madame. We currently have 2 gold coins, 73 silver coins and 202 copper coins, all Rutherfordian."

    “Oh, where did you get those gold and silver coins?” Madame Annis asked, her eyes showing a bit of interest as she waited for the answer. It was rare for a little village to have gold or silver coins since the currency was only used in big towns or cities. She knew that the villagers only barter goods with other nearby villages. The peddlers and passing merchants would also only barter their goods rather than release their hard-earned silver or gold coins. It was stupid to pay the villagers gold or silver since most of them would only keep it as heirlooms rather than spend it. At most, they would only pay copper coins for goods.

    “Madame, the gold and silver coins were earned from the carcass of a dead monster. Last year, we found a dead magic beast in the forests.” The village chief Bose answered. “I knew that monster parts are worth a lot in the capital so we brought it to the village and sold it to a passing merchant. The merchant had no goods in his hand to barter with us, so he paid us gold and silver coins instead.”

    “Hmnn, you were indeed lucky. Alright, what's the current status of the animal husbandry and the past season's harvest?”

    "We have 4 oxen along with two calves; 73 domesticated boars distributed throughout the households; 22 sheep with 5 cossets; 7 goats with 2 kids; 63 egg-laying hens and an unknown amount of chicks. The figures were based on the last census before the winter." The old chief answered quickly.

    "For harvest; it's mostly lentils, beans, onion, parsley, peas, coleworts, and others. Most of them are already pickled in a salt brine before the arrival of cold weather in order to last longer."

    'What of the illnesses? Are there any epidemics? Do we have any doctors or herbalists here?

    "None madame, aside from fever, coughs, and indigestion due to overeating. We have no doctor nor herbalist, but this old man knows a little due to my experiences in the town."

    “The infrastructures?” Manpower? The knight butted in. “Are their former soldier’s in this village?”

    "This little manor, the deep wells, and the stone and wooden walls in the outskirts are all we have Lord." It was built by the army en route to the forest of wilderness for a monster campaign a few decades ago."

    Unbeknownst, a glint of coldness, arose from the madame's eyes peering pointedly at the elders. There actions and faces were gently crossed out with red paints in the madame's mind. In her eyes, the fidgets of an adult man were not so nice to see.

    “As per the soldiers, we once had a lot of soldiers but they are already in old age.” The village chief answered as he scratched his head. “Most of them loved to patrol all across the village to reminisce.”

    Hearing the unperturbed exposition of the old chief, little Ciera's hand waltz with her feathered pen dancing throughout the dull paper. Nearby the knight and madame, Liszt proudly looked at the broad shoulders of his parents. Whilst, little Klive played with the dust-laden mahogany table after failing to keep his back straight and chest puffed, unlike his father and elder brother.

    "As per manpower, aside from those people in here. We only have another 207 people working in different areas; most of them are middle-aged men and old ones who don’t wish to retire." Sighing, the face of the old man was cast with shadows. "Please, punish the incapability of this old man."

    To properly feed a village who focuses on planting, at least half of its population must work to assure a stable supply of food before the first snowfalls. Considering the size and age of the farmers, it was a miracle that the village even managed to survive past this winter.

    The old chief then looked at the other elders. The elders, on the other hand, also looked at the old chief as if encouraging him to tell something.

    “Well, we also have a lot of young ones.” He then scratched his head. “But most of them are lazy bums?

    “Lazy bums?” The knight raised his eyebrows upon hearing the explanation of the chief.

    Creak!

    The villagers gasped in surprise as they looked at the knight, they saw the crushed arm of the oak wood-carved chair.

    “Why?” The knight threw a piercing gaze at all the elders in the room.

    The villagers lowered their heads as they gazed at their feet as if it was an unfathomable abyss. No one dared to look at their new lord as sweat poured at their backs. They felt they were standing in front of a predator, the hairs in their backs stood.

    In the Kingdom of Rutherford, lazy people were something every lord loathes. It would be fine if they were nobles or rich merchants who could just sit while others run their businesses, but if they were not? That would be a very different story. In some fief, some hot-headed nobles would even whip the slothful ones in front of their whole domain to set an example.

    After all, the founder of the kingdom instilled the word hard work as one of the greatest virtue of the kingdom. It was known to be one of the reasons for the economic success of the kingdom after the war. It’s even written in the ‘Analects of the First King of Rutherford’, a book revered by scholars all around the Eudorian continent.

    A few moments later, the knight sighed and simply looked at madam. He then looked at the crestfallen old village chief. His brows and hair were graying white, his back arching, and the wrinkles were starting to take over his callous palms. He doesn’t look like someone who’s lazy.

    His looks were earned through farm work and paper works.

    A stifling bout of silence loomed all over across the four sides of the cold room. Some of the faces of the elders paled, they knew that they had failed in disciplining the young ones. So, the punishment was inevitable. They thought of their sons, daughters, and grandsons that would undergo whipping. Their faces crumpled and their scalps went numb.

    They doted heavily at their children and grandchildren unlike those in the towns and cities. They were willing to take over the work of the sloths despite their old age which made the young ones to become like this.

    Until...

    Achoo!

    Suddenly, a sneeze from little lord broke the silence, all the people present stopped and looked at the child tinkering a dusty wooden chair. Even the young lord and young lady, Lizst and Ciera, awkwardly glanced at their little brother.

    “Eh?”

    Seeing the focused look of everyone in the room, the child suddenly found his courage to boast.

    Innocently scratching his tiny nose, the child slowly stood up and proudly looked at the people in the meeting room and said.

    "Don’t worry old grandpa. My father and mother will solve all your problems away. You see, I even saw Uncle Baron, Uncle Rich, and Uncle King begging my father for help. Also, they'll... mnhnn- mhnn…

    “…”

    Hearing the scandalous tale of the young kid, the people in the meeting room smiled wryly, blowing away some of the seriousness in the room. The maids and attendants sweated upon hearing the words of the little kid especially hearing the ‘king part’. When the esquires who had just returned from their patrol heard it, they immediately walked away again to excuse themselves, their aim now was to patrol the whole village.

    They wouldn’t dare to return until they’re sure that the meeting was already finished. Nevertheless, they never forgot to cast a gaze at the kid whose mouth was now covered by the big hands of his burly father.

    "Stop it Klive! Return to your seat and wait. Hmnn... Anyway, for the last question, any issue or problem that requires our immediate attention?"

    For the final question, a not so old man took a step forward and answered. He peeked at the Lord. Though, hiding his sight immediately when the Lord looked at him. The Knight was enamored by the gingerly old man. Thus, he repeatedly glanced at the old man, teasing the nervous old dud.

    "Th-this Ol-old Gazz will an-answer the query Madame;" Biting his tongue, the old man stuttered inviting mirth of nervous cackles from the lord and the attendants. “The village is currently experiencing problems with the-the weakening land and lower yields during harvest. We already did our best to find a solution but still to no avail. We ask for guidance from the Madame and th-the K-knight!"

    “Alright, we will look at it.” The knight answered in a deep voice, he then closed his eyes. “As per the slothful ones, I’ll put my judgment for later. Remember, the first king once said ‘we shall show no mercy to the sloths’.”

    ♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

    The meeting concluded after a short message of encouragement from the knight and the madame.

    The elders' shadows receded swiftly from the place as if they were veering away from the sun. They ran to their homes, bringing the warning of the new lord. Only the old chief along with his family remained to make arrangements for the knight and his contingent.

    The knight’s contingent was given hospitable single-story houses prepared for village guests.

    On the other hand, the knights family were asked to stay at the village chief's house, it was the biggest house in the whole village aside from the old manor. They were asked to stay here for a day since they were still going to clean the old manor.

    The old man and his family told the knight that they would sleep in one of their empty houses. And like the other elders, the old chief immediately excused himself and ran back to his eldest son's home to share the latest news.
     
  7. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    Tired from the whole day of work, the golden ball of fire rested and tinted the sky with tangerine orange. The silhouettes of the birds witness the heavens changing its color and view. The moon slowly crept up to take her place, sending drowsy spells to the sun's brightness, the night came.

    “Levo, what do you think of this village?” Madame Annise picked a chair to sit on, her eyes gazing at the burly knight sitting in a barrel-like chair. “What’s your impression of the villagers?”

    “That’s a good question,” the knight replied as he sits in a wooden barrel as if it’s a throne.

    The knight fell into deep thought. At first glance, the village seems to be functioning well. But after meeting them there was a little sense of incoherence among them. They lack passion, no purpose perhaps is a better word.

    “The whole village seems fun to me. The main issue is they have no goals to speak of. Every time you asked a question, they all tend to look at the old beardy.” Knight Levo tapped his fingers at the table while his other hand touched his chin. “And that ain’t funny, they are too dependent on one person. And don’t get me started about the lazy ones.”

    Though, the knight seemed to be a little dull about management issues it doesn’t mean he was dumb. He got his senses to plow him through. The knight was highly perceptive of the atmosphere, capable of sensing and capturing the minute changes in the faces of the villagers during the meeting.

    His sharp instincts could tell if something was wrong or even if someone was lying. One of the things that helped him earn his own fief aside from being a good soldier in the battlefield. And maybe it’s also the reason he managed to have such a beautiful wife. His senses were mostly right.

    In wars and campaigns, sharp intuition was considered as something extremely valuable, a luxury. It saves lives, saves time, and saves coins. Oh, another thing, it also once saved the butts of some rich greedy merchant, a few noble lords, and even a royal during the campaign.

    “You’re right, it looks like we must instill some discipline especially the men and the youth. Hmnn…How about letting them train with one of your esquires?” The madame suggested, an unnoticeable smirk sidling on her face. “If they’ll lack a goal, we will give them one.”

    “Fine by me!" The knight agreed as he grinned along with his wife. “That’s a little bit better than whipping. Whipping leaves quite a bad taste in my mouth.”

    “As for us, our main goal to make this village better for our kids.” The madame walked nearby the window and looked at the three moons outside, her eyes shining along with its light.

    In the Kingdom of Rutherford, the common punishment for idlers and other petty crimes according to the law was whipping. Nevertheless, the first king also gave the nobles some leeway in the punishment decision, they could punish the crime with forced labor or other services for three months though with once meal a day.

    “I will also slowly prepare and add some new things for the village.” The madam added. “Then, we will call another meeting with the old village gramps.”

    That very night, the first order of the Lord came down written in bold red paint. His words were sent to every household in the village with the help of the old chief and the elders. All those lazy bums were told by their elders about the possible punishment of whipping after the meeting. The elders even exaggerated the story until it evolved from simple whipping to death by hanging, causing the young ones to have one sleepless night.

    -All villagers without work in the village except for children, women and the old ones. Be at the east village outskirts at dawn. Latecomers will be PUNISHED!-

    The news spread like wildfire in the night, bringing nightmares to those who knew they had sinned. They knew that they couldn’t lie under the oaths of the kingdom if they are brought under trial. The first king’s oath will mark those who lie. Then, death was the next step for a mere villager.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    “Damn! What does the Lord want this early? I still feel so sleepy. I’m starting to miss my bed already.” One of the yawning youth annoyingly said. “Father! Do you know what does the Lord wants us to do?”

    The villagers were all feeling grumpy and odd. The old chief never told them to wake up this early. They were only told to finish the work they were assigned to. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, all they need was to finish things when they feel like it. Most of the villagers who were gathered in the outskirts today were those who were indolent, those who only knew how to take advantage of the kindness of their old parents or brothers and sisters.

    Though they don't want to follow the orders of the Lord. They felt forced to after hearing the word punished. After all, they heard gossips from nearby villagers that it was always better to get to the good side of the Lord. The late-night gossips that spread throughout the village last night also gave the slothful villagers something to fear. Some of the villagers even barely had barely slept due to nervousness, a few even dreamt of a whip and a gallows, sending their superstitious families in panic.

    Some scary stories and songs were even circulated around by traveling poets. Narratives about villagers getting whipped, a tragedy of family who all faced guillotine or stories about hanging and whipping after not heeding the lord.

    The villagers don't have a habit of taking chances.

    Anyway, who wants to get his head cut off or get hanged? At least, if they were going to be punished today, it would only be through whipping. What're some few lashes if compared to the shadows of some nearby gallows?

    Clack..clak..clack..

    “Pshhh! Shut up, boy!” The father of the youth angrily whispered to his son, his voice hissing in agitation. Despite his misgivings about being called early in the morning, he still knew that offending nobles means paying up a price. “Someone is coming, he may hear you!”

    Suddenly, a loud and powerful voice came crashing down from an amiable middle-aged-looking man. The man was sitting on the back of a hulking horse, his back straight like a war spear, his eyes shining as his lax gaze landed at the villagers. The villagers then tried to look for any signs of a whip in the belt of the man for a more reasonable assurance. Seeing the affable look of the man, the villagers signed in relief. There was no whip on his side. It seemed like the Lord wasn't going to make them do something unreasonable.

    “Attention! Good morning men of Lother.” The loud yet charismatic voice was coming from one of the esquires of the Lord. “My name is Davin, esquire of the knight, I am assigned by the Lord last night to drill and train you on how to become proud and true men.”

    Hearing what the esquire had said, most of the villagers paled.

    The word "training or work" was something that these men of Lother loathed to hear.

    Having no hands-on-ruler for a long time had dulled the meaning of training for the villagers. As the idlers increase in the village, the village's prospect for further improvement also dimmed along the way. No wonder the old chief looked so old and haggard. For an old man, handling a mouthful of these man-childs was indeed a backbreaking task.

    The village was lucky enough to not meet any monster attacks, unlike the other outrun areas, keeping their peace despite its close proximity to the forest of wilderness. Nevertheless, this peaceful environment could also be considered as a double-edged sword. Though it could bring prosperity, too much of it could destroy any nation's foundation, like a termite it would slowly eat up the foundation and building blocks of a good nation. The foundation called "man".

    Seeing the lackadaisical faces of the villagers the esquire's sharp brows jerked as his furious voice boomed all across the village outskirts. No wonder he was sent here by the lord. These foolish villagers don’t feel any sense of danger, treating the monster-infested forest as a mere backyard. If something dangerous came crawling out of that place, the esquire wondered how many of these goons would survive.

    “What the heck! The f*@k! I hate those faces! You maggots. When I say the word drill you smile! When I say run you’ll smile then run! When I say crawl you’ll grin while crawling!” The esquire shouted in a frenzy as he continuously swore right at the dim-witted faces of the villager. “Dumbasses! Where are your balls? If I still see any of such faces. I promised you, I'm gonna squeeze those little willies under your pants until you become new ladies! You hear me!”

    Gehkk..Yes..

    Yes, sire…

    “…”



    After being cursed for their unseemingly faces, the villagers were shocked. They never thought that the affable looking esquire toted such a beastly mouth. The villager's paling faces shifted its hue to various colors after being showered with the esquire's flying saliva. These villagers were already very used to being scolded by their elders and parents. Yet, this was the first someone dared to curse them like this. At most, their soft-hearted elders would at least scold them and beat them up a little, then they would be let go.

    Huffing a little after releasing a few pints of his saliva, the esquire slowly mounted off his sturdy horse and walked to a nearby seemingly hundred-year-old tree.

    It was an oak tree.

    With one look you could already tell how tough it was, its ambitious branches reaching towards the sun, swaying with whistles of the wind its leaves moved.

    Gazing a gargantuan oak tree, the muscles in the esquire's thin arms suddenly squirmed. A metallic sheen could be seen on its surface. He took a stance, his fist clenched on the sides of his waist. His two feet were a meter apart as he was shifting his weight to his fist. He then threw a swishing jab towards the unsuspecting tree.

    Bang!

    His arms suddenly struck the innocent tree, a crevice gingerly appeared on its body. Like sliced tofu, the trunk of the oak splintered into two, and with a creaking sound, it fell to the ground. Slowly but surely...

    The once-proud oak tree was no more - it was now as good as firewood. With one punch it was a goner.

    The esquire then stood straight and stretched his hands upward. He then took a peek at the villagers who were watching.

    Seeing the hard tree falling, the villagers' jaws almost fell on the ground. The esquire then drew his sword. The villagers couldn’t help but take a step back, fearing that they would be unknowingly hacked into half. The esquire then walked towards the fallen tree. He then carved and sliced a piece of the oakwood into a ball of wood, just enough to fit an adult's hand.

    The esquire then cast his gaze at villagers. He then squished the carved wood into powder with no mercy, the creaking sounds made the villagers gulped in fear. Some even covered their precious family jewels with their hands as if they were feeling pain. Many of the men buckled their legs to protect the thing below their waist, their faces white in shock.

    The pale and stupefied faces of the lazy guys made the esquire grin. He finally managed to establish his authority by using the good Madame’s way. It was really a very effective way, even the soldiers in the army knew of its effectiveness.

    “Alright, men let's start the practice. So if I say! Drill!?” The esquire Davin bellowed imposingly. “If I see any stupid bums lazing around, I’m going to squeeze their balls just like those carved wood.”

    Hearing the word “training and squashed wood”, the villagers immediately put on their best smiles. It was a sight to behold. They stood scrambled and stood ramrod straight. Then looked at the esquire with their best smiles onboard as they shook in fear.

    “Good men!” The esquire nodded.

    Yet, if someone saw the villagers’ smiles they would instead be horrified. Their smiles were so twisted like they were coerced to eat horse manure fertilizers. Some were cramped, some were crooked, and some were just… mind-boggling wonders. The villagers now knew how fearful and savage the kind-looking esquire was.

    “It seems like you finally understood a little part of what I mean,” Davin nodded his head, his tone back to being soft and kind again. “Any questions before we start?”

    The villagers looked at each other’s eyes as if confirming something. One of the villagers, then stepped forward to raise their collective concerns to the esquire. The villager asked, his voice shaking, betraying the straight face he was trying to maintain.

    “S-sir Esquire, would we be punished and whipped today?”

    After hearing the question of the villager, Davin stood still and stared at the eyes of each villager. He could see the fear in each of those eyes. He then smiled and asked the brave man.

    “What do you think?”

    The man was in dazed not expecting to receive a question instead of an answer. Nevertheless, the man gritted his teeth and answered in a whisper-like voice.

    “No Sir, we will not be whipped!”

    “Brave answer! Alright, since you claim that you would not be whipped, then so be it!” Davin clapped his hands.

    Sounds of relief echoed in the eastern outskirts of the village. Today had been really stressful for the villagers, they felt they were riding a very unreliable mule through a muddy road. One time it would go fast. Then sometimes it would go slow like a turtle.

    “You see, the Milord said that he hated whipping people.” The esquire added in a firm and loud voice. “Nevertheless, he ordered me to discipline you men until you’re like soldiers. From today onwards, I’ll treat every one of you as soldiers. Do you hear me!?”

    “Y-yes, yes. Sir Esquire!”

    “Then let’s begin!”

    The drills for the villagers especially prepared by the knight and the madam. The knight might have spared the villagers from the whipped but they were not spared from the rod. The start of the drills began with a bunch of shrieks coming from villagers and roars coming from the esquire. The sounds echoed throughout the eastern outskirts of the village.

    Unknowingly, the angry yells of Davin eventually reached the ears of the other villagers near the outskirts, scaring those who lived nearby.

    Thus, a new myth was formed in the village of Lother.

    It was said that in the eastern outskirt of the village lied a monster with a beastly mouth, unsettling many villagers.

    The villagers near the outskirts even forced the old chief to release an announcement to warn of its danger.

    But that’s another story for later.
     
  8. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The village's ticking clock of aspects continuously turned, sounding rhythmic in its every beat, the shrieks and groans from the villagers serving as its accompaniment. With Davin leading as the conductor, the villagers in the east outskirts crafted a passionate music composition using the villagers’ howls and squeals. It was a masterpiece, deserving of great applause from the village elders.

    It was already the middle of the afternoon when the training of the villagers finally came to a halt. From the village outskirts, groans of tiredness and pain could be heard. You could even hear soft whimpers and sobs drifting through the wind, speaking for the injustice they the villagers had experienced.

    At long last, the villagers were allowed to go home and rest. Though, they were asked to return again for another session the next day after tomorrow.

    Picking themselves up from the grass, the laborers... Erm, the villagers, slowly walked towards the village staggering to their homes looking like rags, their legs feeling cramped every time they took a step. Their eyes hollow, it seems like the light in their eyes were sucked away by a certain monster.

    The other villagers who saw them were dumbfounded upon seeing them. Just this morning, they saw them energetically grumbling about this so-called drill. Now, they looked like refugees from a war-torn kingdom, running away from the vestiges of chaos and war.

    Upon arrival at their homes, most of the unfortunate villagers all fell to their beds as tiredness overwhelmed them. Shoulder's stiff, legs-shaking, the villagers drowsily lied in peace. Entrusting their whole being in the caressed of their beds, they slept.

    Later that day, some villagers had nightmares, waking up in cold sweat taking their time to cry due to the baffling experience. Though most of them want to speak up and tell the tale, no one dares, and no one will.

    Davin's warning had done its work. Some important information should not be spread in a casual manner, especially those that could cause panic and unrest.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The villagers had to undergo a very effective body exercise under Davin’s instructions. Continuous running to the hilly village outskirts, deep squats, crossing back in forth through the waters of the feet-deep stream, picking up different sizes of rocks then building it up like a wall in the riverside covered the villagers training menu. Drips of sweat fell ceaselessly to the parched grasses in the eastern outskirts, it swayed along with the whispers of the wind, asking for more.

    Toiling like slave laborers with pickaxes and shovels, that's what the villagers felt like.

    “Ain't this supposed to be training? What's with the running? Are we only playing? And damn that rock mountain!”

    At first, Davin thought that these sloths could immediately be used for farm work as the madam had said. Unfortunately, the bunch lacked both discipline and body fitness. They were like sheltered ladies, their bodies cushioned in fat and few muscles.

    If you do not keep an eye on them, they’ll even slack off in just a jiffy. They even lacked the stamina, huffing like a dumb roe after a few laps, giving the esquire so much disappointment.

    Working out as if their life depended on it, the villagers panted and puffed both in distress and exhaustion as the vulgar taunts and threats of Davin accompanied them until it felt all-natural even without the esquire's roars.

    Most of the villagers didn't notice that the esquire had already sneaked to the forest of wilderness. Though some observant villagers witness it, thus slowing down there training to what they deemed as manageable and acceptable.

    Later in the morning, they finally saw the thin shadow of Davin again. The esquire was ferociously laughing, he was running fast towards the eastern outskirts of the village, leaving a trail of dust behind his back. The villagers felt baffled after seeing the esquire running towards them like an idiot. They wondered what was happening to Davin.

    “Hey, Bob?

    “What?”

    “Did Sir Esquire finally lost his mind?”

    “Bah! He’s already a crazy man in my eyes after making me do this.” The villager smashed his fork in the ground, but after seeing Davin running towards them, he picked it up in just a jiffy whistling as continued to what he was tasked to do.

    After a few seconds, the villagers heard a rumbling sound from the ground. The sounds were getting louder and louder, it was like a rumbling charged a cavalry. The villagers then saw a big shadow trailing behind the esquire, it was also sending a big dust storm behinds its path.

    The beast was ginormous in size. Its dark tusk alone was equivalent to the size of an adult man. The black hide of the beast abhorred light making it looked like a dark shadow as it ran. Its eyes were blood-red like the monsters of the night. The sharp teeth triggered an ear-grating sound as if it was chewing on hard rock, its saliva splashing on the ground as it ran after the esquire.

    A crazy man and a crazy boar. It’s one heck of a chase.

    The monster was called a Deviltusk boar, a mature one at that. Based on its massive frame and long tusk, it could be rank a Rank 3 - Deviltusk boar. A rank 3 Deviltusk boar, were known as horde leaders of boar stampedes, staying in the front of every stampede, leaving a lot of villages and farmlands under its mercy.

    In the Kingdom of Rutherford alone, many of its attacks had been accounted resulting in disastrous damage both to the livelihood of commoners and nobles alike. Their stampedes were considered as one of the most devastating monster attacks in the kingdom.

    It left a lot of people with no home, no food, and no economic ability to survive. It’s also one of the common causes of human migration in the region as well as a major cause of monster subjugation conscriptions.

    Some accounts of lucky survivors were written by the old chief for the villagers’ awareness. It was announced throughout the village to serve both as a warning and a reminder just last year. According to the tales of the passing survivors from the devastated villages, these monsters were capable of destroying stone houses, ramming fields, and even tearing and eating a man whole.

    These monsters rampaged in their village, thus their village was no more, forcing them to look for other ways to live. The descriptions of the survivors about deviltusk boar were well-detailed, making it easier for the villagers to acknowledge it as a threat.

    In the end, the old chief surmised everything in few words.

    If you see one, run.

    If you can’t run, hide.

    If there is nowhere to hide...

    Your great-grandparents were just going to get you sooner than expected.

    Isn't that great?

    The villagers looked at the esquire who was running towards them, they even saw the esquire flailing his hands at them. No… perhaps he was waving at them. Anyway, who cares? Feeling mocked, the beat roared speeding up in anger as it tried to trample Davin.

    The faces of the villagers paled, they started sweating buckets after seeing the massive existence running towards them. The villagers huffed and dragged their bodies in all directions despite their fatigue. Most of the youth even pissed their pants as they shook in fright.

    Others fled to the goddess knows where place, screaming at the top of their lungs, asking for help as they staggered due to painful muscle spasms. The villagers both big and small bawled in grief as if it was the end of the world. Some lost consciousness while others played dead thinking it would make them safe from the beast, forgetting the advice of their old village chief

    The east village outskirts were covered in panic and terror. Witnessing such an action pack event was their first-ever since they were born in this village. They only heard stories of this devil spawn from a passing survivor from the nearby village.

    The rumbling sounds from the ground were enough to weaken their already buckling knees.

    The esquire continued to run towards the villagers. All of a sudden, Davin ran towards the direction of a massive old tree, the big devil tusk boar still rushing towards him. He then took a big dive towards the side of the big tree, shifting his momentum along the way.

    Unfortunately, the big devil tusk boar was incapable of such feat with its four legs running in full strength, its mere size and weight did not even allow it to change direction. It continued to rush towards the tree until…

    Bang!

    Another innocent tree had been shaken to its core, the devil tusk boar swayed from side to side as if it had drunk a few liters of ale in the nearby pub. It shook its head continuously, groaning as it puffed air from its snout. It was disoriented, seeing stars with its every step.

    Davin stood nearby, huffing a little due to the chase. He then walked towards the sides of the beast, the sounds of his step hushed and silent. He then threw a vicious punched to the monster’s snout.

    Grr…Roar!

    Seeing the man who dared to punch its snout, the devil tusk boar burned in fury and pain. The boar hoisted its back straight and charged again towards the man despite its injuries. But this time the esquire did not evade, the esquire took a deep breath then charged towards the boar barehanded. The very sight of it sent the villagers who were hiding in the nearby tree scream.

    Ohh! Bang!

    Davin grappled with devil tusk boar with his strength alone. He caught the boar’s two long tusks. The force of the boars charged pushed him a few meters away as he caught the boar’s tusk. All of a sudden, the esquire’s arms shone in a metallic sheen.

    The esquire then bellowed. With his two hands, he plucked and tore away the devil tusk boar’s long tusks sideways, bathing the east outskirts in monster’s blood. The boar then whined and groaned in pain, the sounds of its cry were like the shrieks of a domesticated pig, trampling the ground in anger as if it was a bull.

    It was still alive, a testament to its monstrous vitality. If it was only a normal boar, it would already be on its last breath. The esquire then charged again, his aim was the snout again. He circled around the boar, as he avoids being trampled to death. He jabbed it again and again until the boar’s snout was bloodied all over.

    The esquire dared not hit the other parts of its body. He knew how hard those dark hides were. The monster’s hide was a great ingredient in many high-end armors in his father’s town, the mere news of it would send the merchants scrambling to get a piece of it.

    Bang!

    At last! The monster finally fell to the ground. It was still huffing and puffing, bloody red steam rose with its every breath. The esquire then jumped towards the back of the devil tusk boar. He took out a thin-thread from his waist and circled it around the boar’s large neck. He then jumped at the back of the still struggling boar.

    “Huff! Could you please stop mopping around? The little guys are panicking you see;” Tightening the rampaging beast's air pipes like a snake, the Esquire Davin pulled the string constricting the beast’s airways tighter. “Just stay still and be part of the menu! Hahaha! Dumb pig! Be my Lord’s dinner die!

    Blood slowly appeared of the thick hide of its neck, its dark-colored tongue dangled. Its breath was getting deeper and faster. A sign of desperation from the monster, it seemed like it finally felt death clasping over its neck. It struggled in desperation. It tried to roll over on the ground yet it failed.

    Davin’s stranglehold kept the beast on arm's length as he mounted its back. The monster roared in desperation as it tried to stand up. Unfortunately, the esquire struck the monster's backbone, putting pressure to prevent the beast from standing again. With booming sounds, he steered his patella to the monster’s spine in succession, thwarting the monster from moving from its spot.

    Bamm! Bamm!

    The devil beast’s mouth frothed, pungent saliva sprayed as its tongue dangled to one side struggling to get a breath of fresh air as the esquire continuously struck its spine.

    Roaaar...Uhoookk!

    Thus, the once fearsome beast breathed its last, with a grieving sound it fell to the ground with a thud. Its tough hides were no match to the amiable-looking esquire.

    Releasing his deadly hold from the dead Deviltusk boar, the esquire gallantly stood straight and tall. Like a mythic hero in a story, he glanced at the unsightly villagers.

    “Hey, doesn’t this pig look healthy and yummy? I bet the Lord would love to have a feast tonight.” The esquire huffed in deep breaths after the ordeal, he was covered in dust, dried blood, and soot, his appearance was far from the respectable esquire a few hours ago. Despite that, Davin still asked the kneeling villagers as if nothing happened, calming their nerves a little.

    After saying those words, the esquire pulled out a dagger from his armor vest. It was a dark dagger, you could even feel a murderous aura coming from it. Though, a few chips and cracks could be seen on its edge. Nevertheless, the dagger still emitted a mysterious glint on its serrations as if it's capable of cutting rocks like soft butter.

    Davin then glanced carefully at the eyes of the villagers, emanating intense after bloodlust which the esquire himself didn't notice. The villagers then went to the esquire and kneeled, thanking him from saving their petty lives.

    “Dumbasses, do you now understood why I was tasked to train you?” He jumped down from the boar’s back and looked at the villagers. “Could you imagine what would happen if that beast went down to the village?

    The villagers gulped in fear. They imagined what would happen to the village. The village would be destroyed, many of the villagers would be dead. Though, some cursed him in their hearts for bringing the boar in the eastern outskirts.

    “That damn boar was about to act on your village tonight.” The esquire then sat cross leg in the grass, he then closed his eyes as he stabilizes his breath. “Imagine what would happen to your wife, your mother, your father, your sons, and your daughters if I was not able to lure it.”

    The very image of the catastrophe sent shivers to the silent villagers.

    “The esquires, attendants and everyone in the knight contingent is for the lord alone.” The esquires suffocating bloodlust receded like an ebb until it was no more. “If a group of these beast goes to the village, we’ll all protect the lord and his family. I wouldn’t even send a second look even 500 or more of the villagers get massacred.”

    Hearing what the esquire, many of the villagers paled and fell in the ground.

    “We will not be able to save any of you for we are few.” The esquire opened his eyes then looked at the sweating villagers.



    “You must learn to save yourselves.”

    The esquire then stood up and walked towards the beast’s carcass. With patience, the esquire then slowly drilled the strange dagger at the mid-line of the neck of the beast. The monster's blood spilled on the grassy forest ground, spraying it dark red. The sounds of the knife tearing the flesh of the dead beast intimidated the men.

    Looking at the dagger, the esquire, and the dead boar; the villagers gulped in relief and fright.

    “I hope no one would tell their family about what happen here until the Lord says so.” He then added seriously. “The next training would be held here again, at the same time, the day after tomorrow.”
     
  9. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The whole day passed in stillness as the grains of time trickled like raindrops, gently flowing away from the hands of the villagers. Alas! The villagers’ first action-packed day had finally ended. The villagers experienced how descent the esquire’s torture-like drills and training regimens were.

    They even experience a once in a lifetime event as a bonus. They were visited by a chubby deviltusk boar in the middle of their training, leaving them scared, drained, and weary. The burly remains of the dead beast were even left in public display for everyone’s view. The esquire dangled the thing on a nearby tree, serving as a nice reminder to the villagers, making them work harder than they should.

    The unrelenting glare of the fiery sun had made the villagers sweat as they stood in line and stared at the esquire.

    “Men! You may now go home!” The esquire grinned at the faces of the villagers. “Oh, don’t forget to come back again the day after tomorrow.”

    The sounds of sobs and relief were heard on the eastern outskirts of the village upon the announcement of the esquire. At last, the esquire dismissed the village sloths with a few instructions in tow, allowing the pitiable country dweller to go home in one piece. Without further ado, the villagers dragged their bodies away from the esquire as if they had seen a ghost, fearing Davin would change his mind.

    The stumbling villagers felt the piercing gaze of the esquire on their backs, making them sprint faster back to the village as if no muscle ache could slow them down.

    The esquire also decided to go for a short patrol around the east side of the village, leaving a few monster traps along the way, a precaution for any possible monster attacks. The esquire even dared to venture a little deeper in the forest of wilderness to scout and seek for beast tracks.

    The esquire knew that the mere presence of a level three beast was something to be greatly wary of. The appearance of a wandering rank three beasts in any village could be counted as a very grave matter. A life and death matter. Rank three monsters such as the deviltusk boar were considered as horde leaders among the wild beasts.

    These beasts were known for leading most of the beast stampedes according to many Eudorian records. These monster stampedes were considered to be a national disaster, prompting all kingdoms and nations in all parts of the Eudorian continent to come to aid. It’s well known for its capability to wreak havoc both on the economy and stability of nations, halting all trades of goods and spreading famines over the victim nation.

    “Hmnn, the fat thing doesn’t seem to belong to a horde.” The esquire frowned a little, wrinkles appearing on his forehead. “Nevertheless, this is still a bad omen. I better report this to the Lord.”

    The esquire continued to search for monster tracks, taking his time to assure that nothing would escape their grasp. Though, it was not the first time he was doing this job. It was still hassling considering the confusing interlinking trees and dried-leaves covered soil which made his search a lot harder. The distinct smells of plants, animals, and beast mixed in the air made it even worse, making Davin pinched his nose in irritation.

    The orange tinted-veils plowed through the entire sky, cloaking the esquire's shadow upon his arrival to the village from the outskirts of the village. It took him quite a lot of time digging for monster traces but only end up with few random scats.

    Davin wrapped the random droppings in different thick leaves and tied it with vines. He then put it on small dirty coin sack so that he could show it to the monster experts in the knight’s contingent.

    Davin then carried the carcass of the dead beast in his back on his way home, thinking that its meat would be a nice gift to the Knight’s family. The heavy load behind Davin’s back attracted the attention of the curious villagers. Nevertheless, the villagers didn’t dare to pry, fearing for punishment if they stalled the esquire.

    They were contented in just watch the esquire as he dashed towards the old manor with the big hunt.

    Despite carrying such a weighty monster, Davin ran as if he was a feather blown by the wind aspects. The esquire was determined to seek a bit of acknowledgment from the Lord and the Madame, thinking that perhaps with this gift the two would go easy on him during training.

    Taking a glimpsed at the big blob of meat behind the esquire, more villagers flocked around the manor of the knight, it was such a rare sight in this village. The news about the beast behind the esquire noisily spread throughout the gossipy village, inviting a not so small crowd along the way.

    Such random events were hot stuff in the village, a sizzling side-dish for the villagers' dinner gossips, something that they would never let go of.

    Davin went to the only manor of the village, expecting to see the Knight’s shadow around its four corners.

    He laid down the dead beast nearby lawn. He then gently knocked on the wooden door of the knight’s newly renovated home. Three gentle knocks resounded in the old manor’s door.

    All of a sudden, a mellow yet elegant voice was heard from inside the door. “Come in.”

    Hearing the voice, the esquire froze on the spot. A bit of panic had been laced on his face as cold sweat fell between his brows. He wished to turn back again yet was unable too. He even almost swallowed his tongue. He never thought that it would only be the madam instead of the knight. Yet, he could not back down now, forcing himself to answer. “Yes, Madam!”

    He walked inside the room, his steps silent.

    “Oh, please close the door after... Davin.”

    The esquire then entered the room. Beads of sweat forming on his palms. His boots producing a squeaky sound as he entered the room. The manor lord’s room was covered with the odd-smell of books and documents.

    Tap.Tap.Tap.Tap.Tap.

    At the center of the room, a rhythmic tune flowed and echoed in the esquire’s ears. The taps came from a beautiful lady, her silver hair shimmering as the rays of the heavens fell on her through the window pane.

    The Madame was wearing a striking blue-colored satin dress as if she was blooming bluebird flower. It was a rare sight, a contrast to the usual mercenary-styled clothes that the Madame loved to wear. Sitting before an old-mahogany desk, a number of documents were littered all around her, a light frown laced around her eyebrows.

    The middle-aged looking esquire bowed with one of his knees on the ground and his right hand on his chest. Davin hid his face by lowering his head deeper on the floor. There was no other noise in the room aside from the sounds of echoing taps and rustling papers.

    “Oh, where have you been Davin?” Madam Anise wasn’t a patient type of person. The attendants, maids, soldiers, and inner circle of the Knight’s house knew that fact.

    This morning, the Madame tasked the esquire to bring the villagers to the farm fields after assembling them in the eastern village outskirts. Nevertheless, she didn’t see any shadows of the villagers around the tilled lands after she went off for an inspection.

    Tap.Tap.Tap.Tap.Tap.

    The sounds of the Madame’s taps continued as she waited for the esquire’s answer. It’s rhythm changing from slow to fast then from fast to slow, throwing its listeners in confusion.

    Yet, in the ears of the esquire, the soft taps were like the sounds of roars of monsters resounding throughout his brain. It sounded like the clarion calls of the grim reaper, sending shivers to his spine. The changing tempo even made the esquire feel nauseous as if it was affecting his psyche and guts, making him want to puke his last meal.

    Gulp.

    “Kuhumm, Madame, I-I-I can explain! The esquire wiped his sweat. He even forgot to send a simple report to Madame about what occurred on the eastern outskirts of the village. The appearance of the deviltusk boar had taken both his thoughts and time. It’s a no-brainer that these dangerous events should be reported to the Madam and the Knight as soon as possible.

    The Madame raised her head to look at the esquire before putting her attention on the documents. She then stopped tapping. She took the glass of tea nearby. She took a sip and returned it at the edge of the table. She then silently continued flipping through the batches of papers on her hands. “Hmnn, explain what?”

    “W-why I was not able to send the villagers to the till the fields, Madame.” The esquire babbled, gritting his teeth.

    “Oh, I see. Then tell me why? A sliver of frown slithered its way on the madame’s beautiful face, her voice turning a bit chilling. The remaining tea in the cup froze, the temperature in the room falling a few notches.

    “I believed we clearly told you our orders this morning.”

    The esquire’s eyes went round after seeing clear windows turning foggy due to the cold. Jogging his mind for his best way out, Davin thought of the appearance of the deviltusk boar. He knew that it was the best excuse he could give to the Madame.

    Thus, he explained the attack that occurred on the eastern outskirts of the village.

    The stuttering explanation of the esquire calmed the temper of Madam Annis a little. The frozen water and the foggy room returned to what it looks like in the beginning. A serious glint appeared in the eyes of the madam, her hands moved and tapped the document-filled table again.

    “Hmnn…” The madam frowned for a moment. “Go to our home where the Knight is, do report it to him fast. Tell him that there would be an assembly tonight.”

    “Yes, Madam!” The esquire saluted then scuttled to the door as fast as he could, scared that the madam might make him stay longer.

    “Wait!”

    The esquire’s feet froze before it reached the doorsteps.

    “Please bring the fat thing in the lawn to our home and send that smelly poop to that kid Auburn.”

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    Davin immediately sent the droppings to the esquire called Auburn for verification and study, telling him the madam wanted the results this evening. Seeing the clumsily tied poop, the young man named Auburn cursed Davin profusely calling him dirty poop-picker and smelly scat digger saying that he could just have called him to the place rather than picking the poop.

    The man roared about how smelly the things he brought was, cursing Davin to the high heavens before kicking him out.

    The esquire then went his way to the Knight’s house feeling a bit aggrieved.

    Tock. Tock… tock.

    “Greeting to you, Lord Knight! This lowly esquire has something URGENT to report!” The esquire respectfully said, standing ramrod straight, his hands on his left chest. Davin emphasized the word urgent. He thought of the encounter with the Deviltusk boar and meeting with the Madam. He felt that there was something fishy going on. One of the reasons why he was ordered to inform the Knight as soon as possible.

    As if responding from the rhythmic knock, creaking sounds were heard coming from the old wooden door, tickling the ears of the esquire and some watching gossipy villagers. Unhurriedly it was opened… Though the expected visage of the burly knight was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a jovial smile from a gray-haired kid was what greeted the esquire.



    “Ah, little lord”, the knight blankly stated.

    The one who opened the door was the second son and the youngest child of the knight’s family, Klive.

    The child puffed up his chest. Standing through the tip of his toes, looking oh so noble.

    “Oh, Old Uncle…Where’s mom an’ dad? Whadda you need? Little Klive asked, his face sour yet respectful. The little guy seemed to be a little peeved. He felt the disappointment of the kid after seeing his supposed to be handsome face.

    The esquire’s straight eyebrows twitched. Isn’t he the one who’s supposed to ask that question? Anyway, there is no point even if he got annoyed. He should just get straight to the point and go away.

    “Kuhumm, little lord where’s…

    “Elder Brother! Elder Sister! Old man Davin’s here.” Immediately cutting-off the words of the esquire, the irritated little guy shouted as he opted to call for a solid back up.

    Bah! I ain’t that old yet! The middle-aged faced esquire quipped in his mind.

    “Oh, he also brought a very big pig,” Catching a glimpse of the beast, Little Klive added, a glimmer of inquisitiveness arose from his droopy eyes.

    Running like a wind, an amber-colored hair popped up out of nowhere. It was Liszt. Though, instead of talking to the esquire, the kid instead curiously gazed at the dead boar. He then walked towards Davin and gave him a full nod, gently tapping his arms a few times along the way. It seemed like the kid was trying to show his approval towards the esquire.

    The esquire lips twitched. He then sighed. Ain’t this kid trying to act like his father?

    Suddenly, Ciera, the little lady with silver hair showed up. She also threw an inquisitive look at the dead boar. She then carefully looked at the rugged esquire. Putting her dainty hand towards her chin, the girl pondered for a moment and asked.

    “Uncle Davin, where did you found this fat pig.” The young lady pointed her small finger at the mountain-like body of the deviltusk boar, her gaze lingering around the dead beast. She thought that this Deviltusk boar was too big as compared to what was described and showed in her book, “Rutherford Kingdom’s Atlas of Beasts and Monsters”.

    “Answering the young lady! During the training for the villagers, I decided to patrol around the area to assure their safety. Then this esquire accidentally found the beast lurking in the nearby forest on the outskirts. Thus I was forced to hunt it down.”

    “Eh, this type of beast? Lurking in the nearby forest? Was my father or mother already informed about this?”

    “Little lady, Madame is already aware. As for the Knight, that’s what I’m here for,” Davin discreetly said throwing a glance and sign towards Klive and Liszt. “I came here to report everything that happened to milord as ordered by the Madame, but the little lord was the one who opened the door after I knocked.

    Little Klive playfully poked the iron-liked hide of the boar on the other hand young Liszt carefully touched its shiny long tusk.

    Hearing the explanation of the esquire, Ciera gazed at her grinning little brother. The little lady could already guess what happened next.

    “I see…Unfortunately, Dad went outside for a bit. It seemed like he was going to look for something or someone. It looks like Dad’s animalistic instinct is kicking-in in again.” Shrugging her shoulders the little lady replied. “You know… it is really rare for my father’s instinct to kick in in times of peace like now, right?

    Understanding what the little lady was pointing out, the esquire simply nodded. Remembering the weird actions of the knight during the monster campaign, the esquire could not help himself but scratched his head. Those very weird actions were what saved them during those bloody campaigns.

    Davin then moved his eyes towards the two young lords. It seemed the two were already starting to lose their interest. After feeding their curiosity, it seemed like they were ready to roll back to their rooms.

    Seeing this, a glint of excitement appeared in the eyes of the little lady. It was now her time to play with the monster. Thus, she waltzed towards carcass curiously prodding its body. Eyeing one place to another, the young lady giggled taking her time studying the dead monster, touching the carcass of the beast to her heart's content.

    “Hehe, based on the looks of the Deviltusk beast, it looks like it was a rank 3 monster. The size and length of the tusk and its dark hide were quality proof.” Ciera said as she continued an investigative monologue. My, my, hmmm…The broken goldish crown-like hair on its heads indicates that it's at peak rank 3 and it’s a step away to becoming a rank 4 monster.

    It seemed like the little lady was trying hard to emulate her mother. Having such a charming and lovely mother, who could blame her? It seemed like too much expectation had burdened the young Ciera.

    Though looking like an invulnerable little girl on the outside, the young lady was perhaps the most vulnerable among the three siblings. Such rare sight was only open to people who the little lady is close to like her family or the Knight's family attendants.

    Looking at the little lady, the esquire sighed at the sight.

    ...

    All of a sudden, a stifling cold penetrated the esquire's back. His instincts called for an adrenaline rush. The beats of his heart galloped in haste.

    In a few milliseconds, his eyes coldly crept around the place, darting around for the source of the lying danger. His eyes darted around the old village chief’s house, from the windows up to roofs. The nearby village houses were not even spared from his scanning eyes.

    Then the esquire saw the little lady playing along with the beast corpse. Then the esquire witness a shocking sight. The carcass of the beast suddenly showed a series of disturbing twitching movements. Maybe… it was still alive.

    All of a sudden, he recalled some stories and information about the extreme vitality of demonic beast, enabling them to attack even in death. Alarm bells rang and buzzed in the esquire’s head. Nothing must happen to the little lady!

    With a whooshing sound, the esquire rapidly ran towards Ciera. He pulled the little lady towards his embrace away from the twitching beast. He tightly hugged the little lady, with his body as cover.

    A few seconds silence passed.

    The nearby spectating villagers couldn’t help themselves but rub their eyes. They were baffled why the heck did the esquire ran and hugged the lady all of a sudden.

    ...

    "..."

    Now, this was awkward.

    The carcass of the beast continued to twitch for a few moments. Then… then it was gone.

    It was a false alarm. It was only death stiffness, a common occurrence in dead bodies during wars and subjugations. An event that causes the stiffening of the joints and muscles of a dead body a few hours after death.

    The little lady was truly shocked by how fast things happened. The young lady flushed-red and released a loud yet delayed yelp. It sounded like a call for help. It attracted the attention of most of the villagers, attendants, and maids nearby.

    “Ahh...”

    Hearing the little lady's cute squeal, two little kids rapidly ran for a call of duty. They ran inside the house to get their weapons of choice. On the other hand, the village gossipers hidden on the corners rapidly formed a crowd on both sides of the house, as if they were trying to witness the creation of a new mythic story.

    Seeing the intimate gesture, some of the villagers and attendants couldn't help themselves and whistle sweetly through the wind. They gave the esquire a thumbs up, acknowledging his very thick guts.

    Upon the arrival of the two kids eyes went saucers. Their gaze shifted to the little lady, the dead boar, the esquire Davin... and of course the burly man standing like a hungry lion behind the two.

    Hearing the whistles, the esquire was jolted awake. Carefully looking at the truly dead boar, he sighed in relief. His stiff nerves relaxing a bit. His alertness fading like the receding tide. He then carefully released his hold of the little lady.

    “Are you alright my little lady?”

    Feeling a little tipsy from shock, Ciera staggered and fell knee first. The lady even forgot to reply and could only sniff, signs of tears forming like dew in her eyes.

    Seeing that the lady was fine, the esquire slowly turned around at the crowd. He decided to clearly explain what happened t-to t-the crow-d…

    ...

    "..."

    A few meters away from him, he saw a thick burly man sizing him up. His aura and vigor continuously slapping his face making it feel sour. It was the man he was seeking. All of a sudden, he felt like a little sheep in front of a monstrous beast. And this beast was very determined to tear him apart and eat his bones.

    “L-L-Lord?!”

    Feeling the danger, the esquire swerved his eyes around trying to find a viable escape route, the only possible key for a chance of survival. Looking behind, he saw two little kids carrying a wooden sword and a terrifying dagger.

    Woah! Wait -wait ain't that the poisonous dagger that killed the Poison Wyvern in one hit during the campaign? Why is that with the kid?

    Leaning his gaze towards both sides of the house, he could see a sea of villagers which the end he couldn't see. He was cornered by gossipers and rumor mongers. He would not be able to force his way out without injuring anybody.

    Ah... the rooftop the esquire thought.

    It was his last hope.

    Steering his neck upward, the esquire tried to look for his escape route through the nearest rooftop.

    Gently smiling, he saw the Madame standing there, steadily. In her hands were two well-designed cold sword hooks. Dammit! Why is the Madame standing there?!

    He closed his eyes and quaffed like a real man.

    He puffed out his seemingly deflating chest.

    What run? This esquire is going to face this like a man.
     
  10. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The esquire had resolved himself to face this mess like a man, a brave feat indeed. Well, anyway, as if he had any other damn choice! This time Davin felt like he just swallowed a dead fly. He steadied himself and braced his pearly white teeth for the coming walloping caused by his bullsh*t-like instincts.

    After being cornered in all sides with nowhere to retreat, all he could do now was to at least resist and defend himself with all his might. After all, it was widely-known that Knight Levo never pulled his punches in everything he does.

    Thinking for a moment, the esquire decided that his main goal was to at least avoid those punches to the face. The esquire trembled at the thought that his already middle-aged face would gain a few more years after taking a few punches in. He feared that when he returned home he would look older than his old man.

    He was a bit scared that he would experience an awkward “Who are you?” scenario with his family?

    Aside from that, he might really die if he does not protect himself.

    Warily taking a peek in the nearby rooftop, what bothered the esquire was the smiling madame. He never knew what was going on the Madame’s scheming grin.

    Suddenly, a crackling sound was heard below the ground where the knight as if his presence was too straining for the earth. Davin gulped. This time a few broken bones would be the least worries.

    “K-knight, Madame, le-let this e-esquire give some acceptable explanation,” the esquire said, hoping to somehow bullsh*t his way out of the mess. Unfortunately, the rising octaves of his voice never reached the knight. Though it reached the madame, he only heard a tundra-like riposte.

    “Oh, Davin, which one do you wish to preserve the left or the right?” The madame said with an angelic smile, her hands nimbly testing her sword hooks, producing a sharp swishing sounds. The blurry speed of the sword hooks made the esquire instinctively cover his dear jewels.

    The Madame’s battle techniques were known due to its inexplicable sinisterness. Dirty tactics were her style. When we say dirty, it’s to the point of almost being abhorred by all of her enemies especially the males.

    If he does not take precautions, he might accidentally lose his ball or two and become a eunuch. Unlike the knight which would only leave him in a half-dead state with a little more space for recovery.

    The Madame’s answer worsened the already blanched face of the esquire. A good old shiver writhed through his body as he murmured blankly, he remembered the manly title of the madame during the old days of the monster campaigns. A title she earned after dealing with dastardly perverted nobles and soldiers.

    The title brought terror and order to all the misbehaving nobles during the monster campaigns.

    “Ba-ll re-reaper- ,Kuhumm. I mean beautiful reaper,” the esquire whispered as his voice trembled in deep bass tone, digging his grave a little deeper further than the usual 6 feet off the ground.

    Though the madame did not totally hear the accidental slip up, she managed to lip-read the odd hints on the trembling lips of the esquire, causing an icy mischievous grin to blossom in the madame’s charming facade. Her pearly white teeth made the esquire’s leg shook in fear.

    Meanwhile, Ciera, feeling a little loss of what was happening around her could not help but released a sad sniff.

    Catching the odd whimper of his only daughter, the eyes of the knight brimmed and burned with greater wrath and disgust, his thirst for vengeance rising a few notches. The esquire was destined to end up half-dead. The ass-whooping would only end until the knight’s anger subside.

    Feeling the suffocating aura slowly creeping up across the house, even the nosy villagers sluggishly took a step back. Staying a few more meters would not hurt such a good view right? You could see that their eyes were shining as they spectate the unfolding drama. Their curiosity taking over their fears.

    Seeing this the esquire could not help but swallow his tongue with a wry smile, he stiffly got into a defending posture, shielding his already middle-age like face. A metallic-colored sheen crept up his arms going unto his shoulders and chest. Taking a deep breath, he tried to keep his stuffy heart as calm as the sea lull. One of the basic things that he learned after training with the knight was to keep your head cool.

    Boom!

    “Brat!!!”

    With a thunderous roar, the knight dashed with his powerful fist towards the unlucky esquire, leaving the old granite floor beneath his feet crushed and shattered. The aura of the knight surged like waves in the shoreline, sending the dried leaves on the ground dancing in the air, making the villager’s eyes shine in excitement.

    The esquire gritted his teeth, fearing that he might accidentally bite his tongue. Being part of the knight’s official punching bags, erm, I mean as part of his daily training buddies. He understood that the lightest thing you could get from the knight’s serious punches were patches of bruises, swollen faces, and a few broken bones.

    The esquire already managed to develop a general understanding of the knight’s nature in battles. The knight likes frontal assaults the most, mowing enemies was his favorite way of doing battles. So the best thing to do in this situation was to somehow negate the impact of the Knight’s fist rather than face it.

    You could also choose to dodge but that is not advisable since you would just make the knight angrier, making him throw deadlier punches straight to your guts. Something that you would regret to be hit with. The daily beatings caused him and the others to list three major rules when fighting the knight in melee combat.

    The first one was never lost focus when facing the knight, a tiny bit of loss of concentration would make you regret that you were born human. At the least, you’ll just end up in bed for a few months if you were really lucky.

    Second, do not directly face or counter the knight's attacks. Disperse its strength to the minimum. Remember, an odd body shot from the knight would not only crack some bones but would also shift all your organs. If you could not really dodge let him strike the sturdiest point of your body. In the case of Davin, his arms, legs, and shoulders were his best defensive measure against the knight.

    Lastly, never lose track of madame’s whereabouts during mock battles and pieces of training. Madame always emphasized the importance of being alert at all times. So, she would definitely do some sneak attacks. Anyways, always keep your balls well-covered, she was not called ball reaper witch for no reason.

    The knowledge which was imbued in the esquire's mind was awoken from its deep slumber. His lifelong learning from the daily training had borne its first fruit. Most of the time, warriors tend to break their limits on a bloody battlefield or in a certain life and death situation.

    Keeping his heart and mind unruffled and tranquil, Davin received the knight’s right fist with a palm. Instead of pushing forward, the esquire pulled as he matched the tempo of the knight causing the punch to lose a part of its momentum. He then jumped back to the side, avoiding another upcoming left hook.

    He could even feel the booming winds behind the knight’s punches and kicks ruffling his face. One mistake and his face would be dripping blood.

    For a short moment, the esquire felt awesome.

    It felt nice…

    Keeping his senses in full-throttle, the esquire succeeded in catching a glimpse of the madame’s visage. The sword hooks swiftly dashed towards his precious jewels. He almost felt the time moving in slow motion after he saw the shiny swords. The esquire could not help but grimace as he imagined what would happen if he was not able to detect the madame. He would return to his father as a eunuch.

    Clank…

    Davin shifted his left leg and arm to deflect the coming swords. He then pulled the knights kick towards the swords. The echoes of metal striking metal were heard across the area. He successfully managed to keep the madame’s blade at bay.

    The esquire’s heart leaped in pure joy as ecstasy enveloped his body due to his success. He felt a surge of electricity jumping within his body, making him smile and grin. He felt that his movements were getting smoother and smoother. He jumped. He parried. He blocked. The esquire felt like a fish in the water.

    Davin felt like he was freed from a heavy shackle that he wore for years, it was a surreal feeling.

    It was more of an… enlightenment.

    Unfortunately, the esquire did not notice it.

    Nevertheless, the sharp mind of the madame and the instinct of the knight caught up the whiff of the fortunate event. Grasping what was happening, they slowly racketed up the pressure on the esquire forcing his latent potential to bloom and burst. Pushing the esquire to learn more of his new limits, the Knight and the Madame controlled their strength to assist the unsuspecting esquire.

    After all, they still owe the father of this kid.

    The clash continued for more than seven complete rotations of the minute hand, making the esquire sighed in relief realizing that the couple was going easy on him.

    All of a sudden, the esquire was alerted by the young lord Liszt who was trying to strike a sneak attack through his senses. Though, he immediately felled his caution after seeing him carrying a wooden sword.

    He was going to let the young lord give it a go, he thought proudly.

    Liszt wooden short successfully landed on the body of the esquire, though it suddenly splintered into pieces.

    The esquire saw Liszt immediately letting go of the remainders of the wooden sword. But he also saw something weird in the young lord’s face. He saw an insidious smirk on the young lord’s face. A madam-like smirk.

    No, it was not only the young lord.

    He saw Madame and the knight also grinning deviously.

    …..

    “…”

    Trying to figure out what was that peculiar grin all about, the esquire’s eyes carefully veered around the area. He knew something was definitely wrong, a familiar tingling sensation rose and crept up on the back of his head.

    His eyeballs caught little Klive behind the broad back of the Knight. He was slowly walking towards him. His hands warily carrying a stale dagger, it was little greenish-black and was emitting a disturbing aura, pricking his senses about the danger it holds.

    His eyes almost popped out after remembering what it was, cold sweat built its way on his forehead.

    Aspects! Spirits! Why have you forsaken me!? He shouted in his mind.

    The dastardly couple suddenly unleashed an unprecedented assault putting-up a bigger pressure to the esquire, the two were definitely just playing with him. He then understood that the two weren't even serious. Their aim was to hold him down tight, making him unable to maneuver for anything.

    Feeling the wretchedness of life, Davin could not help but laugh as dried tears fell from his eyes. After tasting the deliciousness of newfound strength, a sudden feeling of powerlessness was something a warrior would really hate to experience.

    “Haha, hehe...”

    It was as if he reached the top of a mountain yet discovering there was a bigger one at the top, the esquire’s eyes couldn’t help but popped-out in anguish.

    Seeing the esquire’s eerie laugh, the villagers and attendants could not help but send some pitying looks towards him while some of those who were part of the training rejoiced, gloating about the esquire’s rotten luck. It looks like the training the next day would be canceled. The village sloths who experienced the terrors of Davin balled their fist, holding themselves to jump and shout hurray.

    Cheers to the Knight's family!

    Step by step he witnessed the little lord walking towards him. The young lad was holding the lethal dagger with a shaking hand.

    A line of cold sweat from Davin’s forehead fell, trickling to his eyebrows. He felt a creepy chill rising after he saw the tip of the sinister dagger pointed at him. Despite knowing that the dagger was only meant to scare him and make him lose focus. It still made him quite squirmy. The rickety hands of little Klive did not really help at all.

    All of a sudden, he recalled that he was only supposed to report to the Lord. Davin asked himself when did things go awry. He tried to recall something but to no avail.

    Seeing Klive getting nearer and nearer towards him with a dagger on his hand, he felt a little faint. The shaking hands of the little lord made him jump off his feet, causing him to receive a few punches to the face, enabling him to see some shining stars above his head. He felt like he was about to see his ancestors. And he bet they would laugh at him.

    Bamm!

    All of a sudden, he felt his world spin sideways, up and down, left to right. Bah! Who cares, he felt spinning all over. He felt that he might accidentally puke his guts out. It seemed like all his organs were displaced, making him gasped for cold air.

    With a blurring vision, he heroically fell towards the ground with a loud bang. At the side of his eyes, he saw the glint in madame’s grin. He then realized something.

    So, it was the madame...

    Woohoo!

    “Did you see that? Damn!”

    “So cool!”

    “It was savage man! I tell you!”

    “Awesome, Mom! Dad! I wanna release a punch like that...”

    “Dad please teach me how to do that!”

    “Haha, boy, you should first learn to farm first!”

    “Sorry pops, that’s not gonna work on me, better luck next time.”

    “…”

    Fading sounds of cheers from the villagers were heard by the esquire as if he was a demon fell by the hero. The noisy chatters of the villagers reached his ears, making him squint his painful black-eyed sockets. He felt like a caged monkey displayed in a circus, butt naked for everyone’s view.

    He silently huffed in anger, cursing the hateful gossipers in his heart.

    Just wait, I’m also going to let your uncles, brothers, and fathers feel what the Lord’s punch felt like.

    Hehe…hehe...he…

    ….

    “Levo we would have a meeting this night.” Annis then sheath her two sword hooks and then pointed at the lying esquire. “We have a little bit of emergency according to that brat. “ Oh, I almost forgot, I know your still awake brat. You now return to the town and get tested. You passed! Congratulations.”

    When the esquire heard the Madame, he suddenly felt elated, his bloodied lips showing a small creepy smile. After having his ass handed to him, he realized that he had already managed to breakthrough. It seemed everything was part of a test. He knew that he could already be promoted as an Iron knight when he returns to the town.

    “Alright! Good work brat.” The knight walked towards the esquire as he cracked his fist. “But let me punch your face a few more times to call it even. You dare to play with my daughter in front of me! Hmnp!”

    Then, the esquire’s middle-aged like face trembled, aging a few more years after hearing the knight’s words.

    Bam!

    Slowly, the esquire lost his grip towards his consciousness. The last thing the esquire heard was.

    “Come on brat were not done yet!”
     
  11. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    Flakes of moonlight fell on the roofs and windows in Lother village, capturing the silent beauty of the village. Three moons could be seen hanging in the night sky, teasing the land below with its breathtaking beauty. The three were named after the gods of the sky; the blue moon was called Creon after, the red one was Amor, and the violet one was Echos.

    Laying on the nearby bed was a wasted esquire, his bruise swelling face covered with patches of black made him look like a dead man. Taking care of him was a little girl along with some busy attendants and healers. The little lady squinted her eyes looking at the bruises of the wasted guy, up to the chest she looked.

    The little lady could not help but hold her chest, feeling a little guilty and shameful. Though, little tints of blush could be seen on her face as she looked at the esquire.

    On the nearby sofa laid Liszt, cradled in the hands of his soft blanket which was drape to him by the serving maids, his little snores echoing in the room. The eldest son of the Knight’s family had planned to guard Ciera until a drowsy spell drowned him to a good night slumber, forgetting his self-imposed duty.

    On another room, calming moonbeams showered the figure of a little boy sitting on an old chair, his hand resting on his chin as he sweetly gazes at the moonlight. Accompanying little Klive was an old lamp lighted by a magic stone along with an odd-looking velvety book. Gently, he sat on a chair as looked for anyone's presence, slowly he opened the wooden-laden book left behind by her caretaker. The ligneous book was extremely mysterious, it contains thousands of thousands of stories… though, only for him to see and…to feel.

    When someone tried to open the book they would only see rough blank pages.

    The book was left behind by her first caretaker. A mysterious lady from an unknown background.

    According to the Knight and Madame, they met Klive’s first caretaker in one of their adventures. They found her in the middle of a forest during the monster campaign. Her body was covered in blood and bruises, no weapons nor body protections. Only with an old wooden book as accompaniment… Yes, just with an old wooden book.

    All of a sudden, the little boy’s eyes shone. He stood up with the book on his hands and then strutted to the garden outside the office of the Lord and the Madame wide-awake.

    The night went deeper and deeper until the proud moon found its place and stood at the peak of the skies as if claiming its star-ladden throne.

    The Knight and the Madame were talking with their trusted aides and attendants, confirming the new plans that they are about to implement in the village of Lother. The collations of data written by Ciera during the meeting were spread throughout a big oak tree table in random as various attendants and esquires passed the papers from one to another. The people were talking about the worrying report of the now half-dead esquire. They were waiting for the results of the assessment of the hunter-turned-esquire Auburn regarding the unique droppings collected by Davin.

    The aroma of tea and coffee roamed the office room, it was one of the simple luxuries that the knight’s family liked. Some of the attendants and men of the Knight’s family scrunched their foreheads after being told of what happened on the eastern outskirts of the village, they were all wishing that their worries were unfounded.

    All of a sudden a loud bang echoed on the door, the eyes of everyone zoomed on the huffing man who rammed the door open. He was a black-haired man, wearing a tail coated butler uniform, a monocle covering one of his eyes. It was the esquire who cursed Davin to high heavens, the one called Auburn. Though he was late for this meeting, everyone understood the importance of what would be his findings tonight. So, no one complained. Aside from that, those who study monsters and beasts were well-respected especially in this era where both beasts, monsters, and humans must co-exist…or not.

    “Lord! Madam! It’s-it’s a c-crisis.” Auburn barged into the office room with an old document in his hand. Panting in deep breaths, he tried to complete his words, not caring anymore about his crooked tail-coat nor his appearance.

    Huff, huff…

    “D-d-de-death wolves!”

    Hearing the words of the gasping monocle-man, all the eyes of the officers and attendants inside the office turned scary-sharp while others turned languid. Many of them could not believe what they just heard. Even the Lord and the Madam scrunched their eyebrows, the previous easy-going chatters in the room shifted to solemnity and gloom.

    Then, a lady walked towards the man patting his back to ease his huffing. She led Auburn to an open chair before giving him a cup of tea to soothe his nerves. The lady was wearing a blue dress. Despite the fact that she wasn’t as eye-catching as the madame or as charismatic as the knight. The lady was exuding an aura of dependability as her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, her very presence calming and relaxing.

    “Calm down brother and take a sip.” The lady hummed, turning her head to the Knight and Madam she then nodded, she then said. “Please.”

    “Thank you Lady Leine.”

    “My pleasure Dame Annis.” The lady called Leine bowed and stood beside Auburn, protecting him a little from the daunting stares.

    The Madame took over and walked to a nearby open sit. She looked at Auburn and said. “Please do carefully to explain to us from the beginning, Auburn.”

    Esquire Auburn took a sip of the tea given to him by his sister, Lady Leine. Straightening the folds on his tailcoat, his face a bit blanked. He cast a gaze at the Knight and the Madame. Auburn then gave her the old document and started his narration with a deep breath: “At first I thought the scats brought by Davin were ordinary large droppings from monsters. I thought that he was only playing a prank on me. Then, I looked at it and initially concluded that it was simply from a pack of dire wolves.”

    All of the people in the room raised their eyebrows due to the sudden revelation. Though dire wolves were not one of the apex monsters inside the forest of wilderness, none of them thought of those freaks as simple monsters like what Auburn called them. Dire wolves were extremely cautious, cunning, and intelligent. They also cause massacres in villages but were far easier to handle as compared to death wolves. They were not even sure if they could easily handle the dire wolves pack. What’s more, if it was from death wolves?

    “The droppings of an ordinary wolf would be around 2-4 cm dire wolves would be around 5-8 centimeters considering their size,” Auburn explained with clear details. The scats brought by Davin were also only a bit stinky and covered in animal hair sometimes with some animal bones and its size was about of those dire wolves. I thought that it was already a good proof. It was until… I met the little lord outside just a few hours earlier.”

    A chill ran through Auburn’s spine after realizing that he almost caused the whole village to be slaughtered unprepared due to missing a simple detail. Auburn couldn’t help but recall what happened, explaining everything in the office, careful enough to not exaggerate or miss a detail about his conversation with the young kid, Klive.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    A few hours ago…

    Along with the setting sun came a sky with trails of fire, the orange of every wintry hearth. It proclaimed the war cry of the upcoming night sky. A signal that the stellar star lights were about the show their grace.

    Esquire Auburn walked his way to the night meeting after being informed a few hours ago. Along with him, were the droppings brought to him by Davin this afternoon. Whistling along with the soft breeze, he felt a bit happy after hearing the story about what happened to the poop-digger, making his previous grumpy mood better.

    Auburn already memorized everything about his upcoming report asked by the madame. He strode with pride, his monocle shining after being tinted with the night’s stars. Auburn decided to wear his favorite tail-coat given to him by his sister, making him more gentlemanly and presentable for everyone.

    Auburn lived his early life as a fallen noble, his parents died early after falling from grace and contracting a disease leaving him and his sister orphaned at an early age. They only left behind a few coins and properties most of which were already claimed or stolen by their relatives from somewhere afar, some of those crooks even plotted their deaths. Luckily, they managed to escape with the help of one of the retiring old butler. Thus, he and her sister were forced to live through their own means. He was taught early about hunting since their father was a hunting enthusiast. It made him the good hunter, good enough to bring meat to their table.

    On the other hand, his sister was considered a genius and already had a lot of connections to merchants at the tender age of fifteen which made their life after their parent’s death far easier. Her sister was smart enough to at least save up money to open a small clothing business, hiding it from those relatives-in-sharks clothing.

    Remembering those moments made him sighed in relief about how lucky they were. When he was about to arrive at the meeting room, he saw little Klive outside the garden pavilion. The little kid was looking at the stars and moon above, his eyes shining with mystery. It seemed like the boy sneaked out from his room to witness the beauty of the night sky.

    Feeling piqued, Auburn approached the little boy for a short chat to feed his curiosity a little.

    “Good evening, little Klive.” Auburn quipped, bowing his head like a noble gentleman.

    Raising his head, a brief innocent smile bloomed on young Klive’s face. “How are you, Uncle Auburn?”

    “I’m still as handsome as ever little lord,” said Auburn, a nauseating grin appearing on his excessively thick face.

    Auburn was the first of esquire of Knight Levo. So, he saw Klive growing up from a stumbling baby to a curious kid, making their relationship much closer as compared to the other esquire.

    All of a sudden, the young kid frowned, pinching his nose he threw a glaring look at the monocled man. “Uncle, you might be handsome but you stink! You smell like a rotten undead.”

    “I stink?!” Giving himself a good sniff, he breathed the air but smelled nothing. Then, Auburn froze as if something hard struck him. His swift hands pulled and brought out a dirty old coin sack where the scats brought by Davin were put. He then showed a wry smile.

    All of a sudden, Auburn’s face slowly turned serious, an idea popping upon his head. He took another lungful, a succinct odor within the droppings. He then gagged and almost puked on the spot. “Rot-ten U-undead! Thi-this is not from forest dire wolves?!”

    Auburn trembled for a moment and took out a handkerchief to clean his monocle, one of his habit every time he is in deep thought. He realized that he wasn’t able to clearly smell the odor from a certain distance. You would only smell the unique odor if you put your nose nearer to the droppings Something that almost no one in their right mind would do! This smell was something new to him. He never encountered such disgusting yet elusive odor in his entire hunting experience. He knew that dire wolves droppings would never reek undead.

    “What are you doing uncle?” Pinching his reddening nose as titled his head, he then separated himself a little from the smelly thing on Auburn’s hand. “Uncle! Could you please throw that thing away? It smells like death wolves!”

    “Death wolves?!” Auburn raised his head and furrowed his brows, a bit of shock building its way on his face. He threw an unbelieving look at the young lad. Softening his sharp eyebrows, he decided to confirm something from the kid. “Hey, Klive, how did you know that it smelled like death wolves?”

    “I read it!” The kid bobbed his head in pride.

    “You read it, really?” Auburn revealed a kind smile.

    “Hmnn!”

    “Where? Could you tell me what book?”

    Klive then ran to the nearby garden pavilion. He picked up an odd-looking wooden book then brought it in front of Auburn.

    “Here! Uncle!” The kid raised the book over his head in excitement, swinging it in the air for Auburn to see...

    Auburn knew that the book was a gift from the first caretaker of the Knight’s family. Someone that he only heard from the stories of the Knight or the older attendants, a mysterious lady. He always saw it in the hands of the little lord. One time, he opened the book in secret due to his curiosity. Nevertheless, he only saw old blank pages, devoid of any ink. Seeing the young kid playing a nice prank on him, Auburn laughed and ruffled the hair of the kid, entertaining him a little. He then said goodbye to the kid before turning back to his temporary research library. It was the place where all of the Madame’s precious collection of books and documents were stored temporarily. Almost half of the carts they brought were actually filled with these books.

    Auburn knew that it was still a bit early before the meeting. Thus, he decided to confirm his suspicions anyway. He also told the head attendant to inform everyone in the meeting that he might be a little late, a courtesy gesture for the others.

    Auburn rummaged around the temporary library, searching for various monster records and ancient beast almanacs containing records of death wolves. The older the better. He knew that most of the new almanacs mostly consists of those common monsters and beasts seen by commoners. The records of a rarer beast such as the death wolves were recorded on smuggled classified documents of kingdoms or old books from reclusive noble historians. He saw many records of death wolves but they were only described in short words such as deadly, calamitous, blood-crazed, and many more.

    “Death wolves…death wolves… Hmnn.”

    Auburn burned every letter of each book, afraid that he might miss something again. Seconds, minutes, and hours trickled with each tock of the aspect clock. All of a sudden, the Auburn froze. He then closed his eyes, taking a deep breath along the way. He was in luck…or not. He then gazed again at the zigzagging letters from an old document for the Eustacia Empire. The document was already about 30-years old. It was filled with information about death wolves. In the documents, they referred to the death wolves as calamity wolves due to the absurd destruction they brought every time they attacked. It included their description, how to track them, and many more. He read and read and read…

    All of a sudden, a description of the smell of rotten corpses or undead passed through his eyes.

    - the beast droppings of death wolves when carefully examined has a unique scent of the undead, something exclusive to death wolves. They are…

    The moment, Auburn read the sentences, he was dumbfounded. It was echoing the description of the little Klive, a shiver, then ran through his hands, causing the document to fall in the ground, there he saw the seal of Eustacia Empire – the Blood Tiger. Auburn immediately picked up the document treating it like a treasure. Not caring about anything, he then ran towards the meeting room with the document in his hand, dashing as if there was no tomorrow.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    Hearing the narration of Auburn, the atmosphere inside the room turned heavy and tense as if something was about to erupt. Everyone was still unsure and cast their doubts until they saw the old document and smelled the droppings brought by Auburn. Their faces blanched, some well-learned attendants fainted on the spot after confirming everything was parallel with what the old sealed document was about. They shuddered at the thought that they were going to face death wolves just a few days after arriving at the Knight’s new fief, inciting paranoia and confusion in the whole room. They even forgot that it was a little boy that discovered everything.

    Then, a lion-like roar suddenly boomed in the meeting room.

    “Blow the horns and rang the bells!” The knight yelled, waking up everyone from their stupor. They all gaze at the knight, waiting for his orders. “Prepare to evacuate the villagers to a safer place. You know the drill!

    “Yes! Lord Knight!”

    Although, they feared the death wolves. Many of them were still veterans during the monster campaign, enabling to cope up better to unexpected events. All the officers and attendants rushed to their respective duties, leaving the once boisterous room almost empty.

    “Auburn!”

    “Milord!”

    “Get little Klive over here. Don’t let him roam anywhere!”

    “Y-yes my Lord!” Auburn then sprinted in haste towards the garden pavilion to get the little kid.

    “Annis.” The Knight turned to his wife. “Bring the other kids here, please. Bring Leine with you.”

    “I know…”

    The Madame pulled Lady Leine away and ran like a wind, their first goal was to bring the Liszt, Ciera, and the others to safety.

    “Dammit! What are you waiting for?! Get everyone’s damn asses here fast!”

    “Everyone with me, prepare for battle!”

    Honnnnngggg! Honnnnggg!

    Clang! Clang! clang!

    The sounds of danger echoed in the hearts of everyone, sensing the upcoming disaster that was about to strike. A storm was brewing in the village of Lother as shouts and roars echoed in every nook and cranny of the village, waking up the villagers from the depths of their slumber.
     
  12. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    SS1: An old man’s rambles

    --Oldman Gazz POV—

    I had lived all my life tending to this village lands. Planting, harvesting, foraging, and taking care of brats. You name it! Their’s only a handful of villager oldies who could best me at doing these things.

    The old village head was always the one arranging and planning everything in this village. After all, he was one of the few who was able to study in Lord Gisvon’s Gartner Town. When he was young he luck-up and was assigned as a storekeeper in one of the businesses of some well-off merchant. It was something everyone was envious about during those times. Well, excluding this old man of course!

    I heard he learned a lot about managing and keeping tabs or something. Bah! I think the thing he learned the most was counting money and picking chicks. Just look at her wife and you could tell how smooth he was when he was younger.

    Anyway, though I’m older than the village head, he looks much older than me. Bahaha, serves him right! Continuously piling issues regarding the village must have taken a toll at his looks. It definitely made him grumpy and unpleasant looking unlike me. The young lazy bums in the village had given him a lot of extra white hair due to stress. It was a really good thing that I managed to teach my kids and their little ones about working hard.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    A letter had come from the town with the Lord Baron’s seal.

    Apparently, a month ago, an adventurer from the town delivered it to the village head. I wonder what it was all about. It was very rare to have a visiting adventure in this village, more so a letter from the Lord of Gartner Town.

    Lately, problems were cropping up one after another especially about the planting fields. The amount of harvest during the past fall seasons is dwindling. The village food stock was able to barely last this winter, but how about the next one. The village head had been thinking and worrying about the next harvest.

    It started about three years ago. I, Old man Gazz, was actually the first to see the changes. Don’t belittle this old man's 73 years of experience in the field. I discovered that the yield during our harvest was getting noticeably smaller and smaller. At first, we suspected it was just due to some soil pests. So, we searched the fields and took out bugs and other crop pests.

    Later, we dismissed the notion. After two more harvests of crops, there was no change aside from the farm soil looking more rigid and dull. We tried to water the lands but there was still no change.

    So the elders and the chief decided to look from the nearby village and towns but to no avail. Sadly, it was only our fields who suffered from such a situation. In my 73- years of this was the first time I encounter this thing.

    It seems like problems on how we would pay the taxes for Lord Baron would arise in the upcoming village meeting. I think that was what the letter is all about. If there was a letter coming from the town, it would be mostly about taxes for the kingdom and the barony nearby. They’ll as this and that, so on and so forth.

    The old cheapskate must definitely be scheming to milk us from our personal savings. This Old Gazz thinks that the old chief might be thinking to shift our tax payments from grains to copper coins.

    “Gramps! We gotta get goin’ to the plaza. It looks like some’uns new is arrivin’, you comin?”

    “Wait you brat aint’ goin’ nowhere without this old man!

    Thus, I immediately followed after my snotty grandson. This little kid had been a real pain in the ass. He loved to babble and gossip everywhere, bringing this old man wherever he goes. I wonder where this kid got his itchy feet. Well, it’s not from me anyway…I think?

    As I walk towards the plaza, I overheard gossips that a new lord would be arriving today to manage this village as a fief. It seems like it’s the truth. Well, I leave the thinkin’ job to the village head.

    Clackk..clacckk..clacck.

    Halt! Shouted a fierce burly man. He was covered in shiny armor.

    Guessing by their looks and mannerisms, it seems like a lot of things will change from now on. My aged eyes tell me so.

    Thus, I carefully appraised the eyes of the man who shouted. Perhaps others could not tell, but there was something was different. There was a strange ember of fire in the eyes of the man. It was not fierceness nor brashness. It was the first time I saw it.

    His very presence instilled unexplainable joy, excitement, and pressure on my eyes.

    Suddenly, I felt a glance scanning me. Eh? The big guy was also looking at me. He grinned. Bah! Maybe it wasn't me. Thus, I slowly lowered my head in distress. There was too much force and emotion coming from the big dud's gaze. It was flickering with embers of passion.

    Eh? Embers? Passion?!

    My eyes circled around the whole village plaza, maybe it was for some else. Thinking a little more, this old man's spine shivered, a chill crept up to my old sickly spine. It made the old hairs on my arms stand on their toes. Then, revolting nausea slowly crept up from the abyss of my guts. I felt horrified. Such incorrigible bastard. You, you, you dare!?

    Though old, these bones only like cute and tender girls. I hate big men!

    A burst of loud laughter suddenly boomed out from the armored man.

    “Haha! At last, the week-long wearisome and boring journey has ended. We have arrived at this new fief of mine. “See this darling, this land is ours as promised by the Lord Baron."

    Ah, he looked at me again. It seemed like it wasn't a coincidence indeed. Thus, instead of looking, I slowly looked up and prayed for the first time in years.

    Oh, goddess and esprites! Help this old man's withered bones. This Old Gazz from now on promises to not peek anymore at bathing ladies near the river nor the bathing ladies on the nearby wells. Just help me this once! This old man doesn't want to be ravage and toyed by a bearlike muscled bro!

    I looked at him again.

    The embers in his eyes were provokingly questioning something in my body. Its interest lies solely on this edgy old man's visage. What can he get from these old bones?! Damn it!

    Hmnn.

    ….

    Oh boy. Oh, boy.

    My palms sweated as his beast-like eyes ravaged my body. Please don’t look at me. Please don’t look at this old man. My withered body would not be able to handle the stress.

    And…My bones are not tasty.

    Shoo. Shoo. Shoo. I couldn’t help but roar in my mind.

    Bah! Don’t look here, you burly man. This body is only reserved for ladies!

    “…”

    This old man's eyes rarely fails me.

    The big dud wants my body.
     
  13. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    Every time the mid-spring of May arrives, all the cities, nations, kingdoms, and empires of the Eudorian Continent would celebrate an illustrious grand festival called the Esprites festival also known as the Festival of the Divinities. The event would serve as a tribute to the grace, protection, and provisions given by the three moon gods and their messengers - the transcendental creatures known as Esprites. Based on the history of Eudoria, most of these beings would only let the living races catch a glimpse of their visage in the month of May.

    Thus, May was called ‘Month of the Esprites.

    These beings were mysterious and elusive mythical creatures depicted all throughout the Eudorian history as demigods or servants of the three moons. The foundation and birth of each of the greatest kingdoms in the Eudorian continent or rise of legendary heroes documented the appearance of these divinities.

    They represented omens, may it be good or bad. There were also many historical depictions of these existences written in various stories, myths, and legacies past down on each kingdom and nation.

    A good example was the appearance of the Heavenly Elk when the heroic King Leon ascended the throne and established the Knights Kingdom of Rutherford. During his ascension to the throne, the people saw a blinding white light and loud rumbling coming from the skies above, they saw an Elk covered donning a pure and holy aura looking at the throne before vanishing as it ran through the clouds. Or the appearance of the Eustacia Empire’s Blood Tiger in a battlefield during the warring era, following the appearance of the Hero Bolkov the Mad Sword, who ended the war against the conquerors coming from the Dark Continent.

    Each appearance of these beings was considered as a sign of great change, the rise of a new era, or a warning of an upcoming calamity.

    They were also known to embody different distinct concepts such as time, light, darkness, war, space, death, and life. Though, it’s still widely believed by scholars, historians, and well-learned individuals that there were more of them hidden in the menagerie of the three moon gods – The Avalon. Such legendary creatures were considered and accepted as the guardians of the Eudorian Continent. Nevertheless, no one really knows what there distinct mission nor goal was.

    Still, there would be much to learn about the nature and origin of these mythical creatures. There were a lot of big questions about the Esprites existence. Where they came from or what birthed them to be?

    Where they created by the gods or not? The reason for their existence? And why they could only be seen in the Eudorian Continent? There were still a lot of question marks regarding these fabled existences. All we really know right now is – they do exist.

    -excerpt from Themas’ Book of Eudoria: The Esprites of Eudorian Continent’s - Volume XI

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    Knight Levo walked outside his house fully armored, laying on his waist was a sword sheeted in a scabbard, if you would look at it more you would see an intricate silvery white-elk pattern. It was the symbol of knighthood in the Knight’s Kingdom of Rutherford called the sword of the white elk.

    The King of Rutherford would only give this kind of sword to those whom he trusted the most. It was also considered as an acknowledgment of merit for their contributions to the kingdom. It may be due to their unique skills or knowledge that helped the people of the kingdom. Simply put, the white elk sword was a manifestation of glory and honor to those who wield it.

    The Knight walked towards the courtyard with an imposing aura worthy of someone who owns a sword of the white elk. Reaching the stone courtyard of the manor, the knight stopped for a moment. He gazed at the dark clouds covering the moon. Then, he bellowed in a loud voice, his shout boomed, reaching every nook and cranny of the whole village: “Buckle yourself, everyone! My men prepare your swords. We’re going to have a big party tonight!”

    This time – the Knight’s order was clear for everyone to hear.

    All of a sudden, sounds of shouts and hollers echoed all throughout the village of Lother as if it was a ringing reply to the Knight’s roar. The sounds were a mixture of anticipation, excitement, nervousness, and other feelings.

    Hearing the roaring announcement of Levo, the atmosphere in the village turned jumpy and tensed, cutting the night sleep of both old and young. The ringing battle cries of the soldiers rang throughout the village of Lother, the tension forcing its way towards the hearts of every man and woman of the village who heard it. They knew that something precarious was coming.

    Only a fool would not see that something was wrong. Something big was about to happen that might affect and disrupt their peaceful daily life.

    Even the villagers sensed the foreboding trouble as they locked up their doors and windows, telling their family members to stay indoors and wait for the village head’s instructions.

    Though, some brave and curious villagers decided to take a short peek at the sides of their windows to determine what was really happening outside.

    From their wooden windows, they saw the people under the knight who just arrived this afternoon, they were all wearing their hard clanking armors; their swords, bows, arrows, spears and all other types of weapon jostled its way on each of their hands.

    The knight’s contingent was acting like there would be a war or monster campaign, leaving the villagers both anxious and worried.

    They also heard and neighing horses racing towards the house of the lord knight, it seemed like they were all called to go to the knight’s manor. The sounds of their gallops echoing throughout the middle of the night, sending tremors to those who heard it.

    All a sudden, the village warning bells rang, an old white-haired old man appeared gasping for air as he roamed the village. He ran from house to house with his eldest son in tow to support him. It was the old village chief.

    He came bringing the not so good news this time.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The last glitters of light carried by the moon and the stars receded like a tide as patches of deep dark clouds veiled the night skies of the Village of Lother. Only the tiny lamps in the knight’s mansion swayed and flickered throughout the village as if it was rejecting the murky dimness.

    Sounds of dry huffing breaths reverberated all across the stone courtyard of the knight’s manor as the soldiers stood line. The tension crept its way to the hearts of each warrior. Each of them had their brains running in full gear as they lined up in a strict army formation, questions of what was happening popping on their minds. All they knew was there would be a lot of troublesome visitors tonight.

    The first-timers who just joined the Knight’s troops were also lining up, their backs straight as they wait for the Lord. They were the last batch who arrived at the village of Lother since they were the one marching as compared to the Knight’s direct contingents which had their own horses.

    These soldiers were composed of young ones coming from various village households in Rutherford. Their aim was to at least get acknowledge and be taught as an esquire or maybe one day if lucky… have their own fief.

    This battle was their first official assemble after training. It would also be their first maiden battle as part of the knight’s troops, their strained nerves were like a strung bow ready to be unleashed at any moment now. Their palms were sweating while they hold their weapons. The occasional jittery actions were proof of their lack of experience in wars or monster campaigns.

    These young guys felt the choking atmosphere as they jittered both due to agitation and nervousness, the pressure made them feel like there was a bunch of butterflies playing in their stomachs.

    Some of them were also starting to get pale, fearing that their knees would buckle up due to the stress brought by the scary-looking uncles beside them. These uncles were maniacally grinning from ear to ear on their side as they played with their blades and swords like hoodlums.

    “Hehe.”

    The battle-hardened veterans, on the other hand, were continuously checking their equipment, there were no fear or anxiety that was present on their face. Not caring whether they look crazy or foolish.

    They do not even care about their uncle-like looks. Instead, you could feel a calm edgy feeling building around them, their faces carrying a foolish grin as peals of disturbing cackles and titters sounded in the place. The occasional stupid smiles on their faces even made them look like grunts, crazies or madmen, scaring the greenhorns who were still wet behind their ears.

    Despite their efforts of trying to look normal as possible for the sake of the newbies, it was hard to hide the glints of passion and anticipation budding in their eyes, their grins unmasking their hunger for battle as well their honed bloodthirst hidden deep within each of their hearts.

    They knew that the swords on their waist were calling for blood to quench its thirst.

    In short, the old salts were already itching for more action. Their battle-hardened hands were already getting very tickly.

    Burning torches lit up the darkness of the evening as the grey clouds above veiled the light coming from the stars and the three moons hovering in the sky. Some curious soldiers couldn’t help but rattle about the real reason why they were rallied here.

    “I wonder what kind of great monster will be huntin’ in this mission tonight.” A goateed veteran soldier asked the other old-timers as his fingers played with a sharp dagger, the sharp metal spinning on his dexterous fingers. “After all, it’s rare to hear that grating roar coming from Lord.”

    “If I were you dud, I will just shut my mouth and wait for the Lord.” One of the old soldiers hissed at the guy. You better not jinxed it! Or I’m going to cut that lousy tongue of yours.”

    “Haha! I’ll cut yers’ first oldie! The soldier with the dagger barked back. “I’m goin’ to make sure that your little tongue will not be able to wag anymore in front of me.”

    “Oh yeah? Ya wanna try me little punk? I’m going to slash that wimpy whinny under your belt. Hmmph.”

    “Bahaha!”

    “Stop that fools! We got no time for that. Just look at our obedient baby colts, they’re already shakin like crazy.”

    “Let’s play a bet old coots!

    The word bet and play fished the attention of the veterans who were feeling a little bored. Since they were still waiting, why not bet anyway? There’s nothing wrong with having a little fun right?

    “Alright, men! We’ll go with how many greenhorns will pee their pants during the battle?”

    “Bahaha.” [All the veterans]

    “I’ll say three!”

    “Bah! Too few! I’ll call for 13 greenhorns!”

    “Ha! 17 newbies, I’ll bet for 17 newbies!”

    “Okay, okay calm down. Glen go write down the gentlemen's bets!”

    The man named Glen brought out a paper, a quill, and ink as if he was already expecting that this event would happen.

    “Alright!”

    “Ladies and gentlemen! Throw your coins in!”

    The guys were successfully riled up by the betting, most of them throwing their savings to the drain without knowing that the soldier bookie was one of the Madam’s men. They were taken advantage of without knowing anything at all. It was a flawless scheme. The Madam gave them their salary, then the Madam gets it again through her machinations.

    On the other hand, the greenhorns couldn’t help but turn green and black like the bottom of the pot after hearing that they were the subject of the bet. Looking at each other’s eyes, they made an oath in each of their hearts that they wouldn’t be the one peeing on their pants later.

    All of a sudden, sounds of rustling and clanking of armors and weapons echoed in a rhythmic manner as the soldiers tapped their heavy armor, bowing their heads towards the direction of the door of the knight’s house.

    “To the White Elk!”

    It muted the lips of the noisy bunch, as the soldiers gazed straight at the people coming out. After they saw the knight carrying the white elk sword, their eyes shone like a candle in a dark night. Their eyes brimming with respect and solemnity.

    The swaying light coming from the torch illuminated the figures of the Knight, the Madam, Auburn, Lady Leine, and all of their close aides and attendants. Looking at the knitted brows and drooping corners of the people coming out from the knight’s house, it seemed like the meeting had concluded in a quite serious mood.

    The Knight was not laughing and guffawing as he usually does when he sees them. So…it was really serious.

    Seeing the knight and the madam fully-armored, the veteran soldiers knew that things wouldn’t go as easy as it seemed to be. A ringing silence loomed around the yard as the knight cast a serious gaze on each of his soldiers.

    “Men, hear me! It looks like your luck today is quite rotten.” The knight said leering as he looked at the people in the wide courtyard. “Today, we have discovered tracks and signs of death wolves in the nearby forest of wilderness. Ahem, not just one but a lot of them. A pack perhaps.”

    Hearing the announcement of the knight, the soldier's eyes grew three sizes as their figures turned rigid in just a few seconds. The hands of the veterans who were holding the hilt of their weapons shook then stiffened due to shock.

    Some of the coins they were supposed to throw in for the bet after the announcement fell to the ground, the clinking sounds of the coins ruffling the stillness of the stone courtyard. Their previously shining eyes twitched.

    “Oh, what happened to your faces?” Knight Levo added, a smirk forming in his lips as he gazed at the paling faces of the soldiers. “Don’t worry, this will be perfect for your training. Haha.”

    “…”

    The soldiers who undergone the strict training methods of the Knight were also required to study under the tutelage of the Madam and Lady Leine. The brutes had also undergone proper etiquette lessons and training, only shying away from using in public, calling it too girly for their taste.

    Still, they used it to be like an enlightened cultured man in the presence of Madam, Lady Leine or for the girls they like. When circumstances change the brutes call for changes too. That’s the nature of good men.

    Though the brutish soldier looked like a bunch of stupid men, they also knew a lot about the history of the Eudorian Continent as well as the three volumes of the Almanac of Monsters which the two ladies nailed into their dumb heads. It was one of the prerequisites to become part of Knight Levo’s personal guard or esquire.

    Thus, their reaction after hearing the word death wolves was something not so unexpected.

    In all of the three volumes of the Almanac of Monsters, death wolves were known as harbingers of death, blood drinkers, and black vagabonds in the continent of Eudoria. Almost all of the places they attacked fell in just one night, leaving destruction as well as dead bodies in their wake, their path covered with entrails as they painted the land in rosy blood.

    There were even written documents about a certain big town which fell due to the Death wolves, massacring thousands of people in a single night, sending horror to all of the people in all kingdoms. After all, they were only around a hundred men in total. Thinking that they were going against Death wolves capable of massacring thousands, they couldn’t help but shiver.

    Only monsters like the Knight and his close aides could smile at a time like this. After all, they could probably tear those devils like nothing. As for them especially the new recruits, ehemm, they were still not quite sure. They could only do the wait and see approach.

    The documents described Death wolves as fiendish wolves covered in steel like furs, these monsters’ teeth and claws were said to be always covered in old bloodstains and rotten flesh, their eyes hues were rose crimson representing the madness within them.

    They were like a vermin and locust coming and killing without any warning. Aside from that, scholars and researchers in the Empire of Eustacia who studied a living sample of one of these death wolves discovered that these monsters were extremely cunning, they were capable of hiding their tracks in a smart way.

    It was also established that the death wolves’ sharp claws were cursed and poisonous. In a few words, it’s deadly. The researchers in that facility found it in a hard way after testing the monster’s poison on a few death row inmates, losing a dozen researchers and scholars along the way due to accidental mishandling of specimens.

    From then on, many of the smart ones shied away from the job, emptying the facility after killing the beast. Putting the empire-sponsored research to a dead end despite the generous rewards offered by the nobles. In the end, the researchers just gave the ruler of Eustacia Empire a thick report about what they found in their experiments.

    It was a hidden report only known to the higher-ups. The conclusions sent shivers to the nobles and royals in the Eustacian capital. At the end of their written report to the Emperor himself, few words were written.

    “These wolves were monsters of monster. They carry death in their wake. We conclude that these monsters were a few stairs away from the Esprite of Death. Courting these monsters is courting death.”
     
  14. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The air around the knight’s stone courtyard turned stale as the cold night breeze blew and pricked the stiff faces of the soldiers, shaking their drowsy eyes wide open. Never did they imagine that they were going to face something like the Death wolves.

    An eerie silence grasped the manor’s stone courtyard dimming away the lights coming from the burning torches nearby as cold sweat started to flow in their backs.

    The soldiers could even hear the sound of their hearts stopping a beat, the excitement in their faces a few minutes ago vanished like smoke upon the Knight’s announcement. It was replaced with strained brow and shocked faces, some even rubbed and checked their ears thinking that they might have heard it wrong.

    They looked at Knight Levo, prying to hear again the words he just said. Their moist eyes queried for an answer.

    Word by word, syllables per syllables, the knight uttered his words again.

    “…De-ath wol-ves.”

    Confirming that they heard it right, signs of deep uneasiness fell on their faces.

    One of the old soldiers called Klepas who was arguing just a moment ago shifted his eyes towards the soldier he was bickering with. Klepas kicked the leather boots of the middle-aged soldier named Levi, the one who was playing with his blade.

    Klepas then pulled a long face, his face seething with annoyance and blame. He was like an old kingdom censor ready to condemn a random stupid kingdom official after making a silly mistake.

    “See? I told ya you’ll jinx it.” The old soldier Klepas murmured in an exasperated tone, letting the nearby soldiers hear him.

    “I’ll tell the knight to put ya in the front later, you jinx. I’ll let the death wolves do my job. I’ll get them to cut your dumb arse with their bloody claws.”

    Hearing the hidden threat of the old soldier Klepas, the middle-aged soldier called Levi frowned as he threw a sharp mocking gaze at the old man. He knew that he would be one of the vanguards even before the knight announced anything.

    After all, his specialty was direct melee battles and hand-to-hand combat, so his fate was already sealed in stone even before the battle began. He wondered what the heck was happening in old Klepas brain after hearing that they would be battling death wolves.

    Perhaps it's one of the symptoms of the elderly catching up with the old man. Levi decided to keep his mouth shut and let nature run its course.

    He thought that arguing with this senile old man would waste his spit. Of course, he would drag his old besty into the frontlines along with him since he was so good at assisting vanguards, Levi thought as laughed in his mind.

    On the other hand, old Klepas considered that Levi’s silence was a sign that he was able to one him up this time. A happy and contented smile bloomed on his face as he turned his face the other way.

    The other soldiers who knew the love-hate relationship between the two couldn’t help but show their pearly whites. It seemed like there would be something nice to watch later. With the two here, there would be no boring days spent.

    Everyone knew, that Levi was one of the best vanguards. Meanwhile, old Klepas was one of the best rearguards in the Knight’s regiment, leaving your back to him would be the safest way to battle without worrying about any sneak attacks.

    Despite their always at odds relationship, these two guys had spent a lot of time on the battlefield, their weird trust in each other in the battlefield had already matured. So the two could be considered as frenemies at most.

    “Cough! What’s with those sore looks on your faces? The knight chided, his eyes unsettled, glancing unceremoniously around the stone courtyard.

    Knight Levo knew that his men just arrived and was not yet fully recovered from the long march. Yet, he was now, here, requiring them to battle against terrible monsters just a few hours after their arrival. He felt a little bit of guilt.

    “It’s not like your first time facing those kinds of beasts.” Trying to avoid the eyes of his men, he shifted his line of sight to avoid the gaze of the stiff faced soldiers as he tried to look for a way out.

    The eyes of the veterans twitched in response. Remembering their past exploits with the Knight, they knew his strengths and weaknesses.

    During the last monster extermination campaign, they had only encountered one or two lone death wolves. Killing those two death wolves were even pain the neck due to its wariness and cunning mind.

    Another thing that ticks them was…they had never encountered a pack of death wolves in their whole life! A death wolf pack would be at least 20 or more wolves during their hunt. The number would even increase depending on the alpha wolf’s ability. Thinking that they would face a great number of wolves with such a sly mind, they all felt cold sweat flowing on their back.

    “Fine, fine! Don’t worry I'll make sure that only a few of you will di—I mean to get hurt.” The knight said in a grumbling tone, yet he could not even look at the pricking eyes of his soldiers.

    “I’ll protect you guys at the best of my abilities.”

    “…”

    Seeing the blank look being thrown at the knight, the madam couldn’t help but interject and assist the knight. “I already ordered the best supper you could get this night. Eat all you can deviltusk boar meat buffet! Fill yourselves up!”

    On the other hand, the madam’s words seemed like this would be their last supper, the thought itself sent another shiver into their spine.

    “...”

    “Oh, I almost forgot I’ll also watch your backs.” The madam added a sincere smile appearing on her face.

    The words coming from the mouth of the knight and the madam didn’t really help anyone, no one here wanted to die yet.

    They all knew that when the battle starts the knight would forget everything he said just now. Well, at least they know that the Madam would watch their asses, cough, I mean their backs.

    It would at least make their backs scratch-proofed and bite-proofed, avoiding any possible sly sneak attacks from the Death wolves.

    Meanwhile, they knew that the Knight would be more focused on killing the monster and leading the men during the battle. He would not be able to cover everything for everyone, leaving the unlucky ones to their own devices in the end.

    The knight would at most be in the frontline along with his close men, giving them some leeway to breathe in relief.

    “Anyway, let me introduce to you the lucky guys who discovered the roaming bastards.” The knight said, his hands pointing at a monocled esquire named Auburn. “There were two lucky guys that made great contributions tonight. The first one is still lying in bed you know whom I mean right?

    “…”

    That lucky bastard! They all thought.

    Due to his injuries, Davin would be out of service for a few days, making the old veterans quite envious of him.

    “Though, most of the credit goes to young Auburn,” Levo added as he walked towards the monocled guy. His big hands tapping the seemingly feeble shoulders of Auburn as if he was passing the torch of responsibility to the esquire, making the esquire’s well-ironed coat-tail cringed a little. “Alright, Everyone let’s give him a round of applause please!”

    “Clap. Clap. Clap...”

    A series of forced and stale claps reverberated in the stone courtyard, along with the soldiers' incoherent claps were piercing glares zeroing on the monocled man.

    Despite knowing that the esquire man was innocent, some of them couldn’t help but cursed the man’s luck. Out of all kinds of beasts and monsters, why the heck did his luck chose death wolves? They could fight iron-hide panthers, deviltusk boars, man-eating salamanders, swamp lizards, goblins, damn they could even fight their sweet wives in… bed…and yet… he dared to discover death wolves. All they could do now was threw the intimidating gaze they could towards the one who discovered it right.

    Who could blame them, right?

    [Gulp.]

    Seeing the not so amicable and somewhat pricking gazes of the soldiers, Auburn couldn’t help himself but stiffen in response. His eyes twitching. He wanted to explain that it was Davin who brought those damn Death wolves’ feces to him. He was innocent. He only analyzed it as a hunter under the madam’s order.

    “I…”

    He was about to explain everything to the soldiers but was interrupted.

    “Ehem! As for the strategies, we already prepared a general plan,” said Knight Levo. “Leine will later explain everything on how we will handle the Death wolves. You can fork out some pennies in your mind for our strategy. If it’s good enough, Leine will relay the message to me. Understood?”

    “Yes, Lord Knight!” The soldiers echoed in chorus.

    “Bose!”

    “I am here my Lord,” answered the village chief as sweat formed in his eyebrows. He was still gasping after running to the manor. He heard everything the knight announce, making his palms sweat in anxiety, adding a new string of stress-related wrinkles on his old forehead.

    The knight and the madam looked at each other and sighed. The madam spoke. “Come with us inside the house.”

    The old village chief knew the dangers that death wolves could bring. It would be a disaster. After all, he was once a man of trade and goods.

    As one of the former shopkeepers of a rich merchant in the Barony of Gisvold, he was quite well-informed about any attacks on the merchant’s caravans, especially anything related to monster attacks.

    He remembered one time when he found his previous boss, a rich merchant cursing his luck, his breath ragged and rapid, and his voice booming throughout the shop scaring many of his employees.

    Due to his once ever so youthful curiosity, he asked his colleagues about the latest news and why was the merchant so furious. He heard that one of the merchant’s caravans were missing. The merchant feared that it was attacked and looted by bandits, making him very irritable.

    A few more months passed, the caravan was found by one of the local village hunters roaming around the trade route. After finishing his hunt, this hunter caught a whiff of a stomach-turning rotting smell coming from the place.

    In curiosity, he ventured deeper into the woods and discovered litters of dismembered human and horse bodies as well as the bloodied caravans, the spices it carried where either splattered on the ground. It was already spoiled. Apparently, no one in the caravan was left alive... and intact to report what happened.

    Seeing the baffling and terrifying sight, the hunter immediately ran away from the place and reported the things he saw to the patrolling soldiers. The news eventually reached the higher authorities who galloped their horses to conduct a more in-depth investigation at the place.

    They concluded that the goods were from the rich merchant’s missing caravan due to the merchant insignia found in one of the depilated barrels. Though, the perpetrators were not found and still remained unknown at that time.

    After hearing the gruesome news, the merchant splurged a bit of his money to seek who dared to attack his caravan. The merchant even went beyond putting up stacks and chests of coins due to his anger.

    He also promised favors and gold to anyone who could give him legit information about the culprits, thinking that perhaps it was those darn bandits.

    Of course, no one dared to double-cross the influential merchant, fearing what would happen to them if they fed away some false information.

    The nobles who heard the news were tickled and hooked by the merchant's promises of favor and gold. They ordered their personal armies to seek the perpetrators.

    The series of events led to the downfall of some local brigands roaming the area. Yet, none of the caught bandits knew about the caravan even after subjected to bloody torture.

    It was only until one of the few monster scholars from the Citadel of Van situated in the cold northern territories passed through the town in search of trade deals.

    Citadel of Van was a stronghold known to be near one of the most well-known monster area – The Tundra of Lang. The citadel was there to contain any possible monster swarms coming from the tundra.

    The unique tundra was known to contain various monster species including the death wolves despite the harsh freezing weather. It was one of the forbidden areas of the Eudorian continent as well as one of the commonplaces were monster subjugations occurs.

    Along the way, the scholar heard gossip about the attack on the merchant’s caravan. In curiosity, he gathered all the details and information from the gossips in the town pubs, slowly completing the puzzle piece by piece.

    The scholar was shocked to discover that the signs were similar to the bloody raids of death wolves in the northern territory. Most of the attacks of these wolves were due to the scarce resources caused by extreme environmental conditions.

    Judging from the information he got, it seemed like the death wolves decided to migrate due to this year’s terrible winter in the northern territories.

    The wolves were in search of greener pastures.

    Thus, he went to the merchant hoping to gain new connections as well as some rations for his journey back to the north in exchange for the information he would provide. He went to the merchant and gave him the information.

    Hearing that the monster scholar had visited him to provide information about the attack on the caravan. The rich merchant was at first skeptic, thinking that the scholar might only want to strike a deal for the Citadel of Van by using the caravan attack as an excuse to meet him.

    Nevertheless, he decided to meet the scholar. After hearing the explanation of the monster scholar, the merchant was dumbfounded. He never thought that such beasts would dare to travel to the central plains of Rutherford. He knew that there was a famine in the north, yet, this was the first time that he heard of Lang beasts migrating in search of food.

    Rubbing his thick eyebrows, he realized why he was not able to find the culprits despite promising rewards. It seemed like he was looking at the wrong place.

    ♠♠♠

    The night sky above lacked its usual starry and moonlit luster as the smoke-colored clouds veiled the stars and moons high above. It seemed like the heavens were warning the people of a coming disaster.

    Knight Levo looked at the old village chief, his hand rubbing his temples. “Abandon the village, ask the villagers to set their destination to Gartner Town.”

    The village chief knew the graveness of the matter. They must evacuate immediately to avoid being a liability on the battlefield in case the death wolves attack the village.

    “My Liege! This old man will follow.”

    “Then go now, fast! I will send a part of my man to escort you.”

    Scurrying in haste, the village chief ran back to the village to inform everyone, his old face tinged with worry. He knew how lucky they were that the knight and his soldiers were here.

    The knight then cast a caring gaze to his wife.

    “Annis, can you please get the kids to safety first. Ask old Sept to babysit them for a while.”

    Madam Annis then smiled and nodded.

    “I will.”

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The night fell deeper as the moon peeked over the dark clouds from time to time, making the night shift in either darkness or light. Deeper in the forest of wilderness, the swishing of the wind breeze could be heard.

    Yet, you would not be able to hear any croaking of frogs or toads nor could you hear any sounds of buzzing insects. An unbearable stench covered the intertwining trees as some of the trees were painted with streaks of various beast blood and remains.

    Among the web of maze-like trees, a number of silent beasts lied in sleep. Their furs were blacker than the darkness of the night. Their claws were covered in dried blood and meat. A unique aura of malice revolved around their bodies. The air around these monsters was stale and dark. If any man catches a whiff of this smell, they would all conclude that it was the aroma of death!

    Without any warning…

    A cold emerald-colored eye snapped open, it looked at the direction of the village of Lother for a moment. Its ears perked up as if it was hearing something. Then, it slowly stood up and gazed at the peeking moons in resentment.

    “Awoohhh!!!”

    All of a sudden…

    The dark-furred beasts lying around it stood up one by one, opening their once drowsy eyes wide open. All of their eyes were set in one place…the village of Lother. Then, the aura of the emerald-eyed monster boomed, streaks of mysterious dark flames rose from its body. In response, the death wolves looked at their leader and howled in bloodthirst and excitement, their eyes turning blood red in response.

    A banquet was about to start for them.

    “Awoohhh!”
     
  15. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The dark miasma coming from the forest slowly crept towards the village of Lother. Few of the villagers trembled on the spot when they saw the tendrils of darkness. All the grasses that the miasma passed through turned stale and dry. Then, it died. It was a bad omen. Those villagers knew peril when it's coming. Their primal instinct to survive pricked their skins, asking them to run.

    The first hour had already passed since Knight Levo called for the evacuation.

    Upon receiving the order, the villagers of Lother scrambled to pick up what can they bring. The village head Bose ordered the ringing of the village warning bells. It woke up the villagers from their deep slumber. He then shared the calamity that was coming to the village. The message of their new lord, emphasizing his first strict command was for their good.

    Thus, the informed families scrambled and ran to their relatives and families. They shook each nook and cranny of the village as they share the news. The news spread throughout the village like a wildfire in the middle of summer heat. It was fast and efficient.

    Many of the villagers were still confused about what was happening. Many stood still, dumbfounded by the suddenness of the events.

    The smart ones packed up only the important things – food, water, and some necessities. Meanwhile, the not so smart ones dragged almost everything they could bring. Earning the cussing and grumbles of the village elders!

    The news about the Death wolves near the forest of wilderness didn’t sink into most of the villagers. Since many of the villagers lacked knowledge. They only knew some folk tales and descriptions of local monsters.

    In this village, knowing things from the nearby towns was already worth bragging.

    Only a few had heard of death wolves since these beasts usually treat the tundra of Van as their habitat. According to those in the north, these beasts rarely go out of that place. The Forest of Wilderness was not its local habitat.

    Still, the villagers chose to follow and trust the leadership of the old village chief. They knew the chief for a lot of years. The villagers knew that the village chief would never joke about something dangerous.

    Bah! The streaks of wrinkles in his forehead would attest to it. He takes every issue to heart!

    The villagers brought sacks filled with their important possession – food, water, and coins. The villagers marched away from their homes. They walked towards the Knight’s Manor before going to the Barony of Gisvold as ordered by the knight.

    On their way, the village chief stopped at the Knight’s manor, then immediately entered the manor.

    Meanwhile, the villagers saw hundreds of stiff faced soldiers standing outside. They were looking at the doors of the Knight’s newly renovated manor. After seeing the soldiers, the villagers' doubts were washed away. The clanking swords and shields sent them on their feet.

    The soldiers they saw were strung in high tension, no laughs nor murmurs echoed. They were all checking their weapons and armors. Tinkling their plates as they assure that they wouldn't leave any gaps in their armaments.

    In their eyes, it would be a great regret to die in battle due to a piece of mere faulty equipment. The veterans were even testing their weapons, swinging their swords to warm them up.

    As the Madam had always said.

    “A chipped blade might break in battle, giving the enemy a chance to dice you up. A weak bowstring might snap all of a sudden, leaving you weaponless in the middle of a battle. Even before the battle, you decide your fate.”

    Whether you die or your enemy dies is all in your hands.

    Thus, under the guidance of the Knight’s men. The soldiers learned to check the quality of their weapons even before any battles start.

    Well, no one knows, maybe it would be the one to save their lives.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    A few minutes trickled, the night turning a shade deeper. It was already midnight. The beauty of the three moons and the stars veiled by the dark clouds above. The burning torches serving as the only thing to illuminate the villagers’ way to Gisvold.

    The knight’s manor was also studded with several standing lamps. In the cities and towns, they call the lamps as forge torches. These forge torches lit up the manor, a shining beacon in the night.

    All of a sudden…

    Awoohhh!

    A series of disturbing howls echoed throughout the whole village of Lother. Everyone who heard the howls was petrified for a moment as if their blood had turned cold.

    The villagers who heard the howls froze, rooted on the spot due to a deep-seated primal fear. They all knew that those sounds would never come from ordinary wolves. The hairs on their arms stood in attention, sending warnings to their every nerve.

    The children of the villagers even cried and wailed after hearing the prickly howls. The parents all looked at the forest, their faces pale. They hugged their kids inching neared the soldiers. Even the older villagers couldn’t help but stagger some even fell butt first.

    The howls sounded like screeches and shrieks of a pack of unknown beasts in the ears of the villagers. It was scathing to the ear, sending fear to the hearts of each one of the villagers.

    In the ears of the strong-hearted individuals, the howls were a show of arrogance. It also carried bloodthirst and malice to the wind.

    “Soldiers!”

    Following the howls, a lion-like roar then boomed. It swept the fears of everyone who heard it, waking everyone from their stupor. Clanking sounds of metal and iron rang, the faces of the soldiers looked at the man who roared in respect.

    The villagers rubbed their eyes, thinking that they might still be dreaming. They wished what they heard was only a dream. The villagers soon saw the silhouette of the valiant knight. They also caught a glimpse of a unique crimson-colored streak covering the knight.

    In a wink, the steaks were gone. The villagers rubbed their eyes again, assuring that they were not dreaming

    Standing behind the knight, were his close confidants and trusted aides. They were individuals who stood with the knight on the battlefield for years.

    Under the luminescence of the torches, the villagers also saw the village head. He was talking with to an armored sun-kissed man.

    The man was quite old, his long white hair and well-groomed stubble serving as good proof. Despite that, you could also tell that the man’s body was buffed with strength and power. When he saw the villagers looking at him. He cracked a smile like a good-natured grandpa.

    “Assemble!”

    The hundreds of soldiers formed their formation in haste. They zigzagged with each other until they manage to form a unique formation. A unique magical rhythm enclosed the disordered movement of the soldiers. The onlooking villagers scratched their heads in confusion.

    They thought that the soldiers would bump into each other. Still, they saw none despite the messy movements that unfolded before their eyes.

    As it continued, the eyes of some villagers lit up. They saw chaotic movement slowing down. Then, it turned neat. There's also order chaos.

    Their initial impression of the soldiers as the knight’s men rose a few notches. It changed and zoomed from ordinary soldiers to great warriors in a blink of an eye.

    The eyes of the young village ladies shone in delight. They saw opportunities for marriage among the young soldiers. Not knowing that a few of these men might not even see tomorrow.

    Meanwhile, the eyes of the village youth twinkled, they wished they were part of this army. Not knowing, the hardships they must undergo first. They did not know that the soldiers in front of them had put a lot of time, blood, and sweat to achieve this level.

    If these young ones thought that they could become a soldier of the knight with a thought. Then, they couldn’t be more wrong.

    Unfortunately, their time in their sweet fantasies was cut short by the roar of the knight. “Sephtarion! Bose! Lead the villagers away now!”

    The two men strode in front of the Lord then kneeled, their right hand formed a fist as it laid into their chest. The two then spoke. “Yes, Lord!”

    “Away with them!”

    The two saluted and then stood up. They walked to the villagers, arranging their march to avoid stampedes. Guiding then on what to do to avoid any accidents. After all, there are about more than 500 villagers to evacuate. Without someone authoritative to lead, this bunch of crowd would be a source of trouble.

    “Move one at a time, arrange your baggage, assist the elderly on the horse carts.” The experience of the village chief bloomed despite his old age. He moved like he was managing the delivery of goods. Yes, just like his good old days as a storekeeper in Gisvold.

    “Okay. That’s good next one. Oi! Take care of Ol’ Elma. Don’t rush her!”

    The villagers followed the orders of the old village chief Bose. After hearing the howling of the Death wolves, everyone fearing that they would be left out. They decided to follow the village chief and the other man with all their hearts. They knew that things were going to get dangerous.

    Scared of what would happen if the Knight did not arrive here in this village. The village elders trembled in realization. Their face contorting in fear as cold sweat dripped in their back. They imagined what kind of unfortunate end they would have.

    “One at a time. One at a time! Ya brat! Fall in line before I rip yar balls out.” The usually calm village head roared, his frail hand struck a panicking youth.

    “Move! Move! Move!”

    As the old village chief remembered the words and explanations of Madam and Auburn. He couldn't help but wish that the villagers have one more foot so that they could move faster.

    It opened his old eyes about the peril that was about to unfold. A shiver passed through his back. He knew what kind of monstrosities visited their backyard.

    He couldn’t help but shout with all of his lungs just to make the villagers move even a little faster. He regretted that his old throat was not as powerful as it used to be.

    On the other hand, the burly old man named Septharion led and arranged the spots of more than 70 soldiers. They were under him throughout this journey. He positioned them in various areas of the march, serving as the main escort of the villagers.

    He then looked at the villagers with a kind smile, his interest piqued. The man played with his beard. His eyes shone in delight as if he was a child seeing new toys.

    A grin appeared on his mouth.

    “Interesting.”

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The long line of villagers started moving with order and haste. After hearing the unsettling howls coming from the forest, they all knew that the knight wished to protect them. All they could now was follow the knight’s arrangements. They all set their feet towards the Barony of Gisvold.

    “Uncle, do you know what will happen to the village?” One of the young men quipped, scratching his head as he looked at the man beside him.

    “Ya’ darn brat! I don’t know.” The pot-bellied village uncle tapped his bulging body. He moved his head and gaze at the old village chief as well as the white-haired old soldier. “Ya better ask the old chief.”

    “Uncle, I felt very weird hearing those wolf howls?” The youth said. In truth, every time he remembered those howls, the beats of his heart would gallop. He knew that they were running away from something. Along with cold breeze and the moonless skies above, the youth felt the omen of danger. It was approaching their little village in haste.

    The potbellied uncle was starting to feel noxious due to the noisy young man. His irritation was starting to max out and burst. First, he was woken up in the middle of the night. Next, he was told to march to the Town of Gisvold unready. Then, he heard the creepy howls. Now, this clown of a nephew. This clown!

    The exasperating sounds of the craggy carriage wheels in front of them as it passed the rough stone road.

    “Ya! I don’t know! Ya bratty stop asking questi-.”

    “Those are not forest wolves.”

    ‘What th-.”

    Hearing the young voice, the two villagers quipped their heads and looked at the source of the sound. In front of them, they saw a young cute kid, his bluish eyes peeking at them with curiosity. He was inside the shaky carriage in front of them.

    The few burning torches carried by the knight’s people illuminated the face of the kid. He has a eye-catching grayish hair. It was something rare in this region, catching the attention of the other villagers.

    “It’s the little lord!”

    “Where?”

    “I can’t see!”

    “Aya! Don’t walk on my foot bastard!”

    “Brat, I’m yar grandpa so what if I squish yer foot eh!

    “Calm down! Calm down!” Seeing the gossipy villagers acting up, one of the escort horsemen roared. The roars brought a little bit of order to the place.

    “Don’t rush, we’ll punish anyone who causes stampede here!”

    In times of panic, using threats was one of the most effective ways to bring order. Of course, only if it’s used in the right way. The roads were dark, the dark skies didn’t bring any comfort at all to the villagers, making them very jumpy.

    They were like cautious rabbits immediately frightened by any sounds.

    “What’s happening here?!”

    The potbellied man groaned, his face a bit pale after being pushed around. He looked at the horseman, pointing at the confused kid sitting at the carriage. “The little Lord.”

    “Oh, hi Mister. How are you?” Klive said, one of his hands waving at the horseman.

    Seeing that it was indeed the little lord, he scratched his head and reply with an awkward smile. “Why are you here young master Klive? Lady Ciera is searching everywhere for you and she’s very worried.”

    “Oh.”

    Realizing his mistake, Klive bowed his head and said to the horseman. “Mister?”

    “Yes, Master Klive?”

    “Can I explain to them first what those howls where? I’ll go with you later.” Little Klive used his favorite weapon – his innocent and cute face.

    The horseman smiled wryly after seeing those puppy eyes. He then remembered his child at home then gave in. “Fine, but lets at least inform lady Ciera okay?”

    “Kay!” Klive ran inside the carriage. He took up a wooden book from his side and opened it with a grin as he entered the carriage. In a few minutes, he peeked out again from the carriage and faced the villagers.

    “It’s Death wolves.”

    He then explained what those beasts were as if he had known it long ago. With his every description of his, the faces of the villagers shifted its hues from pale to ghost white. The sleepy villagers sucked their breaths in fear.

    Thanking the three goddesses for their luck!

    Even the listening escort horsemen shuddered. After hearing the records of attacks caused by the Death wolves and the casualties after. The casualties caused by the Death wolves might not be more than the monster tides. But the deaths of their victims were gruesome to the point that he almost puke.

    The horsemen couldn’t help but take a deeper look at the excited little boy. The face of the young boy remained the same as if he knew what will happen.

    The boy was... a monster in his own right.
     
  16. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The wind blew yet the dark clouds covering the sky did not subside. It seemed like the dark clouds covering the moon were not created naturally. Only powerful creatures of darkness could play with dark clouds like this. A great number of documents had recorded such events during the past. A Lord-rank monstrosity caused such an event during one of the great beast tides a few years ago.

    The path to the village and the forest of the wilderness was a wide muddy road. The roads sandwiched from two sides by two tall rocky cliffs. In the past, the place was a favorite place of bandits. The news reached the capital causing them to send an army to wipe them out of the land of Eudoria.

    “Are the traps ready?”

    “Fixed and perfect my liege”. The monocled man answered. The esquire Auburn wore his light armor this time as mobility was of great importance for a hunter like him. Putting away his usual black tailcoat, Auburn looked like an experienced hunter. With his trusty bow and arrow on his side, he looked gallant. Much better than his young noble look.

    Auburn was one of the best-known monster hunters throughout the Kingdom of Rutherford. Along with his sister, he answered the call of the Kingdom’s draft last monster subjugation. It earned him accolades and praises from various noble and even the King.

    Many rich and powerful noble families invited him to be their vassals. Forgetting that he was from a fallen noble family whom they hate.

    His feats during the last call for monster subjugation were clear and proven for everyone to see. Auburn might not be a versatile fighter as Davin, but he had enough tricks on his sleeves.

    His tracking and hunting skills were next to none among the Knight’s people. It was even good enough to earn him a place as a King's knight. Still, Auburn chose to answer the call of Knight Levo. In his eyes, being an esquire to this man was a much better deal.

    With the help of Auburn, the soldiers were able to build various traps for the Death wolves. The traps built below were hard to spot, hidden deep pits – filled with wet mud mixed with combustible oil. There were also snares of various types – some could kill and some could trap.

    Auburn shook his head after seeing his creations. With enough time on his hand, he could have prepared more.

    There were also wooden stakes acting as an initial line of defense. It was to avoid being crowded by Death wolves. The soldier was assigned in a small squad of ten. each one would pick their leader based on the Knight and Madam’s standards.

    The Madam thought them someone with brain and brawn was something necessary. A person's good looks, background, and money would be of little use in battle.

    “This will be the last call! Check your weapons.” Knight Levo roared, a faint crimson-colored streak appeared around his body. The sight boosted the courage of the soldiers. The presence of a Gold Knight changes a lot of things on the battlefield.

    “Be sure to remember the drills! And…Don’t get cocky and get killed!”

    All of a sudden, the cold night breeze stopped. The soldier held their weapons. They felt that time itself stopped. A dark miasma crept its way, towards the thin grasses below causing it to shrivel and die upon contact.

    The faces of the Knight, the madam, and all the men scowled upon the sight. They sensed death. And as they cast their eyes towards the forest, they saw a cold emerald eye watching them.

    It froze the hearts of some of the young soldiers, making them tremble in primal fear. Some weak-hearted ones even had their bladders failing. Soon, the smell of pungent liquid covered them. They had wet their pants.

    “Annis! Command’s yours!”

    The Madam nodded. She walked towards the back of the formation along with Lady Liene as her assistant and advisor.

    The Knight strode to the front along with some of his most trusted men, raising their weapons. His eyes focused on the increasing number of Death wolves.

    “Sword!”

    Upon that word, all the soldiers drew their weapon. Then, they struck their shields with their swords. The metallic sounds echoed as they put their strength in each thump. It produced a wild rhythmic echo, whetting the souls of the soldiers. The soldiers’ bloodlust and morale rising with every beat.

    The Madam observed the Death wolves who were appearing from the forest of the wilderness one by one. Her eyes also sharpened upon noticing the rising numbers of the Death wolves.

    The pack of death wolves stood there as if waiting for something. Their salivas were splashing on the ground. It was a miracle that these hungry wolves had even managed to hold themselves from rushing.

    Soon, the soldiers saw a big Death wolf appearing. The nearby wolves turned silent and bowed their heads towards the newcomer.

    It was the alpha wolf, it was much bigger as compared to other wolves. A glint of pride shining from its eyes. Its fur was darker than night, rejecting the gloss of any light. Under the dimness of the night, its emerald-colored eyes glimmered. The savagery and bloodlust sheathed in its eyes.

    The moment Annis saw the alpha wolf, her irises constricted. A noticeable change appeared on her face.

    Awoohhh!

    The pack of death wolves howled in unison as if they were greeting their leader. The pack was getting more and more excited.

    “Auburn! Ready your arrows.” The madam said her eyes calculating. “Put a lot of paralyzing powder then aim for that big wolf – if it moves fire! Don’t let it wiggle around!”

    Seeing the monocled man nodding towards her. She then turned towards the soldiers manning a big war drum.

    With her eyebrows in knots, she said in a firm voice.

    “War Drum – Notice of Chaos. Now.”

    The hearts of the soldiers operating the war drum chilled. They stood stunned for a moment. They shifted their neck at the pack of Death wolves. After seeing the murderous desire in those eyes. They knew it was Do or Die! The Death wolves looking at them like they were some delicacies. They knew that they must also put their life on the line. They must give their all for the soldiers on the vanguard.

    The sentences coming from the Madam’s lips caused the war drummers to feel the pressure. They took out a unique beast bone and started striking the drum, starting a unique rhythm. Starting from a single beat, the war drum steadily shifted its tempo, from slow to fast, from soft to loud. The strokes were getting more and more powerful. Getting heavier and heavier with their every stroke.

    It sounded like the end was coming, the soldiers felt their bloodlust being whetted. Their six senses sharpening, awakening from its slumber with every bang and beat of the war drum.

    The war drum washed away the fears in their hearts, extinguishing it with the loud booms and throbs. They felt that they could fight everyone, their eyes turning red in turn. The will to fight in their eyes burning brighter with every beat.

    The “Notice of Chaos” was a drum movement created during the holy war against the undead. It was also used against dark afflicted beast such as death wolves.

    It was also a sacrificial type of music. The drummer would feel their strengths being sapped with every beat. Many had even died due to its excessive use.

    In turn, every warrior the war drummers consider as an ally would feel their latent potentials burning and blooming for a short while. Raising their fighting potential to another level especially in times of great need.

    Simply put, the Madam determined this battle as something worth the sacrifice. Dead or alive, they must stop these beasts! The Madam’s ability to command and discern the battlefield was second to none in the knight’s army.

    Her orders were absolute when she holds the fort.

    Bam! Bam! Babarambam!

    [Author’s Note: I imagined the sound of the drums and tried finding something with the same spirit on youtube. Click Here.]

    The tempo of the war drums turned the face of the Knight more somber. He stood his ground at the front of their formation. He pulled out his sword then raised his large shield. His usual smile was gone. The smile replaced with a silent bloodlust mixed with crimson lightning.

    “HA!” The knight’s voice boomed along with the war drums. A crimson aura appeared on his body. It looked like the streaks of lighting were converging within him. The crimson aura also covered every warrior near him. It was like a blooming crimson halo below the ground. It made them look like invincible warriors of the old era.

    “Vanguard raised your shields! Hold! Steady!

    All of a sudden, the giant alpha wolf howled. Several death wolves rushed towards the soldiers, not caring about anything. Their eyes filled with hunger and craziness. The only thing these beasts saw was walking meat. Along with its rush, the scent of blood and slaughter lingered in the air.

    “Men! Here they come. Grit your damn teeth!”

    Before some of the wolves even reached the vanguard, a number already fell on the dip pits prepared by Auburn. Seeing some of the Death wolves falling to the traps, a light flashed in the Madam’s eyes. The wooden stakes served not only to slow down the wolves but also to lead them to the traps.

    “Archers ready!

    “Fire Arrows. Hold! Fire!”

    As soon as the fire arrows struck the deep pits, a hungry tongue of flame arose from it. After the tongue of fire, sounds of death throes of the wolves echoed. Their whines putting a glint of wariness in the eyes of the alpha wolf.

    It never expected that it would face such resistance from such little village. The alpha wolf even scouted the area a few days ago.

    “Bang!”

    The moment the remainders of the first wave of the wolves struck the giant shields. The vanguards didn't immediately attack, they waited for a moment. Soon, another howl from the alpha echoed.

    “Hmmph!! Come, come. Push!” Knight Levo roared. The moment a gap was found he immediately struck with his sword, bashing the head of death wolf. The beast’s skull cracked, black blood splashing on the ground. Its head popped like a watermelon after the knight used his sword as if it was a mace. It was savage!

    The soldiers beside the knight worked together, slashing and crushing the monsters.

    “Cut or bash their heads!” Don’t let them play and wiggle!”

    The first batch of Death wolves was mowed one by one. The Death wolves became dead wolves. Most of these beasts died either with the head cut off or smash. Quite a lot had died after being roast like a pig in the flaming pit. The sounds of screechy whines and howls echoing in the burning pits.

    “Ahh!”

    “N-no, stay away!”

    “Damn it! Pull the brat!”

    On the other hand, there were still a few casualties from the soldiers. Some suffered from claw swipes, poisoned and twitching on the ground in pain and agony. A few greenhorns were even bitten by a few wolves, a chunk of their arms or legs missing. These soldiers were immediately pulled back to the medical tent by some soldiers.

    An unlucky man even died after getting his throat ripped by a death wolf which he thought was dead.

    Sneaky and vicious!

    The Knight grimaced after catching the sight. This was the first wave! A hundred wolves in the first wave!

    Mowing down as many as he could, the Knight’s aura burst forth like cracking lightning tearing down the land. With a few swipes, twenty plus wolves were cut in half from the head. Enough for others to take a deep breath and recollect themselves.

    As soon as a group of attacking of death wolves was cleared, another batch of wolves would dash forward to take their place. They clawed the shields of soldiers with their saliva splashing everywhere. The second wave of death wolves seemed to be much experienced than the first one. The group managed to avoid the burning pits with dexterity. It mowed and destroyed the wooden stakes with their sharp claws.

    Ting, ting!

    Claws and swords met with each other. The grating sounds bloomed in the battlefield as sparks flew everywhere.

    The Madam frowned after seeing this. Such cunningness! She felt like she was playing chess with the alpha wolf. Despite not underestimating the beasts, she never thought that the risks of casualties would rise with a single exchange.

    The Death wolves were prepared. And the Madam knew that they were not.

    She treasured each soldier within the army. It must not continue! Her heart bled, after seeing a few of her etiquette students dying. The sight made Lady Liene grimaced.

    “Madam we can’t continue this. We-”

    “I know!”

    Unlike the beast tide she fought during the monster subjugation, this type of battle was more nerve-wracking. During the beast tide, they were fighting against monsters which only knows to attack in massive numbers.

    But this time, she was facing a unique beast with sentience. No, with intelligence! Madam couldn’t help but closed her eyes to think, she immediately decided to shift her strategies. As she opened her eyes again, she realized a few thoughts about the alpha wolf’s plan.

    The first wave was mere fodders in the eyes of the alpha wolf. It was the disposables that were used to check things out. The wave was ferocious and fast but lacked coordination.

    She guessed that the second or third wave would be something to tire the vanguard out. The soldiers must retreat now!

    Seeing that more and more Death wolves appearing from the Forest of Wilderness, poking their hungry heads one by one. Madam Annis scowled after catching a whiff of the alpha wolf’s wit.

    It’s using basic huma-, no, wolf wave tactics in a clever way.

    She understood what was needed to be done.

    “Levo! Go retreat to the second line!” Madam Annis shouted. She looked at war drummers. In a short while, he could already see their faces sagging. They were burning their life force, their skin getting paler and paler with every bang of the war drums. Even so, their eyes shone with a powerful will.

    “You heard my wife! Move steady and slow!”

    Aided with their rich experience, the vanguard added with the support of the war drum. The soldiers retreated to the second line carefully. They assured that not even one wolf would pass through due to negligence.

    “Archers free fire! Provide support aim for the feet. Throw the alchemical flaming bottles! Slow the wolves down.”

    “Ai!”

    It was fortunate that they were fighting in a closed battlefield. If not, retreating would be much more difficult if they fought in an open field like the village. The alpha wolf would definitely guard their escape routes. The Death wolves’ maneuvers were limited due to the terrain. It gave the troops an excellent opportunity to retreat.

    The last to retreat was the vanguard led by the Knight.

    The Death wolves could only watch after being impeded by roaring flames from the alchemical bottles. The bloodlust within them, unabated and unquenched.
     
  17. ThePundit

    ThePundit Well-Known Member

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    The old stone walls of the eastern outskirts served as the second defensive line. It guarded the doors towards the village. The walls once served as protection for an army camp against a beast tide a few years ago. A lot of years had already passed yet the stone walls still stood straight. A testament to its quality and endurance.

    With a few tinkling from the villagers, the walls stayed well and in shape. It remained in good condition for years. Fending off a few monster attacks coming from the forest of wilderness. The old people in the village acknowledge the importance of these old walls for it saved them many times.

    “Wait for the cover…NOW!

    “Retreat!”

    The death wolves weren’t able to give chase. The bursting alchemical flasks and sneaky archers targeted their paws. It enabled the soldiers to retreat faster to the wall. It seemed like the alpha wolf chose to watch first, giving the soldiers the time to catch a breath.

    The dark alpha wolf stared the retreating soldiers with its cold emerald eyes. There was a glint of irritation flashing in its eyes. It moved its gaze on the nearby wall and saw a silver-haired lady looking at it with a smug face.

    The eyes of the lady seemed to be taunting it. Her eyes were full of mockery as if the lady was courting and inviting the beast to attack. If translated into words it would be; “Come, come big baby and eat my trap!”

    The alpha wolf's anger rose for a moment, a feeling of humiliation washed over its dark fur. A glint of fury blazed on its emerald-colored eyes. It felt challenged. The smug face of the lady humbled down its once unshakable prestige. A dark aura rose from its body rendering the land where it stood barren and dead.

    The alpha wolf beast almost rushed out to the wall to kill the smug bug. Even so, its wariness and wit still prevailed. It crushed the thought from its mind. It would never fall due to cheap tricks.

    It stood there and finally decided to only watch. Putting the image of the lady on its memory, huffing, and puffing in irritation. No human had dared to challenge the dark beast’s authority. Even in the Tundra of Van! Of course, except for the bald scarred-face bastard on the Citadel.

    It also caught the glimpse of the red-bearded human mowing down its minions. Seeing the trace of red lighting covering the man, a bit of anxiety rose from its eyes. It never thought that it would face such resistance, unlike the first few villages that it feasts on.

    With a howl, it ordered a temporary halt of the hunt. The alpha wolf felt that it was falling into a quagmire with every step it took. The honed instinct it had started kicking in. As it remembered the burning pits, it became even more sure. Huffing from its nose, it swore and cursed the tricky human traps.

    Awooh!

    The alpha wolf stopped the remaining wild rushing wolves. The fools tucked their tails and return, whining. It was a temporary halt with each side bidding its time.

    Sighs echoed behind the stone walls as the wolf retreated to the forest. Even so, they knew it was not yet the end. Before the dawn peeks, the wolves would attack again. After all, its advantage was the covers of the night.

    All of a sudden, the alpha wolf made a loud howl again. A flash shone from its eyes. Sniffing for a moment, it caught a whiff of a large group of humans moving away from the village. It roared in anger again, it knew it was being tricked again but couldn’t do anything.

    In a moment, it decided to send a few of its Death wolf to find another route. Trickery! It must catch those running rats. No prey will escape from its paws.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The booming drums continued until the Madam ordered it to stop. The war drummers immediately fell to the ground like dead dogs. Their eyes closed before they could even hit the solid ground. Some started twitching on the ground. While others foamed from their mouths.

    Soon, rushing soldiers took them away to the medical tent, giving them the utmost care they could have.

    Madam Annis and Lady Leine sighed in relief after seeing the retreating wolves. The number of wolves was more than they anticipated. The dark beast did not only brought a pack but instead brought a small army.

    They won the bet.

    The wariness of the emerald-eyed beast won them fewer casualties. The Madam and Lady Leine gambled that the wolf lord would retreat. They made a scene in the alpha wolf's mind, letting it think that there were more traps even there was none.

    The bravado of the Madam atop of the wall was also part of the plan. Letting the wolf lord think that there are more traps ahead by showing great confidence. They used the alpha wolf’s cunningness against it to buy some much needed time.

    The Knight and the soldiers culled more than 120 Death wolves within the short duration. Even so, the wolves never feared even as their numbers dwindled. The bastards dogged them, not caring about anything aside from their prey.

    The army of the knight lost at least 3 brothers, with 5 more earning life-threatening wounds. It was hard to imagine that it occurred in the span of a few minutes. A short skirmish. Some of the wounded even lost a part of their body. They would be living as a handicapped man in their whole life if they survive.

    It might not mean a lot in big battles, but in a small and unreplenishable army like the Knight’s, it means a lot. Death is the death of a brother or sister. Grief and tears poured down. The faces of those who perished stayed on their minds. Avoiding the possibility of a plague, the fallen were cremated with care and haste.

    Since the soldiers were only a few, each soldier knew each other either by name or by face. Some even drunk together during social gatherings. It was hard to take things as if it was only the death of someone they don't know.

    Still, their will to fight wasn't loss. It didn't ebb. Rather it burned brighter along with the dancing flames and ashes. The soldiers bid their goodbyes to the dead and found their places around the flame to sit and catch some rest. They stared at the flame-like moths in the middle of the night with tears and snots.

    Watching the dancing fire - the Knight, the Madam, and everyone showed solemn attitudes. Walking towards the dancing flames, the Knight pulled out his elk sword. He pierced the ground with it and bowed to the swaying flames, a sign of gratitude and respect.

    He stood up and looked up at the soldiers. The soldiers watched him as they held back their tears.

    “Fear not! For our brothers are in the embraces of the goddesses! They fought a good battle. We all know that the Heavenly Elk will guide them to the spirit of the first King! Soon enough we will dine and drink with them again. It will be a place where wines are infinite and food is overflowing! Rejoice for the brave souls!”

    Bambam!

    The soldiers struck their shields with their hands to the ground producing a unique echo. The flames burning deeper and higher as if it was reaching heaven. The war drum rang three times as remembrance to the fallen. Soon, solemn roars echoed within the walls.

    “We Fear Not!”

    “The goddesses are with us!”

    “With us! With us!”

    “Alright heed me! Take rest, close your eyes for a short while for another battle is nigh.”

    The direct vassals of the Knight along with the veterans took a step back. They walked towards the crying newbies, consoling them with slaps and brags. The greenhorns never thought that their first battle would be this bloody. Remembering how the wolves killed their comrade under their watch.

    The young soldiers couldn’t help but cry in silence. The dread would be forever etched into their heart. They swore that they would get stronger to protect those dear to them.

    The Knight then walked to towards the Madam, they looked at each other. Levo took the hands of his wife, they walked at a nearby wooden log and sat.

    He nodded at his men and caught the trembling hands of his wife.

    “You’ve done great.”





    “I was not good enough.”

    “Hmnn.”

    There were no tears. The cracking sounds coming from the blaze flew to the ears of the Madam and the Knight. The two watched the burning fire in solemnity. They gazed at the fiery embers, waltzing like fireflies in the night.

    They knew that the weight of life was far heavier than their tears.
    On the other hand, the soldiers had found a short solace for an hour, a much-needed rest.

    Soon, an hour had passed. Growls and howls echoed again.

    ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

    The sounds of craggy wheels resounded around the quiet dark road. The villagers continued their night march towards the Town of Gisvold. Along with the yapping of the frogs and buzzing of the insects coming from some rocks and trees nearby.

    They dare not sleep for even a moment due to fear. Scared that they might fall behind. The wolf howls they heard before they left the village forced out some will in their lazy bones. It gave them the strength to pull up their eyes open. They followed the rhythm of horses’ steps, the neighing serving as their wake-up call.

    The stories told by the Klive spread throughout the ears of the villager. The stories keep some villagers trembling, keeping them away from the slumber spells.

    The villagers realized that they were lucky that the new noble lord cared for them.

    They heard stories about beast attacks were the nobles ran away. After hearing the signs of monsters, instead of telling his people. The noble ran despite them paying protection tax. These scumbags that cared not for their people. They only cared for themselves and their riches. Their homes now destroyed. Their families dead. This was the result when a noble lord ran away without even telling anything. The noble made his people meals to buy time.

    They heard the horrors suffered by some refugees that passed through the village. Some were even accepted as part of the village.

    The events made them very thankful for the knight’s protection. Their opinion of the new lord was sky-high. After hearing from that the knight would protect the village – their homes. Many vowed to follow the knight's wishes.

    The knight and the soldiers would stay at the village to confront the attacking beast.

    On the other hand, the young Klive along with her sister Ciera watched the panicky villagers.

    The eyes Ciera pierced through the thick book Klive was holding. She never thought that her little brother would bring such heavy baggage. Despite his little size, he still chose to bring the book.

    Ever since their caretaker went away, she found that Klive always carrying the book. He was getting more and more enamored by the wooden book.

    At first, she thought his younger brother was only missing their caretaker. Keeping the book as a memento.

    But as time passes, she recognized the changes in his brother. Though Klive was still as innocent as before, his mind bared knowledge that only a few know.

    The boy claimed that it all came from the book. Nevertheless, when their parents opened it they only saw blank pages. It debunked his claims, adding more mysteries to the book.

    “Klive?”

    “Yes?”

    “Why did you bring the book?”



    “I-I can’t leave it.”

    She, no, even her parents felt that there were more secrets within the odd book left by their caretaker.

    The wooden book contained mysteries that more than meets the eyes. So they let the kid keep the book after assuring that no curse or any dark magic is lying within it. Aside from that, their caretaker might have left the book as protection for them. She knew how she cared for them especially for Klive.

    “Sister, when will we arrive?”

    “The question first is will we arrive?”

    “Hmnn.”

    “Things are getting awry, I don’t know if mom and dad are still safe.”

    Despite the young age of Ciera, she caught a whiff of the danger base on her intellect. The murmurs of the soldiers and the vassals of her father tell it all. A tint of worry covering her face.

    All of a sudden, a horse came near their wagon. It was Liszt, riding a young horse, acting as one of the escorts of the wagons of his siblings.

    “Don’t worry. Uncle Sept told that they would be safe.”

    “Really, Older brother?”

    Ciera thought for a moment.

    “I see, Brother.”

    “Things will be fine as soon as we arrive at Uncle’s castle. We even brought Uncle Davin with us? He will definitely welcome us.”

    “Or…not.”

    The trio remembered the bruised face of Davin and couldn’t help but doubt a little. Before Davin joined the knight’s army, he was a well-known handsome, and gallant man. The ladies in Gisvold would even scream in delight when they saw him smile.

    But after a few years undergoing the harsh training of the Knight, he now looked like a lump of well-aged meat. Er, I mean a young man in the skin of an old soldier.

    Anyway, they don’t know how to explain such great transformation. Davin served as one of the great mysteries within the knight’s regiment.

    Liszt and Ciera looked at each other eyes after realizing the problem. They asked themselves what would be the reaction of Uncle. They wondered if will still accept Davin after looking much older than himself. Would he refuse to acknowledge him?

    “How’s Uncle Davin anyway?” Ciera asked, her hands dwelling on her chin.

    Liszt remembered the ordeal that Esquire Davin suffered. Liszt looked at his sister. Then, he whipped his head away.

    “He’s fine!’

    “Oh.”

    “Get into the carriage and sleep,” Liszt said. He then guided his horse for a short gallop to the front, aiming to find Uncle Sept.

    Ciera watched Liszt moving towards the front of the march. She pulled the stargazing Klive inside the carriage. She then closed the covers of the carriage, looking at Klive with her brows lifted.

    “Sleep!”

    “B-but I’m not sleepy.”

    The eyes of Ciera twitched for a moment. It’s already midnight. She then remembered that her sneaky brother was waking up at late noon as of past days. The odd book serving as his pillows most of the time.

    “If you don’t sleep I’m going to take the book.”

    “I’ll sleep!”

    “…”

    Stunned for a moment, Ciera looked at her suspicious little brother.

    “Good. Go to bed now.”

    She was also feeling the sleepy spell. After all, the silent night was the little lady’s lullaby. Yawning, she took out two of the blanket their mother gave them. One for her and one for Klive.

    She made sure that the little boy would lay and sleep first in the makeshift bed before she sleeps.

    As soon as she heard Klive’s light breaths, Ciera hit the deck. She immediately fell asleep. She pulled her blanket as well as her favorite teddy bear into her embrace. The craggy sounds and the swaying of the carriage wheels acted as lullabies. With an innocent smile, she slumbered.

    The villagers marched in silence. They were changing shifts on who would sleep on the carriages and who would guard outside.

    Unbeknownst to them, many hungry eyes were watching their long marched in the shadows. The shade of the tall shrubs and trees covered their thirst for blood. The beasts were lying in wait, for the time to strike isn’t yet ripe.