Novel Tryst: The City of Scholars

Hi everyone!

I'm writing a story called Tryst: The City of Scholars. It is my first time writing a web series thus needs some help regarding grammar and make my sentences flow a little better. Gonna need some tough love coming from you guys.


You could also read it at https://www.scribblehub.com/series/19432/tryst-the-city-of-scholars/.



Please read this not too perfect novel of mine. Anyways, join me on my journey as take humbling steps towards NuFdom and Scribbledom.

Sypnosis

The beautiful caretaker of my family often told me stories. From powerful heroes, hateful villains, fluffy beastman, comedic dwarves, rich nobles, mighty dragons, witty gnomes, mischievous fairies and more. I adored all her stories as the characters came to life through her hilarious narrations.

One night, after finishing telling her new stories. She stared at me, her pupils shifting hue from crimson to a mystifying lilac, as her lips curled into a beam. The room fell silent, the cool spring wind crept through the open windows. The sweet wind caressing my face.

Bereft from any of its fetters, the wind whispered to the trees, its leaves like an orchestra playing a waltzing tempo for its audience.

It was odd, as if nature itself seemed to be waiting for her words, acknowledging her existence.

It felt like we had arrived at a different place, a land full of unknown and mysteries.

In a soft hum, she then asked me.

"Little master, did you know elves didn't always have pointed ears?"


Genre: Adventure, Action, Comedy, Medieval, Fantasy, Drama, Romance


Table of Contents

• Prologue
• Book 1: Chapter 1 ♠ Arrival at the Village of Lothar ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 2 ♠ The Village Meeting ♠
• SS1: An Old Man's Rambles
• Book 1: Chapter 3 ♠ The Village Meeting (2) ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 4 ♠ The Amiable Esquire ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 5 ♠ Training and the Deviltusk Boar ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 6 ♠ Nowhere to Run ♠
  
• Book 1: Chapter 7 ♠ The Breakthrough of a Culled Hero♠
• Book 1: Chapter 8 ♠ Trea ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 9 ♠ The Duke’s Memoirs -First part ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 10 ♠ The Duke’s Memoir – Second part ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 11 ♠ The Duchess’s Memoirs – Third part ♠
  
• Book 1: Chapter 12 ♠ Teardrops in the Sky ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 13 ♠ The Knight’s Breakfast ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 14: ♠ The Knights of the Breakfast Table ♠
  
• Book 1: Chapter 15 ♠ Davin’s Explanation ♠
  
• Book 1: Chapter 16 ♠ Our Buddy ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 17 ♠ The Esquire's Sweet Revenge ♠
• Book 1: Chapter 18 ♠ Paws of the Death Wolves♠
• Book 1: Chapter 19 ♠ Annis, I Love You ♠

 

Spoiler: Prologue

Tip-toeing on a time-worn chair with my feet, I always gaze at the blooming flowers of our family garden as well as my nanny eating her snacks under the shade of a tree, seeking to ease a bit of boredom in me. From there, I could smell the sweet budding scent carried by the wind.

Peeking through the edges of the window, my nanny would always make me laugh due to her antics. One time, I saw her sneaking out from our kitchen, her steps mum of any echoes as she took out a batch of yummy baked biscuit snacks which she tends to eat. Despite her sneakiness, she always ended up caught by the cold-looking chef auntie, it’s funny since two of them looks like they were playing a game called the cat and the mouse.

My dad and mom were always away due to the work given to them by Uncle Baron. So our caretaker was the one attending and caring for us. She also assures that we are always happy and contented – me, older sister, and my eldest brother loves her so much.

Before nighttime, my nanny would always come to each of room to bring snacks she hid away from the kitchen’s auntie. Her arrival smelled like a parade of flowers in spring as the fragrance seeped throughout each of our rooms.

I really liked that smell...

Every time she came to my room, she would read me a story from an odd-looking book. It was a wood-laden book unlike those that I saw in our library.

The first time I saw it I ogled the queer-looking book, I always rubbernecked the thick volumes every time I saw her carrying it. Until one day, an urge struck me while staring at it.

“What ish that?,” lisping a little I asked her.

“Pftt…Little master, this is a storybook from my family,” she answered as she laughed gently, having seen my eyes sparkle. Her laughter made my face feel funny and hot like a chili.

“Ohhh.., A storybook?” I asked her, feeling a little silly.

“Little master, this is a book where you could read many stories. There are funny stories about dwarfs, fluffy beastman, mighty dragons, witty gnomes, uncanny fairies and many more.” She answered me while smiling as I gazed at her deep red eyes.

My eyes went saucers and my mouth was wide open that you could stuff an egg on it. On tiptoes, I reached out towards the thick rigid book on her lap, a pulse of itchiness calling my fingertips to lunge towards the book.

But when I was about to reach it, I remembered what my mom taught me about basic manners.

My mom told me that if you need something you need to ask them kindly first. So I asked her.

“Really? Can I Look at it?”

“Of course my little master, now spread out your two hands,” she giggled while carefully putting the odd-looking book towards my wide open grasp.

Bound in bizarre wood, rugged and dry with age, the thin papers smelled faintly of cedar. The cover like silk, smooth and velvety. Yet, it was as heavy as the books in my mom’s library. Upon opening the book, I saw a gleaming yet familiar zigzags appearing out from nowhere, it was just like the ugly scrawls my mom and older sister used to teach every time.

Reminiscing those sleepy and boring sessions which were forced on me, I felt dizzy, my eyes swimming away with my thoughts. Yawing my head towards my nursemaid, I saw her smirking discreetly. My eyes went round and my cheeks inflated like a red balloon.

She thinks I’m funny. Hmph.

I puffed up my chest to show her that I wasn’t someone you could just ruffle up. Still, I could feel my cheeks searing in funny heat. In jitters, my shaking hand pointed at the wriggly letter and said. “This a line is free, that is dwarf, that is, amnnh,… a tree. Yeah, a tree, hmmmp.”

“Hahaha! Cute, Little master. That’s right it’s a tree, a tree alright. Pftt, wait a moment, Hahaha,” she mischievously laughed. She took her time chortling at me loudly.

“…”

“Hmmph!”

Ignoring her, I gazed at that letter. I promised myself that I was going to memorize it, burning the image of the squirmy lines to my mind. Later, I’m going to ask my great, older sister about this tree-thingy.

A few moments later I could still hear the tiny peals of giggles coming caretaker. It seemed like she was finding it hard to restrain herself.

Squinting my eyes to stop her from laughing, I tried to copy my mom’s cold mannequin look every time my dad does something funny and stupid. This always worked against my dad, shutting him up every time, maybe this would do the job.

Yet, it wasn’t effective, I could still hear her titters across the room.

Spotting at the wooden book, another idea to make her stop suddenly struck me.

“Hey, stop laughing! Read it.” I said as I pouted my lips.

She would definitely find it hard to read herself, such wiggly letters.

Hmmp, who could read it! I'll laugh at her face later.

“Read what? Oh. Fine, fine little master. Wait for a minute. Sit here.” She said as she tapped the bed near her. I immediately took the seat beside her.

“Okay, let's start reading, my cute master,” she said with glee as she unlatched the cover of the book. "Let's see, hmm. This story will do.”

She inhaled and exhaled slowly as if trying to recompose herself.

The silence engulfed the room as the cool spring wind crept through the open windows. The sweet wind caressing my face.

Suddenly, her gaze lingered for a moment on the setting sun through my window, and then to the newly flickering candle on my table. Finally, she settled on the craggy-looking old wooden book. Then, the room fell silent again. I couldn’t even hear the buzzing of the insects in the nearby trees, nor the croaking of the frogs.

Bereft from any of its fetters, the wind whispered to the trees, its leaves like an orchestra playing a waltzing tempo for its audience.

It was odd, as if nature itself seemed to be waiting for her words, acknowledging her existence.

It felt like we had arrived at a different place, a land full of unknown and mysteries.

She then stared at me, her pupils shifting hue from crimson to a mystifying lilac, as her lips curled into a beam. In a soft hum, she then asked me.

"Little master, did you know elves didn't always have pointed ears?"

 

Spoiler: Chapter 1

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 Loter Village.

The Loter Village was buzzing with 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 was given a task by the Baron to further develop the wilderness.

"The forest of wilderness, though full of danger, was also full of unique plants, animals and monsters."The village carpenter added. "When I went to the 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 yours is mine. I’m your father. You hear that young’un!” Zaan said embarrassingly. “ 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.

Clak.. clakk,clakk. Clack.

The sound of horse hooves suddenly clamored around the street. It 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 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 wartimes, territorial campaigns, and in big cities.

“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 darling, 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. Though the lady’s attire was like a knight, it only made the lady more charming.

Sounds of choking and pain could be heard from the men of Loter. 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 it aside, the lady chastised her husband while giggling a little.

“Levo, stop that. Introduce yourself to the villagers properly.” The charming lady said. “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 Loter! Hear me. I am Knight Levo von Brooks! Knight of Baron Gisvold and your new lord. The village of Loter 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. They never thought that the lady was actually the madame. 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 3 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 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 will definitely a beauty when she grows up.

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 has grayish hair and blue eyes, seemingly inheriting both his parent’s looks. He looked rather clever, witty, 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. Hearing the peals of mirth in the air, the little lord pouted and hid behind his mother again.

“Lord Knight!, we are at your service!”, said the villagers in a loud and clear voice.

Looking at the villagers, the Knight grinned and said

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

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

 

Not talking about the chapter default font, but your 1st post font hurt my eyes...

 

Goin to change it XD. Thanks

 

Spoiler: Chapter 2

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. Their chest puffed up as if they were a protagonist of a story, adding sweet nothings to their every word. The ladies, on the other hand, giggled sweetly, in turn, triggering the young’uns to brag to point of insanity.

The married women of the village gossiped about the secrets of the madame’s beauty. Wishing to learn how the madame maintained her beauty after carrying 3 children. After all, no women wished to be neglected by their husbands.

Thus, they decided to ask the madame’s secret later.

The 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 steward by showing their worth.

========= Village of Lotar – House of Village Chief==========

After establishing his merits through the regular monster campaign enforced all over the country. Knight Brooks managed to earn the trust of the Baron he served. He was awarded a fief, the village of Lothar. From a landless knight to a pioneering knight. It was decided that the knight would facilitate the development of the wilderness to increase resources of the barony.

(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 to get the new lord recognized the exact value of the village.

The pangs of passion coming from the old man received the nod of the other elders. Knight Levo was also continuously nodding along with them.

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 boss. 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. Streaks of disappointment immediately flashed in the elderly village head's face. But nevertheless, he immediately hid it from the knight.

“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 management of the fief, policies, taxation and land distribution. Now, introduce yourself and your duties to the lord.”

Seeing 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 is 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. We 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.”

“Sean, 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.”

Gib, 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 local specialties of the village. The madame's questions revolved around goods, peddlers, and skills of the village.

After the initial show of anticipation, the long introductions and querries dwindled the 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.

Forcing to keep their eyelids from sliding down, they nodded continuously to each of the introductions. Feigning attentiveness was their answer to this dreary experience.

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 slowly 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 esquires and attendants of the Lord’s family smiled wryly. The gentle smile of the madame was a bad omen. A simple simper carried the most terrorizing plots they knew in the knight's household.

Never did in the minds of villagers pass that hard time was about to come soon at a time they least expected it.

 

Spoiler: SS1: An Oldman'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!

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 lucked up and was assigned as a storekeeper in one of the businesses of some well-off merchant.

I heard he learned a lot about managing and keeping tabs. 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.

♠♠♠♠♠

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 some pest. 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.

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.

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. 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.

Guessing by their looks and mannerisms, it seems like a lot of things will change from now on.

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 to 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 were too much force and emotion coming from the big duds gaze. It was flickering with embers of passion.

Eh? Passion?

My eyes circled around the whole village plaza. Thinking a little more, this old man's spine shivered. Revolting nausea slowly crept up from the abyss of my guts. I felt horrified. Such incorrigible bastard.

Though old, these bone only likes 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. Just help me this once! This old man doesn't want to be ravage and toyed by a bearlike dud!

The embers in his eyes were provokingly questioning my body. Its interest lies solely on this edgy old man's visage.

What does this muscular man want from me?

This old man's eyes rarely fails me.

The big dud wants my body.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 3: The village meeting (2)

After the introductions, the meeting continued.

According to the letter of the Lord Baron, the madame would focus a lot about the current status of the village. The coins in the village coffers, the harvest's yields, illnesses, infrastructures, manpower, and issues which need immediate attention.

"Ahemm, 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 there answers in a paper," she asked her daughter intimately.

Hearing her mother's request, the little lady leisurely strode. 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.

"Ok elders, let's start the first question."

"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."

"Next, what's the current status of the animal husbandry and the past season's harvest?

"We have 4 oxens along with two calves; 73 domesticated boars distributed throughout the households; 22 sheeps with 5 cossets; 7 goats with 2 kids; 63 egg-laying hens and an unknown amount of chicks. The figures were base 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 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 herbalist here?

"None madame, aside from common colds and indigestions. 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 asked.

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

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.

Meanwhile, hearing the unperturbed exposition of the old chief, the 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-ladden mahogany table after failing to keep his back straight and chest puffed, unlike his elder brother.

"As per manpower, aside from those people in here. We only have another 33 people working in different areas;" Signing the old man answered. "Please, punish the incapability of this old man."

The old chief then looked at the other elders. The elders, on the other hand, didn't reciprocate the gesture instead. Their heads lowered as they nervously gazed at the abyss.

The Knight and Madame simply looked at each other, then back at the old man and nodded. His brows and hair were graying white, his back arching, and wrinkles seemed to be starting to take over his palms. He looked rather tired.

A stifling bout of silence loomed all over across the four sides of the cold room.

Until...

Achoo!

Suddenly a sneeze from little lord broke the silence, all the people present stopped and looked at the child tinkering a 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.

"Dont'cha worry old grandpa. My mommy and daddy will blow all your problem away. You see, I saw Uncle baron begging my father for help. Also, they'll...

The people in the meeting room guffawed burning away the once tense atmosphere.

Stop Klive. Return to your sit. and wait. Pfft... 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 continuedly 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.

"Th-this Ol-old Gazz will an-nswer the query madame;" Biting his tongue, the old man stuttered inviting mirth of cackles from the lord and the others. " The village is currently experiencing problems about 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!"

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

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

The elders' shadows receded swiftly from the place as if veering away from the sun. Only the old chief along with his family remained to make arrangements for the knight and his group.

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

On the other hand, the knights family where asked to stay at the village chief's house for this night since they were still going to clean the old manor.

The old man and his family told the knight that they will sleep in one of their empty houses.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

Tired from the whole day of work, the golden ball of fire tinted the sky with tangerine orange. The silhouettes of avians 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 asked as she looked seriously at the burly knight sitting in a barrel-like chair. “What’s your impression of the elders?”

“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.” Levo answered as he touches his chin. “And that ain’t funny, they are too dependent on one person.

Though, the knight seems 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 is highly perceptive of the atmosphere and minute changes in the faces of the villagers during the meeting.

His sharp instincts could tell if something is wrong or even if someone is lying. One of the things that help him earn his own fief through the battlefield and maybe the reason he managed to have such a beautiful wife.

In wars and campaigns, sharp intuition was considered extremely valuable, a luxury. It saves lives, saves time, and saves money. Oh, another thing, it saves the butts of some Lords when they need it the most.

“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 as she unnoticeably smirks. “I will also slowly prepare and add some new things for the village. Then, we will call another meeting with the old bunches.”

“Fine by me! The knight agreed as he grinned.

That very night, the first order of the Lord came down written in bold red paint.

-All men in the village except for children and the old ones, be at the east village outskirts at dawn. Latecomers will be PUNISHED!-

 

Spoiler: Chapter 4: The Amiable Esquire

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

“Damn! What does the Lord want this early? I still feel 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 what 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.

Though they do not 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.

Some scary stories and songs were even spread by traveling poets about villagers getting their head cut or getting hanged after not heeding a lord.

The villagers don't like taking chances.

Anyway, who wants to get his head cut off or get hanged?

Clack..clak..clack..

“Pshhh! Shut up, boy! Someone is coming, he may hear you!.” The father of the youth angrily whispered to his son.

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 horse steadily. He looks rather friendly, the villagers signed in relief. It seemed like the Lord was not going to make them do something unreasonable.

“Attention! Good morning men of Lothar.” The gentle voice was coming from one of the esquires of the Lord. “My name is Davin, 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.

Training was a word hated by the men of Lothar.

Having no hands-on-ruler for a long time seems to have dulled the meaning of training for the villagers. As the idlers increase so as the prospect for the village improvement eventually dimmed. No wonder the old chief looks so old.

The village was lucky enough to not meet any monster attacks unlike in other areas. In turn, peace brings prosperity but too much of it also lowers caution and alertness for sudden changes like a termite it destroys.

Seeing the faces of the villagers the esquire turned a little bit furious and his voice boomed.

“What the heck! The f*@k! I hate those faces! You maggots. When I say the word training you smile! When I say run you’ll smile then run! When I say crawl you smile while crawling!” The esquire shouted furiously as he continuously swore right at the face of the villager. “F*@ktards! Where are your balls? Do you get me!”

Gehkk..Yes..

Yes, sire…

“…”

…

After being cursed for their unseemingly faces, the villagers were shocked. They never thought that the affable looking esquire has such a beastly mouth. It seemed that their paling faces turned white as a ghost.

The esquire slowly mounted off his sturdy horse and walked to a nearby tree.

Its ambitious branches reaching towards the sun, swaying with whistles of the wind its leaves moved.

It was an oak tree.

Gazing a gargantuan oak tree, the muscles in the esquire's thin arms suddenly squirmed. A metallic sheen could be seen on its surface.

Bang!

His arms suddenly struck the innocent tree, a crevice gingerly appeared on its body. Like sliced tofu, the trunk of the oak splitted into two, 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.

Seeing this the villagers' jaws almost fell on the ground unbelieving.

The stupefied faces of the lazy guys made the esquire grin.

“Alright, men let's start the practice. So I say! Trraaaiiinniiingg!” The esquire Davin bellowed imposingly.

Hearing the word “training”, the villagers immediately put on their best smiles. It was a sight to behold.

Their smiles were so twisted like they ate horse manure. Some were cramped, some were crooked, and some were just… mind-boggling wonders.

Unknowingly, the angry yells of Davin eventually reached the ears of other villagers near the outskirts.

Thus, a new myth in Lothar was formed.

It was said that in the east of the village outskirt lies a monster with a beastly mouth.

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.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 5: Training and the Deviltusk Boar

The village's ticking clock of aspects continuously turned, sounding rhythmic in its every beat and tap.

It was already 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.

At long last, the villagers were allowed to go home

Picking themselves up, the laborers... Erm, villagers, slowly walk towards the village staggering to there homes looking like rags. Their eyes hollow, it seems like the light in their eyes were sucked away by a monster.

The other villagers who saw them were dumbfounded. Just this morning, they saw them energetically grumbling about this so-called training. Now, they look like refugees from a war-torn kingdom.

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

Some even had nightmares, after waking up in cold sweat they cried due to the inexplicable experience. to the terror of Davin.

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.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

Continuous running to the hilly village outskirts, squats, crossing back in fourth through 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 eastern outskirts, it swayed along with the whispers of the wind, asking for more.

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

Ain't this suppose to be training? What's with the running? Are we only playing? Damn that rock mountain!

Working out as if their life depends on it due to the vulgar taunts and threats of Davin.

Most of the duds didn't notice that the man had already sneakily gone to the Forest of Wilderness. Though some observant villagers witness it, thus slowing down there training to what they can feel as manageable and acceptable.

Later in the noon, they saw Davin again ferociously laughing as he slowly dragged a struggling gargantuan boar through its neck.

No...

It was actually the one dragging the esquire.

The beast was ginormous in size. Its tusk was the size of an adult man. Light abhors its hide like the night. Its teeth triggered a grating sound as if it's chewing on a hard rock. Its eyes were blood-red like the monsters of the night.

Roaring in anger the monster tried to trample Davin. Unblemished horror was expressed in the faces of the villagers. Most of the youth pissed their pants as they shake due to fright. While others paled and fled, screaming at the top of their lungs, they ran instinctively.

It was a Rank 3 Deviltusk boar...

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

The account of the lucky survivors was written by the old chief and was announced throughout the village. According to the man, these monsters are capable of destroying stone houses, ramming fields, and even tearing and eating a man whole. The monster rampaged in their village, thus their village was no more.

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 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.

The words of the chief never once entered their minds.

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

Davin’s stranglehold kept the beast on arm's length as he mounts its back. He then brutally struck the monster's back. With booming sounds, he steered his patella to the monster’s spine rapidly.

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.

Crack...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, guys doesn’t this pig look healthy and yummy? I bet the Lord would love to have a feast tonight.” Showing a heart-calming grin, contrasting his rugged appearance. Davin asked the kneeling villagers as if nothing happened. “Anyway, back to work!

After saying those words, pulled out a dagger from his armor vest. It was a time-tested dagger. Chips and cracks could be seen in it. Despite its look, the dagger emitted a mysterious glint of light 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 battle bloodlust which the esquire himself didn't notice.

With patience, he slowly he drilled the strange dagger at the midline of the neck of the beast. Blood spilled on the cold forest ground and spraying it red. The sounds of the knife tearing the flesh of the dead monster 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 of 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.”

 

Spoiler: Chapter 6: Nowhere to run

The esquire instructed the villagers to go home first since he was still going to scout and patrol the area to avoid any incidents and seek for clues.

Based on what he knows, the presence of a Rank 3 beast was something to be wary of. A Rank 3 beast could be considered as general among wild beasts and monster sheerly due to its capability to wreak havoc and cause deadly stampedes.

The orange tinted-veils plowing through the entire the sky enveloped the esquire's shadow upon his arrival to the village from the outskirts of the village. Davin was carrying the carcass of the dead beast in his back. Thus, attracting the attention of the curious villagers though they didn’t pry after seeing the esquire was going to the knight’s household.

After taking glimpsed at the big blob of meat behind the esquire, the villagers flocked around the house of the knight. The news about the beast behind the esquire noisily spread throughout the gossipy village.

Such topic was hot stuff in the village, a sizzling side-dish for the villagers' dinner.

Despite carrying such weighty monster, Davin ran as if a feather blown by the wind elementals. The esquire immediately determined to seek the Lord and the madame and report the incident.

He gently knocked on the wooden door of the knight’s family. The sound of the three gentle knocks resounded in the household.

Tock. Tock… tockk.

“Greeting to you, Lord Knight! This lowly esquire has something URGENT to report.” The knight respectfully said, standing ramrod straight, his hands on his left chest. The esquire put emphasis on the word urgent. He thought that the encounter with the Deviltusk boar was definitely fishy thus decided 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 actually 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, 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.

The esquire’s straight eyebrows twitched. Isn’t he the one who’s supposed to ask that question? Anyway, their’s no point if he got annoyed. He should get straight to the point.

“Kuhumm, little lord where’s…

“Elder Brother! Elder Sister! 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.

“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 along the way. It seemed like the kid was trying to show his approval towards the esquire.

The esquire could not help himself from signing. Ain’t this kid trying to act like his father?

Like father, Like Son. It was a weird feeling.

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

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

“Uncle Davin, where did you found this fat pig.” The young lady inquired as her gaze continued to linger 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 at outskirts thus I killed it.”

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

“ Little lady, 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, but the little lord was the one who opened the door after I knocked.

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, Mom and Dad went outside. It seemed like they were going to look for something or someone. It looks like Dad’s animalistic instinct is kicking-in in again so Mom tagged along.” 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 anticipate.

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 the went back to their rooms.

A glint of excitement appeared on 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.

“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 a quality proof.” Ciera said as she continued an investigative monologue. Hmnn…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 could not help but sigh at the sight.

...

Suddenly, a stifling cold penetrated the esquire's spine. His instincts called for adrenaline.

In a few milliseconds, his eyes coldly crept around the place, looking for the source of danger lying.

The esquire witness a shocking sight. The carcass of the beast suddenly showed a series of disturbing twitching movements.

With a swishing sound, the esquire rapidly pulled the little lady towards his embrace. Tightly hugging the little lady, with his body as cover.

A few seconds later.

...

"..."

It was awkward.

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

It was rigor mortis. An event which causes the stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body a few hours after death.

The little lady was truly shocked by how fast things happened. She could not help but flushed-red and released a loud yet delayed yelp.

Ahh...

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

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

Upon the arrival of the two kids eyes went saucers. Their gaze alternating from the little lady, the dead boar the esquire Davin... and the burly man behind the two.

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

Feeling a little tipsy from shock, Ciera staggered and fell knee first.

Slowly turning around the esquire decided that he need to 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.

Feeling danger, the esquire swerved his eyes around trying to find his chances of safety. Looking behind, he saw two little kids carrying a wooden sword and a terrifying dagger.

Wait -wait ain't that the poisonous dagger that killed the Wyvern in one hit during the campaign?

Leaning his gaze towards both sides of the house, he could see a sea of villagers which the end he couldn't see.

Ah... the rooftop he thought.

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 lies two well-designed cold sword hooks.

He closed his eyes and gulped.

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

 

Spoiler: Chapter 7: Breakthrough of a Culled hero

The manly esquire resolved himself to face everything like a man, such a heroic feat.

After being cornered in all sides, all he could do was resist with all his might. After all, the knight Levo pulled no punches even in drills.

He might really die if he does not protect himself.

Warily taking a peek in the nearby rooftop, the madame was the one he was truly worried about.

Suddenly, a crackling sound was heard below the ground where the knight as if his presence were to straining for the earth. It seemed like the knight would do his best to beat down the lowly esquire.

“K-knight, Madame, le-let this e-esquire give some acceptable explanation,” the esquire said, hoping to bullshit his way out of the storm. Unfortunately, the 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 smiling, testing her sword hooks as it swished around her hands, wanting to see some blood.

Madame’s battle techniques always involved sinister plots. Dirty tactics were her style. If he does not take precautions, he might accidentally lose his two balls 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 writhes through his body as he murmured blankly, he remembered the manly title of the madame in the old days of the monster campaigns.

“Ba-ll re-reaper- , Gek. I mean beautiful reaper,” the knight softly whispered digging his grave a little more than 6 feet off the ground.

Though the madame did not totally hear the accidental slip up, she managed to lip-read the odd undertones of the esquire, causing a mischievous grin to blossom in the madame’s charming facade.

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

Catching the odd sniff of his daughter, the eyes of the knight brimmed and burned with anger and disgust, it seemed like only through beating him up would it subside.

Feeling the suffocating aura slowly creeping up across the house, even the nosy villagers sluggishly took a step backed. Staying a few more meters would not hurt such a good view right?

Seeing this the esquire could not help but swallow his tongue, he stiffly got into a defending posture. Metallic 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.

Boom!

Davin!!!

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.

Being part of the knight’s official punching bags, er, I mean as part of his daily training buddies. The esquire already managed to develop a general understanding of the knight’s disposition in battles.

The knight likes frontal assaults the most. So the best thing to do in this situation was to negate the impact of his fist rather than face it. The daily beatings caused him and the others to list 3 rules when fighting the knight.

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.

Second, do not directly face or counter the knight's attacks. Disperse it’s 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 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 battles and pieces of training. Madame always emphasizes the importance of being alert to the surrounding. 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 slumber. His lifelong learning had borne its first fruit.

Keeping his heart and mind unruffled and tranquil, Davin received the knight’s fist with a palm. Instead of pushing forward, the esquire pulled as he matched the tempo of the knight causing the fist to lose its momentum.

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. The esquire could not help but grimace as he imagined what would happen if he was not able to detect the madame.

Clank…

Shifting his left leg and arm while keeping the knight busy with his right. 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.

It was enlightenment.

Unfortunately, the esquire did not notice it.

Nevertheless, the sharp mind of the madame and the instinct of the knight caught a whiff of the fortunate event. Grasping what was happening, they slowly mounted up the pressure on the esquire forcing his latent potential to bloom and burst.

The clash continued for more than seven complete rotations of the minute hand of a grandfather's clock.

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 a funny smirk in his face.

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.

His eyeballs caught the little Klive behind the broad back of the young lord 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 of the danger it holds.

“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, it seemed like they were actually still holding up.

Feeling the wretchedness of life, Davin could not help but laugh as dried tears fell from his eyes.

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.

Seeing the esquire’s eery laugh, villagers could not help but send some pitying looks towards him while some of those who were part of the training silently rejoice. It looks like the training would be canceled.

Cheer to the Knight's family!

Step by step he witnessed the little lord walking towards him. The lad was holding the dagger with a shaking hand. Sweat flowed from his eyebrows after he saw the tip of the sinister dagger pointed at him.

He felt a little faint. In a moment, he was going to see his ancestors. He bet they would laugh at him.

Bamm!

Abruptly, 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.

With a blurring vision, he heroicly fell towards the abyss. At the side of his eyes, he saw the glint in madame’s grin.

So, it was the madame...

Woooohh!

Did you see that! Damn!

Savage men! I tell you.

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

Fading sounds of cheers from the villagers were heard by the esquire as if he was a demon fell by the hero.

He silently cursed them in his heart.

Just wait, I’m also going to let you feel what the Lord’s punch felt like.

Hehe…hehe...he

….

Slowly, he loses his grip towards his consciousness.

 

Spoiler: Chapter 8: Trea

Flakes of moonlight fell on the roofs and windows in Lothar village, capturing the silent beauty of the village. Three moons could be seen hanging in the night sky, teasing the land through its breathtaking beauty. The three was 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.

Lying on the nearby bed was a wasted esquire, taking care of him was a little girl along with some attendants. The girls 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. Little tints of blush could be seen on her face.

Laying nearby as he was cradled in the hands of his bed, Liszt little snores were heard. It seemed like he planned to guard Ciera until a drowsy spell drowned him to a good night slumber.

The couple was talking with their trusted aides and attendants, confirming the new plans that they are about to implement in the village of Lothar. The collations of data written by Ciera during the meeting was spread throughout a big oak tree table.

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 the little Klive was an old lamp lighted by a magic stone.

Gently, he sat on a chair as looked for anyone 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.

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

The book was left behind by her mysterious caretaker.

According to the knight and madame, they met Klive’s 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.

The knight and madame decided to bring her to their camp to recuperate. They thought that the wounded lady ran away after being attack by a monster.

They asked their physician friend to take care of her in exchange for a hefty payment.

During the first week, the lady did not speak even a word. She just glanced at the three, her eyes darting eyes all over the camp. Though, her attention was mostly focused on the madame rather than the knight or the doctor. The madame was already 8 months pregnant of her third child.

Two weeks later, seeing accurate signs & symptoms of an unfortunate disease, the physician concluded his diagnosis. The lady was suffering from extreme mental trauma resulting in her current loss of memories.

The lady seemed to be suffering from amnesia, her memories lost as much her speech. The couple pitied the lady and took her in as part of the family. The madame taught her to speak while taking care of her two children, day and night the lady and madame toiled to help her speak. Eventually, the lady learned a little how to write and speak a few syllables.

A month later, the madame bore her third child.

It was a boy.

The knight could not help but burst a long shout, he jumped up and down. Laughing as if there was no tomorrow. Though, unknown to everyone, embers of light were lit up in the eyes of the lady who was trapped in her memories.

“Lit-tle ma-st-er,” said the lady, her first words were sweet whispers to the madame’s ear.

The madame was extremely happy after hearing her first words along with the new member of the family. It was a double joy for her.

In order to celebrate her first step to recovery, the madame decided to give her a name along with her new baby.

“I may not be able to gift you your memories, but I can give you a name”, the madame said, the joy in her heart could not be hidden as it showed both on her face and words.

“Hmnn, from now on your name would be “Trea”, its easy to say right?

“Tr—e-a”, the lady said, it seemed like she was contented with her name.

Lying on madame’s arms was a jovial child, laughing as if feeling the joy of his parents.

“This little guy would be called K-li… Hmnn, it would be Klive.”

“K-li-ve,” the lady said, a sweet smile blooming on her face for the first time.

Seeing the glimpse of a smile, the couple smiled which held deep hope for her.

Lady Trea assisted madame and the knight in taking care of the children while they were away in the campaign especially taking care of their baby son. Taking care of the house chores, pleasing little Ciera and little Liszt, soothing the crying Klive, and many more. She poured her love and care to the little children.

Though, what the little guys really loved were her stories. Before their sleeping time, Trea would come into their room carrying the wooden book.

The only thing she owned.

Trea then would tell the little guys interesting tales and narratives.

Stories of heroes, dwarfs, lords, dragons, gnomes and many more as if Trea was trying to open a new world for the three.

She stayed for five years, but on certain like this one where the three moons showed themselves.

She vanished.

Nowhere to be found.

Unfettered by the heavens, her visage gone till this day.

 

Would it always remain on scribble hub? Or do you plan to upload it on another web novel site like RRL, could probably get more exposure that way. Good job on the story btw!

 

I have no solid plans yet for the novel. So thanks for the advice . Anyways, I'm still increasing my current stockpile while editing and learning more about writing. Maybe I'll go to RRL after dealing with those kinds of stuff. Thanks for the read by the way.

 

Spoiler: Book 1:Chapter 9 ♠ The Duke’s Memoirs -First part ♠

Little Klive flipped the rough pages of the book as the moonlight swayed, yearning to take a quick peek out of the volume of scribbles. Rough sketches revealed themselves along with the wriggly letters, the words waltzing throughout the once blank pages of the book. Mysterious living shapes unveiled along with ticks and tocks of the aspect clock.

A new mystic world unfolding before the eyes of the little guy, taking him to a brand new story. As the letters flooded the old-wooden book, word-like lights suddenly lit up on its first page, the wind was its writer while the shimmers were its ink.

Ever since Trea’s traces vanished in thin air, this was the first time someone opened the book of the lady. The boy wanted to see stories, thus he read.

Yes, just like when she was still here.

On the first page, there were words glitteringly engraved.

His interest piqued, Klive peered through the smooth letters of the book. He felt like a scribe trying to build bridges of meaning and reason.

“Duke’s Fellintons Memoirs – The Last Dukes of the Dusk”

- The Year 1007, Spring, The Dusk - Flowers in War-

Tis was supposed to be spring but there were no flowering plants or trees in sight.

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

Battles raged everywhere.

Heroes fell, gods fell, Kings and nobles fell.

So as my heart.

Thus, I decided to write my heart out.

The first sentence I built though was…

Have the gods forsaken us?

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

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

Ten years ago, it started.

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

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

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

The last bastion perhaps?

I was titled Duke before I was 18 before everything happened. Though, it is only an empty title now.

We were like leaves slowly falling from the thick branches of a dead tree, dripping like rain from a cold window pane.

No land, no riches, no people.

All guts, but no glory.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

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

I feel so numbed and loss.

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

Maybe the years are starting to creep its embrace towards me.

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

I would probably not live for long.

Fleeting memories came and go.

My century is gone, just like that.

I'm not a powerful warrior like them which could last a hundred years more.

Though, I believe I fought a good fight.

I feel my brothers and wife were shouting and calling for me in another shore.

I'm tired.

My duty has ended...

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

...

Little Klive did not understand most of the contents of the first part of the short narratives. Reaching his tiny hands to grasp his heart, he could feel small beats skimping as if something was resonating deep within him.

His tiny heart lurched. Maybe he should have called her sister and brother before opening the book.

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

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

Why? It was an answer only Trea knows.

Still, the unique feeling pushed the little guy to read further, he felt forced to do so.

The first century of the Dusk was covered in mist, only two things were assured.

There was a war of an unimaginable scale.

And there was death in its midst.



♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

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

Before he breathe his last, my father called and talked to me tears slowly flowed in his eyes like rice buds from the stalks falling in the granary, so true and pure.

In whimpers, he asked.

He asked me how do I feel right now.

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.

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. For my passion it the arts of divine allowed me to have longer longevity. I also look younger compared to my age.

Besides everyone in this bastion of his is my family.

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

Perhaps in a battle to defend this last bastion, I’ll one day fall.

Oh. He also gave me a memoir, it’s pages made from the now obsolete scribe tree. A magical tree which produces rough paper unfettered by mother time.

He told me to read it.

He told me to continue it.



♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

-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 forsakes the divine arts for those who wished to live.

His talents obscured and loss with the passing 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.

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

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 just waiting for the final battle.

Maybe in a hundred years or so.

It will come.

Definitely.

 

Spoiler: Book 1: Chapter 10 ♠ The Duke’s Memoir – Second part ♠

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

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

Today…

We lost someone dear. Two 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 passing deaths I saw in my lifetime.

They orphaned a little girl.

She was just 9 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.

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

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

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

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

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

They are here.

I’m waiting for this very day for almost a hundred years.

Proudly standing behind me, the bastion’s last army silently looked towards the upcoming enemy.

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 continuously vibrating throughout the sky. Seas of monster horde which end I couldn't see.

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 implement possibly any moment now.

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

She matured enough to think for herself though.

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 belly-full of laughter-

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

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

I’ll force it.

Just like 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 probably stay here till the end.

The soldiers in the army all knew that this might be the last. Thus, their wills were left to their families, friends, and brothers.

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

We already established a cave system with the help of the last remaining dwarves and gnomes to allow everyone a slim chance of survival. We also developed some edible scrubs that could grow there in the cave, and along with some livestock remaining, and magic items necessary to live there.

The last reverie is about to start.

I could hear the rumbling sounds of the marching army, it seemed like all their preparation are ready.

The great party is about to begin.

Oh! Perhaps Rosalyn would be reading this later once she arrives at the cave. So, I wrote something extremely important in another paper.

I think she would be shocked, thinking about it I could not help but burst in a peal of hearty laughter.

So, I wrote my thoughts nakedly.

I decided to protect her till the end.

It’s time, I gotta start moving my ass off.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

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

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

As the monsters rushed through the walls of the last bastion. And death filled the four corners of its defensive walls, flipped inside and out. The soldiers were already battle hardened, killing anyone they see among the tide of beasts.

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

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

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

Yet, he pushed me away.

He stuffed my mind with things about righteousness and the things I could do if I lived.

He ordered me to lead the remnants of the races away to safety. I don’t know whether I should be happy or sad but that time this lady felt compelled that I forgot to think.

Yes, he ordered me as a general as to his soldier.

Though, he gave an old looking well-maintained memoir as a 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.

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 which forced me to lead the remnants to safety.

Not him.

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.

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

This lady carried it on her heart, the burden of the living.

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 that time, it seemed like that the last bastion is still standing strong. We were warmly welcomed by the dwarves and the gnomes upon our arrival.

I ordered everyone at that time to settle in with their assistance.

One more month passed, we knew hope was a loss since there were no messengers coming from the last bastion. Perhaps, it already had fallen.

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

He was bloodied all over, one of his arms teared-off, 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 face. Lying there in peace and quiet.

I knew him.

He was one of the most trusted men of that guy, a brother from the last bastion.

It seemed like we were too late. He had already passed away from quite some time.

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 wrinkly paper.

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 a book of his divine art, his seal…

And a ring, a tiny paper tied to the upper shank.

My finger’s trembling, I slowly opened it.

“ My Dear Rosalyn,”

I knew you love me… Will you marry me…

Gently, I lose my grip to the letter from the departed messenger. Written on blood.

“My Rosalyn”

I’m sor-ry… I would not be able to stay with till you grow old…

…

…

So he knew…

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

 

Spoiler: Book 1: Chapter 11 ♠ The Duchess’s Memoirs – Third part ♠

-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.

More determined than ever to safeguard what he had left to me.

I promised myself to live his share till the last.

Counting from the fall of the last bastion, 49 years had already passed and only a few things had changed.

Life continued for me, the remnants - and the beast 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 the shadows.

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, Midspring of this era.

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

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

We waited, waited, and waited…

Until one day, they returned from the long journey.

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

I felt relief deep down since we can’t lose anyone anymore.

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 as fast as we could, not willing to take chances. An epidemic spreading around the 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 as if seeking for possible survivors in such 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 ending 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 even slept even for just a winked.

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

The night came carrying the reaper's scythe as another valiant warrior succumbed, forever loss. His corpse cremated just like the three before him.

The third day came.

Early in the morning, one of the sentries guarding the isolated room called my attention. The last elite was asking for me, claiming that he now knew what was the cause of their current predicament.

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 as 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 is he telling this story now?

Yet, no answer came.

I only saw him spasming and writhing on the ground as death came to him in an agonizing way. That time I wished to end his suffering fast but he rejected it, shouting the word “watch” unceasingly.

The patches in his cheeks wriggled upwards to each of his eyes. The moment it reached his eyes, I felt his pulse seized so as his pumping heart.

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 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. Knowing the screaming peril coming.

Yet, I was still felt mesmerized and charmed.

Step by step, I strode like a rabbit waiting to be trapped.

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 flower’s petals showing writhing faces. 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.

Alarm bells ringing throughout my brain, I unleashed the most powerful white flame I am capable of, scorching the demonic flower to crisp making sure that none of its ashes shall remain.

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

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

…

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

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.

 

Spoiler: Book 1:Chapter 12 ♠ Teardrops in the Sky ♠

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


Three hundred years had passed.

Few streaks of white hair now flow on my hair, my face now concealing lines of furrows. I knew long ago that ain’t as talented as that guy in terms of mastering the divine art, my age was catching up to me. Anyway, for people like me, age was just a number.

Who am I kidding anyway!

The population in the cave-systems was growing like a mushroom as time passed, the kids kept popping out everywhere. It seemed like the few years of peace contributed to it's hastening. So I 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.

Thus, with everyone's help, we engineered 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 joint efforts of all the races inside the dwelling. The 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 beastman shaman’s inked their totems to strengthen the magic array that would serve as protection, the elves, and the fairies deployed their mythic art to camouflage the cave-systems, and the Orcus tribe doing the odd jobs that require muscle power.

Maybe before I die it would become a massive metropolis where races co-exist as one big family. A place where racism doesn’t exist.

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. There was 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 which 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. 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.

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

Even just for a few moments, my dreams and wishes came true.

I never felt so glad…

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

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

-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 Eudorian Continent. Three pillars of light bursts out from the once dark sky, its luster purging the dimness of the starless nights. The night turned bright, painting the sky with hope and anticipation. A series of Intense vibration drummed all over the place as spatial rifts appeared in the sky.

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

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, 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 mask.

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 hard soil, the land of Eudoria.

I could see the three doll-like ladies, their eyes observing everything from 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.

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

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.

Unlike the first two, the last dame had more chains and manacles sealing her movement. Her eyes were also covered by a 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 innocence and deep love. Deep-black hair whirled along with her purple flared gown.

The moment her bindings dissipated, the other two cast their moist gazes at her. Their lips gently slipped downwards as 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 three centuries.

She wept.

Hearing her peals of sobs I couldn’t help but gasped, my heart felt tight and full as if acknowledging the release of her hundred years of frustration.

I cried…

In the end, everyone who saw her tears did.

 

Spoiler: Book 1:Chapter 13: ♠ The Knight’s Breakfast ♠

Klive continued to read the book, sounds of the flipping pages echoed in the once moonlit room. The little guy was hooked by the chronicles of the dukes and duchess to the point that he forgot his own bedtime.

The dawn came without even asking the busy kid. The light it carried shaded the book and the little guy’s contours in crimson as he bathed in a rosy glow.

[Knock. Knock, knock]

“Good morning little master Klive are you awake? Please wake up, it’s already morning, It's time for breakfast.”

The greetings strained the ears of Klive as he slowly woke up from his hours of fixation towards the memoirs. Feeling a bit of shock from the voice and steps coming from the outside, the little guy immediately closed down the wooden book, acting like a thief that was about to get caught in the act, Klive hid the book under his bed.

He ran then jumped towards his bed, covering his head with a thick blanket, trying to look like as if he was still sleeping. Peeking through the tiny gaps, Klive’s eyes snooped towards the creaking door, spying whether the owner of the voice would enter or not.

Hearing no answer from the little guy, sounds of the door opening echoed in the room, it eventually stopped midway as if the maid was uncertain whether to wake up the little guy. After a few moments of hesitation, the maid firmed up her decision to let the kid get more sleep.

“I’ll just return again later little master. Anyway, sleep well and grow bigger soon,” said the maid as she leaked a few giggles before closing the door again. “Oh, I’ll just go help little Ciera tidy up, she is definitely already awake.”

After ensuring that the maid was already gone, the adrenaline coursing through the little guy’s body simmered down. He was burnt out, hours of accumulated fatigue embraced young Klive after he pulled an all-nighter just to read the memoirs from Trea’s magical book. A melody of snores was then heard resounding across the four sides of the room as a drowsy spell struck the little lord.

Unbeknownst to the sleeping kid, the book wriggled its way out of the pillow. Its shining thin pages flapped as it flew towards the little lord’s bed. Continuous shuffling sounds were heard across the room before it closed again.

It was as if the book and the stories within saw the sight of the sleeping Klive, opting silence so as not to disturb the little boy.



♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

Like an orchestra, the spoons, forks, plates chimed together in the long buffet table producing a refrain of hums as the knight Brooks’ family (except for Klive who was still sleeping) and their most trusted aides ate breakfast together. The mahogany table was full of mouth-watering delicacies, mostly meat which came from the devil tusk boar that esquire Davin hunted down in the village outskirts. The maids and attendant continued to add more and more food from various diverse recipes. Fruits and vegetables of all colors were also sprawled in the table along with some condiments and spices, making things more vibrant and lively.

It was a running tradition of the Brooks family to let other people who they categorize as trustworthy or worth grooming to eat with them during breakfast. There would always be some short talks about future plans of the family, briefing the people about the paths the family would take. Pieces of advice and suggestions coming from the attendants and adjutants were also encouraged in this weekly breakfast meeting. The ways of the knight family gave the aides a sense of belongingness, unity, loyalty, and responsibility. Pledging themselves towards the knight and his family, they decided to put their best for the knight. It was a feeling the madame wished to nurture throughout their new fief.

According to the knight and his family, it was of extreme importance to bridge the gap between the Lord and his retainers. Success in this area would, in turn, yield a better community. A society where the citizens respect the authority of their lord and the lord caring more for the prosperity of his vassals, citizens, and territory. It was a win-win situation for both the lord and his citizens.

“Ehem, Good morning everyone. I hope everyone is having a good time with the dishes we prepared, of course, spiced up by our dear Davin’s sincerity;” The knight said, inviting the laughter and whistles from the crowd especially after they heard what happened to the esquire yesterday. “We will now start this week’s breakfast meeting. It will be composed of general reports about the village status. It's trading dealings, infrastructure, public health, farming, and harvest. You all know that this new fief will be our lifeblood. So, I hope everyone will listen carefully then share their thoughts and insights about the village.”

“Yes, milord!” The crowd answered in chorus, loud and clear.

“But before that, I would like to introduce to you our two new members to join us starting from today. You can consider them as the villager of Lothar’s representatives. Go on now, don’t be shy, do introduce yourselves.”

The attendants and aides turned all ears after the remarks of the lord. Their eyes now focused on the new members of the group. The madame taught them that it was essential to understand the specialties and talents of your colleagues, for future reference. Though new comrades must be first acknowledged by everyone. After all, no one in the room could be branded as useless and incompetent. The few dozens in the room were well-learned individuals in various fields of learning. There were people knowledgeable about war strategies, trade, commerce, agriculture, etiquette, diplomacy, history, magic, and even alchemy.

“A pleasant morning to everyone. I am Bose, the old chief of the village of. It would be a great honor to work with everyone in serving the Lord.” Bose said as he put his hand towards his left chest, a sign of respect in Eudorian etiquette.“ Though, I hope you’ll treat these old bones of mine a bit well.”

A series of nods was the answer of the aides and attendants after the introduction of Bose. Their eyes beamed in approval and respect for the old man. Aside from historians, learned individuals, and old noble families - those who still knew the old Eudorian etiquette were few in numbers especially if it was someone coming from a small territory like the village of Lothar. The village chief’s knowledge was not something to be trifled with. His years of experience as a merchant’s storekeeper helped him gain and learn many things about the diverse culture of the Eudorian continent.

The next villager to introduce himself as a new member was also an old man. His hair white like snow while his beard reached up to his chest. Like an expert, the old man continuously stroked his beard.

Seeing the slick actions of the old guy, the eyes of the aides glimmered in curiosity and anticipation, their eyeballs scanning the old fellow up and down. On the side, knight Levo and Madame Annis couldn’t help but release a chuckle after witnessing the spectacle.

Unbeknownst to most of the crowd, the old man was actually drying his sweaty hands using his long beard. His heart was pumping so hard as if thousands of galloping war horses were playing in his old chest. The old man's two feet tapping the floor were also shaking, not because of old age but due to simple anxiousness. Feeling the stares concentrating towards his body, the old man’s head went blank, forgetting almost everything of the speech he prepared and memorized for this day.

Taking a few gulps of saliva, he began his introduction:

“We-ll, erm, good d-day. I-I am Gazz. Ya could ca-call me old man Gazz or Gazzy. Y-your choice. I am 76 years old, I have five big sons and three cute daughters. I tended to the fields for al-almost all my life. My hobby is. I-I…

Watching the old guy making fun of himself, the eyes of the people inside the room couldn’t help but twitch, the thoughts in their heads were full of sarcasm. No one asked you to tell us your age. The number of your children is as irrelevant as your speech. And damn! What the heck is Gazzy anyway? It sounds like a fart. It doesn’t even suit your age.

“...”

“Okay people, let us cut off some slack for our new friend here. Let me help him with his introduction. After all, this is his first time being ogled like lady, of course, he would feel shy. Right?” The knight purred as he intervened the introduction of the now flushed old man, inviting a few mirths from the crowd, dispersing the tense atmosphere. “Our friend here is someone whom I and wife personally recruited. He might stutter but don’t worry, he’s a real deal. Everyone can call him pervy Gazzy. Erm, I mean old Gazz. “

Pftt.

Hearing that the old man was recruited by both the madame and the knight, the crowd felt a bit envious. Sighs of relief were also heard, they knew that when the Lord decided to recruit someone, the person was definitely skilled in a certain aspect. Questions about the abilities of the old man clouded the minds of the crowd, their interest now piqued.

“I hope the single word I will say in this room will not spread anywhere”, said the knight as a bit of seriousness glinted in his eyes. “The word and the reason is ‘Aspects’.”

A series of gasp resounded on the room, some even poked their ears for any excess earwax, thinking that may have actually heard it wrong. They looked at each other's eyes, curiosity now filling their minds. Their gazes seemingly wishing to bore a hole at the old man.

“You can return to your seat now Gazzy.”The knight said with a grin as he hinted the old man to take his seat, like an ungreased alchemic iron-golem the old man moved, his steps like a puppet whose strings had been cut. “Back to the topic, my wife will now read the reports about the overall assessment of village condition. So keep your ears open.”

With the knight’s cue, Madame Annis stood up from her seat then strode towards the mini-podium, on her hands were a thin volume of papers containing the summary of the information collected about the village as well as the important concerns of the knight's new domain that would need everyone’s help to solve.

With the crowd’s attention now solely focus on what would the madam say, the meeting continued.