《The Plague Doctor Book 2 (Road To The Capital)》


 The Plague Doctor Chapter 1 (On The Road)

    On the road to the capital, the wagon continuously bumped up and down on the treacherous and root-littered ground.


    Kenneth was sitting on one of two beds with his feet up and Nokstella by his side up against the wall. On the other side was Solk brushing Kulo''s fur and keeping him by his side even though he wanted to go over to Kenneth.


    Neither had said a word in the many hours that must have passed since the departure.


    Kenneth mostly used this time thinking about the many possible outcomes that could happen when he stood in front of the Aki king. All from being heralded as a miracle worker to being seen as a funny animal that belonged in His Majesty''s royal menagerie to even execution on sight.


    ''It¡¯s not as if I know what will happen until I¡¯m there. Right now, I¡¯m only giving myself a headache,¡¯ Kenneth thought, letting out a tired sigh.


    ¡°Not used to the road? Solk suddenly asked. ¡°It¡¯s not my preferred route, considering this is uncharted territory for me, but Lord Krakni is not a patient man.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not so much that, Kenneth replied. ¡°I was just thinking about when I meet the king. It¡¯s a big deal, alright, and if my people''s history of royalty is anything to go by, it might as well be a coin toss on what¡¯s going to happen.¡±


    ¡°The king¡­ has a powerful presence. I¡¯ve only stood before him once when he asked about you, and even that made me fear more for my safety than any venture out here, Solk admitted. ¡°I can only guess as to the reason he wishes for you to appear before him, but if he wanted you dead, he would not have ordered the commander of his king''s guard to personally escort you.


    ¡°His son may have taken up the mantel in his stead; however, they are of far greater importance than some simple executioners. More so, it might be because you healed the ¡°Burning Death¡± with such ease. The king might desire to prevent another epidemic from spreading throughout the capital.¡±


    ¡°An epidemic! Kenneth gasped. ¡°Has it been recent? Are people keeping apart? What measures have been put in place to avoid another spread?!¡±


    ¡°No! It happened over hundreds of years ago,¡± Kolu piped up, unable to escape his father¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°At least you remember something from your history lessons, Solk said with a hint of pride. ¡°It was about two hundred years ago. No one knows how it started. Either it could have been a ploy by the heretic to send in an inflicted as a slave, heretic cultist spreading the infliction with their vile rituals or just the careless mistake of a merchant.¡±


    Solk went on to explain more about the ¡°Burning Deaths¡± spread throughout a place called Underfoot, as well as how it was handled back then. And horrifyingly, the ¡°Burning Death¡± didn¡¯t just receive its name from the state in which the infected found themselves.


    Kenneth felt a small sorrow in his heart for the dead.


    Even though it happened so long ago, it was news to him, and even if he only managed to accomplish one thing in this life, it was to ensure something like that would never happen again,


    But even as his mind focused on such a horrifying event, he couldn¡¯t help but linger on something Solk said as he inquired about the heretic cultists.


    Solk was a bit tight-lipped about them but did explain. Apparently, there wasn¡¯t a unanimous belief in the Aki course, and there were those who wished to spread their vileness from within, but apparently, they had all been eradicated some decades ago.


    ¡°I believe that will be enough for now,¡± Solk said, seeming tired.


    ¡°No, father, I wanna hear more about¡­¡± Kolu protested, falling silent as he suddenly fought a desperate battle, inevitably losing to the yawn.


    While Kenneth wanted to learn a bit more, he could hear Nokstella quietly yawn by his side. ¡°You should listen to your father. Children need to sleep far more than adults. You wouldn¡¯t want to stunt your growth and be shorter than me.¡±


    Kolu''s eyes quickly grew wide as he heard the most horrifying news of all. He snapped his head back and looked up at his father, ¡°Is that true?!¡±


    Solk put the brush aside and flopped down on the bed, pulling his son with him, ¡°Yes, Dahi moulded us, made it so we grow hungry when we need to eat, thirsty when we need to drink, and tired when we need to sleep.¡±


    Kolu looked panicked as he suddenly realized the earth-shattering revelations had staved off his drowsiness, and in the most aggressive way Kenneth had ever seen, Kolu tried to go to sleep.


    Solk sent Kenneth a knowing and thankful look before extinguishing the only lit candle and going to sleep.


    Kenneth joined him, fully laying down on the long but somewhat thin bed with Nokstella mostly on top of his arm, refusing to move any further away from the wall.


    However, sleep didn''t come easy. The bumping and creaking as the wagon moved across the uneven terrain of high hills, slumps, and root-littered ground made it almost impossible to go to sleep, Kenneth only finding brief moments where he nodded off for a second or two.


    He was drifting off once more when he heard small clacking sounds moving closer, followed by tiny hands grabbing onto his arm.


    ¡°¡­Shouldn¡¯t you be asleep?¡± Kenneth, tiredly, asked in a low voice.


    Kolu let out a small whine, ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I wanna go asleep, but keep thinking what will happen if I don¡¯t sleep.¡±


    ¡°Nokstella, you still awake?¡± Kenneth asked her, whereupon she replied with a tired groan.


    Suddenly, Kolu climbed on top of Kenneth and scampered across his chest until his fur brushed against Nokstella¡¯s scales, his tail wildly bouncing around. ¡°Hi! Your fur is so odd. It feels so hard.¡±


    Nokstella froze up as Kolu curiously touched her snout.


    ¡°Okay, Kolu, you need to learn about personal space. You can¡¯t just touch someone without asking first and getting permission to do so,¡± Kenneth lectured him while pulling him away from Nokstella.


    Whining, Kolu nestled between Kenneth¡¯s arm and chest, looking over at Nokstella, ¡°Father never let me go near slaves. I just want to see.¡±


    ¡°Well, you certainly got energy. How about I tell you a bedtime story?¡± Kenneth asked, feeling Kolu¡¯s ears perk up at the mention, and even Nokstella moved her snout across his chest, looking up at him.


    Knowing he¡¯d struck gold, Kenneth began to tell the story of the rabbit and hawk.


    On a cloudy and windy day, a little white rabbit was walking through the forest in search of carrots to eat. He¡¯d never ventured far from home, but today, he¡¯d had a whiff of one and would not let the scent go.


    He searched behind every tree and inside every bush until he found the precious orange prize sticking up from the dirt.


    With ecstatic glee, he pulled it from the ground and jumped home, but on the way, rain poured down from the sky, and the winds began to howl, shaking every tree and bush. Suddenly, the sound of a tree cracking, followed by a squawk, could be heard as a branch landed on the little white rabbit.


    However, it was not hurt; it was only stuck with the carrot still in its mouth. He was about to free himself when a sudden squawk made him freeze. Right in front of him was a hawk, a deadly predator, but fortunately, she, too, was stuck under a tree branch.


    Quickly, the rabbit, knowing he couldn¡¯t lift the branch, began digging underneath it until he was free.


    He was about to leave when the hawk squawked, ¡°Wait! Free me, too, and I promise to remember what you did for me!¡±


    The rabbit was unsure if he should trust the hawk. His parents had always warned him to run from hawks and snakes, as they would only gobble him up, yet his parents had also told him to see the best in every animal.


    Choosing to help the hawk, the little white rabbit lifted the branch as much as his tiny body could as the hawk slipped out from underneath.


    ¡°Thank you, I will not forget this,¡± The hawk said as she, with her massive wings, flew up into the foliage of the trees.


    With the storm getting worse, the little white rabbit quickly ventured home to his burrow, where his family must have been worried sick.


    However, on his way home, hidden under some leaves was a snake. Before he could react, the snake wrapped his long, thin body around him, trapping him.


    It unhinged its jaw, ready to eat him whole, when suddenly a familiar squawk echoed. From above, the hawk attacked the snake. It wrestled it off the little rabbit and squawked at the snake, making it slither away in fear.


    As the rain grew heavier, the little rabbit thanked the hawk for helping and, not wanting her to get wetter; the rabbit invited the hawk home. And as they arrived, the family of rabbits greeted the strangest visitor they¡¯d ever had in their burrow.


    As Kenneth finished, Kolu and Nokstella seemed to have fallen asleep, lightly snoring and stirring as the wagon continued to bump up and down against the ground, somehow ending with Kolu¡¯s hand on Nokstella¡¯s snout while she oddly enough nuzzled against it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard a story of such a nature before,¡± Solk¡¯s quiet voice cut through the darkness.


    Kenneth barely reacted to his voice either because he wasn¡¯t startled or didn¡¯t want to disturb Kolu and Nokstella now that they had finally gone to sleep, ¡°It was one my parents would tell me at times.¡±


    ¡°You still remain a strange one, I see, Solk said, sitting up, his form barely visible in the dark. ¡°He shouldn¡¯t be so close to that heretic, especially since you removed its chains.¡±


    Kenneth took a moment to respond, ¡°She isn¡¯t going to hurt him.¡±


    Even in the dark, Kenneth noticed Solk¡¯s eyes staring at him, Kolu, and Nokstella. ¡°My son, I love him dearly but constantly worry about letting him out of my sight when not within walls of allies.


    ¡°He is far too trusting and unaware of the dangers in this world. Not too long ago, when he was out of my sight, he found and approached the Qsiosija¡­ he was lucky. It could easily have been a predator or heretic, and I doubt he would have reacted differently.¡±


    ¡°I understand that fear, but even so, isn¡¯t his willingness to approach anyone something that in some way, shape, or form should be nurtured, Kenneth argued. ¡°Of course, he should be mindful--"


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°No, because he will eventually succeed me, and if he has not learned by that time, the slaves might see his weakness and¡­¡± Solk fell silent as he looked at his sleeping son nestling up against Kenneth.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t think of such thoughts. Never done me any good¡­¡± Kenneth advised.


    ¡°If only I could,¡± Solk sighed, falling silent.


    Suddenly, Kenneth felt Nokstella biting his arm in her sleep, and he remembered a question he ought to have asked long ago. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind my asking, that Nok I got from you had a mother¡­ is she, perchance, pulling one of these wagons?¡±


    In the darkness, Solk barely moved, ¡°Hmm¡­ many of my slaves are rented, but not that one¡­ that one I owned. That one was strong and always kept pulling, but unfortunately, it died during a heretic sneak attack by a stray arrow, I believe.


    ¡°A shame, really. I doubt I¡¯ll ever find a slave of such good quality again for so few coins.¡±


    Feeling his gut sink and turn to ice, Kenneth worriedly glanced at Nokstella, who, thankfully, was still asleep, lightly snoring, completely unaware of the horrible truth that Kenneth now knew.


    ¡°ARRGGG!!!¡±


    Suddenly, an ear-piercing desperate scream rang out, making both men jolt as Kolu and Nokstella stirred from their slumber.


    It was followed by vibrating chirping, like that of a bird, but far deeper.


    ¡°What the¡­?!¡± Kenneth exclaimed, looking around in the dark, his eyes settling on the outline of his bag.


    He went to reach for it but stopped feeling Nokstella clinging to his arm, crying while shaking in absolute terror, ¡°They here¡­! They eat us!¡±


    Kenneth quickly turned to Nokstella as Kolu ran over to his father. ¡°Listen, I know it¡¯s scary, but everything is going to be okay.¡±


    ¡°That sound! A Sleecie! Solk growled as he lit a candle, illuminating the confined area. ¡°By Akina, I knew we should have stopped when the light left us.¡±


    Suddenly, the chirping grew louder and more chaotic as the singular voice was joined by many others, cementing the fact that it had not come alone.


    Before anyone could react, the creatures descended upon every wagon, crashing into them with loud bangs, the force of which made some wagons turn and fall on their side.


    Kenneth grabbed hold of the bed frame, steadying himself as he held Nokstella close. However, as the beast scratched the exterior of the wagon suddenly, a giant beak tore through the wall.


    Nokstella let out a shriek of terror, and Kenneth jolted away as a candle flew past him, landing right inside the Sleecie¡¯s mouth. Spitting it out immediately, it recoiled, pulling its beak out while chirping in distress.


    ¡°They fear fire! Solk yelled as he, with shaky hands, gathered every candle and lit them. He handed one to Kenneth just as another Sleecie broke through the wall.


    Shouting as loud as he could, Kenneth violently swung the candle at the Sleecie¡¯s beak, extinguishing the meeker flame; however, the moment it happened, the Sleecie let out a violent chirp as its beak slid from the wall.


    They could hear a few more quiet chirps before they were silenced with a loud crack. Suddenly, the door flung open, and Trafka stepped in. He scanned the room, his eyes focusing on Kenneth.


    ¡°Stay here! Barricade the holes and keep quiet!¡± He ordered.


    Heart racing, adrenalin pumping, Kenneth took quick breaths, ¡°Wa-was some hur--¡±


    Before he could finish, Trafka slammed the door and barked orders to every man.


    Kenneth peered through the two holes made by the Sleecies, seeing figures in the darkness, barely illuminated by the few torches some had managed to light in the chaos.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get close! Solk yelled, grabbing Kenneth by the shoulder and attempting to pull him away with little result. ¡°He fought those two off, but there are always more.¡±


    Hearing Solk¡¯s words and feeling Nokstella¡¯s grip tighten, Kenneth snapped out of it, ¡°You''re right. Let¡¯s¡­ let¡¯s do what he said. Nokstella, please let go. I need both hands.¡±


    ¡°They come! They eat you! They eat Mama,¡± She cried.


    As yelling and screaming blared from outside, Kenneth gently spoke to Nokstella. ¡°I know you are scared right now, but I need both my arms. I promise you everything is going to be okay, trust me--"


    ¡°What are you doing?! Solk yelled in the middle of flipping his bed up. ¡°We don¡¯t have time! Just Knock the slave away!¡±


    Kenneth reached down with his other hand, and Nokstella shuddered as though she thought he was going to do such a thing, but instead, he just gently caressed her head. ¡°I¡¯ll keep you safe; just trust me.¡±


    She continued to tremble in terror, but through tears, she found the courage to let go of Kenneth¡¯s arm.


    With unrestraint mobility, he grabbed the bed in front of him and flipped it against the wall along with the one Solk was in the middle of lifting, covering up both holes.


    As the fighting grew louder, both men were about to barricade the door with whatever they could find when a loud holler rang out. ¡°ONE OF THEM GOT FIRAK!!! HE¡¯S BLEEDING OUT!!!¡±


    ¡°Arg! NO! They got the healer! Those damn beasts!¡± Solk cursed.


    With his bag in hand, Kenneth rushed to the door and stepped outside.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Solk yelled. ¡°We need to stay here!¡±


    ¡°Nokstella stay here! I¡¯ll be back soon!¡± Kenneth said, slamming the door shut.


    Outside was pure chaos as deafening sounds pierced his eardrums and shapes shrouded by the darkness of either friend or foe moved around, with barely any light of any kind other than the torches that vaguely showed where some were.


    Though he was scared, though he knew he was an idiot, Kenneth rushed ahead, remembering the direction from where the shouting had come from.


    Scanning the area as he ran, Kenneth noticed a gathering of people near a turned-over wagon surrounding something, ¡®That must be where he is.¡¯


    He rushed ahead through the darkness, constantly looking around for the slightest of movements.


    ¡°There''s another one!!!¡± one from the group ahead yelled.


    Frantically looking around, Kenneth tried to see where the Sleecie were when an arrow flew through the darkness and hit him in the head. ¡°FUCK! That hurt!¡±


    ¡°Did it just speak!¡±


    Making his way closer to the confused group, someone held up their torch, illuminating Kenneth''s figure. ¡°Th-The black healer¡­ Why are you---¡±


    ¡°No time!¡± Kenneth interrupted as he pushed past the group, seeing who he presumed ot be, Firak lying in a pool of his own blood with his throat ripped out.


    He dropped to the ground and wrapped both hands around Firak¡¯s neck, stopping the bleeding.


    ¡°Two more! Protect the black healer!¡±


    All who surrounded Kenneth and Firak tightened the formation with weapons at the ready as a pair of Sleecies rushed toward them. Illuminated by the torches, their hulking figure and six muscular legs with six sharp talons on each were revealed.


    The man who¡¯d shot Kenneth loosened another arrow, penetrating the brown hide of the beast, but it did little to hinder it as it continued to rush toward them.


    The only man with a torch wildly swung it in front of the beasts to stave them off.


    Both flinched, one stopping in its tracks as the other stumbled full force to the side, crashing head first into the turned-over wagon, demolishing what was once the roof.


    The group separated. Two men ran over to the Sleecie inside the wagon while the two others stayed.


    The man with the torch thrust it into the Sleecie¡¯s face, and while it recoiled, he brought down his sword, splitting its beak wide open.


    Chirping darkly, both Sleecie suddenly rose, standing on their hind legs, growing twice their height, the one inside the wagon breaking through what was now the roof, now towering above the men and striking with their many talons while letting out horrid chirping noises.


    However, as the scene unfolded, Kenneth, both hands still clasped around Firak¡¯s neck, heard the telltale chirping of a Sleecies from the other direction.


    His head snapped around, and in the darkness, three blue eyes peered at him.


    ¡°HEY THERE¡¯S ANOTHER ONE!!!¡± He screamed; his heart raced as the Sleecie sprinted toward him.


    Yet none of the men could come to his aid; they were still busy fighting for their lives.


    ¡®I have to get away with him! NO! I can¡¯t drag him by the neck! Kenneth thought, keeping his grip firm with one hand around Firak¡¯s throat as the other rested on the dagger he¡¯d been gifted. ¡®I have to stand my ground! My clothes will protect me! I just have to hold out!¡¯


    He drew his dagger only to realize too late he¡¯d grabbed the handle with his coat around it.


    Panicking, Kenneth could only brace for the inevitable mauling when suddenly, with a thundering thud, a giant hammer came crashing down on top of the Sleecie¡¯s skull, cracking it wide open and sending bits and pieces of it flying in every direction.


    He snapped his head to see Trafka panting with both hands on his hammer and shield on his back.


    He glared at Kenneth, snarling before spinning around, striking the towering Sleecie in the crumbled remains of the wagon, killing it instantly.


    Seizing the opportunity, all four men surrounded the remaining Sleecie and attacked from all sides, two stabbing it in the back, one from the front, and the last shooting an arrow in its throat.


    However, before death could get its clutches on it, the beast swiped with its talon, a last desperate attack that sliced the man that stood beneath its right eye. Unfazed by the pain, the man snarled and pushed his sword further inside, forcing the beast to draw its last breath as it tumbled to the ground with a heavy thud.


    With a brief moment of peace, Trafka turned to Kenneth and grabbed him by the collar, shouting, ¡°I told you to stay inside the wagon!¡±


    ¡°Let go of me! Kenneth yelled. ¡°We have to get him inside!¡±


    Suddenly, there was an eruption of light as one of the wagons was set ablaze.


    With that one act, the tide quickly turned as all of the the Sleecies¡¯s chirping turned pained, and they began to stumble around disoriented.


    Every bloodthirsty man took the opportunity to attack, but as they quickly downed a few, one Sleecie let out a deafening high-pitched melody of chirps.


    Suddenly, all began running wildly in every direction, crashing into anything and anyone as they fled.


    One demolished what remained of a wagon, impaling itself on the shattered and sharp wood; another tripped over the body of another Sleecie, breaking its neck in the process, but most just knocked over anyone in their path, including Trafka and Kenneth.


    As the dust settled and the only sound that remained was the crackling of fire, Kenneth got up.


    His hand was still miraculously around Firak¡¯s throat, but he wasn¡¯t breathing, and his eyes had turned glassy. With a sorrowful heart, knowing it was too late, he let go.


    As he looked around, he saw the utter devastation that had been illuminated. Destroyed and turned over wagons, including the one that had been set on fire, and corpses of Sleecie¡¯s and people littered the area while those only wounded cried out in pain.


    Suddenly, Trafka grabbed Kenneth by the shoulder, dragging him while yelling, ¡°Everyone! Get standing! We are moving on!¡±


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Solk yelled with eardrum-shattering might. With everyone¡¯s attention firmly placed on him, he walked over to Trafka and Kenneth; his clothes and fur darkened with sod.


    ¡°Mind your own business, merchant,¡± Trafka spat.


    Solk¡¯s tail stood standing, and his friendly smile had completely vanished. ¡°My business is travelling these lands. Yet you don¡¯t seem to understand the dangers of them having lived your entire life behind walls!


    ¡°Had you heeded my advice, we could have been in a better position to defend ourselves against the Sleecies, and I wouldn¡¯t have been forced to set one of my own wagons ablaze to scare them away!¡±


    Trafka made a low, grumbling sound, ¡°Black healer, get back into the wagon! We are continuing forth!¡±


    ¡°NO! Solk angrily shouted. ¡°You might not have noticed, lord Krakni, but they didn¡¯t just attack us wildly; they went for our food storage! We don¡¯t have the provisions necessary to make it back to the capital!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll make do with the slaves, Trafka coldly stated. ¡°My family will reimburse you for the loss.¡±


    Solk¡¯s tail began to grow bigger. ¡°The ones the Sleecies didn¡¯t already maul managed to escape in the chaos! The only thing we have left to pull the wagons is the Qsiosija!¡±


    ¡°If you had only heeded my warnings, we could have travelled on far safer roads!¡±


    Trafka¡¯s patience seemed all but gone as his claws protruded from his fingers.


    ¡°CALM DOWN! Kenneth shouted. ¡°Listen, what¡¯s done is done! If fire keeps them at bay, I doubt that blazing inferno will keep us safe for long! I suggest we use our energy to focus on what we do next!¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­! We head to the nearest village and get provisions, ¡°Trafka spoke as though his words were the orders everyone had to follow.


    ¡°We can¡¯t, Solk said straightforwardly. ¡°I¡¯ve travelled these lands for many years, and we are too far from a village. Those Sleecie¡¯s are still out there. Their hunger may have been satiated for now, but they¡¯ve got a taste for blood, and they won¡¯t soon forget it. If we continue forward, we will only get picked off one by one.¡±


    ¡°So are we just heading back to the outpost then?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Solk let out a long sigh, ¡°If only. Lord Krakni insisted on a road against my wishes that I was not familiar with. And without a road mark of any kind to guide us, it¡¯d be pure luck if we managed to find one before we get set upon again.¡±


    ¡°So merchant, for all your brash words, you have no solution of any, Trafka interjected. ¡°If so, we head to the nearest village.¡±


    ¡°¡­I loath the idea and prey to the old, the new gods, and the shield of Akina; we stumble upon an outpost, but we have no other choice than to follow the only road mark we can see, Solk reluctantly said, looking up past the tiny glimpses in the foliage. ¡°We head to the tower.¡±


    As the words were uttered, everyone looked at Solk with expressions of shock and disbelief.


    Trafka shouted, ¡°Have you been inflicted with madness?! I will never set foot among all those vile¡­!¡±


    ¡°We have no other choice without any other roadmark to guide us, Solk said. ¡°If we head in that direction, we might not find an outpost, but being in the proximity will ward off the Sleecie¡¯s for a bit and should grant us enough time to make it to the tower.


    ¡°Once there, I can barter with them, get provisions, plan out the route, and then we leave.¡±


    As the blazing inferno ate off and darkened the wood, the structure crumbled under its own weight, sending a wave of heat throughout the area.


    Looking around at all the wounded, Trafka let out a growl as he relented, ¡°We get provisions, and then we leave, not a moment later.¡±


    ¡°Everyone, we got three wagons left! Secure the two in a line behind mine and tie them all together, then gather anything of value and throw it on! Solk ordered. ¡°Anyone who is wounded needs to be healed by Kenneth from now on, and the dead throw them into the burning wagon. They¡¯ll ascent to their ancestors, and their bodies will grant us a little more kindling!¡±


    With time of the essence, everyone began working, following Solk¡¯s command, but once all the talking had been concluded, Kenneth realized something blatantly obvious. Solk was here.


    Before anything else could happen, Kenneth sprinted to the wagon, ripped the door open, and entered in a flash.


    As his heart briefly raced, Kenneth looked around in the dark, spotting both Nokstella and Kolu tucked away in a corner.


    Her scales were all but white as she cried and shook, but Kolu comforted her, wrapping his arms and tail around her body in a comforting embrace.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 2 (The Tower)

    What remained of the cavern trodded along the rocky and barren ground nearing the foot of the mountain. Long since had they left the dangers of the forest, but also the cooling shade it provided.


    Under the blazing sun, the effects of exhaustion became mounting as everyone walking around the wagons had their mouths agape, panting, some seeming about to fall over.


    It was around those times that Trafka would bang on one of the wagons, and those resting inside had to step out, allowing space for those needing rest and water. They quickly learned that although the Qsiosija was strong, pulling all three wagons and items inside with everyone''s combined weight would quickly tire it.


    As much as everyone disliked it, it was their only choice if they were going to reach the tower before the Sleecies could catch up, and the unlucky ones to step out this time were Solk and Kolu.


    He carried his son in his arms as he stepped down and walked with everyone.


    Quickening his step, Kenneth, who carried Nokstella in his arms, walked up to him, ¡°They are growing shorter each time. Are you sure everyone can¡¯t just catch their breaths for a minute or two? Some lost more blood than others.¡±


    ¡°If there are two things I know about¡­ Sleecies¡­ it is they are relentless and¡­ smart enough to know we are wounded¡­ if they catch up to us now¡­ even outside the forest¡­ I doubt we¡¯ll stand much of a chance¡­ with the condition we are in¡­ Solk panted. ¡°But I find¡­ it funny¡­ you talk about rest¡­ but have you¡­ even had one¡­?


    ¡±You just¡­  keep walking.¡±


    ¡°The advantages of being a human, I guess, Kenneth responded in a low tone as he looked around at everyone. ¡°A teacher of mine once referred to humans as the ¡°greatest persistence predator¡± when explaining the sweat glands, so as long as I got water, I should be fine. Though, that¡¯s not to say I can do this forever. Right now, my feet and back are killing me.¡±


    ¡°You should rest then,¡± Solk recommended.


    ¡°There are times I want to kill my sense of duty and feelings of guilt. Right now is one of those times, but I know I can¡¯t, Kenneth said, his throat already growing dry. ¡°You guys¡­ Aki¡­ you can¡¯t handle this as well as I can.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been on a one-sided beatdown where I won because my opponent couldn¡¯t last. Of the little travel I¡¯ve done with others, there were constant breaks to avoid fatigue, and now most here look about ready to keel over and die. Knowing all that, the only rest I¡¯m willing to take is the one I have while drinking water.¡±


    Readjusting his grip on Kolu, Solk¡¯s panting was already growing louder, ¡°A word of advice¡­ don¡¯t push yourself¡­ until you can¡¯t walk.


    ¡°The guilt may eat you¡­ but so will the Sleecies, and I doubt¡­ Lord Krakni will be pleased to have to carry you¡­ into one of the wagons.¡±


    ¡°I bet, Kenneth offhandly replied. ¡°By the way, I was wondering something. I was once told that the ones who live by the mountain were peaceful worshippers, but the way you and Trafka talk about it, it seems like we are heading into the lion''s den.¡±


    ¡°Whoever told you that was not wrong in calling them that¡­ though it is only¡­ because they do not participate in the war, Solk clarified. ¡°Even those who saw¡­ saw the might of the champion Akina¡­ are some of the worst and heinous criminals of all¡­ Traitors.¡±


    Kenneth looked up at the mountain for a moment, remembering the one-sided conversation Ulric had with Nokshala.


    Having gotten his answer, Kenneth changed the conversation as he looked down at Nokstella, ¡°Are you getting thirsty or hot?¡±


    Nokstella stayed quiet in his arms.


    She¡¯d been like that ever since last night, refusing to talk. She only responded in short, stubby hissing noises.


    He couldn¡¯t blame her. Not only did he leave her when she was terrified in order to help Firak, but learning that all of the slaves either died or ran away couldn¡¯t have made her feel any better, as she must have believed her mother ran away without her, not knowing she was long dead already.


    Keeping the truth from her was wrong, and he had to tell her, but he couldn¡¯t just say it outright in a situation like this¡­ and since she was only about five years old, could she even comprehend the concept of death?


    The only silver lining in this situation that brought some comfort was that Nokstella and Kolu seemed to have grown closer.


    Kenneth had been surprised when he saw him embracing Nokstella in an attempt to ease her terror.


    Ever since, they had just been looking at one another, at times making motions in the air with their hands, maybe as a part of some game they¡¯d made up.


    Though Solk hadn¡¯t noticed any of this at all, like most, he was too tired and focused on his surroundings, as both kept quiet to make sure he didn¡¯t see it.


    In the middle of one of those games, Kenneth once again noticed one of Solk¡¯s men scratching themselves under their bandages.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing?! Kenneth yelled as he angrily walked over to him. ¡°I told you to stop with that! The bandages are there to decrease the likelihood of bacterial spread! Do you want to get an infection?!¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± The guy pantingly said while continuing to itch his wound.


    Feeling a few veins bulge, Kenneth placed Nokstella down and got a new role of bandages and rubbing alcohol from the bag.


    With one quick yank, he ripped the guy¡¯s bandage off and yelled at everyone, ¡°Listen up! I don¡¯t know how many times I¡¯ve told you, but don¡¯t scratch your wounds! I¡¯m done being your caring doctor if you can¡¯t listen! And next time, this is what I¡¯m going to do!¡±


    As the guy tiredly, along with everyone else, looked at Kenneth confused, he just poured the entirety of the rubbing alcohol down the guy''s chest.


    He hollered and yipped in pain for a brief time while Kenneth restrained him.


    Once he¡¯d calmed down and everyone had thoroughly gotten the message, he reapplied the bandages, but as he picked up Nokstella and walked away, he quickly spotted a few who were agonizingly close to scratching their wounds.


    It annoyed Kenneth, but he couldn¡¯t blame them too much. As a doctor, he¡¯d done everything he could for them, stitching their wounds close, but with the other healer dead, that meant they had to heal naturally.


    Something they clearly weren¡¯t used to, and the constant movement and dry air weren¡¯t making it any easier for them.


    ¡®I just gotta keep an eye out for when it happens,¡¯ Kenneth thought, trodding toward Solk, but to his mild confusion, he was gone.


    Kenneth scanned the area, quickly noticing Solk¡¯s distinctive clothes and violet fur with yellow spots up beside the ones who led and fed the Qsiosija with leaves.


    He seemed to bark a few orders and point toward a particular point at the mountainside where three jagged peaks lined up. The two men changed the course accordingly, leading the Qsiosija slightly to the right.


    Solk stopped for a bit, catching his breath as the caravan passed, and Kenneth reached him, ¡°So, was that place you pointed to important?¡±


    Panting, he could only respond in short sentences, ¡°¡­It¡¯s one of three paths through the mountain¡­¡±


    ¡°Have you been before since you know?¡± Kenneth inquired.


    Solk shook his head, ¡°No¡­ but my grandfather did¡­ he told me and my brother stories if we ever became desperate enough¡­ that we had to go there¡­¡±


    The remaining journey was a tiring and exhausting ordeal made harder by the blazing sun beating down on them.


    Reaching their limit, a few collapsed from exhaustion and heat stroke.


    Kenneth, being the only one who actually had the strength to do more than walk, would carry them into the wagon and dunk their entire body into a barrel of water, ruining half of their supply in an attempt to cool them.


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    For some, it would work, giving them enough strength to continue forward, but for others, the damage was already done.


    At that point, they were just dead weight that they were forced to leave behind, unsure if the small fire they started would take their bodies whole and carry them to their ancestors, and if not, hopefully, it would distract their pursuers.


    By the time they reached the foot, everyone weakly rejoiced, standing under the mountain''s towering shade, having passed a few crumbled structures as all of them stood in front of a long, narrow and twisting pathway with towering walls of stone on each side.


    It was the last leg of the journey, and once more, the caravan had grown smaller, and even though some wished to mourn, none had the strength nor tears to do so as they entered the mountain pass.


    Almost immediately, as they ascended up the jagged and rugged ground, everyone was met by a constant and relieving cooling gust of wind. Some let out sighs of satisfaction while others just ate the air.


    However, their relief was short-lived as it quickly became apparent that the Qsiosija couldn¡¯t pull all three wagons up the jagged slope.


    ¡°Everyone get behind and push!¡± Trafka ordered, standing tall as his tail and ears hung low.


    Slowly, everyone did as instructed, Kenneth and Solk placing Nokstella and Kolu down. From now on, they had to follow them on their own.


    Walking behind the wagons, everyone began pushing with all their might to slowly get them moving forward while the feeders in the front used their last remaining leaves to lure the Qsiosija ahead.


    It was a struggle, and they were moving at a snail''s pace, but they were close to the end. Some collapsed on their hands and knees, but never once did they give up, quickly finding their strength and getting right back to pushing.


    Looking back, Kenneth kept an eye on Nokstella and Kolu.


    They kept up, walking side by side, and helped one another when the path forward became too steep, Kolu with his long limbs and Nokstella with her strength.


    It warmed Kenneth¡¯s heart to see such a display, but Solk did not share the feeling. When he looked back, he only had an expression of discomfort across his face.


    With their efforts, they¡¯d made it about halfway, the entrance to the mountain path disappearing behind them in the twisting canyon. Yet it only got harder from here as the exit further ahead perfectly lined up with the sun and its blindingly blazing light.


    Suddenly, before they could get any further, a line of arrows hit the ground ahead of them.


    The sound of steel hitting the rocky ground got everyone''s attention as most clumsily drew their weapons, a few shakily able to hold them aloft while looking for the archers above.


    ¡°Show yourself!¡± Trafka yelled, his voice echoing upward as he used his shield to block the sun.


    Ahead of them in the distance, three figures appeared, slowly approaching the caravan. All eyes quickly narrowed on them as they readied themselves for a fight.


    As they got closer, Kenneth, who peaked from behind one of the wagons, could see the one on the right was an Aki man dressed in a tunic and pants, his fur a mix of amber and pink, and a barely visible mark across his forehead and a hollow gaze in his eyes.


    To the left were a Nok with brown scales and the physique of a bodybuilder wearing only leather shorts similar to those everyone wore at the outpost, its body littered with scars not unlike those he¡¯d seen on Nokshala.


    Between the two in the middle walked a small red creature with a mix of a slender and sturdy frame, wearing an open sleeveless vest, its head barely level with the Aki¡¯s elbow.


    It had four slightly hairy spiderlike limbs, which it quite easily used to traverse the rocky and jagged ground. Its upper body had two arms with pinchers-like appendages at the end, and its sturdy-looking neck was the same width as its round head and on it were four black eyes and, below them, three mandibles.


    All three came to a halt at the line of arrows, slowly scanning the caravan and the exhausted travellers.


    Clearing his throat, the Aki spoke, ¡°Greeting weary travellers! I¡¯m Ikkie, the Nok to my side is Nokfeka, and the Sil¡¯s name is Uccha.


    ¡°We are sorry for the rude introduction from above. But you see, we don¡¯t get many outsiders, especially not in such a vast amount. Now, if I may ask, what is your business here at ¡°Tower¡¯s Shade¡±?¡±


    None uttered a word.


    Instead, every one of the caravan¡¯s members eyed the mark on Ikkie¡¯s forehead. It was similar to the one Kenneth had seen on Nokshala but different. This one consisted of a square inside a triangle, surrounded by a circle.


    Solk stepped forward with a tiredly strained smile, holding out his hands to show he had no weapon on him, coming to a halt at the line of arrows, ¡°We no enemy¡­


    To Kenneth¡¯s surprise, Solk seemed to be talking in the tower tongue.


    ¡°I humble merchant¡­ intent¡­ rest and¡­trade for food and¡­ water¡­ have many good¡­ stuff¡­ come see if like¡­¡±


    The three looked at one another for a moment as though they were conversing telepathically.


    Eyeing them up and down, Nokfeka spoke using the tower tongue, ¡°What do you offer? It is certainly not food and water, weapons maybe, but we got lots of those laying around, so I have to wonder if it¡¯s even worth the risk of letting you in?¡±


    ¡°Healing¡­ Food¡­ water we need¡­ willing trade Sleecies body¡­ eyes not hurt¡­¡± Solk responded.


    Nokfeka took a step forward, standing on the line created by the arrows, ¡°Sleecies¡­ I do so like the taste of their eyes, but is it worth the trouble of killing the ones you are running from?


    ¡°I say we take it from them and send them back down, then we don¡¯t have to worry when they come.¡±


    ¡°Take one step closer, and I¡¯ll smash your head in,¡± Trafka warned as he swung his hammer over his shoulder and entered a low stance, ready to launch forward and attack at a moment''s notice.


    ¡°Man with hammer¡­ shield has a black beast of old, Uccha remarked. ¡°One of house Krosk, if not mistaken. Us not trust---¡±


    Ikkie calmly placed a hand on Uccha¡¯s shoulder, ¡°It¡¯s not enough to remember you are you; your words must show it as well.¡±


    Uccha¡¯s mandibles jittered for a moment, ¡°I¡­ do not trust them. They are probably here to take what they want and kill for revenge before leaving. Those of the capitals are always the same.¡±


    Ikkie quickly raised his hand, holding up one finger, ¡°I have to agree. No royal of that status would come here just to trade. I do not know who you want to kill, and I do not care, but if you want to live, you all best be heading back the way you came.¡±


    ¡°We are not enemies! Solk protested in the Aki tongue, which made Ikkie raise an eyebrow. ¡°We only came here to trade out of desperation! I swear on Heka¡¯s blood we will not harm--!¡±


    ¡°Save it, merchant, Trafka interrupted his words loudly, echoing in every direction. ¡°They are all traitors who have long since excused their crimes. The moment we approached, we were all marked for death. They only needed a reason not to feel the tiniest pang of guilt.


    ¡±The way back is our death! The way forward is theirs!¡±


    All members of the caravan tightly gripped their weapons, those with bows aiming them at the three ahead.


    Nokfeka chuckled as she cracked her knuckles while Uccha¡¯s mandibles and pinchers clacked together. Ikkie only sighed, ¡°And for a moment, I thought I may have been wrong.¡±


    The tension was mounting, and a fight seemed unavoidable.


    ¡°Umm, excuse me! Kenneth yelled as he quickly walked forward past everyone, bag in hand. ¡°I know the situation is growing a bit tense, but I couldn¡¯t help but overhear you mention you had swords lying around.


    ¡°I can only imagine the amount of nicks and cuts you must all be getting every day, and I would just feel terrible if I had to leave without at least offering my services as a healer.¡±


    All three of the ¡°Tower¡¯s Shade¡± citizens looked at Kenneth with surprise, intently watching and eyeing him, clearly uncertain of what he was.


    ¡°Get back, black healer! Trafka ordered. ¡°I¡¯ll not have you harmed under my protection!¡±


    Hearing this, Ikkie lowered his arm and turned to his two compatriots, who seemed as surprised as him.


    ¡°This one claimed to be a healer, yet the merchant asked for one,¡± Nokfeka said out loud.


    ¡°Lies, Uccha added. ¡°This one lies to let our guards down so they can attack. Ikkie, signal the archers above and kill them.¡±


    Feeling his gut sink in icy nervousness, Kenneth glanced back, seeing Nokstella and Kolu peeking from behind a wagon with an expression of fear, ¡°I can explain! I am a healer; I just heal differently f--!¡±


    Suddenly echoing further down the mountain path was the telltale chirping of a Sleecie.


    The entire caravan flinched as half turned around to cover their rear while Solk loudly muttered, ¡°A scout. The others won¡¯t be far behind.¡±


    Terrified by the sudden sound, Kolu ran up to his dad with Nokstella a bit behind as she ran up to Kenneth and tightly clung to his leg, drawing some odd looks from the citizens, especially Nokfeka, who eyed Nokstella intently as the three seemed at a loss for words.


    It took a moment, but eventually, Ikkie spoke, ¡°Black healer, I have one question to ask of you.¡±


    ¡°Sure, go ahead,¡± Kenneth said, gently stroking Nokstella to comfort her.


    ¡°For what reason does that child cling to you?¡±


    It was a bit of a strange question, all things considered, but he answered it. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just what children do when they are scared? And I don¡¯t blame her for being so; those Sleecies are scary.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ what say you two?¡± Ikkie asked his compatriots.


    ¡°I still do not trust them, Uccha answered, their pincers clasping together. ¡°I say turn then away.¡±


    Nokfeka stared down Trafka before letting out a sigh, ¡°I would love to fight one of house Krosk, but acts of violence are not for the eyes of children.¡±


    ¡°So it is two against one,¡± Ikkie said, raising his hand and making a few gestures to the ones above while the caravan readied themselves for a fight. ¡°Well, Merchant, Lord of house Krosk, and black healer, we permit you entry to ¡°Tower¡¯s Shade¡± .¡±


    Ikkie and Nokfeka both spun around while Uccha rotated its entire body using its four legs as they entered the city.


    The entire caravan was still a bit cautious, but eventually, they sheathed their weaponry and finished the final stretch of the journey, the jagged and rocky ground turning to stony steps as they exited the mountain path.


    With feet on mostly even ground and the sun out of their eyes, Kenneth looked around while Nokfeka, Ikkie, and Uccha kept their eyes on him.


    The city was rather small, standing on a wide stone edge in the shape of a crescent moon that followed the curvature of the mountain in a half circle.


    The other side, from what Kenneth could barely see due to the enormity of the mountain, was completely jagged and uninhabitable terrain, steeply cratering downward like a giant sinkhole toward the imposing and humongous tower.


    Intriguing enough, as he looked around, he saw three different kinds of buildings separated equally on the crescent moon''s surface.


    Where the caravan stood were square buildings of obvious Aki design. To the right, where it seemed a lot of Nok were mingling, stood pyramid-shaped buildings only barely taller than the ones who seemed to inhabit them, and to his left was a forest of tall yet slim pillars with Sil around them.


    ¡°What a quaint little place,¡± Kenneth said to Nokstella.


    ¡°Little,¡± Nokfeka chuckled.


    Turning around, Kenneth looked at the three, slightly confused, as Ikkie spoke while gesturing toward the edge, ¡°Try and look down.¡±


    Kenneth was a bit hesitant as he approached the edge, but if they wanted to hurt them, they would probably have done so already. As he reached the edge and looked down, he was stunned and astonished.


    It wasn¡¯t just one crescent moon shape; it was multiple, each one going down further and further like gigantic stair steps leading to the bottom of a canyon, and on each one of them were progressively changing buildings, each seemingly combining Aki, Nok, and Sil architecture.

 The Plague Doctor Book 2 Chapter 3 (Downward)

    The clouds above raced by, pushed by the light and constant gusts of wind.


    Mercifully, the sun had moved behind the tower, giving the tired caravan some much-needed shade as they rested up against the rocky wall beside the mountain pass.


    As any good doctor would, Kenneth did a checkup on all of them, making sure everyone would recover with a bit of rest and water, while Nokstella made sure to keep close by.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you also rest, black healer?¡± Ikkie questioned, Uccha by his side and Nokfeka leaning up against a nearby wall.


    ¡°Kenneth is fine, he responded, feeling Nokstella hiding behind his leg. ¡°And to answer your question, when I¡¯m done. Gotta make sure no one else dies of heat stroke.¡±


    ¡°What are you? And what is the story behind you travelling with that child and folk from the Aki capital with a royal who seems keen on protecting you no less?¡± Nokfeka asked.


    ¡°None¡­ of concern, Nok,¡± Trafka spoke in the tower tongue as he got back on his feet and made his way over to Kenneth, giant hammer in one hand and shield in the other.


    ¡°We here trade¡­ no more, Solk said in the tower tongue with a strained smile of exhaustion. ¡°Show wears¡­ Sleecies and¡­ more.¡±


    ¡°Better go see if the meat is worth anything,¡± Nokfeka said, walking over toward the wagons with Solk leading the way.


    There was a bit of an uncomfortable silence as Trafka brandished his hammer in front of Uccha and Ikkie.


    Uccha¡¯s mandibles jittered, but Ikkie was quick to place a reassuring hand on their shoulder. ¡°I get that I should not ask about the same as Nokfeka did, but I am keen to know what you were going to say before we all heard the Sleecie scout. I believe you said something about healing ¡°differently¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed the merchant¡¯s men wear something white and red--"


    ¡°It is none of your concern,¡± Trafka growled.


    ¡°I think it is, Ikkie replied. ¡°Kenneth offered us his service as a healer, and I wish to know more about it. Besides, we have so few healers here, so a trade-in service might be needed if you and the merchant''s men need to recover quickly from their wounds without having to trade those wagons and Qsiosija.¡±


    Trafka glared at Ikkie, who only had a hollow and calm gaze.


    ¡°Okay, calm down! Kenneth said, stepping in front of Trafka, breaking his line of sight. ¡°Ikkie was it. You got a good eye; those bandages are used for my kind of healing, and I¡¯m certain we can come to some sort of agreement regarding trading services.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pleased to hear that, but first, I¡¯d like to know what makes your healing¡­ ¡°different¡±?¡± Ikkie inquired.


    He was about to answer when Trafka grabbed him by the shoulder and dragged him to the side, almost making Kenneth stumble with Nokstella behind him.


    He leaned in close and scratched his claw against his breastplate,  ¡°Keep your mouth shut, black healer. These are all backstabbing traitors. For now, your capabilities are a well-kept secret. Understood.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot, but neither are they, Kenneth replied. ¡°Listen, I¡¯m not just going to tell a stranger everyone of my secrets, but my healing takes time¡­ time your patience won¡¯t allow, so before I have to leave, I¡¯ll make sure everyone gets back on their feet.¡±


    Kenneth ripped himself from Trafka''s grip and walked back over to Ikkie, ¡°Apologies for the delay, but in summary, my kind of healing is not a born talent but a practised skill I¡¯ve spent over a decade learning. It uses resources such as thread and needle and also, unfortunately, lacks the quickness in your kind of healing.


    ¡±Most of my patients need a long time to recover since they only heal naturally.¡±


    Uccha looked at the wounded men and commented, ¡°They are all alive after Sleecies attack and journey here too, so healing inferior, but not worthless.¡±


    ¡°It would appear so, Ikkie agreed. ¡°And impressive it was done to so many. Even though it is worse than the normal kind, I¡¯m certain it can be of some use.¡±


    At that moment, Nokfeka exited a wagon and walked back over to Uccha and Ikkie.


    ¡°Anything of worth?¡± Uccha asked.


    Nokfeka carefully held an eyeball, rolling it between two of her flat fingers before tossing it into her mouth and swallowing it whole, ¡°Meat¡¯s fresh enough, and they do have other things I wouldn¡¯t be against trading for, like that barrel of floor juice.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ make trade ?¡± Solk asked.


    ¡°No, Ikkie responded. ¡°For that, you must talk with the heads of the city. We are only here to see who wishes to enter our home and guide them. For now, you and your men can rest, and later, we can guide you to the guild--"


    ¡°No¡­ I trade now,¡± Solk insisted.


    ¡°Hm¡­ I see; if that is what you want, we can head there now, Ikkie said as he gestured for Solk to follow. ¡°I do hope you will join soon, too, Kenneth; there¡¯s always someone who needs healing.¡±


    ¡°I can go with you now if possible,¡± Kenneth replied while picking up Nokstella.


    ¡°What this¡­?¡± Solk questioned.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ the black healer made a deal to heal traitors here for a healer of theirs to heal your men,¡± Trafka explained.


    Taken aback, Solk got in close, whispering something Kenneth couldn¡¯t quite hear, but from the context, Kenneth guessed he was asking about what happened while he¡¯d showed off his wares to Nokfeka.


    Afterwards, he looked a bit calmer, but before leaving, he went over and picked up Kolu while barking a few orders to his men, bringing along half of the least wounded for what Kenneth guessed was protection.


    Ikkie, Uccha, and Nokfeka led the way, following along the crescent moon cliff until they reached a set of elongated stony steps seemingly carved into the side by the forest of pillars leading downward.


    Scarily, the stairs had no guard railing, only a line of thick, sturdy rope running through iron hoops nailed into the wall.


    With shaky legs, Solk, his men, Trafka, and Kenneth, slowly followed along, their hands tightly gripping the rope as though their lives depended on it. However, it was clear that their three guides were used to heights, as they easily descended the steps, their hands not even near the rope.


    It went without saying that Nokstella terrifyingly clung to Kenneth, pushing her face against his chest to avoid looking down, but on the other hand, Kolu was in amazement, watching everything wide eyes as his tail wagged in excitement.


    As they got halfway down, Uccha used her four legs to turn around with ease and continued to descend, walking backwards while looking up at everyone, their black eyes lingering on everyone and their uneasy expressions before making a sound similar to a chuckle.


    On the next cliff, the architecture was like that Kenneth had seen from above, but different, looking experimental and a bit strange, almost like whoever built these structures was inexperienced or uncertain as to how to incorporate them all together.


    Certain buildings were square at the bottom with a pyramid shape on top, which lacked the tip. Instead, they had a solitary pillar sticking high up, similar in appearance to a chimney.


    Others were, as though, sunken into the ground.


    One that caught Kenneth¡¯s eye was a square building looking about half a meter tall with pillars of increasing height, beginning at only a step tall at one of the house''s corners and going in both directions around the building to the tallest one at the opposite side which looked to be about three meters.


    Honestly, most of the designs looked like how a child would crudely draw a house.


    It was certainly a strange sight to behold up close, but even stranger were the people.


    Aki, Nok, and Sil were just around, some just talking to one another and having a laugh, others working together rebuilding damaged parts of a house, carrying barrels of different shapes, and some immersed in games they were playing.


    It was¡­ It was so mundane that Kenneth couldn¡¯t help but find it strange since he¡¯d only really gotten used to Aki at the outpost, where most were racist with their hatred aimed toward Nok and Sil.


    Though, as some comfort of familiarity, Kenneth noticed a lot looking in his direction. However, it felt more like it was on the group as a whole rather than him specifically; if anything, it seemed like Trafka were getting more stares than him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind the stares, Ikkie spoke in the Aki tongue. ¡°Everyone is just a bit cautious around the unmarked and royals.¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ they¡­ be worried, Trafka said in the tower tongue, his voice icy cold with a hint of rage. ¡°If¡­ my way¡­ every Aki¡­ face the king¡¯s¡­ judgment for¡­ betrayal.¡±


    Solk glared back at him with an expression that read shut up, ¡°Apologies for¡­ brash words, he¡­ tired and bad¡­ jester.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ not to worry, we have heard worse, and even if the one of house Krosk wished to make good on those words, he would quickly find out how we punish criminals here, Ikkie said in a threatening tone while Nokfeka glanced back, staring Trafka down. ¡°But it might interest the one of house Krosk to know that not every marked one here is actually a traitor.


    ¡°Mostly everyone you see around here was born here and chose to stay instead of joining your war; others who make their way here have just been marked by friend or enemy regardless of their crime or have grown tired of the endless bloodshed¡­ my mate certainly did when she decided to travel with me here.¡±


    ¡°Lies¡­ all of it. You probably tricked that woman. Perhaps I should liberate her and bring her with us,¡± Trafka said, much to the frustration of Solk and discomfort of Kenneth as they reached the next staircase down.


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    Before they descended and before Solk could try to smooth things over, Ikkie lightly smirked and spoke in the tower tongue, ¡°What do you say, my love? Do you wish for these men to liberate you?¡±


    ¡°¡­Do you even have to ask me such a foolish question,¡± Uccha replied as she descended the steps.


    Trafka¡¯s face suddenly twisted itself in an expression of shock and disgust, much to the amusement of Nokfeka and confusion for anyone who didn¡¯t understand the tower tongue.


    After that, Trafka kept his mouth shut, grinding his teeth in frustration every time a marked Aki would look at him.


    The entire group descended about five crescent moon-shaped cliffs, the architecture progressively becoming seemingly, as far as Kenneth could tell, more certain of itself with far better implementation of all three architectural styles.


    And nowhere better could that been seen than their destination.


    It was a large and tall structure seemingly built into the mountain wall. The body of the building had a square shape, and the roof was triangular, with horizontal pillars of various lengths sticking out from the sides of the building and vertical ones used for support, two of which at the centre of the front held an archway leading inside.


    Above it, fitted into the wall, was a gigantic hexagon-shaped solid block of gold, and etched into it was a drawing of six arms, two of each belonging to Aki, Nok, and Sil, respectively crossing their arms and holding each other''s hands forming another hexagon in the centre.


    As Kenneth Nokstella and Kolu marvelled at the sight, Ikkie spoke, ¡°I hope this little trip hasn¡¯t taken all the air out of your lung merchant because trade discussions can take some time.¡±


    Solk looked tired and somewhat short of breath but otherwise fine as he walked over to Kenneth, ¡°Would you do me the small kindness of looking after Kolu while I¡¯m inside?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Good, Solk said, handing the excitable Kolu to Kenneth while glancing at Trafka standing right behind before leaning in close out of earshot of anyone. ¡°If anything happens, run. Get back to the caravan.¡±


    Before Kenneth had a chance to respond, Solk stepped away with half his men and followed Ikkie, Uccha, and Nokfeka inside the guild.


    ¡®I can¡¯t blame him for being cautious when it¡¯s his son, but would they really try something at this point?¡¯ Kenneth thought to himself as Kolu squirmed in his grip, breaking free and climbing up on his shoulders.


    ¡°Kenneth! I¡¯m so high up! I can see everything and all the heretics and traitors!¡± Kolu gleefully and loudly said, his head snapping around to see everything and everyone.


    Quickly, Kenneth lifted him off his shoulder and held him up at eye level, ¡°Kolu, you might wanna say less; we don¡¯t wanna offend people and make them angry.¡±


    It just went in one ear and out the other as Kolu kept looking around excitably, slightly squirming in his arm, ¡®Okay, he¡¯s going to run away the moment I let go¡­ I need to distract him, but¡­ hmm, that might work.¡¯


    ¡°Kenneth, can I touch those things on the four leggers'' mouths? They look so funny, and I promise to ask?!¡± Kolu asked.


    ¡°Well, Kolu, you are going to have to ask your father for that, but I¡¯m happy you respect other¡¯s personal space now, Kenneth praised. ¡°But while we wait, why don¡¯t you and Nokstella play a little? I saw you playing that game when we were walking, or you could teach her one of those games we last played.¡±


    ¡°What game?¡° Nokstella asked.


    Looking over to Nokstella with a wide smile on his face, Kolu excitedly said, ¡°Fun games where warriors have to pick one of three weapons to fight each other at the same time.¡±


    ¡®So that¡¯s how he interpreted rock paper scissors,¡¯ Kenneth thought to himself in slight bemusement.


    ¡°Okay, Kolu, you and Nokstella can play, but you both have to promise me you are not just going to run off; you are going to stay here where I can see you,¡± Kenneth said, placing Kolu and Nokstella down, looking both straight in the eyes.


    ¡°I promise,¡± Both said, one a bit more vocal than the other.


    ¡°What are you both promising me?¡±


    ¡°To stay where you can see,¡± Both said, Kolu being a bit quicker and Nokstella falling slightly behind.


    Feeling some trepidation, Kenneth let go, and immediately Kolu turned to Nokstella and began teaching her rock-paper-sissors.


    ¡°You would really allow the merchant¡¯s son to play with a heretic?¡± Trafka questioned, glaring at Nokstella.


    Fortunately, she remained unaware of Trafka¡¯s glare, fully absorbed in Kolu¡¯s explanation of the rules.


    Kenneth looked back, peering into Trafka¡¯s gaze, asking, ¡°Would you rather have him squirm in boredom and possibly run off into the crowd?¡±


    He made a dissatisfied growl but seemingly let it go.


    Kolu and Nokstella played for some time and had fun. Kolu smiled, and Nokstell¡¯s scales became slightly darker, which fascinated Kolu greatly. Kenneth was standing to the side, keeping an eye on them when he was approached.


    ¡°Kenneth, if you are not busy, I¡¯d like to tell you the heads of the city have agreed to the little deal we made trading services in healing, Ikkie said. ¡°I explained all that you told me, but since your healing is inferior, you¡¯ll have to work  for some time.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure, no problem,¡± Kenneth replied, only quickly turning his head to face Uccha, Nokfeka and Ikkie before turning it to keep an eye on Nokstella and Kolu. ¡°What about Solk? Is he still inside?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and from the looks of it, it might take some time,¡± Ikkie said. ¡°But such things do not matter now; if you follow us, we can lead you to the wounded¡­ or perhaps we can bring a few here?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble,¡± Kenneth replied.


    It took a little while, but eventually, a few wounded were brought to Kenneth. It was mostly Aki with cuts or bitemarks, a couple of Nok with burns, and a Sil.


    ¡®All of them should be easy enough to treat, but¡­¡¯ Kenneth thought, sticking his hand down the bag to get his tools. ¡®Is it maybe some sort of test? Are they giving me the least wounded Aki and a couple of Nok and Sil to see how worthwhile my healing actually is before deciding to lend us one of their healers?¡¯


    Though this thought didn¡¯t really deter or affect Kenneth, he was always going to do his best when it came to his patients.


    He started off with the Aki, though most were hesitant to approach, surprisingly not because of Kenneth; if anything, they seemed intrigued by him yet a bit indifferent to his differences.


    The reason they were hesitant to approach was mostly due to Trafka, who was glaring at them.


    For any work to be done, Kenneth had to explain how transactions worked, practically shooing him away. Finally feeling a bit safer, the Aki came closer to Kenneth. Like always, he found their fur annoying but worked through it, injecting some local anaesthesia.


    He was given some odd looks, and the Aki definitely whinced in pain when he injected him, but no one said anything.


    Most of the work was going by quickly, but not as quickly as it could have been, and not because Kenneth was extra thorough; it was more so because he was keeping an eye on Kolu and Nokstella, who both still seemed entertained with their little games, especially since Kolu wasn¡¯t the youngest anymore.


    However, all of that soon changed when a group of children, consisting of a few Aki, Nok, and a couple of Sil, each without a mark on their bodies, approached them.


    ¡°Want to play?¡± An Aki boy with green fur asked them.


    Kolu practically jumped at the offer, but Nokstella grabbed his hand, and he seemed to realize he¡¯d made a promise, sitting down and sulking.


    Kenneth was hesitant to say what he was about to say, but nevertheless, he opened his mouth, ¡°You can both play with them; just make sure to stay where I can see you.¡±


    Kolu jumped this time, running over to the group while Nokstella stood up and looked nervous, hesitantly turning to look at Kenneth almost in a pleading and confused sense.


    ¡®She isn¡¯t used to being around other children, but it would be good for her to socialize more,¡¯ Kenneth thought.


    ¡°¡­Ken--"


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to play with them? Kenneth asked Nokstella while working as Kolu called for her to come over. ¡°You don¡¯t have to if you don¡¯t want to; it just looked like fun to me.¡±


    Nokstella looked back and forth for a moment before slowly walking over to the group, turning to look back at Kenneth a fair few times as he finished with the last Aki.


    As Nokstella approached the other children, she was welcomed but kept close to Kolu, who seemed oblivious to her emotional state and more interested in looking at Nok and Sil.


    Meanwhile, Kenneth began treating the two Nok.


    He hadn¡¯t seen or met many Nok, but something about one of them struck Kenneth as a bit odd. The one on the right looked like all other Nok he¡¯d encountered, having a muscular physique, but the one on the left was slender.


    Nowhere near as thin as an Aki, but still a stark difference. Even Nokstel, who were probably malnourished to some extent, were more buff than this one.


    It was something he wanted to know more about but knew now wasn¡¯t the time, so he buried his curiosity for now and treated them, which were done in a flash with a bit of gel, bandages and some instructions in self-treatment.


    Still keeping an eye on the children, they seemed to have begun playing a game similar to tag, but where one was it and when they touched someone, they had to sit down and wait to be freed by another player.


    Kolu and Nokstella were running beside each other while an Aki boy was running around and tagging as many as he could, some easier than others.


    Nokstella seemed uncomfortable and quite noticeably flinched when the Aki boy tapped her shoulder, yelling, ¡°Now you sit down!¡±


    She did as she was told, sitting down, her scales becoming a bit lighter, while Kolu seemed to be having a great old time running from the Aki boy. While he was distracted, a Sil ran over and freed Nokstella, who flinched once more.


    She got up and tried to run over to Kolu but got quite easily tapped again. This time, the Aki boy stayed by Nokstella, guarding her with a smile on his face, but some quick taunts from the other children got him running after them, giving a Sil child a chance to run in and free Nokstella, who seemed to flinch less this time.


    Looking around, all were laughing and having fun, and slowly, Nokstella began growing a bit more comfortable, or Kenneth hoped that was the case.


    Meanwhile, Kenneth¡¯s final patient, the Sil, approached and stretched out their forearm. At first, it looked like a large but simple cut, but as Kenneth got a closer look, he realized the forearm was cracked.


    The upper layer of the Sil¡¯s body was shell-like, similar to that of a crab or insect, but not completely; there was some flexibility to it when he pressed further up the arm, but clearly not enough if it could crack like glass.


    ¡®Suturing is completely out of the question for the upper layer of¡­ shell, I¡¯m guessing, Kenneth thought while pondering for a moment. ¡®Assuming healing works as I¡¯ve theorized, this will heal naturally; it will just take a long time. I could try and use bandages and wrap them around tightly, but that ain''t even a patch job at best. I¡¯ll have to use something more long-lasting.¡¯


    Reaching into his back, Kenneth pulled out a tube of tissue adhesive.


    Stitching was his preferred method of closing wounds, but that wasn¡¯t an option here given the Sil¡¯s thick shell, and while the tissue adhesive did carry some slight danger, it was his only option at the moment.


    With delicate care, Kenneth pressed the tip of the tube down to the crack and squeezed a little of the contents down into it.


    Kenneth was about halfway down when, out of the corner of his eye, where he still watched Kolu and Nokstella, he saw Nokstella trip, falling snout fist down onto the ground.


    He froze, almost not stopping himself from emptying the entire tube into the Sil¡¯s arm as he debated whether he had to run over and check on her.


    However, before he could decide, she got back on her feet, almost looking like she was going to cry, but kept it in as she went back to playing with the other kids.


    Letting out a small sigh of relief while the Sil looked questioningly at him, Kenneth finished his work, pushing the crack together until the tissue adhesive did its job.


    As a last precaution, Kenneth wrapped bandages around its forearm and told the Sil to be careful for a while until one of the other healers was available.


    ¡°Strange, but good work. I¡¯ll fetch more for you to heal,¡± Ikkie said, he and Uccha taking their momentary leave, Nokfeka choosing to stay behind, eyeing Kenneth.


    For the first time in who knows how long, Kenneth sat down, every single joint in his body popping as a result.


    ¡°You¡¯ve kept your eyes on that girl this entire time, haven¡¯t you?¡± Nokfeka asked.


    ¡°¡­Yes ¡­but don¡¯t worry, I gave all of the wounded great care.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell either way with your inferior healing, Nokfeka said in an indifferent tone of voice. ¡°I want to ask you a question, those marks on her neck and wrists¡­ she was a slave, wasn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she was.¡±


    ¡°Your concern for her seems real enough, so I¡¯ll be honest with you, Nokfeka said, crossing her arms and glaring down at Kenneth. ¡°She isn¡¯t going with you or with the merchant. She¡¯s staying right here.¡±


    Kenneth paused for a moment, giving her words some thought, ¡°¡­ That sounds like¡­. the right thing for her.¡±


    What even awaited Nokstella at the capital if he brought her with him? More racism, slavery again, and the threat of death. Kenneth had grown fond of her, but Nokfeka was right; this was the best thing for her.


    ¡°Hm¡­ I don¡¯t see why you are travelling with that merchant or the royal, Nokfeka questioned, her gaze softening. ¡°You are not like them; you are not disgusted or angry with anyone here. You treat everyone the same as far as I can see.¡±


    Nokfeka¡¯s words struck a chord with Kenneth as he contemplated.


    ¡®Am I just going to the capital in the hopes that I will be allowed to teach? Even if I get to, it would take years before any student would be skilled enough to work on their own¡­ and what about after? I¡¯m not just here to shift the power balance and only give Aki knowledge of healing; eventually, I would have to go to the Nok and Sil and teach them the same as I¡¯ve done the Aki.


    ¡®Such a road would leave me lonely, and those I call friends would probably end up hating me, but here it is different. The people here seem nice, with very little interest in the war. They cooperate and even have interspecies marriages, allowing people to choose whether they want to stay or leave. Here, I¡¯ve learned about Aki, Nok, and Sil, and not just from dead ones I¡¯ve opened up.


    ¡®Perhaps by staying here, I could spread the knowledge of healing far more wide-reaching by teaching here¡­ teaching Aki, Nok and Sil, alike all in one fell swoop before they spread their knowledge to other outposts.¡¯

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 4 (Base)

    After having healed more Aki, Nok, and Sil than he could count, Ikkie and Uccha had entered the giant building where the heads of the city remained, leaving Nokfeka, who refused to enter behind.


    Trafka was standing near Kenneth as always, keeping an eye on Nokfeka, silently daring her to make any kind of move.


    Kenneth, on the other hand, was exhausted and was more than relieved to finally be taking a breather with Kolu and Nokstella sleeping in his arms and on his lab after having exhausted themselves playing with the other kids in that tag freeze game or whatever.


    ¡®You looked like you had fun, or at least I hope so, Kenneth thought. ¡®I know if you stay here, you¡¯ll have a lot of days like this.¡¯


    Taking a deep, tired breath, Kenneth looked up at the tower for a moment and turned his head toward Nokfeka,¡± So how does one become a citizen, part of this city, or whatever you wanna call it?


    ¡°Is there an initiation, a ritual, or is it just a done deal she¡¯s part of the city?¡±


    ¡°Every child has a choice when they become an adult, to stay here or join the war, Nokfeka explained. ¡°Travelling to any outpost has its dangers, but we who know the way guide them. But those who stay or join must do two tasks.


    ¡°One is to travel to the base of the god¡¯s tower, and the second¡­ is to be marked with the symbol of a traitor.¡±


    ¡°Why?! Kenneth questioned, clearly bothered by it.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious, black healer, Trafka remarked, glaring at Nokfeka. ¡°The cowardly and heinous traitors want to hide whenever paragons come to administer the king''s justice, and so they brand their litters drawing more scorn upon them than themselves¡­ more so than their heritage would already bring them.¡±


    Nokfeka let out a low, grumbling hiss resembling a growl as she walked up to Trafka, meeting his gaze as she cracked her knuckles, ¡°You¡­ If you want a fight, just say it. I know a really secluded place where I could teach you to be quiet.¡±


    Things just went from zero to eleven in less than five seconds as both stared one another down.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got good news for you, Kenneth, Ikkie suddenly spoke as he, along with Uccha and Solk, exited the building. ¡°The heads of the city were pleased with your work. Even though your healing is inferior, you stay standing longer than any healer we have, and the merchant''s men should be taken care of soon.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief to hear,¡± he replied while Ikkie turned to look at Nokfeka, who suddenly looked, as far as Kenneth could tell, sad or something; at least for the split of a second, her scales grew lighter.


    He was still getting the hang of Nok expression and body language, so he actually wasn¡¯t quite sure what emotion she was feeling.


    Solk stepped over to Kenneth, looking down at Kolu with exhausted eyes, noticing how his clothes had gotten dirty, ¡°I see he kept himself busy while I was in there.¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ it was more than that,¡± Trafka grumbled.


    He would have probably responded, but Trafka¡¯s voice was too low, and Solk seemed too tired to notice as he picked up his son, who stirred from the sudden movement.


    Trafka seemed indifferent as he pushed past Nokfeka, ¡°We are leaving soon, so get standing, black healer! On the way, the merchant can tell how badly the traitors took him from the rear.¡±


    At this, Solk reacted, his ear rotating toward Trafka as he let out a tired sigh and responded, ¡°If you are referring to the trade lord Krakni, it¡¯s simple: we are desperate, and they know it. By some stroke of luck, they did not demand all; they only took the Sleecie¡¯s corpses and some items of worth in exchange for enough meat to last the journey to the nearest village.


    ¡°The only reason I can think of they didn¡¯t take all was they became so elated when they learned I had floor juice.¡°


    ¡°Who cares? I¡¯m satisfied we are leaving and never have to set foot here ever again,¡± Trafka said with a hint of contentment.


    However, Solk was quick to take the wind out of his sails, ¡°No, lord Krakni. I said I needed to plan out a route, and it would take some time long beyond when Ki and Di have traded places, and we do not travel when the light has left us unless you want us to be set upon by another pack of Sleecie¡¯s or what else may hide in the dark.¡±


    ¡°Even if you chose to leave, I would recommend you to stay until the light returns, Ikkie interjected. ¡°Our healer is resting for now, and the one Kenneth has secured for you won¡¯t be able to help you until then.¡±


    Trafka spat on the ground and cussed under his breath.


    Solk, his tired men, and Trafka began to leave; however, Kenneth looked down at Nokstella in his arms, then he turned his gaze to the town and the people going about their day, and lastly, he looked up at the tower.


    ¡°How far are we from the base of the tower? He asked, ¡°And how long would it take to get there?¡±


    Ikkie glanced at Nokfeka as she answered, ¡°It is still a way to go before you reach the base, but if we hurry, it could be done before the light leaves us.¡±


    His ear attuned to Kenneth¡¯s voice, Solk looked at him confused, ¡°Kenneth, you do not intent--¡±


    ¡°Black healer, you can not be serious! Trafka yelled. ¡°If you wish to leave your slave here, do so, but there are more important things than that little heretic.¡±


    ¡°Whether or not I get back to the caravan or the base of the tower, we still have to wait here until morning or, as you would say, when the light returns, Kenneth calmly replied. ¡°Besides, you can¡¯t stop me; I¡¯m going to the base of the tower.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I can,¡± Trafka said, his voice seeping with anger.


    ¡°It¡¯s best to let this go, lord Krakni,¡± Solk advised. ¡°I know enough about him to know dangers won¡¯t deter him once he¡¯s set his mind on something.¡±


    ¡°If you want to go to the base, we can guide you, but it is best to get going before the light leaves us, Ikkie recommended. ¡°Merchant, I trust you and your men can find their way back without causing trouble.¡±


    Solk didn¡¯t bother to answer, walking away with his men in tow. The only one who remained was Trafka, who coldly glared at the napping Nokstella in Kenneth¡¯s arms.


    However, Nokfeka''s angry glare communicated what would happen if he tried anything.


    With little delay, Ikkie led the way over to the next descending staircase.


    As he walked down the steps, the constant movement stirred Nokstella from her sleep, waking with a big yawn, which stopped halfway when she noticed where she was and quickly clung to Kenneth as her scales practically turned white.


    In a reassuring and calm voice, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t  let you fall.¡±


    She looked around for a bit before asking, ¡°Where¡­ Kolu?¡±


    ¡°He is returning to the caravan, and we are going down to see the base of the tower,¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°You¡¯ll love it, Nokfeka interjected, glancing back. ¡°It is something all should do at least once in their life.¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Nokstella seemed confused, but whatever objections she may have had were kept to herself as all of them reached the next platform.


    It was more of the same, each of every species minding their own business, interesting architecture, and the occasional staring.


    However, out of the corner of his eye, every now and again, Kenneth spotted some shady-looking fellas hidden away tucked in between buildings, glaring with weapons of all sorts.


    ¡®No place is perfect, Kenneth thought to himself, feeling his gut sink. ¡®Ikkie said most here were born, but that still means there are those traitours ones.¡¯


    The thought made him a bit uneasy, but he pushed the feeling down.


    Going further and further down, the architecture continued to progressively use all three architectural styles, with a bit of experimentation here and there.


    But at some point, the buildings grew fewer and fewer in number, and before they descended to the next platform, Uccha suddenly veered off from the group and headed into one of the houses.


    She quickly returned before they reached the stairs with a big bag made from animal hyde slung over her shoulder.


    ¡°So what¡¯s in the bag?¡± Kenneth politely asked her.


    The sharp tips of her mandibles clacked together a couple of times as she quickened her pace and walked up to Ikkie, who gladly answered Kenneth¡¯s question as they walked down the stairs, ¡°It is just some provisions. I can¡¯t imagine you are not hungry after that long journey here and then having to wait.¡±


    Now that he mentioned it, Kenneth was actually hungry, but for now, he pushed the sensation to the side, distracting himself the moment they arrived at the next platform, this one jagged and uneven, by remarking, ¡°Guess you can only get lucky ten times with good ground to stand on.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll take some time before the builders have ground easier to build on, Ikkie replied. ¡°Remind me, Uccha, how long it took before the builders were done with the platform just above us.¡±


    Uccha, being the one who had the easiest time walking on the jagged and uneven ground, pondered for a moment, ¡°Half a year us¡­  I¡­! guess.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you guys have smoothed out every platform?!¡± Kenneth asked, a bit surprised.


    ¡°Did you think sturdy and even ground just made itself? Ikkie asked. ¡°No, we did¡­ well, all but one. The platform all arrived on as far as history tells, it was as smooth and even as newly brushed fur.¡±


    ¡°Or as when one has moulted,¡± Uccha added, jabbing Ikkie with one of her pinchers while the other one clacked three times.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ you actually take pride in this sorry place?! Trafka mockingly asked. ¡°Any builder from the capital, even the lowest of the low, would have this smoothed in two months, not to mention the construction of those things you call buildings.


    ¡°But what should I expect? You only have traitors and their wretched offspring. I¡¯m honestly surprised any of you have the faculties to use tools other than the knives you stab in people¡¯s backs.¡±


    Nokfeka clutched her hand in anger for a moment, but Ikkie calmly replied, his voice betraying no emotion, ¡°The builders may work slow, but they are in no hurry; they take their time and do it right. Above all, make sure the ground is secure enough.


    ¡°Fools have been known to fall when they just strike away at the ground until it breaks away underneath them.¡±


    ¡°I would have enjoyed seeing that, a traitor punished for their crimes by the gods,¡± Trafka replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m certain you do,¡± Ikkie said.


    As they continued down, the terrain suddenly grew even more jagged and uneven, the steps disappearing behind and in their place, appearing fissures and stalagmite-like spikes everywhere except the path forward, forming a wall on the other side.


    The once straightforward and wide line they travelled slowly grew dizzying and narrower as they turned left and right in the twisting path while the walls began closing in, to the point that Nokfeka¡¯s shoulders almost scraped along either side.


    ¡°It¡¯s only this short part now, and we reach the bottom,¡± Ikkie said, leading the way.


    ¡°It must have taken a long time to clear all this rock,¡± Kenneth commented, noticing the path seemed unnatural.


    ¡°A lifetime,¡± Nokfeka replied


    ¡°Some of Zagzi¡¯s hard work, or what remains of it, at least,¡± Ikkie added.


    In the narrow pathway, Nokstella couldn¡¯t see how far up they were, and as such, her fear of heights quelled enough for her to ask, ¡°Who, Zagi?¡±


    ¡°They called him Zagzi the fool¡­ at first. It¡¯s a story we tell the children, Nokfeka said as she began to retell the story.


    Back when the founders of ¡°Tower¡¯s Shade¡± were separate and at each other¡¯s throats, two things kept an uneasy peace between Aki, Nok, and Sil. The marks on their bodies that made them no better than anyone else, and their belief in the tower as they prayed to it and the gods within.


    However, Zagzi was more devoted than anyone else, praying endlessly.


    Yet it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Even though Zagzi was close to the tower, that was not enough to satisfy this devotee of the tower¡­ No Zagzi dreamed of touching it. Zagzi tried rallying Aki, Nok, and Sil alike to carve a path through the jagged rocky ground beneath them to the tower.


    However, they only laughed.


    Others would have given up, turned around and forgotten, but not Zagzi. With tools to carve and smash rock, Zagzi made the first path down the mountain.


    It was long, gruelling and unending work, but Zagzi had to endure more than just that as people would gather to watch and laugh at the foolishness on display, bequeathing Zagzi with the title of fool.


    Zagzi the fool, they would holler from the edge, the words echoing down. Yet their words did not make Zagzi stop.


    For decades, Zagzi would work on the path.


    Eventually, it grew so long that those up on the edge could no longer see where Zagzi was.


    Some brave fools who wanted to make sure Zagzi heard the mocking words ventured down the path, but the journey down was far longer than they could imagine, as they had to stop and rest many times until they finally reached Zagzi, who didn¡¯t even notice them at first absorbed in the pursuit to the tower.


    No one who¡¯d come uttered a word, standing in awe at Zagzi¡¯s determination and hard effort, and as a hammer suddenly flew from Zagzi¡¯s grasp, one of the brave fools who¡¯d mocked Zagzi for years walked up and picked up the hammer handing it back.


    Zagzi would look at this man for a moment before asking, ¡°I have more than one hammer if you wish to strike the rock.¡±


    It had not been the brave fool¡¯s intention to help Zagzi or the others, but suddenly, they began swinging with hammers, clearing away rocks.


    Zagzi¡¯s load was lightened, yet they worked as hard as before, and in no time, the word spread, and all came to see.


    There were those who still laughed, but others, like the fools, were amazed, and some even gained inspiration and the idea to create an extension to the settlement like the one at the peak instead of by the mountain foot.


    However, none of it concerned Zagzi, who continued to work and work, and work, and work until, with a swing of the hammer, the last barrier, the last obstacle was removed, and Zagzi finally reached the tower.


    Others might have rushed to it, but Zagzi calmly walked up to the tower and placed their hand on it.


    After what must have been an eternity, Zagzi began to laugh and cry tears of joy, yelling for those who¡¯d accompanied Zagzi to join and share in the bounty of their accomplishment.


    ¡°Woah¡­! Nokstella said in excitement. ¡°Was Zagy Nok¡­ like mama¡­ strong beat all rocks away.¡±


    Nokfeka looked back and smiled, the path coming to an end ahead. ¡°No one knows if  Zagzi was Nok, Sil, or Aki or even if they were a man or woman--¡±


    ¡°Yes, if it was known and it turned out Zagzi was a man, I doubt the heads of the city would be all too pleased,¡± Ikkie interrupted.


    ¡°As I was saying, Nokfeka said. ¡°Much of Zagzi has been lost to history, but I know we honour Zagzi by walking this path. That is why all who choose to join must travel to the base and place their hand on the tower at least once in their life.¡±


    With one last step, all of them finally reached the base of the tower.


    The light at the bottom was dim, resembling a cloudy moonlit night.


    The ground beneath their feet was, for the most part, smooth, like the platforms higher up with small pits that looked like fireplaces, but further ahead, stopping right at the tower, the ground was jagged and uneven, overflowing with fissures and cracks as though it was a work in progress or whoever had begun the work stopped halfway.


    Whatever the case, it was far from what caught Kenneth¡¯s eye, especially now that he was so close to the tower.


    From afar, the tower, the hulking monstrosity that it was, had appeared cylindrical in nature like a flag pole, but up close like this, it was undeniable its true shape was a hexagon.


    ¡°How disgraceful, you let good steel rust on the ground like that,¡± Trafka spat.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Before he mentioned it, Kenneth hadn¡¯t noticed that an assortment of weaponry was strewn about all around the tower or a multitude of large cracks originating from a single point on the structure.


    Kenneth found himself a bit intrigued by this and awaited an answer from either Ikkie or Nokfeka, but not this time.


    Instead of replying and explaining, all three of them walked up to the tower and easily avoided the rusted weaponry on the ground. They placed their hands on the tower, an action that made Kenneth remember why he was here in the first place.


    As Nokstella looked around a bit timidly but curious, Kenneth placed her down, asking, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to honor Zagzi too?¡±


    At first, she didn¡¯t register his words, looking up at the tower to see how high it went, losing her balance and falling back.


    Kenneth caught her and helped her back on her feet, asking the question again, this time adding, ¡°I mean, we made it all the way here, so you might as well.¡±


    Stepping forward, Nokstella walked up to the tower and, with a little hesitation, walked around the rusted weaponry with a little help from Nokfeka.


    As she stood in front of the tower, Nokstella placed her hand on it like the three others.


    But as he watched all four remove their hands, Kenneth¡¯s twitched. ¡®I have to do that too. I just have to place my hand on it so I can join¡­ but can I just do it? Just walk up and slap my hand on it. I haven''t even asked them if I¡¯m allowed to join.


    ¡®I¡¯m not Aki, Nok or Sil, but would that even matter? Probably not, but should I just do it and see what they say.¡¯


    Kenneth slowly reached up with his hand, taking one step.


    However, he stopped dead in his tracks as Trafka spoke, ¡°Now you¡¯ve gotten rid of the heretic, good. I was getting tired of looking at her.¡±


    Luckily, Nokstella was out of earshot and too focused on the tower to hear.


    Kenneth lowered his hand and thought,¡¯ No, I can¡¯t rush ahead. I need to talk first to figure things out.¡¯

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 5 (Bonfire)

    The light was dimming the sky quickly, going from a warm orange to a cold blue as stars started to appear.


    ¡°Finally, Trafka loudly sighed in annoyance. ¡°Come now, we are going back to the caravan.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend it, Ikkie advised while the three of them opened up the bag Uccha had brought with them, pulling out a small sack, some wooden skewers tied together, and some big logs. ¡°Without the light, one wrong step will send you plummeting.¡±


    Visibly annoyed, Trafka reluctantly sat down next to Kenneth while keeping an eye on Ikkie, Uccha, and Nokfeka on the other side of the fireplace.


    Using flint, Nokfeka got to work lighting a fire.


    In the meantime, Ikkie untied the wooden skewers while Uccha sat down, which was apparently a bit of a different process than Kenneth had imagined.


    Instead of just spreading their legs out to the four corners of the world, the ends of their feet stayed firmly in place as they lowered their body, Uccha¡¯s thighs, he supposed, bending further back toward their own body than Kenneth could have imagined until their lower half rested on the ground.


    As Nokfeka got the fire started, the silence between the six was replaced with the sound of crackling.


    Opening up the smaller bag, Ikkie pulled out large pieces of raw meat and pierced them with the wooden skewers before handing them out to everyone. ¡°Fill yourselves on this meat because we don¡¯t have more.¡±


    Nokfeka reached over and handed one of the skewers to Trafka


    ¡°Keep it; I¡¯m not eating anything that heretic could poison,¡± Trafka growled.


    ¡°You could shut up and accept their hospitality, you know,¡± Kenneth sighed in annoyance as he held two skewers over the open flame cooking the meat.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t eating it, too, Trafka ordered. ¡°Feed it to the little heretic. I don¡¯t care.¡±


    Continuing to cook the meat, Kenneth responded with disdain, ¡°I don¡¯t care what you say. I¡¯m eating it, and you should, too. Starvation tends to have a myriad of effects on people.¡±


    Trafka growled, ¡°I¡¯ve about reached my limit to your disobedience at my attempts to keep you out of harm. If this stems from that deserter, just forget it and do what I say. Her punishment was just, and she even carried it out herself.¡±


    ¡°Just! Kenneth scoffed as the meat began to sizzle, getting glac¨¦d in its own internal juices. ¡°Your head must be screwed on backwards if you think that.¡±


    Trafka snarled and clutched his hammer, which frightened Nokstellla, making her jump off Kenneth¡¯s lab and hide behind him.


    ¡°This is fun to watch¡­ a royal of house Krosk, the brutes of you, Aki, unable to simply overpower someone with strength, Nokfeka said her words those of mocking, yet her tone carried none of the superiority one would expect; instead, it brimmed with anger.¡°Why is that.?


    ¡°Are you just the weakest of the bunch sent here by your lord father to either die or prove yourself useful enough to at least be married off to one of the other royal households.¡±


    The expression striking a nerve was far too minuscule to describe the murderous intent that exuded from Trafka as his tail grew twice its size, and he, without uttering a word or breaking eye contact with Nokfeka, lifted his hammer up above his head with one arm and slammed it into the ground cracking the smooth surface.


    The sudden loud noise shocked everyone around the fire.


    Ikkie and Uccha both jolted a bit back; however, Kenneth dropped one of the skewers on the ground and held Nokstella close as he reflexively recoiled away from Trafka.


    The only one not to show any sign of fear was Nokfeka, who met Trafka¡¯s livid gaze unflinchingly.


    ¡°Father...! Never do...! Fight...! I show...! strength of Krosk!¡± Trafka snarled, his words barely recognisable.


    Nokfeka stared back at Trafka, both of her hands clutched, ready for a fight while the meat on her skewer darkened; however, for one brief moment, her eyes flickered over to Kenneth and Nokstella.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for a fight, Ikkie suddenly said, his voice betraying no emotion.


    Trafka turned his gaze to see Ikkie on his knees, forehead against the ground, bowing.


    The sight seemed to either surprise or confuse Trafka enough that Ikkie could continue to speak uninterrupted. ¡°Nokfeka has the heart¡¯s of a warrior, yet that is no excuse for her insulting words. To hopefully bring amends to this conflict, I offer an apology on behalf of the city.¡±


    Nokfeka relaxed her body, and her scales grew lighter; meanwhile, Trafka¡¯s tail diminished in size as he sat down, but it was clear he was still angry, ¡°That means nothing to me! Keep you stinking apology, traitor.¡±


    With that, a shroud of silence fell over everyone.


    Kenneth picked up the skewers he¡¯d dropped and began cooking both once again while Ikkie got up and took the first bite out of one of the pieces of meat he had.


    ¡®That escalated quickly... I wonder what Nokfeka meant when she said he¡¯d be ¡°married off¡±? Kenneth pondered while inspecting the meat on one of the skewers, deeming it grilled enough and giving it to Nokstella. ¡®From what little I know about the capital and its culture, it would seem more like something that would happen to a woman.


    ¡®Well, it doesn¡¯t really matter. I¡¯m not going. It would be best if I stayed here, but I need to know if it¡¯s even possible first. But I can¡¯t just ask now... anything would probably tip Trafka over the edge at this point. I¡¯ll have to wait until I have a chance.¡¯


    After a bit of time, Uccha pulled her skewer away from the fire and brought it up to her mouth, the spikey tips of her mandibles quickly tearing off small pieces of meat and shoving it in her mouth.


    Kenneth watched in slight fascination, perhaps a bit too obviously, as Ikkie suddenly spoke, ¡°Has my mate caught your eye?¡±


    Kenneth quickly adverted his gaze so as not to be too rude, ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve just not seen many Sil outside of here, so I¡¯m a bit curious.¡±


    ¡°A fair few here are about Nok, Aki, and Sil when they join, but you should not ask right here; this one is very shy,¡± Nokfeka said with a smile, much to the apparent annoyance of Uccha.


    ¡°Okay, but could you answer a few other curiosity of mine then?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°What plagues you?¡± Ikkie replied.


    ¡°I was just wondering what you meant when you said the heads of the city wouldn¡¯t be pleased if Zagzi was a man?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Taking his time before responding, Ikkie glanced at Uccha for a solid few moments before Nokfeka let out a sigh and answered, ¡°Because there are no men among the Sil. Each and every one of them are women.¡±


    The answer left Kenneth even more curious about Sil biology, as he wondered if all of them reproduced asexually or by an entirely different evolutionary method, but he wasn¡¯t enough of a jackass to prie into matters Uccha obviously wasn¡¯t comfortable talking about.


    Trafka, on the other hand, looked completely shocked by the statement, but he remained silent.


    Kenneth cleared his throat, ¡°That was interesting¡­ well, the other thing I was wondering was about all of the weapons on the ground.¡±


    ¡°Oh, those, Ikkie said while chewing. ¡°They are the momentum of all the fools who¡¯ve tried to fell the tower, failing in their task until they gave up or their weapons shattered.¡±


    ¡°Why do people try cut tower?¡± Nokstella piped up.


    ¡°No one here has ever attempted it, little one, Nokfeka answered her. ¡°The weapons belong to fools from the capitals who believe they could kill either all, Nok, Sil, or Aki.¡±


    ¡°How would breaking this tower do something like that?¡± Kenneth questioned.


    Ikkie swallowed, ¡°If you cut it like a tree, you could maybe make it fall on one of the capitals.¡±


    The notion of such a thing should have seemed absurd to Kenneth, but the tower was gigantic and even from the top of the mountain, he couldn¡¯t even glimpse the top of it.


    Trafka suddenly let out a small chuckle before speaking in the tower tongue, ¡°What... good idea. Maybe I strike tower¡­ make fall¡­ on heretic home.¡±


    Unfazed, Nokfeka pulled one of the meat chunks off her skewer and swallowed it whole, ¡°You''re welcome to try, but that fancy hammer of yours is only going to join the others.¡±


    Standing up, Trafka clutched the handle of his hammer and walked over to the tower, stomping on the rusted weaponry until he stood in front of it.


    ¡°I no fool¡­ to break¡­ just strike¡­ where weak¡­¡± Trafka said, taking a wide stance and grabbing the handle of his giant hammer with both hands. Focusing entirely on where to strike with his eyes, his ears were pointed backwards as if he expected any one of them to stop him.


    However, none of them did; they just kept eating as Trafka swung his hammer back, tightening every muscle in his body and struck the tower with tremendous might right where all the cracks originated, the bang reverberating all around them.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Such a strike would easily have killed any of the old black beasts and demolished any sturdy, well-built structure but the tower. There wasn¡¯t even as much of a dent.


    Trafka seemed angered, clutching his hammer even harder.


    ¡°You can continue to strike if you want, but the only one who ever managed to damage it was the champion Noktato, and once the tower took its vengeance, all that was left of him was his spear,¡± Ikkie warned.


    At the mention of who had managed to leave a mark on the tower, Trafka let out a frustrated growl and, kicked a nearby rusted axe of Aki design and walked back to the bonfire.


    ¡®I guess it was more of a way to let out his anger more than anything¡¯, Kenneth thought to himself.


    As the fire ate away at the wood, the dim light at the base began to brighten as the moon peeked out from behind the tower.


    While Nokstella ate, she looked up, her eyes reflecting the moon and stars as she uttered one word, ¡°pretty.¡±


    Kenneth glanced down before following her lead and peered upward.  Not only was the moon brightly shining down on them, but coming from each and every platform above was soft orange light, which accentuated the star-filled sky above them.


    ¡°Do you know how to pray to the gods? Nokfeka asked.


    Nokstella looked down and met her gaze, replying, ¡°No¡­ mama scared master see.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to teach you how to pray to both?¡± Nokfeka offered.


    Nokstella was a bit hesitant, but with a bit of encouragement from Kenneth, she went over to Nokfeka, going in a wide arc around Ikkie and Uccha.


    Wanting to avoid any conflict, Nokfeka led her a bit away from the bonfire and Trafka, where she proceeded to teach Nokstella how to pray to whatever gods they prayed to.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t surprise me she¡¯s taken an interest in the little girl,¡± Ikkie commented while glancing at the pair.


    Nokfeka was kneeling, reaching up with both arms, her snout pointing straight up. It didn¡¯t take long for Nokstella to follow her lead.


    ¡°Why so?¡± Kenneth asked as he watched the scene unfold.


    ¡°She runs the only orphanage here mostly by herself, Ikkie explained. ¡°Do know whatever thread she¡¯s told you comes from a place of concern. She isn¡¯t easily stopped when children are involved.¡±


    Nokfeka said something just out of earshot and then proceeded to quickly bang on her chest where both of her hearts were.


    Nokstella was quick to follow her lead, beating on her chest a bit hesitantly at first, but after a few times, she did it faster, louder, and more rhythmically as her scales darkened ever so slightly.


    Kenneth never took his eyes off Nokstella, ¡°I believe we¡¯ve come to an understanding. Though it is surprising to hear she runs an orphanage... she¡¯s definitely protective of children, that much is obvious, but still, she doesn¡¯t really strike me as the type.¡±


    ¡°Warrior blood runs thick in that one, Ikkie replied. ¡°She could have easily become one of the hunter commanders and ventured out to the forest for meat and supplies, but when she learned about the orphaned children in the city, she stopped at nothing to take care of them.¡±


    ¡°She... coward, Trafka interjected, glaring at her. ¡°Runs mouth... then flees...¡±


    ¡°Then why are you still so interested in fighting her then?¡± Ikkie replied.


    Trafka turned his angry glare toward Ikkie, ¡°You ask... lot... here question... why treachery you do... what nasty thing... you do... that makes you... so disgusted... you mate with... Sil...?¡±


    Ikkie went quiet, staring into the bonfire, the flames reflecting in his hollow gaze.


    ¡°Hmph... thought so... Trafka sneered. ¡°You traitors here... all same... cowards hid--¡°


    ¡°Quiet! Uccha suddenly snapped, her mandibles clacking together while her pinchers clacked so quickly it sounded like rattling. ¡°Us not stand here and let my mate be attacked by your words! You know nothing of us and have... have...!!!¡±


    Suddenly, in the middle of her angry shouting, Uccha¡¯s mandibles all suddenly snapped open as wide as possible, seemingly as a reflex as opposed to a conscious action.


    From her wide open mouth suddenly sprouted a fleshy, pink, worm-like tongue with a sharp tip that, without warning, sprayed a stream of clear liquid, hitting the bonfire and Trafka¡¯s leg.


    Taken aback by the sudden development and fascinated by Sil biology, Kenneth wondered if this was how Sil spat, completely oblivious to Trafka¡¯s explosive anger until he shouted.


    ¡°YOU LITTLE...! I¡¯M GOING TO SHATTER YOU!!!¡±


    Trafka quickly got to his feet, his tail having grown twice its size in the blink of an eye as he snarled at Uccha, who looked more unwell than anything else.


    Snapping out of his thoughts, Kenneth quickly launched himself forward and wrapped his arms around Trafka, keeping him at bay for now.


    If not for the fact that Kenneth¡¯s well-being was his utmost concern, there was no doubt in his mind that Trafka would have tried to knock him off with that hammer or shield of his.


    However, suddenly, he stopped.


    As Kenneth looked up, he was shocked to see Ikkie hold his wooden skewer, still with chunks of meat on it, up to Trafka¡¯s eye while clutching his other hand around the one Trafka held his hammer in.


    Yet most peculiar of all was his eyes.


    They were no longer hollow but filled with... surprise as his tail moved about excitingly. It was definitely a strange site to behold that went counter to what the situation should have demanded of anyone.


    Even his voice as he spoke was filled with glee, ¡°Threaten my mate again, and I¡¯ll make you beg for death.¡±


    Even Trafka seemed shocked by these contradictions. Though clearly still angry, he noticed Nokfeka hurrying over and relaxed his shield arm. Ikkie let go and retracted the skewer as he went back to Uccha.


    ¡°Well... that was strange...¡± Kenneth uttered in disbelief and confusion.


    ¡°Let go of me, black healer,¡± Trafka growled.


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t try that again,¡± Kenneth demanded, slowly letting go while making sure to keep an eye on him.


    By now, Nokfeka had made it over to everyone and quickly surveyed the situation. As her eyes lingered on Trafka¡¯s wet leg and Uccha''s exposed tongue, her posture relaxed, and it didn¡¯t take a genius to figure out what had happened.


    ¡°Nokfeka, I think it''s time!¡± Ikkie said, huddling beside Uccha.


    Nokfeka watched for a moment as Uccha¡¯s tongue sprayed a bit more fluid, though with less force behind it this time, as it continuously began to drip, ¡°It could just be bad meat; I¡¯ve heard it happen for some Sil.¡±


    ¡°You''re right; we should make sure,¡± Ikkie said as he hurriedly got up and began leading Uccha toward Zagzi''s path, stopping multiple times to let her spray the clear liquid and recover.


    ¡°You''re just leaving?! Nokfeka yelled. ¡°Wait till the light comes back!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine!¡± Ikkie yelled back, seeming disinterested in her warnings.


    ¡°That could have happened at a better time, Nokfeka sighed as she watched Ikkie and Uccha leave as she absentmindedly said. ¡°Brings back memories...¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Nokstella asked.


    Turning her attention toward the little girl, Nokfeka began to elaborate. ¡°Well, I suppose I need to explain something first. To get to ¡°Tower¡¯s Shade¡±, there are three paths through the mountain. All of you arrive through the path Aki mostly takes; of course, not everyone knows where the path is, and some end up taking the wrong one, which has led to bloody encounters in the past.


    ¡°However, Ikkie and Uccha both arrived together through the Sil path. It was quite a shock when I first laid my eyes on them. Normally, Nok, Aki, and Sil can¡¯t stand one another outside this city, but those two were tightly woven together before arriving.¡±


    ¡°Wh-aaAAAAHHH!!¡± Nokstella tried to say as a sneaky yawn, striking out of nowhere, got her. As her eyelids grew heavier, another yawn escaped.


    ¡°Tired? Nokfeka asked, her mouth slightly agape, showcasing a smile. ¡°Food and prayer does only keep one awake for so long. I¡¯m beginning to feel tired myself, so I think I¡¯ll be heading to sleep.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna follow suit,¡± Kenneth added as he lay down, placing Nokstella on his chest and using his bag as a pillow.


    Looking up at the star-lit sky with the soft orange glow to the side, Kenneth felt a sense of tranquil peace.


    Letting out a long, exhausted sigh, he felt the stress of last night¡¯s and today''s gruelling ordeals leave his body.


    ¡°Kenneth, Nokstella, Nokfeka softly called while lying on her side, half of her body obscured by the fire. ¡°If you want, we can sleep together for warmth. You too son of house Krosk.¡±


    Trafka let out a growl as he glared at her, ¡°Never traitor, coward... I no sleep... so you... strike when weak...!¡±


    ¡°What do you say?¡± Kenneth asked Nokstella.


    ¡°No, Kenneth, warm,¡± Nokstella yawned as she nuzzled against his chest.


    ¡°Sorry, but it¡¯s a no for me as well,¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°Just thought I¡¯d offer. It was more so out of habit than anything else,¡± She explained.


    After that, everything grew silent, and the cracking of fire became a calming melody, lulling Kenneth, Nokstella and Nokfeka to sleep quite easily while Trafka stubbornly resisted.


    As darkness surrounded him, he weakly opened his eyes, glimpsing light above that slowly moved toward him, getting closer and closer until suddenly he broke the surface of the water.


    Floating, he looked around, noticing two things: one, that he was floating in an indoor swimming pool, and two, his younger self, who was currently wearing swimming trunks, stood at the top of a waterslide.


    He made eye contact with Kenneth for a moment before jumping head-first down the side.


    ¡®Oh great, Kenneth thought. ¡®He¡¯s going to join me, and why couldn¡¯t it have been a beach? I think I¡¯d prefer a shark over those two. She¡¯s probably going to mention abandoning Nokstella or something else.¡¯


    Right on cue, the sound of a diving board being jumped on sounded throughout the indoor swimming pool.


    Kenneth turned around to see Jasha jumping up and down on the diving board.


    She was wearing a seven-piece swimsuit or, more precisely, a two-piece with a lot of tops. ¡°You know, sometimes I can¡¯t decide if you are dumb or not! I mean, planning to stay here by the tower without any forethought!


    ¡°Have you gone blind just because you can¡¯t leave that girl like the last one?!¡±


    ¡°Stick a pipe in it and get cancer, would you,¡± Kenneth growled.


    She shot him a smile and jumped off the board, elegantly flipping through the air as she dove head-first into the water, hitting it with a giant...


    ¡°Arg!¡± Kenneth suddenly woke with a jolt and a sharp pain in his leg while Nokstella continued to sleep peacefully on his chest.


    Looking around, dazed and confused, he quickly found the source of his pain, Trafka¡¯s hammer, which was lying on top of his leg while its owner was sleeping upright.


    ¡®For all his talk, he fell asleep anyway. I guess young stubbornness only gets you so far, Kenneth thought as he looked around; the moon''s light was still present above, but the orbital sphere was nowhere to be seen, and the fire was on its last leg clinging to the embers of the logs. ¡®Guess I got a few hours. I should probably go back to sleep.¡¯


    However, through Kenneth¡¯s tiredness, he noticed his bladder was quite full, and he needed to take a piss. Slowly and carefully, he lifted Nokstella off his chest, sat up and gently placed her on his bag.


    Getting to his feet, he felt his legs and feet burn and ache as he stumbled through the darkness.


    In his drowsy state, he hadn¡¯t noticed he¡¯d wandered over to the tower, stepping on top of all the rusted weaponry until his foot got caught in something, making him stumble and kick some of the weapons.


    With his gut having sunk a few meters, he looked back to see, thankfully, everyone still asleep.


    Glancing down to see what he¡¯d gotten, his foot caught in Kenneth could barely glimpse a strange, perfectly cylindrical hole.


    A myriad of questions would have popped into his head if he was fully rested, but in his drowsy state, the thing that crossed his mind was, ¡®That¡¯s a good a hole to piss in.¡¯


    Unzipping his pants, he drained the old snake, and as the relief washed over him, a thought occurred, ¡®Wait, now might be a good time to talk to Nokfeka. I just gotta wake her up quietly.¡¯


    Almost done, Kenneth shook the hose, but suddenly, one of the weapons he was standing on slipped from underneath, making him stumble. Acting on reflex, he slammed his hand into the tower to regain balance.


    ¡®Dammit, Kenneth internily sighed. ¡®If that before didn¡¯t wake him, that definitely did. Well, on the bright side, at least I placed my hand on the tower.¡¯


    Yawning, Kenneth rezipped his pants and pulled his hand away from the tower only to find he couldn¡¯t.


    Snapping his head to the side, his tired eyes looked at his hand, only to find that it was gone, or, more accurately, inside the wall of the tower.


    ¡®What the--?!¡¯ Kenneth thought, trying to pull his hand free to little avail.


    Adding more strength, he grabbed his arm with his other hand and pushed his leg against the tower, pulling as hard as he could, gritting his teeth and tightening his core.


    He gave everything he had, and suddenly, the wall began to ripple like water in a lake as his leg suddenly went inside the tower as though he¡¯d broken through a fine layer of ice.


    However, unlike before, when it was just his hand, it wasn¡¯t just stuck; it was being pulled in.


    Heart racing and with only one leg to stand on, Kenneth did everything in his power to get free, yet no matter how much he resisted, the ripples in the wall continued to undulate at a consistent tempo.


    Having suddenly gone from drowsy and tired to panicked, he hadn¡¯t been thinking clearly, but as half of his body had already been swallowed by the wall, he snapped his head to the side over at the campsite where everyone was still sleeping, oblivious of his predicament as he desperately yelled, ¡°HE--!¡±


    Yet cruelly, before he could even finish the word, the tower swallowed him whole, and the wall returned to normal as though nothing had just transpired.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 6 (Inside)

    ¡°-LP!¡±


    With a heavy and dull thud, Kenneth hit the ground.


    Heart racing, gasping, and lying on the ground, all he was met with as he desperately and disorientedly looked around was white.


    Nothing but white as far as the eye could see.


    The only thing convincing him he wasn¡¯t floating in some sort of void or was dead was the reassuring and familiar feeling of the hard floor he was currently on.


    ¡®What the...! Was I just eaten?!¡¯ Kenneth internally questioned as he quickly got on his feet and began walking.


    ¡®Okay, think. This... has to be a dream, right?! Kenneth thought to himself, the words somewhat drowning the continuous thumping of his beating heart. ¡®Yes! Yes! This is just Ja--!¡¯


    Suddenly, he stumped his foot against the white void.


    ¡®What the--?! I... I felt that. Nervously, he inspected what lied ahead of him, feeling a hard, cold, and smooth surface. He knocked on it a time or two, hearing only a dull thud, ¡®...Is this a wall?¡¯


    His question was soon answered as his hand traced a bit more to the right, and he felt a change in the flat surface. It suddenly bent at an angle as if that point was where the walls met.


    ¡®Is this a room? Kenneth wondered as he began walking, his hand tracing along the wall slightly, changing his direction when the wall would bend at an angle.


    While walking, he tried to make sense of the situation. ¡®Okay, think. Why did this happen? All I did was touch the tower. Hundreds, if not thousands, have done so as well, so why did this happen to me? I mean, Trafka hit the damn thing with a hammer, and it remained as solid as stone.¡¯


    As he continued walking for some time, he began to feel unwell, gaining a headache and a bit of nausea.


    Being a doctor, any multitude of potential ailments and diseases popped into his head, but real life was far from being an episode of ¡°House¡±, and the most probable cause was the most likely reason.


    He popped off one of his shoes and began to walk again with his hand sliding along the wall. Keeping a keen eye on it, it quickly became apparent he was trapped in a hexagon-shaped white room.


    Putting his shoe back on, Kenneth thought, ¡®So I¡¯m in the tower... well, that should have been obvious from the get-go, but still... this is surreal... am I really awake? I mean, if I¡¯m really inside the tower, the walls can¡¯t be more than one or two meters thick. That¡¯s impossible. The base should have crumbled under its own weight.


    ¡®But then again, the tower should have fallen long ago due to winds, but it hasn¡¯t for... well, who knows how long... dammit it, this is giving me a headache...¡¯


    Scratching the back of  his head, Kenneth wasn¡¯t sure what to make of it all, and as a looming sense of dread began to rear its ugly head, he remembered something Ikkie said, ¡°once the tower took its vengeance, all that was left of him was his spear.¡±


    ¡®Wait, was that what happened to him? Kenneth wondered. ¡®But he attacked and damaged the tower... all I did was touch it... would that be enough to provoke it?¡¯


    Kenneth had a mountain of questions, but he had no answers.


    The sad reality was he was stuck inside the tower. Even if he called for help and those outside could hear him, there wasn¡¯t any way for them to get him out; the weaponry at the base proved that fact.


    Sighing, Kenneth crossed his arms and leaned his back against the wall. He expected to feel a gentle bump; instead, he felt a falling sensation and reflexively backpedalled to avoid falling.


    However, it did little to change the outcome, not from lack of balance but by the sudden appearance, right before his eyes, of a giant white Nok with its maw open.


    ¡®What the hell?!¡¯ Kenneth thought, his heart once again racing at full throttle as he hit the ground and scooted away until his back slammed against a wall.


    Trapped, Kenneth stopped, taking a moment to calm himself after the sudden shock as he realized it wasn¡¯t a Nok the had suddenly appeared right in front of him, but a statue of one that missed it¡¯s lower body and briefly rippled.


    ¡®Okay, what the actual fuck?! Kenneth screamed in his head. ¡®Did I just pass through the wall... again! And...! And...! And what the hell with a statue all of a suddennnnn...!¡¯


    His thought¡¯s coming to a halt; Kenneth was completely and utterly shocked to see that the statue before him wasn¡¯t the only one of its kind.


    Beside it and beside him was a multitude of others, not just Nok but Sil as well, all in different poses and positions with different parts of their bodies missing.


    Some, like the one before him, protruded from the wall, others sprouted from the floor like plants, and lastly, there were those that simply hung from the ceiling like chandeliers.


    ¡®This officially went from creepy to terrifying,¡¯ Kenneth thought as his gut turned to ice.


    Getting to his feet, he scanned his new surroundings.


    No longer was he stuck in a hexagon-shaped room, as he now found himself in a corridor stretching as far as the eye could see in both directions, with no end in sight of statues and sculpted body parts.


    Strangely, there was a lack of Aki statues for some reason.


    ¡®Okay, screw this! I need to find a way out!¡¯ Kenneth thought as he picked a direction and hurriedly walked down it.


    His steps echoed while a sensation of dread continuously loomed over him like the lower body of a Sil ahead of him; he ducked under while getting a look underneath, noticing a distinctive cavity of sorts in the centre.


    He was used to eyes lingering on him, but the statues, those that head heads, were different. He had the irrational fear one of them would suddenly come to life and grab him.


    ¡®What am I even thinking? That sort of stuff only happens in horror movies,¡¯ Kenneth thought, ignoring the irrational fear and focusing on the path ahead.


    Though it certainly didn¡¯t help that each and every one of the statues was so... meticulously crafted, so detailed, so... life-like.


    Weaving his way through the statues all around him, Kenneth began occupying his attention with questions he knew probably wouldn¡¯t be answered, ¡®Why could I suddenly pass through that wall like with the outside of the tower?


    ¡®I mean, I touched it before, but it was solid, and it wasn¡¯t even because I just touched it with my back; I hit another wall with it right after I fell, and it stayed solid. Maybe it¡¯s only certain walls I can do it with, or maybe there¡¯s no rhyme or reason... it just happens when it happens?¡¯


    Letting out a sigh, Kenneth took a wide step over a slim sideways-lying Nok on the floor but failed to see the tip of its tail poking up a bit ahead, making him stumble.


    Grabbing onto the nearest thing, Kenneth steadied himself, but as he looked at what he was holding onto, he was a bit surprised to see it was a statue of an Aki, most of its body fully rendered in stone or whatever the material comprised the walls within the tower was.


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    He looked at it for a bit, feeling a strange sense of Deja Vu, ¡®Now, why is this the only Aki? There are so many Nok and Sil, but only one Aki. Will I find more if I go further, ahea...?¡¯


    Suddenly, his thoughts came to a halt once more as he spotted something moving out of the corner of his eye.


    He quickly turned his head to make sure it wasn¡¯t just a figment of his imagination, and past the sea of statues and sculpted body parts, he spotted a contrasting black figure.


    It was too far away, and there was too much in his line of sight to get a proper look, but he was sure it was there.


    He straightened his back and slowly began walking toward whatever the distant figure was, all the while feeling twitches of hesitation pulse throughout his body.


    ¡®Should I just walk up to whoever that is and say hi? Kenneth asked himself. ¡®Well, it¡¯s not like I''ve got a lot of other choices. I just have to hope whoever or whatever that figure is is potentially friendly.¡¯


    Taking a deep breath, he decided to call out to the figure, ¡°Hey you ther--!¡±


    ¡°ARRRGGG!¡± Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a torturous pain erupted, emanating from Kenneth''s skull. It felt as though it was being ripped open from the inside out.


    He grabbed his head with his right hand and looked to see the figure in the distance was gone.


    ¡°Wai-- ARRRGG!!!¡± The pain intensified, and he could barely contain his screams of agony as he staggered forward and lost his footing, hitting his head against one of the statues, but compared to the pain he felt, it was little more than a bug bite as he writhed on hands and knees screaming.


    Yet unbeknownst to him, his screams outside of his mask were silent like the sea when it was dead calm.


    He was barely able to keep his eyes open, and what little he was able to see was blurred by tears welling up, but even so, Kenneth managed to glimpse something while he was looking down. The floor that once had been as pure white as ivory was now darkening, becoming brown and green.


    Yet Kenneth barely noticed this, the intolerable pain overshadowing any other thought.


    But as suddenly as the pain in his head had appeared, it suddenly went away, leaving Kenneth short for breath, his mouth agape, dripping with saliva as he slowly managed to get his bearings and open his right eye, seeing to his confusion that the pure ivory corridor and the statues were gone.


    In its place had spawned a brightly lit forest filled with lush greenery and¡­ weaponry.


    Swords, axes, and spears littered the ground, while arrows were embedded in trees. ¡°What... did I--¡°


    ¡°You can¡¯t be here!¡± A voice behind him suddenly called out.


    He recognized it in a heartbeat. Without uttering a word, he got up and turned to face Jasha.


    Strangely enough, for once, she looked worried, muttering, ¡°No, how are you here...? You shouldn¡¯t be able to... but you are--¡°


    ¡°Oh, so this really is a dream, Kenneth said, his voice calm yet seething with rage. ¡°And what is this supposed to be? Why are you acting like that?¡±


    Jasha¡¯s expression of worry quickly turned to confusion, ¡°I... what are you talking about, Kenneth?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb all of a sudden! Kenneth yelled. ¡°I will admit this time, you got me! You truly had me believing I was awake! I hope you laughed it all up; now go be the cruel, vicious bitch I know you are!¡±


    ¡°I see... Jasha said, her voice growing low. ¡°You¡¯ve grown to hate me... I...I understand. My request was selfish and cruel... You may have accepted it, but... I¡¯m sorry...¡±


    Her sudden apology did nothing but anger Kenneth. He clutched his fist thinking, ¡®You¡¯re sorry?! You are not sorry! You have never been sorry for one day, you bitch!¡±


    Overcome by rage, Kenneth walked up to her, his fist shaking with fury, and even though he knew it was pointless, he didn''t care as he struck her in the face and sent her flying toward the ground.


    ¡°What the! I¡­ I¡­ hit you... I felt it!¡± Kenneth exclaimed, so overcome with surprise he froze for a moment, his gaze affixed to his fist.


    ¡°I hope this outlet for your anger was enough to calm it, if even a little, Jasha said as she got back on her feet, sounding sympathetic and a bit sad. ¡°Now you need to leave. I¡¯ll show you the way; we need to hurry if anyone finds out you¡¯re here again it¡ª¡°


    ¡°What do you mean by again?¡± Kenneth questioned as he suddenly tasted something metallic in his mouth.


    Jasha quickly turned around and began to walk, ¡°We don¡¯t have a lot of time; it won¡¯t end well for either of us if you¡¯re spotted.¡±


    Kenneth didn¡¯t listen; instead, he unzipped his mask and spat on the ground, noticing the normally clear liquid was partly red. ¡°This isn¡¯t like every other time we¡¯ve met. I¡¯m bleeding...I felt that punch I threw¡­ I was in agony¡ª¡°


    Jasha turned with an expression of both confusion and slight worry, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the pain. I didn¡¯t have any choice, but I¡¯m sure it shouldn¡¯t have caused you any memory problems.


    ¡°Now, please listen to me; we have to leave this place now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m awake, aren¡¯t I, Kenneth said, completely ignoring her. ¡°This isn¡¯t a dream. I¡¯ve been here before¡­


    ¡°¡­You know, it never really crossed my mind how I got to this godforsaken world, but now I know. You brought me to this place first from the hospital and then the cave¡ª¡°


    ¡°Kenneth, please listen to me! Jasha protested, stepping closer to get his attention. ¡°We¡ª¡°


    Suddenly, Kenneth grabbed her leather T-shirt neck and pulled her down, speaking calmly yet with an underlying growl in his voice, ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter where you put me or how you did it¡­ all that matters is you getting me home.¡±


    ¡°Kenneth¡­ Jasha said, her voice growing distant. ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t do that¡­¡±


    ¡°Why the hell should I believe you? Kenneth growled as he tightened his grip. ¡°All you do is lie. You said I would only be able to understand one of the three species, but apparently, I can understand them all.


    ¡°I Can¡¯t even figure out what the point of that lie was.¡±


    ¡°You... You understand them, but that s-shouldn¡¯t... I don¡¯t understand... Jasha stammered, suddenly growing silent as her eyes widened. ¡±That¡¯s how you got in. The connection¡­ I thought I severed it, but It hasn¡¯t¡­ It could never be severed in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense! Kenneth snapped. ¡°Just send me home!¡±


    ¡°Please keep your voice down¡­ Jasha replied gently, placing her hand on Kenneth¡¯s. ¡°I can¡¯t send you home. This world¡­ I can''t watch it burn anymore. I can¡¯t stand to see so many die, having never realized the pointlessness of neverending fighting.


    ¡°I just want to help them, to do something! You were all I could do... the one I found... the only one who passed my test... the only one so kind... so driven to help... so avoidant of violence--¡°


    ¡°Don¡¯t mock me! Kenneth shouted at the top of his lungs, letting out all of the frustration he didn¡¯t even know he¡¯d been keeping inside. ¡°I hate violence so much...! Yet I became violent...


    ¡°I may have done it to survive... to protect people! If I¡¯d been the person you chose to send to this world of war, racism, and brutality, I¡¯d be dead!¡±


    Jasha¡¯s eyes widened, and tears began to well up in them, ¡°I... I see... I was dumb to believe that one man could change the world without the world changing him.¡±


    Grinding his teeth, Kenneth began to shed tears and threw Jasha on the ground, ¡°Shut up! Stop acting like this, you cruel, vicious bitch! You forced me to abandon my family!¡±


    ¡°Please, again, keep your voice down. I never forced you...¡± Jasha replied. ¡°I never forced you to accept my offer.¡±


    ¡°You never forced me! Oh, my mistake, a hell of a choice you gave me! Kenneth yelled with disdain, ignoring her pleas. ¡°How about I give you one! Send me home, or I¡¯m gonna make sure whoever you don¡¯t want finding out about me finds out.¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± Jasha replied, quickly getting to her feet.


    Without uttering a word, Kenneth ran away from Jasha through the forest, avoiding rocks, roots, and trees while yelling, ¡°HEY, ANYONE THERE!!!¡±


    Further ahead, from among the trees, Jasha suddenly emerged, blocking his path, ¡°You don¡¯t know what you are doing!¡±


    With no intention of slowing down, Kenneth sprinted faster and slammed into her like a rugby player, knocking her out of the way, ¡°JASHA IS HERE! SHE¡¯S THE ONE WHO BROUGHT ME HERE!¡±


    Suddenly, Jasha grabbed him by the shoulder, having recovered and easily caught up to him.


    Looking back, he noticed the expression on her face was a mix of fear and worry, ¡°If you are found--¡°


    Kenneth suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, ¡°I don¡¯t care! If you want me to stop, just send me home to my children!¡±


    Jasha¡¯s expression grew more and more conflicted, twisting into pure and utter desperation, ¡°You win... you can¡¯t be seen, so... so... I¡¯ll guide you home.¡±


    Taking his hand, she led the way toward that very same tree with pink leaves, which both once stood under.


    For a brief moment, Kenneth felt a sense of elation he¡¯d never felt before, but as he took one step, he suddenly stopped and ripped his hand away from Jasha¡¯s and asked her, ¡°How do--?¡°


    The next word was snuffed from his mouth.


    Kenneth looked down to see the tip of a blade with a sharp tip stabbed through his chest.


    ¡°Wh... what?¡± He wheezily gasped and coughed up blood as his wide eyes focused on the impossibility that had just transpired.


    A blade had penetrated his coat.


    That which had defended him for so long. That which none other were able to get past meant nothing to this unseen assailant as their weapon, along with Kenneth¡¯s coat, dripped with his blood.


    His knees shook as he was barely able to stay standing.


    Being a doctor and having intimate knowledge of the human body, he knew he¡¯d been stabbed fatally through the heart, but even so, while gasping for breath, his shaking hands reached for the blade.


    ¡°No, they heard you,¡± Jasha gasped.


    He¡¯d barely laid his hand on the protruding piece of black metal when suddenly he was hoisted off the ground, his legs dangling, as his body slid down the weapon, which revealed itself to be a spear with a black shaft.


    He was powerless, completely and utterly so.


    Everything around him became a blur. His breath stopped, and his arms went limp, barely gracing the tip of the spear and wiping away a small bit of blood, revealing symbols etched into the metal.


    He didn¡¯t know what they meant, but they looked similar to those on the gold plaque from the painting he¡¯d gotten from Solk.


    As his strength waned, both of his arms fell to the side, and everything faded to black.


    His last thoughts were of his family and his children, most of all, and how that one glimmer of hope that he¡¯d see them again had been snuffed out.


    Just before everything was gone, the unseen figure that had stabbed Kenneth leaned closer, his mouth right next to his ear, ¡°Your time here is not yet... champion.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 7 (Lie)

    Gasping for life, Kenneth¡¯s eyes shot open.


    ¡°Er... What...¡± Nokstella drowsily muttered, lying on Kenneth¡¯s rapidly rising chest


    ¡°Huh¡­ Ha¡­!¡± Trafka loudly sounded, springing to his feet, hammer and shield in hand, his eyes solely focused on the waking Nokfeka.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh¡­ She yawned, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and looking at Trafka. ¡°You look grumpy. Not sleeping will do that to you.¡±


    Trafka let out a tired snarl and turned to Kenneth, who was sitting up shaking with Nokstella drowsily rocking on his lap, falling snout first down onto the crevice between his legs.


    ¡°Get up! We¡¯re leaving,¡± Trafka ordered just as his stomach began to growl rather loudly.


    However, Kenneth didn¡¯t hear him; his thoughts were solely on last night''s events and¡­ and how they ended. He took off one of his gloves and looked at his trembling hand.


    ¡®I¡­ I remember it so clearly l, but¡­ but I died¡­¡¯ Kenneth thought as he quickly opened his coat, reached underneath his shirt, and felt his chest.


    Nothing; it was as hairy as always, and though there still were scars on his chest after his fight with the golden turd, it was nothing compared to¡­ what should have been there.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Nokfeka asked while stretching, a few of her joints popping.


    ¡°N-nothing, Kenneth stammered as he removed his hand and closed up his coat. ¡°I-I just thought I f-felt something on my chest.¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t fathom you would leave yourself so defenceless in the presence of so many traitors,¡± Trafka commented, his ears affixed in the direction of Nokfeka.


    ¡®It couldn¡¯t just have been a dream; it felt too real, Kenneth thought as he picked up the drowsy Nokstella and placed her on top of his bag. ¡®I¡­ I need to know..¡¯


    As he got up and turned to face the tower, his entire body recoiled as a sudden sharp and burning pain erupted from his chest, spine, and heart.


    The images of the black blade and him sliding down it burst to the forefront of his mind.


    Through sheer will and determination as he looked down, Kenneth while struggling to keep his breath under control, walked up to the tower, treading over the rusted assortment of weaponry.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Trafka sternly questioned while Nokfeka watched on with an interested look.


    Hand trembling, Kenneth hesitantly placed it on the tower and¡­. Nothing.


    The wall wasn¡¯t suddenly rippling like water, and his hand wasn¡¯t going inside it.


    ¡°Enough delay, Trafka impatiently said. ¡°The light is with us now, and the merchant has had time to plan that route. Now we leave, and I won¡¯t be in the presence of these traitors any longer.¡±


    Kenneth slowly removed his hand from the tower and walked away. No matter if what happened last night was real or not, the pain throughout his body persisted.


    Even the tiniest glimpse of the tower brought back the memory so vividly it was as though he was reliving it in its entirety.


    Controlling his breath as much as he possibly could, Kenneth walked over to Nokstella. He picked up the waking child and held her in one hand and his back in the other. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Finally!¡± Trafka groaned like a brooding teen while rolling his eyes.


    However, as all of them walked toward Zagzi¡¯s path, Ikkie suddenly appeared. His tail and ears were motionless;  he held both of his hands behind his back, and his overjoyed smile was gone in place of his previous emotionless one.


    Trafka tried to seem indifferent to his sudden appearance as he continued to march forward with heavy steps; however, his slightly expanding tail was telling a different story.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you''re back. Shouldn¡¯t you be with Uccha?¡± Nokfeka questioned.


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to; she just ate some bad meat, so there¡¯s no need for me to be by her side,¡± Ikkie replied as he stepped out of Zagzi¡¯s path down on the smooth and even ground.


    Nokfeka walked up to him, her mouth slightly open in a smile, ¡°So what brings you back here? Did the heads of the city send you, or did the city guard need a Nok to fill out the ranks of the welcome committee?


    ¡°Must be something important if it can make you leave Uccha!¡±


    Ikkie¡¯s tone and expression remained unchanged as he replied, ¡° No, nothing of the sort. It so happens that there was an incident at the orphanage.¡±


    ¡°What! What incident?!¡± Nokfeka exclaimed as her scales began to ever so slightly grow lighter.


    ¡°It is one of the kids, the newest one that has yet to be marked, I believe. He ran away under the cover of dark, and now no one can find him,¡± Ikkie explained.


    ¡°By the tower, Nokfeka mumbled as she quickly rushed past Ikkie, only to stop a few steps later.


    She turned around and walked up to Kenneth. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to do it like this for her sake, but I have to find Fole, and I doubt we¡¯ll see each other after.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡­ understand,¡± Kenneth said as he thought about everything.


    He wanted to stay here at the tower with Nokstella. Here, he could learn so much about Aki, Nok and Sil biology and accomplish so much. He¡¯d wanted to talk to Nokfeka, Ikkie, and even Uccha in private about the possibility, but he¡¯d never gotten the chance.


    It was now or never, ¡°Could I¡­¡±


    But at that moment, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask as Jasha¡¯s words echoed in his mind.


    As much as he hated to admit it, Jasha was correct; he hadn¡¯t thought it through, not truly. Yes, there would be so many positive aspects to staying, but far more negative ones.


    Trafka. He¡¯d seen his cold indifference when it came to carrying out orders and the brute strength he had to enforce set orders.


    One thing was sure he wasn¡¯t going to roll over and accept it¡­ no, he¡¯d force Kenneth to go no matter what, and if anyone were to oppose him, well¡­ Kenneth remembered what happened to the Sleecie¡¯s.


    And that was without considering who had sent Trafka.


    The Aki king wanted him to appear before him, and if Trafka truly was far too important for a simple fetch quest, returning empty-handed could spark ramifications of a far greater magnitude than Kenneth could predict.


    There was a chance it could bring conflict to this place¡­ and he couldn¡¯t let it happen.


    Besides, a part of him wouldn¡¯t want to stay anymore anyway. Regardless of whether what happened last night was real or not, his body physically recoiled and ached with pain at the slight glimpse of the tower.


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    Even its looming shadow gave him the sense it would strike like the assailant.


    Taking a deep breath, Kenneth kneeled down and placed Nokstella on the ground.


    She seemed confused, looking at him expectingly.


    ¡°Nokstella¡­ I need you to go with Nokfeka¡­¡± Kenneth said.


    She blinked twice and looked back at Nokfeka, who met her with a smile before meekly saying, ¡°no.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, he gently placed both hands on her shoulders and looked her deep in the eyes, ¡°Nokstella, you are going to be staying with Nokfeka and a lot of other kids your age, like the ones you played with yesterday. Doesn''t that sound fun?¡±


    She seemed shaken by the words as her scales slowly grew paler, yet she didn¡¯t seem to take the news as hard as Kenneth had expected, though he wasn¡¯t sure what he¡¯d expected.


    ¡°You stay too?¡± Nokstella asked.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m¡­ not going to,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Nokstella¡¯s scales grew even paler as tears began to well up in her tiny little eyes. Suddenly, she slipped from Kenneth¡¯s lax grip and wrapped her arms around his leg.


    ¡°But mama say stay with!¡± Nokstella cried. ¡°Mama promise! Mama says she finds me always! She spots you and pointy snout!¡±


    Kenneth became mute as he just looked down at her and placed a hand on her back, gently stroking it, while thinking, ¡®She needs to know the truth¡­ she can¡¯t cling to her mother¡¯s words¡­ she can¡¯t cling to me¡­¡¯


    Fighting tears, Kenneth spoke, masking his emotions, ¡°Nokstella, there¡¯s something I need to tell you about your mother.¡±


    Through tears, Nokstella looked up at Kenneth and snorted.


    His insides grew cold as ice while his gut twisted and turned, the sensation overshadowing the persistent pain in his chest, ¡°When we left the outpost, and you were asleep, I spoke with Solk, and he told me¡­ Nokstel, she¡¯s¡­ He told me your mother is¡­¡±


    ¡®Just say it! Kenneth internally screamed the words clinging in his throat, refusing to come out. ¡®Your mother is dead¡­ your mother is dead¡­ your mother is dead¡­ come on, just say it¡­ just say it. Be quick and give her time.¡¯


    ¡°Your mother is¡­ she¡¯s¡­ in the capital, Kenneth said. ¡°I¡­ want to keep my promise to your Mother and keep you safe, but the place is dangerous, and I don¡¯t know what will happen once I¡¯m there, but I¡¯ll do everything I can to free her.¡±


    Nokstella stepped back, her scales remaining the same shade of pale as before, ¡°you promise?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Slowly, she let go of his leg and stepped back. Her scales remained as pale as before while she walked up to Nokfeka, who gently smiled at her as she picked her up.


    Before she left,  Nokfeka gave Kenneth one last look before hurrying up Zagzi¡¯s path. Nokstella looked over her shoulder, never once breaking eye contact with Kenneth until she disappeared out of sight.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ never seen a Nok run so fast before; with that body, she¡¯ll easily stumble and fall, Trafka said, sounding annoyed. ¡°Well, maybe we can finally leave. That little heretic won¡¯t slow us anymore. It¡¯s good you got rid of it.¡±


    Kenneth let out a sigh as he walked past Trafka, ¡°Shut up¡­ just shut up¡­¡±


    They began the long journey up the mountain, Ikkie confidently and steadily leading the way.


    Like before, he and Trafka still walked uneasily on the stone steps, even while holding onto the rope along the wall. The winds were gentler near the base of the tower, but with each step they took, they ever so slightly grew stronger.


    Kenneth looked ahead past Ikkie, some part of him holding out hope he¡¯d see Nokstella one last time, even though he knew it wouldn¡¯t do him any good.


    Eventually, Ikkie must have taken notice as he looked back, but strangely, it felt like he was looking past him at Trafka.


    However, that fact became quite obvious when Trafka rather loudly addressed the matter in the tower tongue, ¡°Something say¡­?¡±


    Ikkie turned his head to look forward, ¡°I was just wondering if you still wanted to know about my past.¡±


    ¡°What¡­? Grow conscious¡­?¡± Trafka mockingly questioned.


    Continuing to lead the pair, Ikkie stepped up onto the first platform in their journey. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it did, but even so, I doubt it could grow any more.


    ¡°Of the few who actually have committed treachery, here I am one.¡±


    ¡°Confessing crime¡­ to me¡­ Trafka said, one of his ears perking up. ¡°Why¡­? You seek judgment¡­? Happy to deliver¡­ traitor.¡±


    ¡®What is Ikkie doing? Kenneth wondered, feeling as though the everpresent tension was brewing. ¡®Why is he telling us now when he was so tightlipped about it earlier?¡¯


    Uncertain of a lot, Kenneth spoke, ¡°Ikkie¡­¡±


    However, just as his name left his mouth, Ikkie raised his arm, which suddenly began to vibrate, ¡°I believe you should be familiar with the work one possessing my ability does.¡±


    The sight left Kenneth momentarily stunned as memories of Aloko hunched over Nokshala popped into his head.


    ¡°Torture¡­ what of,¡± Trafka replied, sounding indifferent.


    ¡°Yes, that was my duty at the outpost I once called home, Ikkie began, his voice unchanged, his stride the same tempo as before, while his tail and ears remained motionless,  nothing that indicated emotions of any kind. ¡°It was good work, it was bloody work, it was endless work.


    ¡°What my commander failed to mention when he tasked me with the duty, or what I didn¡¯t notice until it was too late, was that it just leaves you numb. Once their muffled screams filled me with some hesitation, the sight of their bleeding body made my hearts beat faster, but eventually, I felt nothing.


    ¡°I can barely feel anything any more,  barely taste the food when I remember to eat.¡±


    Trafka let out a mocking snigger, ¡°weak torture¡­ you were¡­ sound half¡­ dead already¡­¡±


    ¡°Perhaps now, but back then, I sought death, Ikkie responded, never once slowing down for even a moment as Kenneth felt his gut sink. ¡°Some of the hunters in the outpost captured a heretic Sil, and brought them back. I did my duty, carefully inflicted pain, but in the middle of it all, I just gave up, removed her muzzle and waited for her to kill me¡­ but she didn¡¯t.


    ¡°I was left confused, and the only reason I could think of was that she didn¡¯t  want to kill me because she was trapped, unable to attain freedom on her own, so I freed her under the cover of dark.¡±


    ¡°Yet even still, she didn¡¯t kill me. My confusion grew ever more, and I followed her, not knowing what else to do. I ended up getting captured and almost killed, yet despite the pain and suffering I did to her, she saved me. Made the brood realize I could be of use.¡±


    ¡°You betray¡­ just so die?!¡± Trafka snarled brandishing his hammer


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember if¡­ I was seeking death then, but nevertheless, I let them use me, Ikkie said. ¡°I pretended to be a survivor from attacked outposts to be let in and, after some time, open up the gates. There was one I still remember well, a woman who looked a bit like you, son of house Krosk. She was kind and gentle but too trusting¡­ the pore thing.


    ¡°In the end, after all that fire, all that death, my punishment was the marks on my body and continuing to breathe. I wandered for a bit before surrendering myself to the wilderness, but that was when Uccha found me. She¡¯d left the brood and chose to be with me.¡±


    ¡°You betray¡­ king and crown¡­ for death¡­ and woman¡­ Trafka snarled while glaring at Ikkie, rushing past Kenneth and kicking him to the ground. ¡°Even if killing you will be some kind of mercy, I¡¯ll gladly do it, you traitorous bastard!!!¡±


    Ikkie slowly got up and turned to face Trafka and Kenneth with an expression of worry, ¡°Son of house Krosk, had we only met sooner, I would have accepted that mercy, but now I can not.¡±


    ¡°As if I¡¯m giving you a choice after you told me your confession,¡± Trafka growled, tightening the grip on his hammer ever so slightly.


    ¡°Trafka, think about this! Kenneth yelled quickly, getting in between the two. ¡°Yeah, the guy got a lot of skeletons in the closet, but you can¡¯t just kill him in brought day--¡±


    ¡°My confession, son of house Krosk, Ikkie interrupted. ¡°Was many things, the truth for one, as well as an apology, but above all else, a way to keep you focused on me.¡±


    ¡°Huh?!¡± Kenneth uttered, about to ask what he meant when suddenly he realized both he and Trafka had been so caught up in Ikkie¡¯s story that they hadn¡¯t realized after a certain point on one of the platforms, they hadn¡¯t been heading to the stone steps that led up, but a secluded area where there wasn¡¯t a soul in sight


    Or that¡¯s how it appeared at first glance.


    From amidst corners and alleys stepped out a myriad of Nok, Sil, and Aki, each carrying weapons.


    They were completely surrounded, with the way back cut off.


    With their attention shifted, Ikkie took the opportunity and got out of Trafka¡¯s reach over to a slim yellow and grey scaled Nok that wore a tunic and carried two hammers.


    ¡°You did well leading him here,¡± The Nok said with a smile, throwing one of his hammers up on his shoulder.


    ¡°I did as you said, Nokuko; now give her back!¡± Ikkie yelled, his fangs showing in a display of anger.


    Nokuko opened his mouth in a slight smile, ¡°I got no more use for her. Nokta, why not give the heretic what he desires.¡±


    Down one of the alleys, a hulking red and black scaled Nok wearing only leather shorts and a sleeveless open vest stomped forward while dragging something behind on a rope. Coming to a stop, Nokta locked eyes with Trafka and, without breaking it, pulled harshly on the rope.


    Suddenly, a small pentagon-looking red object came flying out from behind Nokta, landing hard on the ground.


    On closer inspection, it was clear to see it was Uccha who¡¯d been restrained rather peculiarly with her legs bent up like when she was sitting, but unlike before, the lower half of her legs weren''t resting on the ground.


    No, they were bent back toward her head and tied together at the ends slightly above, immobilizing her and trapping her arms with her own legs.


    ¡°Uccha!¡° Ikkie yelled, rushing to her and quickly clawing and biting at the ropes that bound her.


    ¡°Drag that heretic away now,¡± Nokuko said.


    Ikkie didn¡¯t listen as he continued to cut the binds that held his mate.


    Suddenly, Nokuko slammed one of his hammers down just beside Uccha. The sudden bang and him getting right up in Ikkie¡¯s snout finally caught his attention. ¡°I won¡¯t say it again.


    ¡°We had a deal, and I will honour that, but if you stay when everything starts, I won¡¯t care if my hammers strike either of you heretics.¡±


    Eyes filling with fear and desperation, Ikkie quickly got to his feet and reluctantly dragged Uccha down the alley Nokta had come from, disappearing out of sight, leaving all of them alone for the fun to begin.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 7.1 (Hammer Time)

    ¡®Six, no nine, no ten in total, Trafka thought as he discreetly surveyed the area using his senses, his sight somewhat lingering on a pair of brightly green-furred Aki. ¡®Eight down here and two on top of buildings.


    ¡®One is a Sil right on top of a mostly flat roof, and the other is an Aki standing on a strange building with one of those Sil pillars on top. He has the same fur color as the other two¡­ probably from the same rotten litter.¡¯


    Trafka could barely contain a grin, ¡®Oh, they¡¯ve got no idea what they have gotten themselves into; I¡¯ll show them the might of House Krosk as I administer the King¡¯s justice. First the traitors, then the heretics.¡¯


    However, at that moment, Trafka¡¯s confidence was overshadowed by his father¡¯s words, ¡°You¡¯re strong, but always remember relying solely on that won¡¯t allow you to win many fights on the battlefield.¡±


    Trafka slowly took a lower stance out of reflex more so than anything, ready to rush forward at any moment, ¡®Hmm¡­ why did I remember that now? I¡¯m not on the battlefield; this is just a fight.¡¯


    ¡°I can''t wait to strip that golden armor off that royal Heretic!¡±Nokuko spoke, not that Trafka understood him or cared to understand the vile language the Nok spoke.


    He barely understood the tower tongue, and that had been painstakingly ingrained in his mind by his teacher, but he was able to decipher their names when spoken solely because the fools wouldn¡¯t remember what their own kind was called if not for putting it in front of their names.


    Suddenly, while Trafka was focusing on the threat ahead and behind him, the black healer calmly walked right past him. ¡°What are you doing?! Stay by me!¡±


    However, he didn¡¯t listen; instead, he began conversing with the traitors and heretics with a simple ¡°Hello--¡±


    ¡°Black healer, leave, Nokuko said, pointing at him with one of his two hammers, ¡°We have no interest in you, only the heretic royal.¡±


    Nokuko pointed to the green-furred siblings, who stepped aside to let Kenneth pass.


    ¡°It¡¯s kind of you to offer me a way out, but I believe I might be able to offer something instead that will make all here happy and avoid unneeded violence, the black healer said, reaching into his back and pulling out a strange-looking solid gold mug. ¡°You mentioned gold, right?¡±


    ¡®So he understands the Nok tongue but can¡¯t speak it,¡¯ Trafka observed.


    ¡°Well, you can have it¡­ The black healer continued. ¡°I even got a little more in the bag. I know his armor can be quite eye-catching, but I don¡¯t recommend fighting him. He¡¯s strong, and even with your numbers, I don¡¯t think a lot will make it out of here unscathed.¡±


    For a moment, everyone fell silent before suddenly erupting into laughter.


    ¡°You think we want gold?! Nokuko sniggerly hissed, his mouth slightly open in a smile. ¡°No, that royal heretic must pay for the sins of his kin!


    ¡°We who were marked unjustly and those who were forced to be trampled on by those royal heretics will strip this one of his gold, take his arms and legs, and after, we will use whatever is left to regain our honor!¡±


    Seeing the situation devolve, Trafka let out a sigh while keeping his guard up. ¡°You were a fool to try to offer them gold. I can see it in their eyes; this is personal.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he said about as much,¡± the black healer replied while cautiously taking a step back.


    ¡®This will be difficult, Trafka thought. ¡®One thing is delivering the king''s justice to these traitors and heretics, but another is doing so while keeping him out of harm. He¡¯s stronger than most but doesn¡¯t carry weapons on him.


    ¡®This is worse than when the caravan was set upon; at least the Sleecie¡¯s were only simpleminded beasts, and with archers, there¡¯s a chance one could hit¡­¡¯


    ¡°Black healer, this will be your last chance to leave!¡± Nokuko warned.


    The black healer looked around and whispered, ¡°I think we can make a run for it our right. Just keep that shield up and wave around that hammer, and we should be able to get away.¡±


    ¡°Black healer, is it true that you were struck by an arrow when the caravan was attacked? Trafka asked. ¡°And it just bounced off, leaving no mark?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, hit me square in the head, the black healer replied absentmindedly. ¡°There was no permanent damage thanks to my clothes, but it hurt like hell, though.¡±


    ¡°Good! Run away!¡± Trafka yelled as he rushed forward.


    Both archers on top let go of their respective bowstrings, and both arrows soared toward him.


    Trafka held up his shield and dodged to the side. The arrow coming in front bounced off his shield while the one behind got him in the shoulder, penetrating his armor and flesh.


    Yet he barely noticed, having already used his magical ability to make his strength grow exponentially; now, all he did was focus on the enemies ahead, mainly the traitours pair of Aki.


    With heavy steps as the armor clacked, Trafka closed the distance.


    However, it was not to be as the hulking Nokta intercepted both hands balled into fists, with no weapon of any kind in them.


    ¡®I wanted to do the traitors first, but if you are so keen to die, let me make an exception,¡¯ Trafka thought as he swung back his hammer and aimed with the might of house Krosk behind it at Nokta¡¯s chest.


    She didn¡¯t even try to evade, not that she could; instead, she held up her arms like a shield to block the blow.


    Any true son of house Krosk lucky enough to inherit the fearsome strength could deliver death to any foe with a single strike, but there Nokta stood, unharmed and glaring at Trafka from behind her arms, which had suddenly changed.


    The gaps between her scales had suddenly disappeared, creating a shield from her own body.


    ¡®Father warned me of those heretics, Trafka thought. ¡®They can move their scales and turn the body into armor, but doing so expands the gap between their scales on other parts of their body.¡¯


    Tightening his grip around his hammer, Trafka got ready to deliver another strike because regardless of the defence, he was a son of house Krosk and Nokta would fall to his might regardless of how many blows he needed to use.


    However, in his haste, Trafka had momentarily forgotten about all the other opponents as one of the green-furred traitors, a woman, expertly threw a dagger over Nokta¡¯s head, aiming for his.


    With brute strength and quick reflexes, Trafka raised his shield, blocking the dagger while at the same time swinging his hammer at Nokta once more, who once again took the blow, yet hidden behind her was a Sil, who suddenly came rushing out using the newly created blindspot to slip under his shield.


    With a skewer-like dagger of Sil design, she stabbed at his groin.


    The Sil¡¯s small stature and quick legs may have hidden it from Trafka¡¯s eyes, but his ears had been acutely aware of something below him, and without hesitation, he slammed his shield down, shattering her body in a spray of shell and blood, her dagger only managing to prick his pouch.


    ¡®You¡¯ll take too much time,¡¯ Trafka thought, darting around Nokta, avoiding another arrow that flew his way as he rushed toward the green-furred siblings.


    However, they were cowards and kept their distance, running away as he gave chase around the narrow space.


    They were both of particular annoyance since they threw a steady supply of daggers his way.


    Normally, they¡¯d be of little concern as his armor was there to protect him, but they threw with such accuracy he was forced to block almost each and every one, at which point either sibling would slip into his blind spot and use the momentary relief to reposition themselves or pick up daggers on the ground.


    All the while, the archers were still targeting him, making it almost impossible to avoid all. Yet adding to the pile of shit he was trodding through were the slower ones, Nok and Sil.


    While his attention was split, one or two would take their chance and strike, aiming for his tail. Without that, he¡¯d be unable to keep his balance, and his chances of winning would fall drastically.


    Usually, with his ear turned back, he was able to anticipate them at the last second and avoid a grab or slash, but as he tried to counter them, their living shield, Nokta would always defend them with her body as they ran away to block any potential escape.


    All of it was taking its toll, and it was only now that Trafka realized he was panting.


    Though he was not feeling the effects of exhaustion, he knew they were steadily approaching and having to defend against this onslaught instead of smashing through each and every one of them steadily filled him with a burning ire that finally reached its peak.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Trafka snarled, his fangs laid bare. Stomping hard on the ground, he sprinted toward the green-furred woman.


    She threw a dagger; however, Trafka didn¡¯t block; he continued to sprint, going low for the briefest of moments, avoiding losing an eye as the dagger cleaved his ear in two right down the middle.


    She continued to run away, but without the momentary blind spot to flee into, she had no way to escape the king¡¯s justice.


    Trying to give her that blind spot, her brother threw another dagger at Trafka from the side, which, in his raging, snarling state, he caught in his mouth as he fully closed the distance and swung his hammer at the green-furred woman.


    At the last moment, Nokuko leapt in front of the woman with both hammers raised and met Trafka¡¯s own, the resulting clashing echoing throughout the platform they stood on.


    Yet it did little more than lessen the blow as Trafka won the struggle, knocking both hammers from Nokuko¡¯s hands and striking him in the gut, knocking him along with the green-furred woman to the ground.


    With little delay, Trafka went for the killing blow.


    ¡°Strike him, Nokta!¡± The green-furred man yelled.


    With one of his ears split apart, his ability to hear behind had diminished, but even so, he didn¡¯t need both to hear that hulking simpleton coming his way, yet he could not let the green-furred woman escape again.


    With his hammer raised, he struck down to finish her off while swinging his shield back to block the blow from behind, but as his shield and Nokta connected, it didn¡¯t feel like he hit a fist but a wall.


    Suddenly, he felt a pair of hulking hands grabbing his shield arm and thrashing him around.


    His hammer veered off course and missed both the woman and Nokuko by a hair. Forced to deal with the situation behind, Trafka spun to see Nokta having wrapped her arms around his shield and grabbing his arms with both of hers.


    Standing strong, he swung his hammer at her.


    However, she thrashed and swung her body while pushing him back, making Trafka lose his footing, yet that didn¡¯t stop the force behind his hammer as he struck her, which she, of course, took.


    Trafka sunk his claws into the ground and jumped around like a fool to avoid her mindless thrashing while striking when he could, when he wasn¡¯t swatting arrows or daggers out of the air.


    He knew all of it would take its toll on him eventually, but the same was true for Nokta.


    The other lesson his father had imparted was that while Nok, like Nokta, could withstand a great many strikes, it wasn¡¯t as though they were invincible, and eventually, they would fall.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Such a thing was evident when Trafka managed to strike her once more, this time making her fall on one of her knees; however, she only did the moment Trafka¡¯s back hit the wall, and he realised what her intent had been from the start.


    Before he could react, Nokta, with a bellowing hiss, got back on her feet and pushed as hard as she could, pinning Trafka against the wall.


    ¡°Your tricks will earn you nothing!¡± He bellowed, knowing his hammer was ineffective this close up, and so quickly he slid his hand further up along the shaft and swung it at Nokta.


    However, another dagger from the green-furred man, along with two arrows from the archers, forced him to defend, blocking the dagger and one arrow, the other penetrating the golden plates of his armor, piercing his side.


    ¡°Now, Wokto while he¡¯s pinned!¡± The green-furred woman yelled as both rushed toward Trafka with long swords in hand.


    Definitely trapped but not helpless, Trafka struggled to get free of Nokta on the other side of his shield, certainly using all of her strength to keep him pinned.


    Quickly, as the two Aki rushed toward him, he struck Nokta¡¯s hands, arm, shoulder, side, and leg, which undoubtedly caused her pain as she let out hisses, but with her scales defending her, he wouldn¡¯t get free in time.


    Gritting his teeth, he watched as Wokto darted ahead with a stabbing motion with his sister behind him.


    Reacting quickly, Trafka swung his hammer, but Wokto didn¡¯t dodge or make any moves to do so since the speed at which the hammer was going coupled with its current length meant that, without a doubt, it would miss him and hit the wall beside Trafka instead, which is why he opened his hand in mid-swing.


    He watched closely with unblinking eyes and grabbed it by the lower half and, at the last moment, struck at Wokto¡¯s head, who, too late, noticed he was caught.


    From the awkward position and having to adjust to the sudden change in weight while swinging, all the damage that would have been done even with Wokto¡¯s head so close to the wall would be minimal: a bit of pain, some blood, maybe a crack in his skull¡­


    Or that would be the case for anyone other than a Son of Hourse Krosk.


    Holding nothing back, the awkward position, the change in weight didn¡¯t matter in the slightest as Trafka struck with his golden hammer, obliterating Wokto¡¯s head along with cracking the wall, showering the surroundings in blood and¡­ everything else.


    Everyone was shocked by the sight for a moment, but the second the green-furred woman shrieked, everyone snapped back.


    ¡°I''LL KILL YOU!!!¡±


    She launched herself forward.


    However, before she could even reach him, Trafka began swinging his hammer, hitting the ground, the dead body, and the wall while wildly growling and snarling.


    The only reason why the green-furred woman didn¡¯t meet her brother''s fate was because Nokuko grabbed her at the last moment and pulled her away.


    ¡°LET ME GO SO I CAN KILL HIM!!!¡± She shrieked while thrashing in his grip.


    ¡°Calm¡­ Nokuko wheezily said as he coughed up blood, having barely recovered from his clash with Trafka. ¡°See¡­ We got¡­ Royal scared¡­ mad¡­ Now Take¡­ arms¡­ legs¡­ but keep¡­ alive¡­


    ¡°EVERYONE SURROUND NOW!!¡±


    Those who remained quickly followed Nokuko¡¯s orders and abandoned defending potential escape routes as they encircled Trafka; however, they kept their distance, waiting for when he would shorten his grip on his hammer to attack Nokta or grow tired.


    Trafka kept up the barrage for a long time, but eventually, after everything, his swings began to slow and grow weaker.


    ¡°Get the hammer when the royal stops moving!¡± One of them yelled.


    ¡°Take his gold and rip out his fur!¡±


    ¡°Once we take arms and legs, hang him by his tail!¡±


    ¡°You want my hammer! Trafka shouted, bulging his muscles and putting everything he had into this next one. ¡°COME AND TAKE IT!¡±


    With another swing, he struck the wall behind him, and suddenly, it began to crumble before everyone¡¯s eyes. Too focused on keeping Trafka pinned, Nokta stumbled forward, falling on top of Trafka as the roof collapsed, burring both of them under rubble.


    Everyone watched in silence, unsure if the royal had chosen death over what they had planned.


    NOkuko slowly let go of the green-furred woman and stepped closer, his eyes wide in worry, ¡°See¡­ if¡­ both dead¡­¡±


    He notched a golden-coloured Sil with his weapons, and, with hesitant steps, she walked closer to the pile of stone, eventually climbing on top of it and beginning to dig, at which point a sudden ¡°crack!¡± rang out.


    She looked at her legs, slowly spinning around.


    ¡°What doing?!¡± Nokuko loudly asked.


    The golden Sil stopped and equally as loud responded, ¡°Sound like leg cra¡ª¡°


    Suddenly, the pile of stone began to rumble, and in the next moment, Nokta flew from underneath, knocking the golden Sil further into the building while Nokta landed on top of an unlucky few, her neck clearly broken.


    In a mixture of panting and loud snarling, Trafka rose from the pile, clearly more pissed off than ever before, but without his hammer.


    The green-furred woman rushed at him with a dagger, shrieking, ¡°DIE!!!¡±


    She didn¡¯t even scratch him before Trafka grabbed her by the throat.


    Growling, he squeezed until she dropped the dagger, gasping for breath; at that moment, the golden Sil snuck up behind him and grabbed the arm he was holding the woman with, snapping both of her pinchers and all three of her mandibles shut around his elbow.


    Glaring down and looking into all four of the Sil¡¯s eyes, Trafka crushed the woman''s throat in his hand and let go.


    As the woman¡¯s dead body fell, Trafka closed his hand in a fist and swung his arm back, sending the golden Sil crashing into what remained of the wall, shattering its shell like finely crafted glass.


    Spraying blood from every crack, the golden Sil¡¯s grip weakened as she fell to the ground.


    With his arm free, Trafka turned his attention solely to his remaining enemies who stood before him, but as he did, two arrows came flying, one hitting and denting his golden helmet, the other hitting his ear and taking the right tip of his already split ear.


    Trafka turned to glare at the Sil on top of the building, growling, ¡°You''re next!¡±


    Quickly drawing another arrow from her quiver, the Sil was unprepared when Trafka suddenly hurled his shield at her with such speed, force, and precision she couldn¡¯t evade in time and was knocked off the building, landing on the other side with an audible crack.


    Even though he was unarmed and without his shield, some of the remaining enemies began to distance themselves.


    ¡°What you...! Royal heretic...! No weapon...! One...! Attack....! We win...!¡± Nokuko yelled, close to vomiting blood.


    Never once breaking eye contact, Trafka reached down under the rubble, pulled his hammer free, and grabbed it with both hands. ¡°All traitors will be punished.¡±


    Suddenly, he rushed, and the remaining enemies all swung their weapons in defence, aiming at him, but at the last second, he stomped on top of the dead Nokta and used the extra height to jump over and land behind them.


    With no momentum lost, he kept his pace, heading toward the second archer and the last remaining Aki while the others gave chase.


    The guy loosed arrow after arrow, trying to take Trafka down, but each time, he dodged or swatted them away with his hammer like the pesky nuisances they were until he was within striking range of the building.


    With a giant leap, Trafka brought down his hammer with all his might, shaking the entire structure while taking an arrow to the shoulder.


    Landing back down on the ground, Trafka tightened every muscle in his body and struck the building once more while the remaining enemies closed the distance.


    As they were about to reach him, Trafka raised his hammer and brought it down, demolishing the wall. With the supporting wall gone, the pillar on top suddenly came toppling down, crushing the Aki and scattering everyone to the wayside as they tried to get out of the way.


    With a sound as mighty as Tyuk¡¯s tear, the pillar crashed to the ground.


    As everything began to die down, only one sound remained, screaming.


    With a calm stride, Trafka walked along the broken pillar, not noticing the puddles of blood he was stepping through or two of the enemies who¡¯d tried to kill him on the other side, both of which ran for their lives.


    Reaching the point where the screaming originated, Trafka looked down at Nokuko with cold, callus indifference. Both of his legs were crushed under the pillar, but the moment he saw Trafka, he hurled one of his hammers at him.


    He didn¡¯t bother to dodge, and even though it hit him squarely in his chest, he didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Please! Please! Sorry!¡± Nokuko screamed as he tried to get free, clawing at the ground. ¡°I¡­! I just want home¡­! I never betray¡­! Only marked¡­!¡±


    ¡°I not care¡­ If not traitor¡­ heretic¡­ not know which worse¡­ but you¡­ have my¡­ thanks¡­ I deliver¡­ king justice¡­ to traitor Aki¡­ I reward you¡­ quick death,¡± Trafka spoke in the tower tongue, his voice coldly calm as he raised his hammer while Nokuko screamed and delivered the killing blow.


    Panting heavily, Trafka knew the effects of exhaustion were going to overcome him.


    He wanted to continue using his inherited ability, but the first lesson his father ever taught him was to never overuse it, especially when the fighting was over.


    Looking around, he saw no other enemies, took a deep breath in preparation and stopped using his ability, and the pain that ached his body grew tenfold; he quickly slammed down his hammer, using it for support while containing agonizing screams.


    Yet through it all, like a true Son of House Krosk, he remained standing, eventually smiling to himself while thinking, ¡®Those traitors got what they deserve. I wonder if Father will be proud when I tell him about this?¡¯


    Taking a deep breath, Trafka lifted his hammer off the ground and went in search of the black healer and his shield.


    One of them he knew was behind one of the buildings, and as he walked around a corner, he spotted it on the ground beside the Sil¡¯s cracked body. Not even giving her a glance, he picked up his shield and headed on his way.


    He was about to call out to the black healer when he noticed some movement off to the side, back by the pillar. With a quick step, he walked over, ¡°Let¡¯s get mo--¡°


    He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Ikkie and his disgusting mate trying to leave.


    They quickly took notice of him and tried to run, but Trafka quickly used his ability again and picked up a decent-sized rock and hurled it at them. It was about to hit Uccha, but at the last moment, Ikkie shielded her with his body, getting knocked to the ground.


    Calmly, he walked toward them, ¡°Did you really think I forgot about you? After what you told me... after what you did... of all traitors who deserve the king''s punishment, you are by far the worst.¡±


    Uccha stepped between Ikkie and Trafka, her mandibles jittering while her pinchers clacked uncontrollably.


    ¡°Don¡¯t... Uccha... Ikkie said, getting to his knees and trying to pull her out of the way. ¡°Do... do what you will with me, but don¡¯t touch her, please...¡±


    Trafka raised his hammer, his eyes focused on them both, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will.¡±


    He was about to strike when footsteps from behind sounded, and someone suddenly grabbed the shaft of his hammer.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± The black healer yelled, yanking Trafka away and stepping between him and the traitors.


    Glaring at him, Trafka questioned, ¡°What are you doing?! That traitor must pay for his crimes!¡±


    ¡°Listen, I understand you are angry, but wouldn¡¯t you also do what he did for the one you loved? The black healer replied.


    With a snarl, Trafka replied, ¡°I would never stoop so low as to betray anyone.¡±


    ¡°Then you are either lying or haven¡¯t loved someone enough,¡± The black healer calmly replied.


    ¡®Enough of this nonsense! Trafka thought. ¡®He¡¯s strong but not as fast. I just need to get past him and, with one good swing, kill that traitor.¡¯


    ¡°EVERYONE STAY WHERE YOU ARE!¡± a loud booming voice commanded.


    Suddenly, every one of them was surrounded by Aki, Nok, and Sil alike, each one dressed in different leather hyde clothing.


    Some wore shirts, others large belts, and a fair few only pants, but despite the differences, there were two similarities between them all, the first of which was the insignia of the city etched into the leather, and the second was a steel helmet each one wore. It was of simple design, nothing too much of note worth except for a hexagon made of bronze right in the middle of the forehead or in the Sil¡¯s cases right between all four eyes.


    From amidst the crowd, two stepped forward: a violet and red-scaled Nok and a pink and green-shelled Sil, each adorned in a gold helmet with a black hexagon-shaped gem and a more generous mix of metal plating covering their body, though it was clear it offered far less defence than Trafka¡¯s armour.


    The Nok crossed their arms and stared Trafka down, their eyes growing narrower until, from afar, they looked to be closed.


    ¡®Another one to kill. Doesn¡¯t look tougher than the last one, Trafka thought as he briefly glanced at the surrounding traitors and heretics, especially the Sil commander who surveyed the area. ¡®With these numbers, it will take some time. At least this time, I¡¯m not lured into a trap.¡¯


    Blinking and affixing her gaze on Trafka, the Sil commander stepped forward, ¡°For the crimes of--"


    With a heavy thud, the Nok commander suddenly fell to the ground.


    All eyes quickly gathered on the fallen commander; the silence was so loud even a gentle breeze was deafening, yet cutting through it like a blade separating the hyde from a beast was a persistent rising and falling¡­ snoring sound.


    ¡°Always with her, the Sil commander groaned as the tips of her mandibles clacked together persistently. ¡°Yukel! Wake your commander!¡±


    From among the guards stepped a man with brown and sandy-coloured fur wearing a silver helmet with a gold hexagon on it. He had a calm, almost gentle expression even as he looked at the sleeping commander, his ear twitching continuously before suddenly waking the Nok with a swift kick.


    ¡°I¡¯m up!¡± The commander dazeily yelled.


    ¡°Would you start acting your rank Noksula! The Sil commander angrily yelled. ¡°Us and Hakuna can¡¯t be alone in setting an examble for the guards! And don¡¯t think it has gone unnoticed that you make Yukel do all of your work! What would the people think if they learned what kind of commander was protecting them?!


    Noksula rolled onto her side, propped her arm under her head, and pointed at the Sil commander. ¡°First of all, it¡¯s Sula second, HA! You said ¡°Us¡± instead of ¡°I¡±!


    ¡°I wonder what the people would think if they knew a commander spoke in such a way so openly!¡±


    Suddenly, the Sil commander¡¯s mandibles snapped back, exposing her gaping mouth and quickly, her long, gross tongue made its way out.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get angry now,¡° Sula said, her scales ever so slightly growing lighter. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this and set a good example. Guards! Kill the royal for committing whatever crime he did.¡±


    ¡®Time for them to die!¡¯ Trafka thought as he watched the traitors and heretics slowly encroach on him.


    However, suddenly, there was a yell.


    ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t attack!¡± Ikkie yelled as he managed to stand up.


    The Sil commander looked at him as her tongue slid back into her mouth. She held up a pincer, and the encroaching  guards momentarily stopped, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°My name is Ikkie, and this is my mate Uccha; we were the guides tasked with keeping an eye on the royal, Ikkie explained. ¡°It is true enough the royal killed everyone here, but he did so in defence as all of them tried to kill him!¡±


    ¡°It is true,¡± Uccha added.


    ¡°Urg¡­ what a drag; now we have to get those other two that ran away and take them along with the royal before the heads of the city, Sula wined. ¡°Can¡¯t we just kill him?¡±


    The Sil commander glared at Sula as her mandibles snapped back again.


    Sighing, Sula rolled her eyes, ¡°Guards, get the two who ran off and take the royal to city hall. Restrain him in chains or something.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even dare you traitors! Trafka bellowed, slamming his shield against the ground. ¡°I will not be forced to spend another moment in this place! Either all of you step aside so we can leave, or you will witness true carnage!¡±


    ¡°Wrong order, the Sil commander muttered as she stepped forward. ¡°There¡¯s no need for violence, Son of House Krosk! If you truly only defended yourself, then you have nothing to fear; we only need you to talk to the heads of the city; we will even provide a healer for you if you do so!¡±


    Trafka glared at her with murderous intent, ¡°I won¡¯t repeat myself again! I am going to leave now with the black healer, either with or without more bloodshed!¡±


    ¡°How annoying, Sula sighed while glancing to her side. ¡°Should I order them to take him down now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not worth the guards we¡¯d lose subduing him; I certainly don¡¯t want to meet the same fate all of the dead ones did, The Sil commander replied. ¡°So if he wants to leave, let him. I can¡¯t see any reason why both guides would lie for his sake, and if he desires to leave so badly, he might resolve the issue further above with the merchant.¡±


    ¡°Oh, one could dream¡­ hopefully me soon, Sula said, getting to her feet. ¡°I assume you will handle the mess down here! Looks like a lot of work ordering people around.¡±


    ¡°Someone has to, and I know it won¡¯t be you.¡±


    ¡°Well, royal, it seems your wish will come true, and I¡¯ll accompany you out of the city,¡± Sula said as she took a step to the side.


    ¡°If you try anything, I¡¯ll kill you,¡± Trafka warned as he roughly grabbed Kenneth by the shoulder and dragged him along.

 The Plague Doctor chapter 8 (Departure)

    ¡°Do you want me to look at your wounds?¡± Kenneth asked while currently rubbing his sore shoulder.


    Trafka responded with an incomprehensible grunt, keeping his eyes forward on Sula and Yukel while his ears were turned back at her subordinates. Given what had just happened, he wasn¡¯t going to comment on anything, especially since they were walking up stairs with no railing.


    ¡°Do you enjoy staring at my tail, or should I expect the hammer in my back?¡± Sula asked, glancing back at Trafka.


    ¡°Try anything¡­ and it¡­ going in¡­. back of head,¡± Trafka angrily replied.


    ¡°Oh, how scary you are, Sula sarcastically said. ¡°Did your father or brother teach you that, or is it something you came up with on your own?¡±


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt, but you mentioned a situation above. What is it?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Sula glanced back at Kenneth, ¡°The merchant is throwing a fit, or something wasn¡¯t really paying attention to all his yelling.¡±


    ¡°Him throwing a fit, Kenneth said, making sure he didn¡¯t mishear. ¡°Why in the world would he do that.¡±


    Sula shrugged, ¡°Again, I didn¡¯t listen. He was mad about something or other, yelling at the other caravan, threatening to kill them.¡±


    ¡°What other¡­ caravan? And who¡­ exactly¡­ he threatening?¡± Trafka questioned as they arrived at the end of the steps.


    ¡°Urg¡­ Yukel, can you answer their questions? They''re giving me a headache,¡± Sula groaned.


    ¡°Certainly, commander, Yukel said, hand resting on his sword handle while his ear continued to twitch, ¡°The caravan my commander was referring to is one that does business with the city, and the merchant was threatening the Nok in charge of it.¡±


    ¡°Keep¡­ mouth shut¡­ traitor¡­ I not ask¡­ you¡­¡± Trafka growled, glaring at Yukel.


    ¡°Regardless of who, this doesn¡¯t sound good, Kenneth interjected. ¡°We should hurry before something happens.¡±


    ¡°Finally, you are interested in hurrying, and it¡¯s because that old man is throwing a fit, Trafka mockingly remarked. ¡°One of the traitors here must have stolen something when he was being taken from the rear, and the old man probably only noticed now.¡±


    As all of them were walking on the street, a White Sil with grey arms and guard attire stepped up to the Nok commander, ¡°Commander, thank the tower I found you.¡±


    ¡°Greetings and all that, Sula lazily responded. ¡°So what is it?¡±


    ¡°I came to report the first through the fourth platform has been searched, but us still haven¡¯t found the merchant son,¡± the Sil reported.


    The Nok Commander yawned while waving dismissively, ¡°Good work, but you can stop looking and report to the others we have a fix for the situation¡ª¡°


    ¡°Wait, Kolu is missing!?¡± Kenneth interjected. ¡°Why the hell are you saying to stop the search!?¡±


    ¡°Why not, Sula replied with a shrug. ¡°I mean, the royal said he was going to leave with the merchant as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°No way in hell are we leaving until we find him!¡± Kenneth protested.


    Sula looked back at them, her eyes half open as she let out a sigh, ¡°Does it really matter? Aki has so many hatchlings, I doubt most would notice one missing, and if you don¡¯t leave now, the heads of the city will hear about what happened below and order me to take the royal there, and it¡¯s just such a drag.


    ¡°If you leave now, I can avoid all of that and get back to sleep.¡±


    Kenneth was speechless, clutching his fist in disbelief and anger as he stared at Sula, who seemed completely and utterly serious.


    His anger reached a boiling point as he was about to yell; however, he was beaten to it.


    ¡°You listen here, you sorry but expected disgrace for a commander! Trafka growled, pointing his claw at her. ¡°We are not leaving that kid here, and if the heads of this city want to order me around, let them know that blood will be on their hands.¡±


    Sula rolled her eyes, ¡°What, you plan to let them touch you underneath that armour? I thought you royals were far too prudish for something so passionate. But if you insist, I won¡¯t stop you. However, the city is big, and kids are small. It will take you and the guards a long time to search every nook and cranny.¡±


    Trafka clutched his hammer while letting out a growle.


    ¡®Where would he go? Kenneth thought. ¡®For him, being here would be a dream come true since he¡¯s always been curious about Nok and Sil¡­ wait a minute.¡¯


    ¡°You there, Kenneth said to the Sil. ¡°You said you searched the platform above us, right?¡±


    The Sil looked at Kenneth for a moment and turned her gaze toward Sula, who didn¡¯t pay her any attention. At that point, she turned to Yukel, who gestured for her to respond.


    ¡°Yes, us look through every nook and cranny, but there was no sight of an Aki child in fine clothes with purple fur,¡± the Sil replied.


    ¡°What about inside homes? Did you check there?¡± Kenneth inquired.


    ¡°No,¡± the Sil answered.


    ¡°What do you think the kid got kidnapped? Trafka interjected. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t surprise me.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°No, nothing like that, but if he snuck out, and someone is hiding him. It might be some of those kids he played with, Kenneth replied. ¡°They were unmarked if that helps narrow it down.¡±


    ¡°You''re so demanding, Sula sighed as she took a seat on a nearby crate and glanced at the Sil. ¡°Well, you heard them. We won¡¯t make them leave until you and the other guards find some unmarked child, so go spread the word and come back with one once you do.


    ¡±Hopefully, one that looks enough like the merchant¡¯s son.¡±


    ¡°Yes, commander!¡± The Sil said before hurriedly scampering away to spread the word.


    ¡°You are by far the worst commander I¡¯ve ever had the displeasure of laying my eyes on,¡± Trafka commented.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Sula replied as she leaned up against a wall and began snoring.


    As the accompanying guards all began looking at one another, Yukel took a heavy breath and stepped up to his commander. ¡°Commander Sula, I feel it¡¯s important to let you know most unmarked children are on the platform above us by city hall.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it make sense to go up there and search for the child if he is mingling among the other ones?¡±


    ¡°Zzzzzzzzz¡­!¡±


    ¡°Commander, I know you are awake,¡± Yukel said with a slightly raised voice.


    ¡°Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz¡­! Urg¡­ well, you would know, Sula groaned as she got up and began walking. ¡°I¡¯ll just sleep on the next platform then.¡±


    It barely took them any time to ascend the stairs, and the moment they did, Sula walked over to something she could sit on. She¡¯d just planted her tail when suddenly.


    ¡°Commander! We found a child matching the description!¡± A yellowed-furred Aki said, holding Kulo in both of his fully outstretched arms.


    ¡°Come on! Will I never be allowed to sleep!¡± Sula complained as she stood up. ¡°Good work getting the kid now; let¡¯s get this over...¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, Trafka walked past her and got right up in the guard''s face, ¡°Don¡¯t touch him, traitor.¡±


    Noticing the blood on his armour and weapons, the guard gulped and did as he was told, placing Kolu down and stepping aside.


    ¡°Kenneth! Kenneth! Tell them I can stay!¡± Kolu yelled as he ran up to him.


    Kenneth kneeled down and picked him up, ¡°Kolu, what do you think you were doing? Do you know how worried you made your father?¡±


    He looked surprised at the response as his expression slowly faded to sadness, ¡°But Father said we won¡¯t come here again. I just want to play with my friends again.¡±


    Kenneth let out a sigh, ¡°Listen, Kolu¡ª¡°


    ¡°Lecture the kid while walking; we are leaving,¡± Trafka commanded as he once again grabbed Kenneth by his shoulder and forced him to walk.


    Everything from that point onward was rather uneventful.


    They ascended the mountain, making decent time or at least decent enough since the heads of the city either weren¡¯t made aware of what had transpired or whoever they sent to get Trafka was a long way down.


    However, when they reached the top and walked past the forest of pillars, it wasn¡¯t long before they heard hisses and growls.


    Arriving at the scene, the situation was about as tense as one would expect.


    Opposing sides standing at the ready for a battle, weapons drawn, tails twice their size, and pupil slits narrowed.


    The only thing that seemed to have stopped the situation from devolving into a bloody affair was the last commander, an Aki with a mix of silver, white and red fur, continuously trying to keep the peace while his men tried to keep the opposing forces separate.


    Yet the situation wasn¡¯t made better by the fact that the number of Solks men who were ready to fight steadily grew, and that was solely due to the white-shelled Sil healer in a robe off to the side by the remaining wounded men who surprisingly didn¡¯t seem to mind what the healer was, as they were far more focused on joining the potential fight.


    ¡°Give him back, you filthy heretic!!!¡± Solk snarled, clutching the handle of his sword.


    ¡°Merchant, there¡¯s no need for violence. I can assure you Noktrala and her workers have not kidnapped your son, Hakuna reiterated. ¡°Perhaps¡ª¡°


    ¡°Hakuna! ¡° Sula loudly said, walking up to him. ¡°The search turned up the merchant''s son, so with that settled, I¡¯ll be off. It shouldn¡¯t be any trouble for you to handle the rest?¡±


    Before he even had a chance to respond, she was long gone, at which point his eyes naturally fell on Kenneth and the wounded Trafka, which he eyed quite fiercely as he turned to Yukel, who began to explain.


    However, Kenneth heard none of their words over Solk¡¯s yelling, ¡°KOLU!¡±


    He rushed over, throwing his sword on the ground while his men watched him, practically ripping him from Kenneth''s grasp.


    ¡°Kolu, where have you been?!¡± Solk yelled, his voice filled with worry, which made Kolu far more hesitant and seemingly a bit scared to answer.


    ¡°I¡­I¡­¡± Kolu tried to say.


    With heavy footsteps, as he ripped an arrow out of his side, Trafka walked past Solk, toward the remaining wounded and the healer, ¡°Your son was with traitor and heretic children¡­¡±


    Eyes widening, Solk looked deep into Kolu¡¯s eyes as he placed him down and asked, ¡°Is that true, son¡­.?¡±


    His previous excitable self was gone as Kolu¡¯s tail limply went between his legs. ¡°Ye-yes, father.¡±


    ¡°Why!¡± Solk yelled.


    ¡°I-I never get to go near heretics, so I wanted to see them one last time before we left and could never come back, but then Rarmla said I could come back if I had the mark,¡± Kolu explained as he pulled up his sleeve, cleared away his fur, and showed Solk his forearm.


    With an expression of disbelief, Solk stared at Kolu¡¯s forearm with the clear-as-day mark of a traitor on it.


    Without uttering a word, Solk struck Kolu.


    He whimpered as tears welled up in his eyes, never uttering a word, simply lowering his head in shame.


    ¡°OKAY SOLK OUT OF LINE! Kenneth yelled. ¡°Yes, what he did was stupid and dangerous, but you never hit¡ª¡°


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare speak! Solk snapped at Kenneth. ¡°My men told me what you let happen when I was conducting business! If he chose to run to the children of traitors and heretics, it¡¯s because of what you allowed!


    ¡°Is this how you repay me after I share my worries with you, blatantly ignoring them!¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry, Kenneth said, realizing what he said was probably true. ¡°If you¡¯ll allow me, I think I can help¡ª¡°


    ¡°You¡¯ve done more than enough,¡± Solk growled as he roughly grabbed Kolu by the arm and dragged him over to the caravan, his men slowly following while most kept an eye on the large group of Nok.


    He took a deep breath and watched as Solk opened the door to his wagon and placed Kolu inside before closing it; all the while, Kenenth felt an overbearing sense of guilt.


    Not about to delay anymore, he walked over to the caravan where the men were hard at work following Solk¡¯s instructions.


    Some were over by the Qsiosija untying the rope that bound it and making it turn around before then retying the ropes. Others were moving a large number of crates and barrels from near the city¡¯s entrance to inside the rear wagon, all of which seemed to contain meat, and the rest were keeping watch for any potential attackers.


    Kenneth walked over to the supplies and picked up a crate., ¡®It¡¯ll go faster if I help.¡¯


    As he walked back and forth, he couldn¡¯t help but observe Trafka towering over the Sil healer, who looked somewhere between exhausted and terrified. He suddenly grabbed her pincer and moved it to his side while it glowed a faint white.


    She healed as much as she was able to, seemingly taking care of the worst wounds before passing out, at which point Trafka let go of her and walked away.


    It wasn¡¯t long before all preparations were complete, and the caravan began descending the mountain path.


    However, before leaving, Kenneth took one last look at the city, some part of him hoping he¡¯d see Nokstella just one final time, though no matter where he looked, he didn¡¯t spot her or Nokfeka.


    Before joining the descending caravan, Kenenth tightened his grip around his bag¡¯s handle and elevated his gaze. As the tower came into view, the sharp stabbing sensation in his chest flared like a spark that had been douched in gasoline.


    He almost fell to his knees but steadied himself against the wall. Whether it had been a dream or not, it was the worst pain he¡¯d ever experienced; however, it was preferable to the guilt he felt.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 9 (Water Break)

    Blisters¡­ a small bubble of skin filled with fluid that comes about due to friction.


    Most often, they are painful to deal with and easily pop, especially when they are on your feet, and you continue to walk.


    However, despite knowing that Kenneth preferred the pain over sitting inside a wagon. It helped to distract his mind, so he didn¡¯t focus on what happened to Kolu or those vivid images of him dying.


    Even if he wanted to stay inside one of the wagons, his choices were far from appealing.


    The front wagon had Solk and Kolu inside it, which made it a definite no.


    The middle wagon was packed to the brim with one-half of Solk¡¯s men, resting after a very long time on the road.


    And the third wagon was filled with provisions and¡­


    ¡°How long are you going to make me stand here and wait?¡± Trafka spoke with a hint of impatiens in his voice while leaning up against the doorframe and gently kicking the door open with his foot every couple of seconds.


    Kenneth continued to walk on the rough, root-littered terrain of the forest, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say anyone caught inside the wagon without permission would lose a claw, then one more for every strip of meat they ate.¡±


    ¡°Yes. The merchant wasn¡¯t exaggerating when he said he only got enough food for the trip to the nearest village, Trafka replied while gazing around at the men walking beside the caravan. ¡°But I have to keep an eye on you anyways, so just get inside.¡±


    ¡°No, walking will be fine,¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°The dangers out here might be more prevalent in the dark, but don¡¯t let that fool you into thinking you are safe, Trafka sternly said. ¡°Now get inside!¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to sing the no song? Kenneth asked. ¡°Would that get through that thick head of yours?¡±


    ¡°You must love to test my patience,¡± Trafka remarked with a hint of growing annoyance.


    ¡°No, I just don¡¯t like you,¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°Trust me, the feeling is mutual, Trafka snickered. ¡°The only thing that keeps me from letting out my anger on the next frightened animal I see is the knowledge that I spared my father your idiocy.¡±


    ¡°What, was he supposed to come get me instead?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ don¡¯t get any ideas; my father is a far too important man to have his time wasted on such a menial task as this, Trafka replied with a hint of pride. ¡°He is the royal guard commander and shield of the king, a man who stands at the pinnacle of strength.


    ¡°Had he truly come to get you instead of me, there¡¯s no doubt in my mind the caravan would have already reached the village travelling with and without the light. We would certainly not have been delayed by those Sleecies, and he would certainly not have suffered a single scratch administering the king''s justice to those traitors and heretics.¡±


    ¡°Or perhaps he would have been wise enough to run,¡± Kenneth commented.


    Trafka narrowed his cold eyes, his lib twitching slightly, baring his fangs, ¡°What did you say.¡±


    ¡°Hard of hearing now? Kenneth replied, referring to his split ear. ¡°You didn¡¯t need to fight them. You could just have avoided it mostly, if not entirely, by just fleeing.¡±


    ¡°I would never flee! Trafka growled, catching the attention of the surrounding men as they discreetly stared. ¡°I would rather die in battle than shame my house¡­! My father with such cowardice¡­!¡±


    ¡°Any good father would rather want you to live in shame than die with honor, Kenenth replied, ¡°Though I suppose those words are a testament to your love for him since you are willing to go so far.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡­ wh-what! Lo-lo-love?!¡± Trafka stammered in surprise, seemingly completely bewildered as his tail slightly grew and rose in an arc, the shape reminiscent of a rainbow.


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t you love your father?¡± Kenneth questioned as Trafka seemed to become embarrassed, while the men around them all had slight smiles and, most, a firm grip on their tails.


    ¡°I-I¡­ Lo-Arg¡­! What about your father!¡± Trafka yelled, pointing a clawed finger at him.


    Kenneth looked at him with a raised eyebrow, ¡°my old man. He can be a bit distant and sometimes uses the wrong words, but of course, I love him.¡±


    Trafka looked at Kenneth with an expression that seemed like a mix of discomfort and irritation; however, it quickly became one of confusion as the caravan suddenly stopped.


    ¡°What is happening!¡± Trafka yelled, stepping off the wagon and marching along the caravan.


    As he made it to the front, Solk stepped out of his wagon and looked at the Qsiosija, who was drinking from a stream of water.


    ¡°It grew thirsty again, Solk observed. ¡°Stay alert, Lord Krakni; this will take some time.¡±


    ¡°How long!¡± Trafka angrily questioned.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say; last time the Qsiosija stopped at a stream, Ki was at his highest in the sky, and it continued to drink until the light left us,¡± Solk answered.


    ¡°We can¡¯t wait that long! Trafka growled. ¡°Maybe I can get it moving with a swift strike.¡±


    ¡°I would not recommend it, Lord Krakni, Solk advised. ¡°Last time my men tried to move it, nothing we did made it budge in the slightest, not even having all of the slaves pulling on it at once.


    ¡°Any swift blow you may deliver would not move the creature and, in all likelihood, only wound it, and we ourselves would have to pull the wagons then.¡±


    ¡°Fine! Trafka snared in dissatisfaction, ¡°Tell the men to stay vigilant. I¡¯ll go cut down a tree.¡±


    ¡°Will do, Solk replied. ¡°Do you require an axe, Lord Krakni?¡±


    Trafka ignored the question as he walked off deep into the forest, far out of sight.


    With a calm expression that betrayed no emotion, Solk turned to make the announcement.


    The remaining men joined the rest outside, but for a moment, amidst the crowd, Kenneth and Solk locked eyes, yet his calm expression remained unchanged as he walked back inside his wagon.


    Letting out a long sigh, Kenneth walked up beside the Qsiosija and sat down. The thought of walking in circles around the wagons was tempting, but he knew he had to kill the brewing infection down by his feet.


    He took off his shoes and socks and stretched his legs until his feet were fully submerged.


    As the cooling water brought a sensation of relief to his burning feet, Kenneth stuck his hand inside the bag and pulled out some antibiotic ointment and a roll of bandages.


    He was about to pull his feet out when the thought occurred that once he did, the sensations that distracted him would mostly be gone, so for now, however long it lasted, he would just feel the slightest of ease.


    Enjoying the serenity of the truly wild nature before him.


    Kenneth¡¯s gaze wandered to the companion beside him. It was a strange creature, the Qsiosija, but it seemed to be a gentle giant.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°You must be really thirsty, Kenneth said to the Qsiosija as he reached out and petted her neck. ¡°You have been doing a mighty fine job pulling all of us.¡±


    ¡°You do seem to live dangerously,¡± a voice commented.


    Kenneth turned his head to see a man with pea-soup-green and maroon fur standing over him, ¡°How¡¯d you figure that?¡±


    The man gave a sly smile as he sat down beside him, ¡°Oh¡­ only seeing you angering and embarrassing one of the strongest men alive who is off felling a tree with a hammer, and now you are clawing at the Qsiosija¡¯s neck.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not clawing at her neck; I¡¯m petting her,¡± Kenneth corrected him.


    The man tilted his head to the side in confusion, ¡°why are you petting it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know¡­ It¡¯s a distraction and probably a way to say thanks for the hard work she does,¡± Kenneth answered him.


    The man began to snigger, ¡°Sorry there, but that animal doesn¡¯t speak our tongue, so why thank it?¡±


    Kenneth spread his toes in the water as he let out a sigh, ¡°Just because she doesn¡¯t speak the same language as me or I her, doesn¡¯t mean she can¡¯t understand my intention. I think you¡¯d be surprised by other creature''s intelligence.¡±


    ¡°Well, you got me there, the man admitted. ¡°I certainly was surprised when you just walked up to me carrying a bucket as I said ¡°stay away, you abomination¡± and you just said, ¡°I don¡¯t got time for racism.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but I don¡¯t remember that, Kenneth replied. ¡°A memory like that is just a drop in the bucket to me at this point.¡±


    The man looked back at some of the other men, one of whom silently moved their mouth while motioning for him to do something.


    ¡°Well, you certainly made an impression on me with your blackness and that word ¡°racism,¡± the man mused. ¡°I¡¯ve been wracking my head for such a long time about that word, and none of us can figure it out, so do you mind telling me what it means?¡±


    It surprises me you don¡¯t know, Kenneth said. ¡°Racism¡­ it means to judge someone beforehand, based on their race as it were.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I don¡¯t get it.¡± The man admitted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know how else to explain it, so you gotta make do with what I¡¯ve told you,¡± Kenneth sighed.


    The man looked slightly annoyed as he turned to look at his friends, giving them a shrug, ¡°Not very forthcoming, are you, black healer¡ª¡°


    ¡°Kenneth, he interrupted. ¡°My name is Kenneth; if you are going to call me anything, that would be it.¡±


    ¡°Kenneth, huh¡­ the man mused. ¡°Strange name, but my mother always said it¡¯s rude not to give your own name, so here¡¯s mine, Rafk.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°So then, do you drink from your feet?¡± Rafk abruptly asked.


    Kenneth was a bit taken aback by the question, but at this point, he was no stranger to such a thing, ¡°no, it just feels nice and helps with the pain.¡±


    ¡°By having your feet in the water, I would have guessed a healer like you would be able to take care of something like that without a problem,¡± Rafk replied.


    ¡°I do. It¡¯s called antibiotic ointment, and once I apply it, I just have to wait until they heal,¡± Kenneth answered him.


    ¡°Heal from what?! Rafk laughed. ¡°Walking too much!¡±


    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Kenneth replied, lifting his right foot out of the water and showing the blister-covered bottom.


    Rafk¡¯s laughter died down quickly as he looked at Kenneth''s foot with equal parts shock and disgust, ¡°What happened to your foot?¡±


    ¡°Walked too much,¡± Kenneth shrugged.


    ¡°Why are you walking instead of sitting in a wagon, then?! Rafk questioned. ¡°I mean, I know Lord Jukibi is rather angry at you, and I certainly wouldn¡¯t want to breathe in the stench of everyone else, but even being near Lord Krakni seems better--¡±


    ¡°AAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!!!¡±


    A beastly roar suddenly erupted from the forest, followed by the loud sounds of a tree creaking, cracking, and a thunderous BOOM!


    It wasn¡¯t long thereafter when everyone was staring in the direction from where the sound had originated, that Trafka calmly walked out from amongst the foliage, his hammer soaked in a tree¡¯s blood.


    He passed everyone, eyeing a few in particular, including Kenneth and Rafk, MENACINGLY before entering the rear wagon, the sound of his hammer hitting the wooden flooring and echoing through the silence.


    ¡°You know what, I think I see why you chose to walk instead,¡± Rafk said nervously.


    As Kenneth looked at the frozen and a bit frightened men, he noticed a pair beside Solk¡¯s wagon who looked in Rafk¡¯s direction.


    One had a mix of yellow, green, and dark grey fur, and he seemed to be moving his mouth, trying to silently communicate something. The other was missing an ear, had snow white fur, and stood leaning up beside the wagon with his arms crossed, looking for a lack of a better word bord.


    ¡°Someone you know?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°Just a couple of friends who are wondering why we are not all home drinking some floor juice at the tavern looking at the maiden''s tails,¡± Rafk answered him.


    ¡°So you are all curious about me?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Rafk glanced to his side with a knowing smile, ¡°With your flat feet, beak like a Sleecie, and how you talk to the royal, it¡¯s hard not to be. We used patches of fur to decide who would ask all of our questions, and it seems I didn¡¯t have luck on my side.¡±


    ¡°I see, Kenenth said, scratching the Qsiosija behind her ear. ¡°Call them over then. We all got time to kill, and we might as well do it somehow.¡±


    Rafk gestured for his friends to come closer, and they did so with little delay, walking up to the stream beside their friend as they were introduced. ¡°The quiet one missing an ear is Jago, and the mean-looking one is Tragna.¡±


    ¡°Mean-looking, Tragna scowled, clearly taking offence by how he was introduced. ¡°If you can not introduce me right, let me do it myself.¡±


    ¡°Hm¡­ I forgot he likes to talk a lot now and again. Too bad for us it happens to be now,¡± Rafk chuckled.


    Splashing some water on Rafk with his foot, Tragna introduced himself, ¡°Kenneth, if I overheard correctly. I am Tragna, a humble sellsword hired by the merchant Lord Jukibi to guard his wears on his travels to the outposts, and now you as we--¡±


    Suddenly, Jago pushed Tragna.


    He flailed with his arms in vain to regain balance before falling into the stream with a big splash.


    Almost immediately, he sprung from the water and turned to face Jago with a mean look, ¡°What¡¯s the big idea.¡±


    With both eyelids half open, Jago stared at Tragna for a solid ten seconds in silence before opening his mouth and responding in a deep, croaking voice, ¡°¡­What¡­?¡±


    ¡°Wernt you listning?!¡± Tragna yelled.


    ¡°¡­Never¡­¡± Jago replied.


    The response made Rafk chuckle as Kenneth suddenly found himself stifling a laugh.


    ¡°Typical, Tragna sighed as he removed his green water-soaked shirt made from animal hyde, exposing his equally wet fur and a big pink spot in the centre of his gut as he sat down. ¡°So, do I get to ask my question?¡±


    ¡°Ask away,¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°How could you heal Sil, Nok, and Aki without using magic?¡±


    Kenneth took a moment to think, ¡°Not quite sure what you mean. I just healed them to the best of my ability.¡±


    Tragna¡¯s ears perked, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I mean. You healed them so easily, even though they are nothing like us. It just makes me wonder why that was.¡±


    ¡°I hope you are not insinuating something, Kenneth replied. ¡°My tools and techniques were made primarily for my kind. It¡¯s not as though I have tools specifically tailor-made for Aki, Nok, or Sil; I simply just have some that work better for one of them than the other two.¡±


    Tragna let out a sigh as he twisted his shirt to remove some of the water, ¡°Your kind must be strange if you have tools that can work on Nok and Sil. Well, regardless, it worked in our favour back at the tower.¡±


    At the mention of the tower, Kenneth felt the stinging pain in his chest as images flashed.


    ¡°¡­Tail¡­¡±


    ¡°Come again?¡± Kenneth asked, having barely listened.


    ¡°¡­Tail¡­¡± Jago repeated, pointing to his back.


    ¡°I guess he wants to know how you lost your tail, or how you are keeping balance without one, Rafk said. ¡°It can be hard to tell sometimes.¡±


    ¡°You never pry into other¡¯s affairs, Tragna said. ¡°It¡¯s not like people come up to you on the street and ask you how you lost that ear of yours.¡±


    Jago looked at Kenneth unblinkingly and then pointed to his missing ear, ¡°¡­Nok¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, you might be disappointed with the answer, Kenneth said. ¡°It¡¯s not as if I lost my tail in battle or something like that; the simple truth is that my kind doesn¡¯t have one.¡±


    The answer left all three far from disappointed as they stared at Kenneth in shock.


    ¡°Without a tail, you¡¯d just fall all the time; seen it happen to a few Nok out here, Rafk said in disbelief. ¡°I mean, Sil don¡¯t have tails, but they do have more legs instead.¡±


    ¡°How can that be, and how can you keep balance?!¡± Tragna questioned.


    ¡°Flat feet,¡± Kenneth answered, pulling it up from the water again.


    ¡°¡­Better¡­¡± Jago said, pointing to it.


    Kenneth gave a slight chuckle, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t exactly call it better; it still has a lot of blisters on it.¡±


    ¡°No, he¡¯s right, Rafk sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll take big feet over a tail. It just gets in the way, and when fighting, it¡¯s so easy to pull you to the ground.¡±


    ¡°I see, Kenneth said as he took the opportunity to ask them a question. ¡°Do any of you happen to know what this means?¡±


    Using a nearby rock, Kenneth drew in the dirt.


    The mention of the tower had brought back those memories of him getting stabbed, but above all, that image of him wiping his blood off the spear to reveal symbols or letters was burned into his mind.


    All three looked at the mark Kenneth had drawn.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t the faintest idea,¡± Tragna said indifferently.


    ¡°We are sellswords; all we know is how to fight, Rafk said. ¡°We weren''t taught to read from birth like the Kokulika¡¯s--"


    ¡°¡­O¡¯Love of¡­¡± Jago suddenly said.


    Both Rafk and Tragna looked at him with shocked expressions, exclaiming, ¡°You can read?!¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes¡­¡± Jago responded as the Qsiosija began to move.


    It raised its head, pulling its mouth from the stream, its fur dripping with water.


    Absentmindedly, Kenneth had continued to pet it and scratch under her fur, but instead of ignoring him or seeming angry, she leaned into it, and in response, Kenneth added a bit more force, eliciting some happy-sounding groans.


    Suddenly, the Qsiosija began to shake, spraying all of them with a bit of water that clung to its fur as it began to walk again.


    ¡°Guess that was it then,¡± Kenneth said as he quickly dried his feet, applied the ointment, wrapped them in the bandages, and put back on his socks and shoes.


    But as he walked along the caravan, half of the men ran to catch up; not having noticed the Qsiosija suddenly moving, Rafk walked up beside him.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be walking with those flat feet,¡± he said.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t got much choice, not really keen on any of the caravans,¡± Kenneth responded, sighing, not that he meant to.


    ¡°¡­Up¡­¡± Jago¡¯s voice called.


    As Kenenth followed the voice, he saw Jago and Tragna sitting on top of the middle wagon.


    Rafk quickly joined them, climbing on top with ease using his claws.


    ¡®Eh¡­ talking when them is better than the pain,¡¯ Kenneth thought as he joined them, climbing on top with some difficulty and taking a seat by the corner.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 10 (Travel Song)

    ¡®What a sunny day,¡¯ Kenneth thought, looking up and spotting the bright, warm glimpses past the branches and foliage of the surrounding forest.


    The journey felt exceedingly drawn out as they had travelled for a good long while now and seemed no closer to even reaching only their first stop toward the capital.


    Even the hardened veterans who must have made even longer trips all shared the same expression of boredom, one that was momentarily lifted when a wild animal now and again came into sight.


    From where he sat, it almost felt like watching a nature documentary as one of the men would go prowling,  becoming silent, some alerting the other of the animals present, and others simply veering off from the caravan alone as they momentarily began to stalk the beasts.


    Almost every single one looked alien to Kenneth, yet even so, he could spot telltale traits belonging to either a herbivore or carnivore as he often thought to himself while watching, ¡®Will you get it this time.¡¯


    Most times, the answer would be the same: no.


    Before they could get within range, the animal would be spooked and run off with speed most Aki couldn¡¯t match, and those that did chase the animal would return looking frustrated and disappointed, a sentiment shared by most who¡¯d watched.


    However, it didn¡¯t seem like it was about the meal; while the provisions from ¡°Tower¡¯s Shade¡± were far from the quality of Hali¡¯s cooking, it was decent in truth; it seemed it was only about¡­


    ¡°¡­Bored¡­¡± Jago said, sitting at the edge while scratching at the wood with his claw.


    Tragna looked his way, his eyes lingering on Jago¡¯s finger as he suddenly pushed him off, drawing a few chuckles from the men.


    He let out a sigh of annoyance, ¡°Don¡¯t damage the merchant''s things; it¡¯s just going to come out of our coins.¡±


    ¡°Yes, such a shame you can only buy one fewer mug of floor juice,¡± Rafk boredly mused as Jago climbed back up.


    Tragna looked offended as he defended, ¡°I don¡¯t just drink my coins away!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I forgot no high-priced whores for you either, only the common filth like the rest of us,¡± Rafk replied with a sly smile.


    ¡°I do not only spend my coins on drinking and whoring,¡± Tragna scoffed.


    Rafk raised a slightly bored eyebrow, ¡°Then what do you spend your coins on? You¡¯re always broke.¡±


    ¡°None of your bu--¡±


    ¡°¡­Heka¡­¡± Jago interrupted, lying down on his side with his arm propped up under his head.


    ¡°Erg¡­¡± Tragna froze in surprise.


    Growing intrigued ever so slightly, Rafk prodded for information, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were devout, to Heka no less. Now, why would you be using your hard-earned coins there?¡±


    As Tragna¡¯s ear began to twitch, he replied, ¡°Yu-you know, that church in ¡°Underfoot¡± can always use more coins.¡±


    ¡°Really? The church in ¡°Underfoot¡± run by the ¡°Earthchild¡± is where you waste your coins,¡± Rafk said with a tone of suspicion as few ears turned in their direction.


    Tragna met Rafk¡¯s eyes, ¡°I simply prefer to be hornes--¡±


    ¡°¡­Woman¡­¡± Jago once again interutppted.


    Scowling, Tragna quickly turned to Jago, ¡°Have you been following and spying on me!¡±


    Jago picked a piece of meat from between his teeth and then ate it, ¡°¡­Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ a woman, Rafk mused with rising intrigue. ¡°You haven¡¯t shared that you can have a good time at the churches instead of the brothels.¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth! Tragna snapped, his voice filled with emotion, ¡°It is nothing like that; I haven¡¯t done anything with her.¡±


    ¡°You mean to say you give your coins as a donation to the church of Heka only so you can see a nun, Rafk said with a laugh. ¡°If so, she might be the cleverest and most high-priced whore in the capital!¡±


    Suddenly, Tragna struck Rafk in his face with a balled fist, almost knocking him off the wagon as his nose began to bleed.


    ¡°ARG¡­ Somehow, I can tell I went too far and made you angry, Rafk admitted while holding his nose. ¡°Damn¡­ that stings. Guess I¡¯m paying for floor juice when we come back.¡±


    ¡°Sounds about fair, Tragna replied, ¡°Certainly don¡¯t want you to spend time with any high-priced whores.¡±


    ¡°¡­Ha¡­¡± Jago added.


    ¡°Want me to take a look?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Rafk scooted across the wagon over to Kenneth, leaving a trail of blood


    ¡°So, was that a normal conversation between you three?¡± Kenneth asked while inspecting the damage.


    ¡°Not normal, but not rare either. Rafk replied. ¡°On these journeys, when you aren¡¯t fighting the wild beasts or heretics, boredom sets in. It helps to tell stories about former battles, times at the brothels and such, but with the abruptness of this trip, even though it¡¯s shorter, none of us have had time to do anything worth sharing.¡±


    ¡°But it''s a lot more coins for us,¡± Tragna added.


    ¡°It can make a man desperate and make you pry when you know you shouldn¡¯t. Rafk said,  ¡°And as you can see, it doesn¡¯t always take a turn for the better.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s putting it lightly, Kenneth said, sticking his hand down his bag and pulling out a small bandage, which he ripped in two and rolled, then shoved them up Rafk¡¯s nostrils t. ¡°Well, at least you seem to be decent friends; your nose isn¡¯t broken, and the bleeding will eventually subside.¡±


    ¡°Shame the other healer died, Rafk sighed, his voice growing higher. ¡°It''s so annoying to wait.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t pry into others'' affairs, and you could have avoided it,¡± Tragna said.


    Rafk turned to Tragna, ¡°Don¡¯t pout. I already said I would buy the floor juice when we get back.¡±


    ¡°I am going to hold you to it,¡± Rafk replied.


    After those little dramatics, everything more or less returned to the boring normality.


    ¡°¡­bard..¡± Jago sighed.


    ¡°You said it,¡± Tragna agreed.


    Rafk peered out into the forest, ¡° Never thought I would miss that loud, cowardly fool.¡±


    ¡°You mean Apsi?¡± Kenneth asked.


    All three glanced his way, Rafk being the first to respond, ¡°That was his name, wasn¡¯t it.¡±


    ¡°Now that I think about it, I don¡¯t understand why he was travelling with this caravan; it seems like a pretty bad idea if you ask me, Kenneth said. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s some kind of hidden master swordsman who only plays music on the side.¡±


    ¡°Him a master swordsman!¡± Tragna, along with the two others, laughed.


    ¡°Do you all remember how scared he looked when he went off to take a piss and then came running back nude, being chased by a Howolo!¡± Rafk laughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m assuming you sellswords took care of that big scary, Howolo,¡± Kenneth interjected.


    With a smile across his face and while his tail wagged from side to side, Jago held up two of his fingers and brought them close together, ¡°¡­small...¡±


    ¡°Which one? The Howolo or his spear!¡± Tragna laughed.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kenneth listened to them and saw it wasn¡¯t just those three who thought bemusedly about the memory, ¡°So he¡¯s a clown you can all laugh at instead of being bored.¡±


    As their laughter died down, Rafk, with a slight giggle, responded, ¡°Don¡¯t dismiss him as something so simple; he may be loud, cowardly, and a fool, but the man can hold a tune and remembers more songs than anyone here.


    ¡°All I can remember are parts to ¡°The Maiden¡¯s Soft Fur, March To The Flatlands, and The Chosen Champion.¡±


    ¡°Urg¡­! I haven''t thought of that song in a long while. Why did you have to remind me?¡± Tragna complained.


    ¡°Still mad at ¡°The Bloody Blade¡± I see,¡± Rafk sighed.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t know why you aren¡¯t! Tragna exclaimed. ¡°That disgrace fought so hard in the arena, but once it was time for him to claim the title of ¡°Champion,¡± he vanished. If I ever lay my eyes on him, I¡¯m going to cut him down myself.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s how you become a ¡°Champion.¡± You fight for it?¡± Kenneth questioned.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit more than that, Rafk clarified. ¡°If you dream of becoming a ¡°Champion,¡± you have to face the most gruelling and dangerous challenges in the arena where you¡¯ll be pushed to your utter limit and either die or survive to become the next ¡°Champion.¡±


    ¡°And mean face over there used to cheer the loudest for ¡°The Bloody Blade.¡± Even louder than a lot of the women.¡±


    Growling, Tragna held up his clenched fist.


    ¡°¡­Sing¡­¡± Jago suddenly interjected.


    Laughing a bit nervously and gauging if he was going to be hit ot not, Rafk said, ¡°Anything to pass the time.¡±


    ¡°Maiden¡¯s fur, soft and tender, in her sweet embrace, stroke her tail...¡±


    ¡°Feel the anger rising, march toward the faded field of battle. Protect our home and claim your vengeance for the blood that¡¯s spilt.¡±


    As he finished, Jago snorted in laughter, and Tragna seemed to forget his anger as he joined in. Even Kenneth found it hard to contain a chuckle after having heard Rafk sing in his high-pitched voice.


    ¡°If any one of you can do it, better be my guest,¡± Rafk said in an annoyed, high-pitched tone of voice, which only made everyone laugh even harder.


    But as it was going on, Jago leaned down and knocked on the door to the wagon.


    The one who answered looked around for a bit with a bored expression, one that somewhat slightly changed to confusion as he saw a fair few with slight smiles before noticing Jago.


    ¡°¡­Uba¡­¡± he said.


    Uba looked up, squinting his eyes to shield them from the light, ¡°what do you want, Jago?¡±


    ¡°¡­Music¡­¡± he answered.


    Uba just looked up at Jago in annoyance, ¡°I¡¯m not singing for you or whatever you want.¡±


    Jago rolled his eyes and pointed inside the wagon, ¡°¡­box¡­¡±


    ¡°Eh¡­ Uba sounded, rubbing his eyes and speaking to the ones inside the wagon. ¡°Is anyone sitting on a box? Jago wants one.¡±


    There was a bit of shuffling as something passed between everyone until it reached Uba. ¡°This was what you wanted. Well, good riddance now there is more space for the rest of us.¡±


    Jago reached down and snatched the small box with two of his claws, holding it by the string. He sat cross-legged with the box in his lab while tucking at one of the iron strings, producing a single note that echoed from inside the hollow box.


    Kenneth recognised it as one of the instruments Apsi had been carrying when setting up for the party.


    With slow movements that seemed methodical, Jago played; however, the actual music produced was disjointed and lacking in any kind of rhythm, ¡°¡­Maiden¡­¡±


    ¡°No, I ain¡¯t listening to that until the light leaves us!¡± Tragna said quickly, snatching the instrument from Jago.


    Rafk looked at Tragna with a half-raised eyebrow, ¡°Is it your turn now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, play!¡± One of the men called out.


    ¡°Sing ¡°Tavern Light.¡±


    ¡°No! Sing ¡°Fall Of The Father!¡±


    The number of voices grew, and Tragna just sat there looking annoyed and regretful, wishing he¡¯d never taken the instrument; however, the moment someone requested ¡°The Union Of Gods,¡± he just threw it up in the air.


    It travelled in an arc right over Kenneth¡¯s head, who quickly caught it.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be so careless with others things,¡± Kenneth said.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about that thing,¡± Tragna replied.


    ¡°Are you going to try your hand at it?¡± Rafk asked.


    Kenneth paused for a moment and placed his bag beside him as he pulled on one of the strings. It felt a bit lax but not too loose.


    ¡®What would I even play? He wondered while plucking at the strings. ¡®They weren¡¯t really big on singing back at the outpost, and I doubt ¡°Hallelujah¡± will really lift their spirits.¡¯


    Suddenly, he hit a familiar note and, almost by reflex, tugged a few more strings, producing a disjointed and complete mess of a melody. However, the muscle memory itself resonated with him, of a rhythm and song he hadn¡¯t heard since his¡­ since his childhood.


    Slowly, Kenneth began playing the instrument, testing each string to see which note they produced. At first, he was very hesitant and found the design confusing and impractical, and add on to the fact that he hadn¡¯t even touched a real guitar for well over a decade¡­


    But now that he remembered that song, he wasn¡¯t going to forget it so easily again.


    Even with his very rusty skills and the confusing and impractical instrument, Kenneth played the melody in his mind or at least as close to it as possible while meekly singing.


    ¡°Come on, come on, come one and all, it¡¯s time to answer adventures call.


    Travel to the ends of the world, and you¡¯ll find a mountain shining with gold inside, but beware of a terrible beast that sleeps on top of the glistening heap.


    Keep your head high, don¡¯t lose your nerve, and the golden haul will truly be earned.


    The journey begins with a step outside, so don¡¯t just lie in your bed and hide.


    Wandering the forest is calming indeed, but be careful of the lurking beasts.


    Dire Wolf pack has surrounded you now, but don¡¯t just cower and hide; you must¡­


    Fight, fight, show your might, drive your blade deep inside.


    Fight, fight, show your might, drive your blade deep inside.


    Killing the leader, you show them you¡¯re not weaker as the others grow meeker.


    Arriving at the mountainous reach, scaling the rocks is no easy feat.


    The path you must travel is narrow and small, but you squeeze through it with no problem at all.


    Bellowing roars can be heard from afar, and come closer, you see what they are.


    A Cyclops mighty and tall with a person in its thrall.


    Taking your chance, you get up close to its giant feet and¡­


    Fight, fight, show your might, drive your blade deep inside.¡±


    As he reached the chorus, Kenneth began to notice it wasn¡¯t just him singing; the others were singing as well.


    ¡°Fight, fight, show your might, drive your blade deep inside.


    Bellowing in pain, the cyclops let go, and the guy falls to the ground below, agreeing this beast is not worth the strife; both of you hightail it away from that fight.


    A treacherous journey this has proven to be, but a glimpse of the shining gold renews your energy.


    On top, standing strong, a dragon, the mightiest beast of all.


    It opens its maw and blasts fire straight from its core¡­


    Fight, fight, don¡¯t be dead, raise your shield, fight through its breath, trust your friend, trust your might, never give up the fight.


    The moment the chance arises, your friend attacks from the side and takes the dragon¡¯s eye.


    Bellowing, the beast raises its head as your companion clings on to avoid death, but with the beast¡¯s throat exposed, you¡­


    Fight, fight, show your might, drive your blade deep inside.


    Fight, fight, show your might, drive your blade deep inside.


    Fight, fight, show your might, drive your blade deep inside, kill it with just one strike and claim your prize.¡±


    Through it all, Kenneth hadn¡¯t noticed the men resting inside the wagon had come out, and even as the song was finished, he could still hear a lot singing the chorus over and over again.


    ¡°Is there room for one more?¡± Solk asked as he climbed on top of the wagon.


    Tragna and Rafk quickly made themselves scarce and jumped off.


    Jago, on the other hand, just looked at Solk, keeping eye contact as he rolled off the wagon and landed on the ground with an ¡°¡­aww¡­¡±


    ¡°You never said you were a bard,¡± Solk said.


    Kenneth didn''t answer him; instead, he remained silent, letting the guilt and shame wash over him.


    ¡°Grown mute, I see, Solk said. ¡°All of my men know to answer me when I speak, but you have never been one to do so nor follow orders.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kenneth meekly said.


    Solk looked at Kenneth for a moment before turning his sight forward on the road ahead, ¡°I know what you are apologizing for, but that wasn¡¯t what I was referring to. It was when we first met, and you defied Commander Ulric¡¯s orders.¡±


    Kenneth lifted his head in slight confusion.


    ¡°Do not misunderstand; my anger has not subsided in the slightest, and I will never forget what your actions led to¡­ but nor can I ever forget what you did for me and my son. You saved him when I thought his end was certain.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kenneth replied, uncertain of how to respond.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be that glum, Solk said. ¡°Why don¡¯t you sing that song again? How did it go? Fight, Fight, draw your might from deep inside¡­¡±


    Kenneth looked down at the instrument in his lap for a second before placing it off to the side, ¡°I need to ask you something. How bad is Kolu¡¯s wound? I never got a chance to check.¡±


    ¡°It stopped bleeding long ago, but that''s no reason to celebrate, Solk sighed. ¡°His fur is thick enough it can¡¯t be seen, but if it remains even after I get him to a healer, his life at the capital if it¡¯s ever discovered¡­ I honestly don¡¯t want to even think about it.¡±


    ¡°I am truly sorry, Kenneth once again apologized. ¡°If I had known¡­ if I had listened to you...¡±


    ¡°The past is a treacherous thing; no matter how much you wish it, you can¡¯t change what has happened no matter how much you regret doing or not doing something,¡± Solk shared.


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Kenneth sighed.


    ¡°But if you wish to lessen the clear turmoil within you, then I¡¯ll allow you to rectify your mistake,¡± Solk offered.


    Feeling an inkling of relief, Kenneth turned to Solk, ¡°Do you mean it?¡±


    ¡°The fewer who know of this, the better. I certainly don¡¯t need rumours spreading from the mouths of healers, Solk explained as he looked at Kenneth with a serious expression across his face. ¡°While there are many things I can not trust you with any more, I¡¯m certain my son¡¯s health is one of them.¡±


    ¡°I promise to do anything in my power to help,¡± Kenneth said.


    Solks posture relaxed slightly, ¡°of that, I have no doubt.¡±


    ¡°¡­under¡­!¡± A voice suddenly called out, reaching Kenneth¡¯s and Solk¡¯s ears over the singing.


    Both calmly turned to see Jago pointing to the rear wagon.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± Solk asked.


    ¡°¡­under¡­¡± Jago said again


    Solk¡¯s expression grew more complex as he tried to decipher Jago''s meaning, ¡°If you¡¯ve discovered damage to the underside of the wagon, let Voluka know.¡±


    Jago kept pointing, ¡°¡­under¡­¡±


    Solk let out a sigh and turned to Rafk and Tragna, as his expression grew ever so slightly annoyed, ¡°Your friend is saying ¡°under¡± and pointing to the rear wagon. Mind telling me what he¡¯s trying to say.¡±


    Tragna went in between the gap of the front and middle wagon, emerging on the other side. He looked to where he was pointing and kneeled down, exclaiming, ¡°What in the--¡°


    ¡°What?! Is the damage so severe?¡± Solk questioned, climbing down to see for himself.


    However, just as his feet touched the ground, Tragna responded, ¡°No, it¡¯s not damaged, it would seem we have¡ª¡°


    Suddenly, an arrow came out of nowhere, piercing his shoulder and affixing him to the wagon.


    The singing abruptly stopped as Solk quickly hollered, lightning-quick reflexes, ¡°HERETICS!!!¡±


    Before the last syllable had even left Solk¡¯s mouth, Kenneth had already grabbed his bag and jumped off the wagon. He quickly rushed over to Tragna, catching an arrow in his throat, a lethal blow meant for him.


    Kenneth grabbed his neck and stumbled to the ground, trying to catch his breath, but out of the corner of his eye, he quickly noticed a figure. His eyes snapped to it and suddenly widened in shock as he coughed, ¡°No-Nokstella.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 11 (Sneak Attack)

    The battle truly began, not when the first arrow had been fired but when a horde of Nok suddenly emerged from amidst trees, hissing and roaring while unseen archers continued to fire their arrows.


    The shock and confusion a surprise attack should have brought about was nowhere to be found as Solk¡¯s men were quick to engage the enemy.


    First blood may have been drawn by Nok, but it was the Aki who drew second and third, quickly sprinting into battle and dodging heavy blows before delivering some of their own. It was clear from the way Solk¡¯s men reacted that they were experienced fighters.


    However, the chaos around him was little more than static as Kenneth was frozen in place, staring at Nokstella, who was hanging upside down, clinging to the underside of the wagon.


    ¡°Look out, Kenneth!¡± Tragna suddenly yelled, quickly gripping the arrow''s shaft and dislodging it along with his shoulder from the wagon.


    Kenneth snapped out of his trance and snapped his head to the side, seeing a hulking Nok with heavy footsteps and a club in hand charging at him.


    Even with an arrow shot through him, Tragna rushed to Kenenth¡¯s defence with a sword in hand and aimed for the Nok¡¯s neck.


    The Nok blocked the strike with its arm, Tragna¡¯s sword embedding itself in its bone. It clearly winched in pain as its scales abruptly grew lighter, yet it didn¡¯t slow down as it, with its massive arm, knocked Tragna to the side and continued toward Kenneth, raising its club.


    Reacting quickly, Kenneth jumped to his feet in a crouched position as the Nok swung down with its club, but at the last second, he leapt toward it, hitting it shoulder first right in its solar plexus and knocking the air from its lung as it staggered back.


    Feeling as though he¡¯d just slammed into a wall, Kenneth fumbled to stay standing as the Nok, even though it was clear it hadn''t recovered, glared at Kenneth.


    He took a hesitant step back as it lumbered toward him.


    Suddenly, the door to the rear wagon flew open, and Trafka leapt out with his hammer raised high in the air and brought it down on the Nok¡¯s head, making it fold in on itself like a turtle retracting into its own shell.


    Standing over his slain foe, Trafka surveyed the chaos for just a glimpse, suddenly lifting his shield just in the nick of time, the edge of it meeting an incoming arrow, the ensuing clash making it ricochet to the side, hitting the wagon.


    ¡°Get inside!¡± He loudly said, not even glancing at Kenneth.


    However, as he looked at him, Kenneth could see his tail had grown twice its size, his ears had become perked, and his eyes were wide, looking like he was feeling shocked for a short moment before they narrowed in frustration.


    He didn¡¯t even have time to react before he ran off to fight, but once he did, Kenneth took notice of Tragna, who was in the middle of pulling out his sword from the dead Nok.


    ¡°He-hey, wait! Let me treat your injury!¡± Kenneth called out.


    However, his voice was drowned out by the clashing of metal, war cries, and agonizing screams. Unaware of Kenneth¡¯s words or perhaps ignoring them, Tragna ran out onto the battlefield.


    Feeling his body tense up, Kenneth saw as blood was spilt and lives were ended in an instant.


    When the outpost had been attacked, Kenenth had been spared all these sights that Ulric, Nya and everyone else had had to endure, and when Trafka had fought those guys at ¡°Tower Shade¡±, he found a place to hide with Ikkie and Uccha.


    He wasn¡¯t about to throw up or anything, but all of it was just overwhelming.


    Kenneth wanted nothing more than to just run out and help the wounded, but last time he¡¯d rushed out with reckless abandon, he was almost mauled and ended up saving no one, and now it was even worse.


    Slowly, he stepped back, but as his heel tapped against the wagon wheel, Kenenth suddenly remembered, ¡®Nokstella!¡¯


    In an instant, he dropped to the ground and crawled under the wagon.


    ¡°Nokstella! How¡­ Why aren¡¯t you with Nokfeka?!¡± Kenneth exclaimed, his voice brimming with emotion.


    Nokstella didn¡¯t answer as her body quivered and tears formed in the corners of her eyes.


    ¡°Okay, this can wait, Kenenth quickly said. ¡°Just let go and we can get inside and wait this out.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­¡± Nokstella meekly whispered, sounding exhausted and frightened.


    ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t? Kenneth questioned as he reached up and pushed his hand against her back. ¡°Listen, I won¡¯t let you fall; just let go.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ it hurt¡­ fingers won¡¯t stop holding Papa,¡± she said.


    ¡®What the¡­?! Why did she call me that?! Keneth wondered as something suddenly hit the wagon with a loud bang, making it shake. ¡®Shit, can¡¯t think of it now! Okay, what does she mean? Is it something like muscle spasticity? Or something else?¡¯


    He looked from underneath as a pair of snow-white feet belonging to Jago hit the ground and crumbled in an instant as he fell on his hands and knees, ¡°¡­Aww¡­¡±


    Despite his injury, he went up and back to join Tragna and Rafk, who were facing off against a hulking and slender Nok, one with a pair of axes and another using what looked like rope or a whip with an iron nugget or something similar at the end.


    Kenneth was far from a fighter, but from what he gleamed, the way the Nok fought even to him was strange. They were so reckless, so self-sabotaging. Practically none of them defended themselves other than from instantly lethal blows, gladly striking even if a sword ended up in their abdomen.


    ¡®What the hell is wrong with them?! Kenneth couldn¡¯t help but scream in his head. ¡®Don¡¯t they care about their lives? Do they have some amazing healer, or with their large numbers, do they--¡¯


    Suddenly, an arrow that rained from above nicked the edge of the wagon and landed on the ground in front of Kenneth, snapping him out of his thoughts.


    ¡®Dammit, I have to get her inside!¡¯ he thought as he rolled onto his back, the narrow space barely allowing him as his shoulder scraped against the underside of the wagon until he flipped over.


    ¡°Okay, Nokstella, this might hurt a little, but I need you to be brave,¡± Kenneth said in as reassuring a tone of voice as he could, doing his best to hide how stressed he was while reaching up to her hands.


    He began to try and pry them open using all of his strength, but it proved to be tough as he only made slow progress, and Nokstlla¡¯s pained whimpers certainly didn¡¯t help.


    ¡°I know it hurts. Just a little more, and I¡¯ll make it better,¡± Kenneth said reassuringly while her tears began to drip onto his coat.


    He continued, using his strength until finally, her fingers were wide enough apart that she fell down.


    Landing on Kenneth¡¯s chest, she immediately clung to him while snorting, shivering, and crying, ¡°Scared.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay! It¡¯s okay! I got you! Just stay silent a little longer, and we can get inside the wagon; then I¡¯ll make the pain go away,¡± he reassured her.


    Heart palpitating, Kenneth carefully flipped back onto the other side, using his hand and knees to lift his stomach off the ground slightly while the other held Nokstella.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    He looked around to see if he was in the clear, but as the battle raged on, more and more of Solk¡¯s men fell in battle.


    The strangest part of it all was what happened after that.


    The Nok, for one reason or another, would just grab the bodies and then attempt to run back into the woods. A fair few times, they were unsuccessful, getting cut down by one or another, but with the overwhelming numbers, it was inevitable that a lot of them would succeed.


    ¡®What the hell are these guys doing,¡¯ Kenneth questioned while his mind raced with the grim possibilities.


    He quickly shook his head. Now wasn¡¯t the time.


    With a careful eye, he viewed his surroundings, and from what little he was able to make out, the battle had grown more intense as Solk¡¯s men seemed to have been pushed back toward the wagons.


    ¡®Dammit, the moment I crawl out from underneath here, I¡¯m going to get kicked in the head or trampled over, Kenneth thought, feeling his body tense up. ¡®I¡¯m safe for now, but it¡¯s only a matter of time before someone notices me down here and from this position, I¡¯m completely defenceless.


    ¡®I have no other choice. We need to get to Solk¡¯s wagon.¡¯


    Despite the raging battle and the everchanging positions of the warriors, the area up by the Qsiosija for now at least remained the least crowded.


    With slow movements encumbered by holding Nokstella with one arm and his bag in the other, Kenneth crawled forward underneath the wagons and past the exposed sections where the wagons were fastened together.


    As he reached the underside of Solk¡¯s wagon, a loud bang suddenly rang out, and the wagon shook.


    Nokstella did her best to keep quiet, but even so, a squeaking scream managed to escape from her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay, just a little more, and we¡¯re there,¡± Kenneth whispered to her while reflexively tightening his grip.


    Looking around to make sure he was in the clear, Kenneth could mostly only see pairs of feet, and in that time when he had made his way from the rear to the front wagon, the battle must have taken a turn for the worse.


    Now, he mostly only saw the scaly legs of Nok, but between them, he¡¯d catch a glimpse of fur and gold.


    Regardless of Kenneth¡¯s feelings toward Trafka, that display of strength back in ¡°Tower¡¯s Shade¡± was as grotesque as it was reassuring at this moment. It was hard for him not to think everything was going to be okay with him on their side.


    He got an opportunity to see for himself as Tragna, who¡¯d had his legs tied together, was being dragged away by a Nok.


    Suddenly, Rafk came to his rescue, cutting the rope as well as the Nok, while Jago lifted Tragna by the shoulder and dragged him away to a better position, giving Kenneth a clear view of Trafka.


    His gold armour was covered in raindrops of blood as he darted around, spending more time avoiding blows than delivering his own.


    With the overwhelming number of Nok and dwindling number of Aki, it only became a matter of time before more and more were able to turn their attention on Trafka, and given how they¡¯d been fighting so far, it didn¡¯t surprise Kenneth when multiple Nok just rushed him at the same time.


    However, Trafka wasn¡¯t going to be taken down so easily.


    With insane precision and speed, Trafka would make snap decisions and, using his strength would deliver lethal and crippling blows to Nok¡¯s skulls, ribcages, and spines, downing them in the blink of an eye before the next charged him.


    From the way things were going, it seemed like Trafka would almost singlehandedly win the battle, but as he downed a couple more and stomped over the bodies, one of them suddenly sprang to life.


    It reached up, grabbing the tip of his tail.


    The suddenness of it all made him stumble before he could rip his tail free a moment later; however, that moment was all that was needed as another Nok, already in mid-attack, swung a rope in the wide arc, hitting Trafka in the neck with it.


    Before he could react, it coiled around his neck like a snake, the iron nugget clanging against his helmet as it came to a stop.


    With a mighty heave-ho, the rope was pulled on. Trafka struggled with what seemed like every fibre of his being, but as other Nok began to rush in, he quickly spun around and rushed toward the one pulling on the rope.


    Closing the distance, he prematurely swung his hammer to strike as early as possible, but at the last second, a Nok leapt toward him. He swung with colossal force, knocking the flying Nok aside like swatting a fly.


    Readying another strike, Trafka was visibly caught by surprise when the Nok he¡¯d swatted away reached out at the last second, wrapping its arm around his midsection and dragging him to the ground.


    Trafka only had a moment as the ones charging at him from behind caught up and quickly piled on top of him until he was completely obscured from sight.


    Watching, Kenenth felt his gut sink as he broke out into a cold, nervous sweat, more so than before.


    He began crawling out from underneath the wagon, thinking, ¡®I need to tell Solk--¡¯


    However, his thoughts were derailed by a sudden loud bang and the sound of wood shattering, followed by a high-pitched yip and snarling from above.


    Snapping his head around so quickly, he wondered if he might accidentally snap it. Kenneth saw a pair of scaly purple legs and quickly crawled back to the centre of the wagon.


    Helplessly, he watched as Solk was thrown out of the wagon, and the one standing outside got on top of him and bound him using ropes.


    Finding it hard to control his breath, Kenneth feared the worst for Kolu.


    He looked around, seeing there were only a few near the Qsiosija, ¡®if I rush out while their backs are turned, I could blindside them and escape with Solk and Kolu.¡¯


    Tensing, he waited for the right time when Kolu¡¯s short legs suddenly appeared in front of his eyes.


    He suddenly ran along the wagon in the direction of the Qsiosija, but the moment Nokstella saw him, she loudly called for him, ¡°Kolu!¡±


    He froze in his step as Kenenth, using the arm he was holding her with, clamped her snout shut while quickly reaching for Kolu with his other, catching him by the tip of his tail.


    However, at the exact same moment, he yanked to get him underneath, a scaly, brawny hand suddenly caught Kolu by the arm and pulled him up, leaving Kenneth frozen in shock with only a small patch of white fur in his hand.


    ¡°Got another one?¡± The Nok restraining Solk asked.


    A pair of red legs suddenly jumped off the wagon and landed on the ground, ¡°A little one, but did you hear that?¡±


    ¡°Hear what?¡±


    ¡°A word, not like how the heretic¡¯s snarl and yip, but one I could swear I understood,¡± the one holding Kolu said.


    ¡°Maybe you misheard a scream from the battle, or you are not thinking clearly now, or it was the little one screaming,¡± the one on top of Solk replied.


    ¡°No, I heard it inside. I think it came from under.¡±


    ¡°Shit, Shit, Shit, Kenneth quickly whispered as he turned his head to Nokstella. ¡°Listen, you have to stay quiet no matter what, and don¡¯t let them see you.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t even given a moment to respond as he threw Nokstella forward between the Qsiosija¡¯s legs.


    ¡°What the?!¡± The Nok exclaimed in surprise as their and Kenneth¡¯s eyes met.


    However, it only lasted a second as the Nok quickly reached under and grabbed Kenneth¡¯s arm, dragging him out from underneath the wagon.


    He didn¡¯t fight it at first; only when he was far enough out from under the wagon to stand up did he uppercut the Nok, making it stumble but not lessen its grip on his arm.


    Aiming for the throat next, he was about to strike, but the other Nok quickly charged him and struck him in the back of the head.


    Staggering from the pain, Kenneth¡¯s legs fell from underneath him as he found it hard to control his body the way he wanted it, ¡®Dammit, not now¡­! I have to stay standing¡­!¡¯


    The other Nok holding his arm quickly struck him in the gut with such force he fully crumbled to the ground, and while he was down, they quickly restrained his arms to his sides as they tied a rope around him .


    When he could no longer move his arm, one of them grabbed Solk and Kolu and dragged them away.


    It was only a moment later; the other one did the same with Kenneth, dragging him deeper into the woods, holding his legs under their arm and his bag with the other.


    Straning his neck, he looked back at the caravan. The fight was still going on, but at this point, there were only a few of Solk¡¯s men left with no way to escape, destined to meet the same fate as the rest.


    He wasn¡¯t sure how worried he should be for Nokstella; She was a Nok, so there was a decent chance if they managed to find her, they wouldn¡¯t hurt her and only assume she was a slave or a lost child.


    Yet, as the caravan disappeared out of sight, Kenneth¡¯s mind fully returned to the situation he was currently in. Wiggling, he tried to see if he could reach his knife and discreetly cut his bindings, but with his arms so tightly tied, it proved to be near impossible.


    Staring at the back of his captor, he wondered if he could speak to them and convince them to let him go.


    Though he doubted diplomacy would work even before he uppercutted the one dragging him. For now, he had to wait and see.


    After some time of getting dragged deeper into the forest on the cold ground, his head hitting a few tree roots on the way, they eventually made it to what looked like a small camp.


    By the centre were a large crowd of Nok who parted the way as his captors dragged Kenneth by them.


    He stared up at them, not a single one even noticing him.


    All of them were too focused on what was ahead. Most were smiling and looking excited, but Kenenth felt a sensation of dread in his gut just by looking at them. Most were still wounded and bleeding, some worse than others, but none of them seemed to care.


    It was just wrong, their eyes more so than anything else.


    Straining his neck, he followed their eyes and saw a small lit fireplace with Solk and men from the caravan tied up in a line and kneeling in front of it.


    Kenneth was dragged to the edge of the line and forced to kneel.


    He glanced to the side, and he could see Solk, Kolu, Trafka, Jago and a lot of others he couldn¡¯t quite make out from his position.


    Mostly, everyone was restrained just like him except Trafka, who was tied with multiple ropes held by people in the crowd as he violently thrashed in his restraints, yelling, snarling and growling even as the ropes around his neck were harshly pulled on.


    Kenneth wanted to take a better look, but the figures on the other side of the fire had his full attention.


    One of them was slender with light brown scales, dressed in leather attire and a few red and brown furs, and had a calm expression despite a sword running clean through their abdomen.


    The other was massive and muscular even as they sat hunched over on a tree stump, staring into the flames with a long, pointed spear leaning up against their form.


    They were dressed in a tunic and mostly loose leather attire, but what was most eye-catching of all was a black-furred cloak with a hood that had a beast''s head.


    The seeming leader slowly raised their eyes up from the fire as if to acknowledge their presence and spoke in a calm, almost quiet, yet very deep voice, ¡°Let the games begin.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 12 (Winner, Winner, Aki For Dinner)

    The surrounding crowd roared as the cloaked Nok slowly rose from their seat and calmly walked around the fire over to the lined-up group.


    Its hulking shadow loomed over everyone as they made their way to the end of the line opposite Kenneth, stopping by Tragna, who, as far as Kenneth could gleam, kept his head low while taking heavy breaths, no doubt due to the wounds he¡¯d received.


    The Nok slowly reached down and closed their hand around his snout, making his breath grow more rapid.


    Slowly rotating its wrist, Tragna¡¯s snout was forced upward until his eyes met his captor''s.


    ¡°What do you think of this one?¡± The cloaked Nok suddenly asked.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± The more slender Nok with a sword in their abdomen replied.


    With a low growling hiss resembling a chuckle, the Nok opened their massive maw and slowly leaned down while Tragna suddenly began to struggle in vain, restricted by the ropes and the Nok¡¯s grip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look, son¡±, Solk quickly whispered, doing his utmost to shield Kolu¡¯s eyes while adverting his own.


    Kenneth elected to do the same, closing his eyes as hard as he could, hoping it would somehow enable him to also close his ears so he wouldn¡¯t hear the sounds of Tragna¡¯s whimpering and eventual screaming.


    However, they never came; instead, he heard laughter from some members of the surrounding crowd.


    He felt fearful even thinking of looking, but nevertheless, he slowly opened his eyes and saw in confusion the Nok slowly rubbing the tip of their snout against Tragna¡¯s in a forceful yet strangely intimate display.


    After a short while, the cloaked Nok slowly pulled away, yet a line of spit still connected them. It was quickly separated like cutting a threat as Tragna was let go and instantly jolted away, his eyes burning with rage and disgust.


    Paying little to no attention to Tragna anymore, the Nok stood up straight and walked down the line, stopping right in front of Trafka.


    ¡°Touch me, and I¡¯ll rip your throat out!¡± he ferociously growled while struggling in his restains.


    ¡°You¡­ speak¡­ traitor tongue¡­?¡± The Nok asked.


    Trafka halted for a moment as he understood the words spoken but chose not to answer them.


    The Nok waited a good long while for Trafka to speak, but eventually, their patience seemed to grow thin as they suddenly stabbed the man beside Trafka in the leg.


    Over the man¡¯s howls of pain, they asked once again, ¡°You¡­ speak¡­ traitor tongue¡­?¡±


    Trafka suddenly leapt at the Nok; his fangs bared as he managed to bury them in the cloaked Nok¡¯s arm, drawing blood.


    The attack clearly caused the Nok pain despite them masking it, but even so, they didn¡¯t fight it, nor did any of the surrounding crowd that held Trafka¡¯s bindings do anything. All of them just looked on, laughing and smiling.


    After a bit of time of Tragna¡¯s gnawing, the Nok raised their weapon to the man''s chest and  asked for a third time, ¡°You¡­ speak¡­ traitor tongue¡­?¡±


    ¡°I speak!¡± Solk suddenly yelled.


    Stopping a moment before striking, the cloaked Nok turned their head to look at Solk. Focusing solely on him, the Nok raised its leg and stomped on Trafka''s chest, quickly forcing him off.


    With blood oozing from the wound, the Nok walked over to Solk, who did his best to use his body as a protective shield for Kolu, ¡°What¡­ want?¡±


    ¡°You speak¡­ good; the Nok smiled. ¡°Tell¡­ other¡¯s what¡­ I say¡­ if want to¡­ live.¡±


    Solk didn¡¯t answer, though he didn¡¯t need to; the look in his eyes was more than enough confirmation for the Nok as they pointed to Tragna and beckoned him closer.


    One from the crowd walked up behind him, dragged him over, and forced him to stand in front of the cloaked Nok.


    ¡°You play first¡­ Three games¡­ if¡­ win two¡­ you will be free, ¡° the Nok said as they, with one swift motion, cut the restraints that bound Tragna without as much as scratching him.


    Solk translated, but even so, Tragna looked ready to bolt right then and there but stayed put, knowing there was no way out.


    ¡°First game¡­ simple, the cloaked Nok said as they gently reached and took Tragna by the arm.


    He allowed it but was visibly reluctant, his tail resting between fully standing and just going between his legs as the Nok gently slid its scaly, flat fingers intimately along his arm, gently drawing him closer as their hands intertwined and fingers interlocked.


    ¡®What the hell is happening?¡¯ Kenneth questioned in bewilderment, a sentiment clearly shared with everyone else.


    Tragna adverted his gaze, but the Nok gently forced it to be interlocked with theirs as they softly spoke, ¡°¡­Don¡¯t scream¡­¡±


    Solk had just translated when suddenly the Nok grabbed his finger and snapped it back, ripping it off the joint.


    Howling in pain, Tragna crumbled to the ground, screaming, ¡°Let go!!!¡±


    The crowd erupted in laughter as the Nok pulled him up by his broken finger until he was standing on his shaking legs, ¡°Next game¡­ Don¡¯t fall.¡±


    Solk translated as quickly as he could, but before he could utter the last word, the cloaked Nok grabbed his forearm and began to squeeze.


    Almost immediately, the pain proved to be too much as his legs began to buckle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fall, you idiot! Rafk suddenly yelled. ¡°I¡¯m buying floor juice, remember! And how are you going to cut down ¡°The Bloody Blade¡± if you are dead!¡±


    His words, although loud, didn¡¯t seem to reach Tragna as his full attention was forced to be on the one in front of him.


    Jago watched with wide eyes, his ears falling flat as he opened his mouth and yelled, ¡°Do you honestly intend to succumb to such a horrid fate without witnessing the fruits of your labour?! You buffoon! That Nun fancies you; it¡¯s as clear as glass!¡±


    Perhaps from hearing Jago utter more than one word or the mention of the nun, Tragna¡¯s ears suddenly snapped in his friend''s direction.


    ¡°You heard him; if you want to impress that nun, you have to stay standing!¡± Rafk yelled, fighting along with Jago in their restraints to the point some from the crowd bashed them to make them calm down.


    Not that it worked.


    Tragna¡¯s legs continued to shake, looking like they would crumble at any moment, but even so, he looked up and locked eyes with the Nok, ¡°My friend''s punches are more painful than this pinching.¡±


    The Nok¡¯s scales became slightly darker, and suddenly they twisted their body around and threw Tragna toward the crowd, ¡°You¡­ win¡­ time¡­ last game¡­¡±


    Suddenly, the crowd all moved aside, creating a way out for Tragna, who held his wounded arm.


    With a smile, the Nok walked up to Tragna and said, ¡°Third game¡­ run¡­ escape¡­ live¡­¡±


    Tragna glanced back at the opening before his eyes settled on his friends, who both gave him a nod. In pain and wounded, he sprinted as quickly as he could from the crowd and into the forest, disappearing out of sight.


    The cloaked Nok stood standing for a short while before raising their hand.


    Then, a couple from the crowd carrying bows went in pursuit.


    Yet there was little, if any, time to worry about Tragna as he was only the first player in the sick, twisted game, and it seemed player two was about to be chosen.


    The cloaked Nok grabbed the next person in line and asked the same question as before, ¡°You look perfect. Let us play.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so hasty; the Nok with a sword in their abdomen said, ¡°You need to take a closer look. Eyes tell much, and this Weakie is boring.¡±


    The Cloaked Nok looked somewhat annoyed but nevertheless let go and proceeded to approach the next one.


    And on it went.


    The questions would be asked, and the lucky would be spared for now until one was chosen and forced to rub snouts with the cloaked Nok, whereafter the games would begin.


    Having witnessed the first game, no one was falling for the act that was put on, but knowing what was going to happen seemed to make it far worse. The anticipation of the inevitable pain would wear on most, making it damn near impossible for anyone to win and for some, the pressure would prove to be too much as they snapped and attacked or tried to run away.


    Regardless, no one was successful, and their screams as they were thrown to the mercy of the crowd only added fuel to the fire for the rest yet to play.


    When it first happened, Kenneth was ready to yell out that he was a healer and try to trade his services for everyone¡¯s lives.


    However, Solk stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t bother speaking because I won¡¯t translate. These heretics wouldn¡¯t care what you are because they aren''t normal; there¡¯s something wrong with all of them.


    ¡°For now, just stay quiet and play the game; we¡¯ll have to figure out the rest afterwards.¡±


    As much as he hated it, Kenneth knew from the moment he saw the Nok fighting to the moment he arrived at their camp that something was very wrong with them.


    Revealing himself to be able to not only understand but speak their language could result in any number of unpredictable consequences when, no matter how hopeless it seemed, all of them had a way to escape.


    So, for now, Kenneth kept silent.


    As the next player was to be chosen, the cloaked Nok stopped in front of Trafka.


    Glaring as he bared his teeth, his mouth covered in blood, he just dared the Nok to try and touch him.


    With a smile, the cloaked Nok looked down at Trafka before glancing at their wounded arm.


    The bleeding had mostly stopped at this point, so with a hissing chuckle, they just walked past him, but for some reason, they didn¡¯t stop at the next in line and instead walked down the line until they stopped in front of Kolu.


    ¡®No,¡¯ Kenneth thought as his gut sank and he fidgeted in his restraints, trying to reach for the knife, knowing full well he couldn¡¯t. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Leaning down, the Nok¡¯s outstretched hand came closer and closer to Kolu, whose ears had flattened and tail gone between his legs even as he sat on his knees.


    Suddenly, Solk headbutted the cloaked Nok¡¯s palm.


    With fire in his eyes and teeth bared, he growled, ¡°Don¡¯t touch him!¡±


    The Nok¡¯s cold gaze remained unchanged as they closed their hand around Solk¡¯s snout and dragged him out of line, ¡°You¡­ want play¡­ good¡­ not need you¡­ anymore.¡±


    Kolu¡¯s eyes widened in horror. It was obvious he wanted to go to his father, but he was no doubt petrified in fear, unable to move.


    Kenneth scooted closer and reached for his hand, letting him know he was there, providing whatever comfort he could while watching the scene before him.


    As with all the others, the Nok rubbed its snout against Solk¡¯s and cut the ropes that bound him with expert precision; however, unlike before, there was no time wasted as the Nok grabbed his finger and snapped it.


    Even though he knew it would happen, the pain was too much as muffled screams escaped his mouth.


    As the second game began, the cloaked Nok squeezed their hand around Solk¡¯s arm. Even from where Kenneth sat, he could clearly see the pain Solk was in as his body reflexively tried to recoil while his legs started to buckle.


    Suddenly, with a thud, the Nok with a sword in their abdomen fell to the ground.


    The laughing crowd abruptly fell silent as the cloaked Nok turned its head and looked at their fallen comrade; its scales flickered to a paler hue before returning to normal.


    The moment seemed to offer Solk some reprieve, allowing him to glance back at Kolu and strengthen his footing just as the Nok turned to look at him.


    However, unlike before, where there had been as certain glee in their captor''s eyes, now they flared as a hissing growl escaped their maw. Tightening their grip once more, the force seemed far greater than before; however, Kenneth didn¡¯t realize just how much until suddenly, ¡°SNAP!¡±


    Solk howled in pain, his upper body falling over itself, yet through sheer will, he remained standing until his arm was let go of.


    With calm footsteps, the cloaked Nok walked over to the Nok lying on the ground and stood over them. ¡°Are you dead?¡±


    ¡°Not¡­ yet,¡± The slender Nok responded, their breath wheezing.


    The cloaked Nok brought the tip of their spear to their comrade''s throat, the tip slightly quivering, ¡°Do you want me to end your pain now?¡±


    ¡°And enter¡­ Amito¡¯s embrace so soon¡­ commander,¡± The Nok chuckled, wincing in pain a split-second later as they, through stubbornness, got back on their feet.


    The cloaked commander let out a small sigh before turning around, their eyes quickly focusing and lingering on Solk, who met their gaze unflinchingly.


    ¡°Run now¡­ weakie¡­ hunt not¡­ fun if not¡­¡± the cloaked Nok said as the crowd opened the way just behind Kenneth.


    ¡°I¡­ no leave¡­ Solk said with defiance in his voice. ¡°Game¡­ one¡­ two¡­ I play¡­ for my son¡­¡±


    ¡°Those not¡­ rules,¡­ the cloaked Nok replied. ¡°Run now¡­ third game¡­ begin when you¡­ leave¡­ it can¡­ begin now¡­¡±


    Solk walked right up to the leader, locked his gaze with them, and then let go of his broken arm. With the other, he grabbed the Nok¡¯s hand and interlocked their fingers.


    Both stood there in silence, looking at one another, until the Nok made a low rumbling sound resembling laughter, ¡°new¡­ rule then¡­ if play¡­ for¡­ other you¡­ need win¡­ all games¡­¡±


    With an unwavering gaze, Solk silently accepted.


    Suddenly, the Nok snapped his index finger, but this time, there was no sound. This time, he¡¯d already experienced it before and was more prepared. However, that did little to stop the tears running down his fur.


    Accepting the win, the cloaked Nok let go of his finger and grabbed his arm.


    There was barely any time to recover as opposed to before, and yet Solk stood firm, enduring the pain as tears and snot dripped onto the ground.


    Suddenly, the Nok swung their arm from side to side and then down, slamming Solk to the ground, ¡°You¡­ lose¡­¡±


    Still recovering from the impact, Solk tried to get his bearings, but the cloaked Nok stomped on his back and raised the tip of their spear to the back of his neck as he, with clenched fangs, breathed heavily and desperately looked toward his son.


    ¡°Wait! Im a healer!¡± Kenneth suddenly yelled.


    The cloaked commander stopped and looked around while the crowd, equally confused, did the same.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a healer, do you?! Kenneth yelled as eyes began to gather on him for the first time. ¡°I can help treat all your wounded! Just don¡¯t kill him!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing, black healer?! Shut your snout!¡± Trafka yelled.


    The cloaked Nok looked at Kenneth for a moment and then spoke, ¡°Have the madness taken me, or are my ears playing tricks on me, Nokarscho?¡±


    ¡°They are your ears, so I can¡¯t say, but I have never heard of different ears playing the same tricks, commander,¡± the Nok with a sword in their abdomen replied.


    The cloaked commander rested its spear on their shoulder and turned to face Kenneth while still keeping Solk underneath their heel, ¡°Now this is something. A Weakie who speaks something other than the ¡°Traitor tongue¡± and ¡°yip,¡± yet as surprising as that is, why should I listen to you?


    ¡°This one¡¯s death will come like everyone else¡¯s. Why should anyone care when it does? As long as we have fun before!¡±


    The crowd bellowed and roared with deafening might, something that clearly pained all of the Aki in line.


    However, Kenneth just sat there and waited until the roaring died down enough that he knew he¡¯d be heard, ¡°even so, I can tell you don¡¯t want Nokarscho to die.¡±


    The cloaked commander stepped off Solk and walked over to Kenneth, down at him, their slit pupils narrowing, ¡°You sound certain. I think you are going to play the next game.¡±


    ¡°I am certain because your scales told me as much,¡± Kenneth countered.


    The cloaked commander let out a low growl and suddenly punched Kenneth in the gut, the force of which made him fold over on himself and fight to avoid puking right then and there.


    ¡°Whoever brought this one, get it out of my sight!¡± The commander yelled as they walked back over toward Solk.


    One from the crowd stepped out and grabbed Kenneth by the ropes that bound him as the cloaked commander turned around and walked back over toward Solk, who¡¯d managed to crawl a slight distance in the meantime.


    ¡®Dammit! What the hell is wrong with all of them?! They don¡¯t even know I heal differently¡­! No, now¡¯s not the time! Kenneth thought while gritting his teeth. ¡®I can¡¯t let Solk be killed; maybe if I called out, I wanted to play the game like him¡­!


    ¡®Who the hell am I fooling? I¡¯d lose the first game. If only I had some fen--¡¯


    His thoughts abruptly came to a halt as he noticed out of the corner of his eyes that the one that was dragging him was carrying his bag in the other hand.


    Believing there was still a chance, Kenneth struggled against his bindings and managed to stand up just as his turned captor tugged on his binding with such force he stumbled and fell mask first toward the bag.


    As he fell, the tip of his mask snagged on an opening in the bag just before the one holding him stopped his fall. Relaxing his body to make himself deadweight, Kenneth tried to use his mask to pull the bag from the Nok¡¯s hand while they were off balance.


    ¡®Come! Come! Come! Just let go! Then I should be able to reach inside and get some Fentanyl pills, Kenneth thought as he struggled with all his might. ¡®No, a pill won¡¯t be fast enough! I have to chew it and grind it to powder with my teeth!¡¯


    As his captor found their balance, they ripped the bag away from Kenneth and began dragging him once more.


    Still struggling, his gut sank as he heard Kolu scream, ¡°FATHER!¡±


    ¡°I''LL PLAY YOU LIKE HE DID!!!¡± Kenneth yelled at the top of his lungs without thinking; the one dragging him suddenly stopped dead in their tracks.


    Glancing back at Kenneth and the Nok behind him, the cloaked commander said, ¡°I told you to get that thing out of my sight!¡±


    ¡°Yes, commander! Sorry, commander!¡± The Nok said as they grabbed Kenneth with both arms and pulled harder than before, his struggling useless as he was dragged into the crowd.


    However suddenly.


    ¡°Commander, we don¡¯t get to hunt that heretic! Let¡¯s have some fun and let the other one play!¡± Someone yelled from the crowd.


    ¡°It was so fun to see that heretic win the first game!¡±


    ¡°No one ever managed to before!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps that one will too!¡±


    ¡°Yes, let them play!¡±


    ¡°Let them play! Let them play! Let them play! Let them play! Let them play! Let them play!¡±


    The growing roars of the crowd became deafening, but they all too suddenly stopped as the cloaked commander raised their hand up into the air.


    ¡°The words of your commander are final! They said, looking around. ¡°Yet we do not know how long before we return to Amito¡¯s embrace from which we hatched!


    ¡°So if you wish for it, I¡¯ll allow it and let black beak play for this heretic¡¯s life!¡±


    For the first moments, Kenneth felt a glimpse of relief at having extended Solk¡¯s life, yet it was a feeling that was quickly washed away by a wave of stress and anxiety as he knew what was about to happen.


    All too easily, he could have remained frozen right on the spot he sat, but he wasn¡¯t even given the opportunity, as he was thrown forward by the Nok that had his bag and landed hard on his stomach.


    ¡®Well fuck¡­ never thought I¡¯d volunteer for a death game. Guess I can cross that off my bucket list while I still can, Kenneth thought as he raised his head and got on his knees.


    Suddenly, he felt a tingle in his nose, like dust irritating his sinuses.


    ¡®Great, and on top of everything, dirt got into my mask,¡¯ Kenneth let out a heavy sigh, the flow of air pushing up and around the closed area and back into his own face.


    He let out a sneeze, which only made things worse, but as some of it got into his mouth, he could taste almost immediately that it wasn¡¯t dirt; it was something else.


    Suddenly, the mountain of stress and anxiety crushing him slowly began to fade away as a euphoric sensation emanating from his gut began to grow, ¡®Holy shit¡­ is this dust drugs¡­  am I getting high¡­ but how?


    ¡®Wait, did it appear in my mask when it got snagged on the bag¡­ that¡¯s nice¡­ nice.¡¯


    His moment of glee was quickly interrupted as the cloaked commander cut his bindings, bringing back that all too familiar stress and anxiety, which only grew bigger, overshadowing the effects of the fentanyl as he felt his arm get grabbed.


    ¡®Okay, okay, okay, think, in powder form, it should only take a minute or two. I just need to buy a little time,¡¯ Kenneth thought.


    The Nok¡¯s big hand quickly glided down Kenneth¡¯s sleeve, reaching his forearm.


    ¡°So what¡¯s your name?¡± Kenneth suddenly asked, his nervousness palpable.


    The Nok commander slowed their movement and looked at Kenneth before continuing to reach his palm.


    ¡°Well, mine is Kenneth, not that you asked, which I do find very rude, if I might add, Kenneth said, talking very fast. ¡°I mean, attacking us, imprisoning us, and torturing us is one thing, but then to be rude on top of that¡­ I mean, did your parents not teach you any manners.¡±


    An impeccable silence fell over everyone, one that was only broken by the stifled laughter and chuckles from the crowd as the Nok commander tightened their grip around Kenneth¡¯s wrist and suddenly dropped their spear.


    ¡°Stop talking,¡± the commander said, grabbing his ring finger with their other hand.


    ¡°Stop talking; really, that¡¯s your name, Kenneth said, flabbergastered. ¡°Well, I mean, I¡¯ve heard stories of people trying to name their children all sorts of strange names, well unless ¡°SNAP¡± you just told me to stop talking, which once again was very rude; I mean, is it that hard to just give me your name when I¡¯ve given you mine¡­


    ¡°And you just broke my finger¡­ Yes, yep, the tip is touching the back of my wrist, so¡­ mhm¡­ hmmmm... that means I win, right, since I didn¡¯t scream?¡±


    The crowd erupted in laughter as some began to cheer for Kenneth, calling him ¡°Black beak!¡±


    The cloaked commander let go of his finger and grabbed his forearm, exuding a great deal of force squeezing.


    ¡°So I¡¯ll take that as a yes then, Kenenth said, grabbing his finger with his other hand and snapping it back into place. ¡°Okay, yeah, I just need to jerk it a little and¡­ Wola! Good as new. So¡­ not to be a bother, but I would still like to know your name; I mean, I can guess the first three letters, but the rest is a mystery.


    ¡°Wait, mystery¡­ ah ¡°Scooby Doo.¡± I haven''t thought of that in a long time. Maybe that gang could solve it for me¡­ heheha.¡±


    In seeming annoyance, the Nok commander let out a growl and squeezed harder, ¡°Have you been inflicted with madness?!¡±


    ¡°Not in the slightest, Kenenth said jovially as he boobed the Nok¡¯s snout, at which point his none-high self peaked out. ¡°Sorry, didn¡¯t mean to do that¡­ between you and me, I¡¯ve been inhaling a lot of¡­ let¡¯s say dust¡­ wouldn¡¯t want Jonny law to catch wind if you catch my drift.¡±


    ¡°I think you can stop now, Nokarscho said. ¡°This one clearly doesn¡¯t feel pain. No reason to continue to play and let black beak tease you further.¡±


    The cloaked commander let out a sigh and relaxed their arm, letting go of Kenneth.


    ¡°Nice, I won both games, Kenneth said nonchalantly. ¡°So what is next?¡±


    ¡°Next? The commander repeated as they picked up their spear and got up close to Kenneth. ¡°Next, you run as fast as you can and hope I don¡¯t catch you.¡±


    Kenneth held up four fingers, ¡°First off, your breath stinks; second, I¡¯m pretty sure I saw a black tooth somewhere¡­ I¡¯m not a dentist, but I can help you with that; thirdly, I¡¯m going to add a ¡°ly¡± when I do sequential numbering because reasons¡­ Fourthly, I¡¯m not leaving here emptyhanded, so go ahead; what finger do you want to break next? How about this one?¡±


    Exuding confidence, Kenneth held up his middle finger.


    The cloaked commander let out a low, rumbling growl that slowly transitioned into something akin to laughter, ¡°Playing against you is meaningless and, above all else, far from amusing when you don¡¯t feel pain, but I can agree to one more game, and if you win, you can take anyone you want with you.¡±


    ¡°This feels like a trap, so can I pick the game? Kenneth asked. ¡°I¡¯ve got a good one in mind where we each have twenty stones, and the loser is forced to take the last o--¡±


    ¡°No¡­ this game is one of my personal favourites, The Nok commander hissed. ¡°The rule is simple: we fight until one cries out for mercy or dies.¡±


    ¡°Well, should have expected as much, but it was worth a try. Anyways, so do I get a spear, too, or can I look at a selection?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°No,¡± the cloaked commander flatly replied as they stabbed their spear into the ground, took off their black cloak, and threw it to Nokarscho.


    ¡°Ah.. how nice of you to be such a fair player,¡± Kenneth said, clapping.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want it to be over in a single strike, The commander smiled while cracking their knuckles. ¡°Any last words?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ mmhhmmm¡­ hmmm¡­ Kenneth hummed, swinging his head from side to side. ¡°I''d say this was going to be my first time fighting a dinosaur, but then I''d be lying.¡±


    The tension grew as, despite there being no bell, the match had already begun.


    Taking inspiration from some of the greatest karate masters from the 80¡¯s, Kenneth entered a one-legged stance and got ready to do a crane kick.


    ¡°What are you doing?! Trafka yelled. ¡°Don¡¯t take such an unbalanced stance! Take this seriously!¡±


    ¡°Relax, I¡¯m about to find my inner karate kid,¡± Kenneth said, brushing him off.


    The commander stomped forward as he got ready.


    Once the commander came within distance, he jumped and kicked, his foot connecting with the underside of his opponent''s snout.


    However, it didn¡¯t seem to bother the commander in the slightest as they balled their hand into a fist and delivered a heavy blow right to Kenenth¡¯s gut, knocking the air out of him.


    Somehow, he managed to land on his feet, stumbling back, but before he could regain his balance, the Nok grabbed him by his throat and slammed him to the ground.


    Dazed from the impact, Kenneth offered little resistance as the Nok got on top of him, pinned both of his arms under their knees and raised their fist.


    ¡°Commander!¡± Someone from the crowd suddenly yelled.


    Hissing in annoyance, the commander looked up, ¡°What is it?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s a child. She¡¯s not from the outpost. She just wondered in here,¡± one from the crowd said in a panic.


    Kenneth managed to glance toward the voice and saw Nokstella standing alone, the crowd keeping their distance as if she had the plague.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 13 (Prized Healer)

    Time seemed to stand still as everyone remained motionless, their gazes solely focused on Nokstella.


    ¡°Child, come closer and tell who you¡¯ve chosen?!¡± the Nok commander demanded to know.


    Looking nervous, Nokstella stared at Kenneth and was about to take a step forward when suddenly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a rash fool!¡± Nokarscho quickly yelled at the commander. ¡°Child, you need to listen very close¡­ leave here at once.


    ¡°If you head north, you should run into an outpost¡­ eventually, if you are lucky, but your best hope is to head to the tower, the big thing taller than the mountains.¡±


    The commander turned to Nokarscho, ¡°What are you thinking?! She won¡¯t survive out here alone!¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯d have her stay here? Might as well snap her neck and be done with it! Nokarscho snapped. ¡°It would be a mercy compared to the burning death. At least in the wilderness, she¡¯ll have a chance.¡±


    As the words reached Kenneth¡¯s ear and the realization dawned on him, a lot of things about these Nok began to make sense to him even though he was high as a kite.


    The reason why all of them fought so strangely, why no one cared about their wounds, the strange behaviour before the game, and even the game itself. All of them were sick.


    Before this, Kenneth hadn¡¯t seen much of a way out of this, but now¡­ now he might be able to use diplomacy.


    Focusing as much as possible, Kenenth mentally fought through the brain fog caused by


    ¡°I¡­! ERK¡­!¡± Kenneth sounded as the hand around his throat suddenly tightened.


    The Nok turned their attention to him with an annoyed expression, ¡°I almost forgot about you. Count yourself lucky. I¡¯m going to make it quick now.¡±


    The commander calmly raised their massive fist, intending to beat him to death.


    Struggling, Kenneth tried to break free from underneath.


    As the commander¡¯s fist touched the high heavens, they showed no hesitation and hammered it down, aiming for his skull.


    Like a beast in its last embers of life, Kenneth wildly thrashed with all his might, his hand managing to slip out of his glove and from under the commander. With no time to think, Kenenth grabbed his would-be killer¡¯s crotch and squeezed as hard as he could.


    A moment later, the fist hit his head, but its strength had significantly veined, and it felt closer to getting hit in the head by a small rock as opposed to the boulder that would have smashed his head in.


    With their mouth slightly open in a silent scream and eyes as wide as could be, the Nok¡¯s grip around his throat weakened as well.


    Seizing the opportunity, Kenneth freed his other hand and, using all of his strength, pushed the commanding Nok off from on top of him.


    Taking a deep breath and coughing from a combination of just having been strangled and inhaling grounded fentanyl, Kenneth got on his hands and knees.


    Before anything else, he quickly unzipped the bottom of his mask, allowing the powder to leave the enclosed space.


    Finally able to breathe a clean supply of air, Kenneth looked up, his gaze quickly interlocking with Nokstella¡¯s.


    She looked frightened and confused but kept looking at Kenneth, maybe out of worry or as some sort of comfort. He wanted to go to her, but a raging hissing growl reminded him of the situation at hand.


    Turning his head, he stumbled to his feet and met the wrathful eyes of the Nok commander, who did little to hide their murderous intent as they stood up and ran toward him.


    ¡°I ca¡­ chough! Kenneth tried to speak, his vocal cords burning, but as the hulking behemoth came closer, he knew this was his only chance. ¡°I CAN HEAL THE BURNING DEATH¡ª¡°


    Closing the distance, the commander struck Kenneth right in his chest.


    Though the pain he felt was still lessened to the point he almost couldn¡¯t feel a morsel of it, the force still easily knocked him to the ground. Rolling from his back onto his stomach, he got on his hands and knees.


    ¡°Listen¡­ I can heal¡­ all of you¡­¡± Kenneth once more explained as the commander raised both of their balled fists and hammered them down on his back once more, knocking him to the ground.


    With strained and heavy breath, Kenneth still tried to get up, ¡°I¡­ can¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmph, tough little thing you are,¡± the commander said, turning around and walking over to grab their spear and end this.


    However, when they turned around, they were visibly surprised, along with the rest of the crowd and the remaining line of Aki, to see Nokstella standing between the hulking commander and Kenneth.


    Her scales had turned the purest of white as her legs quivered, yet she remained standing as the commander approached with their spear in hand.


    Towering above the little girl, the commander looked down at her with cold eyes, ¡°Move.¡±


    Nokstella shook her head ¡°no¡± while avoiding eye contact.


    The commander stabbed the spear into the ground beside Nokstella, making her flinch in fear, yet even though she barely remained standing, she didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°You were told to leave!¡± the commander hissed in annoyance, pulling their spear from the ground.


    ¡°Commander! What if black beak was telling the truth!¡± Someone yelled from the silent crowd.


    The commander looked around, their scales becoming slightly lighter as they angrily yelled, ¡°Who said that?! Come out here right now and say it again!¡±


    All of the crowd remained silent as no one stepped forward.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought! Believing such an obvious lie! No healer can heal the burning death! Lorizo has led us down this path for whatever reason! We must all have faith!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps she believes Lorizo has given us a fork in the road? Nokarscho chimed in, gesturing toward Nokstella.


    The commander pulled back their spear and looked at Nokarscho, ¡°Do you hear yourself? Lorizo only offers roads and choices, not miracles or divine intervention.¡±


    Choosing not to respond, Nokarscho walked over to Kenneth with slow and pained steps, whereupon he nudged him with his foot, drawing a few murmurs, ¡°While you still breathe, heal me of the burning death.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?! Has the burning death finally made you lose your senses?!¡± The commander yelled.


    Nokarscho just looked at his commander while his scales slowly brightened, ¡°Nokqotir, look at me. I have a sword through my gut. I¡¯m going to die much sooner than everyone else here, regardless of whether Black Beak here is telling the truth or not.


    ¡°At least this way, if Lorizo is offering us a choice, a path that doesn¡¯t mean death¡­ It is worth treading.¡±


    Nokqotir fell silent and lowered their gaze while clutching their spear.


    ¡°Thanks, Nokarscho calmly said as he turned to Kenneth and asked. ¡°Black Beak, are you getting up, or do I have to pull you up?¡±


    ¡°Apologies for my¡­ ¡±cough¡­¡± delay¡­ dear patient, but I was just hit by a pair of boulders,¡± Kenneth somewhat sarcastically managed to remark.


    Nokarscho made a slight hissing chuckle before suddenly grunting in pain, ¡°Arg¡­! She hits hard. But it¡¯s surprising you are alive after so many. You are no Weakie, that¡¯s for certain, maybe a very misshapen Crackie.¡±


    Kenneth slowly got up, his eyes meeting Nokstella¡¯s, but as much as he wanted to reprimand her for following and praising her for being so brave, he couldn¡¯t delay as he shakily got back on his feet.


    Looking around, he quickly located the Nok with his bag and pointed to them, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d like that back.¡± Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°You said you were going to heal him, Nokqotir hissed. ¡°Do so now. Put your hands on him and do so.¡±


    Kenneth rolled his eyes, ¡°yeah, I¡¯m not that kind of healer. If you want me to cure the burning death, I need it.¡±


    The slits in Nokqotir''s eyes narrowed to an almost straight line as she pointed to the one holding his back, ¡°Give it to me.¡±


    They obeyed and quickly ran over and handed it to Nokqotir. Angrily, she tore it open and looked inside, ¡°there is nothing in here. What use can nothing be in healing the burning death?¡±


    ¡°Give it to me, and I¡¯ll show you,¡± Kenneth snapped.


    She suddenly shoved it into his chest, but from experience, he knew she was holding back.


    Turning to face Nokarscho, Kenneth stuck his hand down his bag as he keenly observed where the sword had run him through, ¡®from the looks of it, his lower liver is pierced. The upper one should still be fine, but with the damage, there¡¯s no telling if the medicine is going to work as intended since one is connected to the blood vessels and the other the nerves.


    ¡®Yet, it doesn¡¯t change the fact Kolu needed a lot of time to recover and had a rather violent reaction to the antibiotic. It¡¯s hard to tell if it¡¯ll happen to Nokarscho as well, but regardless, he won¡¯t last long enough to show significant improvement.


    ¡°I could focus on removing the sword and stitching Nokarscho up first, but without a team to assist in the surgery or a healer, it would take hours, not to mention there would need to be a constant supply of blood to keep them breathing. I hate to think of it, but I can¡¯t only give medicine; I need to give something else that would make them feel better almost instantly.¡¯


    Kenneth felt eyes in his back from the crowd as the emptiness in his hand frustrated him. He knew full well he needed to think of something specific to make anything appear, but what?


    ¡®Wait a minute, blood. That sword is keeping pressure on the wound, but there should still be some blood loss. If I give some iron supplements, it might work.¡¯


    With his mind set, a pair of pills appeared in his hand, which he pulled from the bag and handed to Nokarscho, ¡°Swallow them; don¡¯t chew.¡±


    Nokarscho looked at the pills in Kenneth''s palm, clearly confused as to what they were, along with most others surrounding him, yet thankfully, the pills were taken and abruptly swallowed.


    And then everyone waited and waited and WAITED¡­


    Meanwhile, Kenneth used a bit of time to pick up his lost glove from the ground and put it on, whereafter he brought Solk over to Kolu and tended to his injuries as best as he could.


    ¡°Are you healed?¡± Nokqotir eventually asked.


    Noka felt their body for a moment, ¡°I don¡¯t feel very different. A little better, maybe.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean it works!¡± A yell came from the crowd.


    ¡°Can black break really heal the burning death!¡± Another yelled.


    ¡°What if it¡¯s some Crackie poison that makes you think you feel good!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! Give me some! I don¡¯t want to die yet!¡±


    From that little affirmation, the crowd suddenly erupted in loud discussion as some tried to get to the front.


    ¡°SILENCE!!!¡± Nokqotir shouted, her deep, bellowing voice echoing throughout the forest, causing everyone to shut their mouths.


    Clearing his throat and gritting his fangs in pain, Nokarscho addressed the crowd, ¡°Don¡¯t lose your heads now! I only said I felt a little better! We know not if the burning death has been extinguished! For now, we must wait!¡±


    ¡°BUT--!¡±


    Listen to your second in command!¡± Nokqotir commanded.


    As her words faded, one from the crowd pushed past everyone with slow and sluggish movements until they reached the centre and stood before the commander.


    Despite how sick this one looked, there was a fire in their eyes that burned with determination, ¡°Commander, we can¡¯t wait that long! Most here are far worse inflicted than others and could die before the fire goes out.


    ¡°If this truly is a path offered to us by Lorizo, then let us decide to walk it. Otherwise, most of us might as well surrender ourselves to Dragsos mercy and enter Amito¡¯s embrace.¡±


    ¡°If you feel the situation is so hopeless, how about you take this, Kenneth interjected, pulling a mug with a slight bit of liquid in it. ¡°It¡¯s the liquid form of what I gave Nokarscho. It is far more effective and more fast acting.¡±


    The Nok scales slightly brightened as they reached for the mug, but just before they could grab it, Nokqotir grabbed their arm, ¡°You fool! That could be poison! And where did it come from!? That bag was empty!¡±


    ¡°Now you are being cautious?! The Nok yelled. ¡°We are on this path because of you!¡±


    Nokqotir slowly tightened her grip around the Nok¡¯s hand and her spear as she let out a hissing growl, ¡°Watch your words.¡±


    The Nok met her gaze while flinching in pain, ¡°Why?! I¡¯m already dead either way, so why car¡ª!¡±


    In one gulp, Kenneth downed the entire mug of liquid and glared at Nokqotir, ¡°You listen here! I understand your caution, but DON¡¯T ever accuse me of poisoning or hurting a patient without cause.


    ¡°Now I¡¯ve got enough penicillin to heal everyone here, but in exchange, you let everyone here go. Once you are all healed, there¡¯ll be no bad blood between any of us!¡±


    Nokqotir held her spear aloft, the tip pointing at Kenneth¡¯s heart, ¡°And why should I not take this healing water from you?¡±


    ¡°You said it yourself. My bag was empty, and I don¡¯t feel pain. So, do we have a deal? Or do you want everyone here to die a slow, painful death?!¡± Kenneth asked loud enough for the entire crowd to hear.


    Nokqotir slowly glanced around the crowd, watching her with prying, judgemental, and loathful eyes.


    He could see she understood there wasn¡¯t much of a choice. If she said no, it might very well lead to a coup d¡¯etat of sorts


    ¡°If those are your terms, I accept,¡± Nokqotir replied, releasing her grip on the Nok beside her.


    ¡°Good then. How about a show of good faith? Kenneth asked. ¡°I mean, I¡¯ve already helped one of your subordinates and proven that penicillin is safe for consumption. I think the least you can do is to let my travel companions go and call off the hunt on the others.¡±


    Nokqotir walked closer and stared him down, ¡°Half.¡±


    ¡°Come again. Half you have to be kidding?¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°You can choose half to be set free now, granted they don¡¯t attack, or I can see how many screams I can force out of that Weakie you seem so keen on protecting until you agree,¡± Nokqotir replied.


    Kenneth was far from happy; he knew it would be a delicate balance if he pushed much harder on it, but even so, choosing was far from easy. If anyone had to be let go, he had five in mind; the problem was there were eight left.


    Nevertheless, he had to choose and point to each one, ¡°Fine, Kolu, Solk, Rafk, and¡­ Trafka.¡±


    There was a visible sense of relief that fell over Kolu as he chose him; Solk, although still in pain, shared it somewhat, while Trafka just glared at all the Nok around him.


    It was a gamble setting him free, but Kenneth knew if things were to go south, a bit of muscle could make all the difference, though the sinking feeling in his gut that had suddenly appeared was far from pleasant as his gaze met Rafk¡¯s and Jago¡¯s.


    The look of desperation in both their eyes was too much for him as he just stared, unable to look away as his gut sank even deeper.


    However, that pained feeling was suddenly twisted.


    ¡°You heard Black Beak! Those four are staying; cut the others free!¡± Nokqotir ordered.


    ¡°Hey! Kenneth yelled. ¡°You told me I could choose who to set free.¡±


    ¡°And you must think me taken completely by the infliction if you believe I¡¯m setting that royal free, Nokqotir replied. ¡°If you want the rest to be set free and for me to call back my hunters, you have to fulfil your end of the deal.¡±


    Kenneth tightened his grip as he watched people from the crowd cut the bindings for three of Solk¡¯s men along with Jago before allowing them to leave, something Jago only seemed to do after a shared look from Rafk.


    Once they were out of sight, Kenneth let out a sigh, ¡°Listen up, everybody! Anyone who wants to be healed, get in an orderly line so I can hand out penicillin!¡±


    There was a bit of shuffling as the crowd¡¯s mass began to shift, thinning in all but right in front of Kenneth; despite the likelihood of such, there was little pushing or shoving as all of them formed a very orderly line of what turned out to be about half of the crowd if not more.


    Mentally preparing himself, Kenneth, as quickly as he could, went down the line, handing a mug filled with an appropriate amount of penicillin.


    Though he was uncertain how two livers might impact the effectiveness of the antibiotic, he was confident that there would be somewhat favourable results before everybody needed another dose, and in the meantime, he could win some small amount of goodwill healing and helping the wounded, before any possible violent reaction.


    ¡°That was everybody who wanted it. So, are you going to call back the hunters?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Nokqotir looked at the crowd, some looking more energetic and full of life than others, before turning to look at Nokarscho, who himself was a bit better already. Her scales grew just a smidge darker, ¡°You said it worked faster. Perhaps you are not deceiving us after all.


    ¡°Perhaps Lorizo truly made it so for our paths to cross. These are rare words for me to speak, but I apologize for my rough actions against you.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t something he expected her to say, but any generosity he would be able to get was better than nothing, ¡°you don¡¯t have to mention it; I simply did my duty.¡±


    Nokqotir¡¯s gaze shifted down at Nokstella, who, throughout everything, hadn¡¯t strayed too far from Kenneth, ¡°to you too, little one, I¡¯m sorry. You had what I did not. Perhaps that was compassion or perhaps wisdom beyond your youth.¡±


    Nokstella cautiously took a few steps back, ending up hiding behind Kenneth¡¯s legs.


    ¡°So then, are you going to call back the hunters?¡± Kenneth asked somewhat defensively, trying to change her focus away from Nokstella.


    Nokqotir met his gaze and gave a small, seemingly gentle smile, ¡°Yes, I can, but before all that, I have a request?¡±


    ¡°If you want me to heal people, that¡¯s no problem, but Nokarscho might be a bit difficult depending on how much of his liver he needs and if it can grow back, and if anyone has a compatible blood type,¡± Kenneth admitted.


    ¡°I¡¯m certain if you can perform one miracle, you can perform more; you will certainly have the time to show me and everyone else back home,¡± Nokqotir said.


    Nokarscho let out an audible sigh followed by a pained hissing grunt, ¡°Arg¡­ Nokqotir, you are being rash.¡±


    Nokqotir  turned to look at Nokarscho, ¡°Don¡¯t forget who you are talking to.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, ¡°He replied.


    Kenneth should have seen it coming, but even so, he still felt caught off guard, ¡°so I¡¯ll just continue being a prisoner then?¡±


    ¡°Do not see it so grimly, Nokarscho said in a gentle tone as Nokqotir began to wander around a bit, keeping Kenneth in her sight. ¡°We abandoned our home knowing there was no reason to stay, but you seem to have given us not only reason but hope to return, with you as our honoured, celebrated guest.¡±


    ¡°Of course, that invitation is extended to them as well,¡± Nokqotir interjected, coming to a halt near Solk and the others.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t the deal! Kenneth snapped. ¡°If you want me, take me! But let them go!¡±


    Nokarscho quickly yet painfully crossed the short distance between him and Nokqotir, grabbed her by the arm and whispered something to her.


    However, she just carelessly yet carefully shrugged him off as she stared at Kenneth, ¡°We will take you, a miracle healer and a Weakie royal, back home, and once word gets out, I wonder how I¡¯ll be rewarded. Maybe I¡¯ll become a captain?¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you don¡¯t need the rest, just me and him then,¡± Kenneth said, his body and voice tensing.


    Nokqotir stepped forward and pointed her spear toward him, ¡°The rest are simply to make certain you keep in line, and I need you to know you understand the situation to its fullest.¡±


    Suddenly, in one swift motion, Nokqotir swung her spear and carved cleanly through Solk¡¯s neck.


    Blood rapidly gushed out as Solk, with wide, shocked and pained eyes, fell over himself onto the ground, gasping.


    ¡°SHIT!¡± Without thinking, Kenenth rushed to his side, one hand already inside his bag while the other was pressing on his jugular.


    Keeping calm despite how rapidly he was breathing, Kenneth pulled his hand from the bag and got to work stitching his wound; all the while, Kolu terrifiedly watched on.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 14 (Trauma)

    For many in the crowd, light had returned in their eyes as some murmured and discussed what they would do once they got home. Those who¡¯d elected to pass on penicillin seemed teetering on the edge.


    However, Kenneth cared little for that. He just stared at Solk, his body lying on the ground motionless, wound sewn shut, yet despite his best efforts, when all was said and done, he¡¯d lost too much blood and had slowly drifted away, drawing his last breath while looking at Kolu.


    He had, in turn, stared back with wide eyes, clearly overwhelmed and not understanding everything as he again and again asked Kenneth, ¡°You can heal Father, right?¡±


    Each muttered word was like an icy dagger that repeatedly stabbed him in his gut.


    He felt so awful he barely noticed Nokstella tugging on his legs, winching and hissing slightly in pain as she managed to move her fingers.


    ¡°Everyone listen up. Lorizo smiles upon us as we walk the correct path! Nokqotir loudly addressed everyone. ¡°Not only have we captured a Weakie royal, but we found our new miracle healer, Black Beak, who made it possible for us to return home.


    ¡°I, for one, only have one thing to say! This calls for celebration!¡±


    The crowd erupted in cheers as everyone slowly began to spread out. Some began to dance, others beat on their chest like a drum, and a select few surrendered to their beastly urges right then and there.


    Nokqotir looked at the celebration with visible glee as her scales began to darken, ¡°Cheer up, Black Beak, all are celebrating so happily because of you.


    ¡°Join in and celebrate to your liking after you heal Nokarscho, of course. Wouldn¡¯t want my second in command dying now that we are all going to live.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t taunt them like that. You are no better than a brat when you act like that,¡± Nokarscho advised her.


    Nokqotir waved a dismissive hand at him, ¡°Me taunting this miracle healer, perish the thought; I¡¯m simply overcome with glee and can hardly contain it.¡±


    ¡°I just want to know one thing, Kenneth said in a low voice, instantly catching Nokqotir¡¯s attention. ¡°What went through your head when you just killed Solk, when you scarred his son? I wouldn¡¯t have resisted¡­ I would have gone with you, just as long as you let them go, so why?¡±


    ¡°Black Beak, you must understand, Nokqotir said with venomous words coated in sweet, comforting honey as she gently placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°I am a commander. My words must never ring hollow, or eventually, my orders will easily be disregarded.


    ¡°I only set examples so all under me know, something I hope you fully understand now that you are our healer.¡±


    Nokarscho chimed in, ¡°You can breathe easy, Black Beak; as long as you follow her orders, those two will be treated well.¡±


    Kenneth didn¡¯t want to listen to their words as each one only made him angrier and angrier. Feeling that bulky hand on his shoulder just made his hand clench tighter as he contemplated attacking with his knife.


    Yet as his eyes wandered to Nokstella, who concernedly stared at Kolu, he stopped himself.


    The blazing anger inside him, he pushed it down, deep down, as far as it would go and let out a sigh, ¡°if you say so.¡±


    ¡°Good, Nokqotir said with a slight chuckle, ¡°How about you start you¡¯re wo¡ª¡°


    ¡°What¡¯s happening!¡±


    The parting crowd that had been eagerly celebrating just a moment before had suddenly become chaotic as, one by one, people began to vomit.


    Vomit on the ground, vomit in their hands, vomit on each other.


    At first, it was only those who¡¯d ingested the penicillin, but with the repugnant and intensifying smell penetrating everyone¡¯s nostrils, the number quickly grew.


    Nokstella looked confused and scared as she pressed her body closer to Kenneth¡¯s leg.


    ¡°What¡¯s¡­! Burk¡­! Happening!?¡± Nokqotir yelled in confusion as she jumped to her feet and looked around, trying not to vomit like the large majority until her gaze landed on Kenneth. ¡°You!¡±


    He almost didn¡¯t react as he watched it all unfold, only turning his head slightly to see Nokqotir, her scales lighter and eyes filled with rage as she drew back her spear and aimed it at him.


    ¡®So vomiting due to the penicillin attacking the bacteria or virus is a cross-species reaction,¡¯ Kenneth thought as he remained still. He just stood there and watched the spear come toward him.


    However, suddenly, with quick, heavy, and clanking stomps, Trafka sprinted from behind Kenneth, the ropes once used to hold trailing along the ground.


    With his momentum still carrying as Nokqotir¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t even shift toward him, he kicked her right in the neck, forcing the spear to veer off course and miss Kenneth completely as she fell into the campfire.


    ¡°AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGG!!!¡± In the sea of chaos, hers was just one scream of many as the flames took hold.


    Kenneth watched unblinkingly as she managed to roll away from the fire, the flames still clinging to the right side of her face and shoulder, which quickly darkened.


    She was doing the right thing rolling around, but even if she managed to put them out, there would still be second-degree burn scars; of course, he could help as best he could, but for the first time in his life, he felt a complete and utter unwillingness as a doctor to help someone.


    ¡°Run!¡± Trafka shouted at Kenneth while kicking his shin to get his attention, almost hitting Nokstella.


    Snapping out of his trance, he realized this was their chance to escape. Reaching up under his coat, Kenneth pulled his knife from his belt loops and cut Trafka¡¯s bindings.


    ¡°You had a dagger this whole time!¡± Trafka exclaimed.


    Vigorously cutting the ropes, Kenneth responded, ¡°Uh-huh.¡±


    Meanwhile, Nokarscho jumped on top of Nokqotir with the black cloak in hand and put out the fire. As he removed it from her, she hissed in pain and covered her face.


    Kenneth had just gotten through the first rope and thought, ¡®Wow, this is a good knife; thanks, Huto.¡¯


    The rope quickly uncoiled from his body, yet despite this, the lower half was still as tight as ever, something that Trafka tried to remedy on his own by breaking free with brute force alone, slowly making progress.


    ¡°Royal!¡± Nokarscho suddenly roared.


    His calm demeanour had vanished completely as he began to hiss and growl, his scales brightening as he suddenly sprinted toward Kenneth and Trafka, leaping into the air with both fists raised.


    On reflex, Kenneth quickly went low and grabbed Nokstella as he stepped away.


    At the last second, Trafka ripped his arm free and blocked, and as the last of the ropes slid down his body, he reached for the sword piercing Nokarscho and ripped it out.


    As blood sprayed onto the ground, Nokarscho staggered back while heaving for breath as his legs gave way underneath.


    ¡°Arscho!!!¡± Nokqotir shrieked as she disoriented, tried to get to him using one arm to help keep balance while reaching with the other, making no attempt to hide the fresh burn scars.


    Before she could reach it, Trafka closed the distance, shouting in the tower tongue, ¡°DON¡¯T SCREAM!!!¡±


    In a flash, he swung the bloody blade and took Nokqotir¡¯s middle finger clean off.


    She bellowed in pain, falling to the ground, writhing and grabbing her fresh wound.


    Trafka began to calmly step closer, raising his blade, but before he managed to take two steps, Kenneth grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back, ¡°We have to run now! They won¡¯t continue to puke forever!¡±


    Trafka snapped his head back, snarling, ¡°You run! Take the merchant''s son and the other one! I¡¯ll kill all these heretics now!¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Kenneth didn¡¯t allow it as he quickly wrapped his free arm around his body and began dragging him over to Kolu and Rafk.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Trafka yelled, struggling to regain balance in his grip.


    ¡°No! Kenneth shouted. ¡°You couldn¡¯t beat them all last time! And I¡¯m not letting anymore die! So either you use your head and run, or I¡¯m dragging you with us!¡±


    He could feel Trafka tremble with fury, but just as quickly as it had begun, it subsided as he finally agreed. With some slight hesitation, Kenneth released him as both quickly reached Kolu and Rafk.


    Kenneth reached for his dagger, ¡°Stay still so I don¡¯t cut you!¡±


    ¡°Do it,¡± Rafk replied.


    ¡°Stand! Trafka yelled as he grabbed Rafk by his bindings, lifted him up, and pushed forward. ¡°They didn¡¯t tie your legs, so use them!¡±


    With little time to think, Kenneth threw his dagger into one of his pockets and quickly grabbed Kolu with his other arm as all of them began to run.


    ¡°What about Father! Kolu cried out. ¡°You are a great healer, Kenneth! You can heal him! You are strong! Carry him! I can run! Please don¡¯t leave Father!!!¡±


    Even over the loud chaos that surrounded them, Kenneth heard every single word, yet he wished he didn¡¯t. He just ignored it for now as all of them weaved through the crowd of Nok, sprinting in vomit as they got closer to the end of the crowd.


    ¡°What¡¯s the royal doing?!¡± Rafk yelled.


    Kenneth snapped his head back to see Trafka running back, ¡°that idiot!¡±


    He was about to stop and turn around.


    ¡°Kenneth!¡± Nokstella suddenly yelled.


    His head snapped back in, and at the last second, he saw a Nok charging toward him; unable to change course, he dug his heel into the ground, sprinted faster, and charged shoulder first into the Nok, knocking them to the ground.


    Rafk, although tied up, was far more nimble, and whatever Nok was able to reach for him would miss.


    Now that a number of Nok had caught on, it was impossible for Kenneth to run back and get Trafka, ¡°dammit.¡±


    Heart palpitating, Kenneth once more increased his speed just to keep up with Rafk. They were almost out of the crowd, but at this point, enough of the Nok to where they were heading and blocked the way.


    Both Kenneth and Rafk were forced to slow down, but before they fully did, a spear flew over their heads, hitting one of the Nok.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop!¡± Trafka yelled as he ran with insane speed, reaching and passing Kenneth and Rafk. With his sword aloft, he quickly carved through the remaining wall of Nok.


    ¡°Did you really have to go back and kill Nokqotir?!¡± Kenneth shouted as he jumped over the corpses.


    ¡°Shut your snout and run!¡± Trafka shouted back.


    Clearing that last obstacle, all of them ran as far into the forest as fast as they could until the crowd was out of sound and out of sight, but even so, they didn¡¯t stop running for a second.


    Kenneth had the hardest time Keeping up with them in the beginning, but the further they ran, the more the effects of exhaustion began to wear them down, Trafk and Rafk the most.


    However, they didn¡¯t stop, running slower; yes, but they didn¡¯t stop until they reached the caravan.


    ¡°Wh-what¡­ are we doing here?¡± Rafk panted, looking about ready to keel over.


    With a slightly less heavy breath, Trafka began wandering around, looking down in search as he flipped over corpses.


    ¡°Here, let me help you with that,¡± Kenneth said as he placed both Kolu and Nokstella down and walked over to cut Rafk free.


    After having cut the rope, Trafka said something, his voice carrying a slight hint of relief. ¡°There they are.¡±


    With mostly effortless ease, he pulled his hammer and shield from under a corpse.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Rafk asked, finally free from his bindings.


    ¡°We continue, Trafka coldly responded. ¡°Whichever the black healer didn¡¯t poison are certain to come after us in due time to get him back.¡±


    ¡°Then was it really wise to come back here? This is the first place they¡¯d come in search,¡± Rafk questioned.


    Trafka shot Rafk a glare, ¡°Watch that tone and make yourself useful. I don¡¯t know how much the heretics took, but see if those fools left something behind.¡±


    Rafk¡¯s tail and ears slightly lowered as he did as he was ordered.


    Meanwhile, Kenneth walked up to Trafka holding some antibiotics and two mugs, one with some saline solution and the other with rubbing alcohol, ¡°swallow this and use some of the saline to help make it go down.


    ¡°It will take care of the burning death, and since it¡¯s so early, we might avoid the whole vomiting situation. Afterwards, use the contents in the other mug to wash off all the blood in your mouth and around your f¡ª¡°


    ¡°Why did you leave father?! Kolu suddenly shouted at both Kenneth and Trafka. ¡°You¡¯re a great healer, Kenneth, and you can kill the burning death! You can heal anything!


    ¡°And you are the strongest in the capital; why didn¡¯t you kill all the heretics?! Why didn¡¯t you carry father with us?!¡±


    Once more, Kenneth felt his gut sink. Not only did Kolu¡¯s desperate and pained shouting hurt him, but Nokstella as well. She made herself small and lowered her snout while her scales brightened.


    He was sure it wasn¡¯t his intent, but nevertheless, he caused her harm.


    Kenneth kneeled down, looking him in the eyes. He was about to say something, but he was beaten to the punch.


    ¡°Mind your words, child. Such temperament is not befitting of any royal,¡± Trafka coldly told him.


    ¡°Shut your mouth! Kenneth suddenly snapped the words, leaving his mouth without him realizing it. ¡°¡­try¡­ try and show some understanding¡­ you should at least be able to relate to him in some sense.¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ I am,¡± Trafka responded.


    ¡°HEY!¡±


    A loud shout came from over by the wagons.


    Turning their heads, both saw Rafk and Jago hugging briefly before separating and having a laugh.


    The three other men that had been set free came into sight behind the wagon. With a calm step, Trafka walked over to them all and began asking questions.


    ¡°Kolu, I¡¯m sorry¡­ Kenneth said, feeling a profound sorrow that only grew with every word. ¡°I¡­ Wish could have saved him, but I couldn¡¯t, and he¡¯s¡­ dead.¡±


    ¡°No! You great healer¡­ you heal all¡­ go back¡­ heretics maybe still throwing up¡­ you heal father¡­!¡± Kolu begged and pleaded as he grabbed Kenneth by the hand and tried to pull him back.


    ¡°Kolu¡­ Kenneth just said. ¡°I can¡¯t save someone who¡¯s dead. I am truly sorry you have to go through this¡­ no one should.¡±


    ¡°Father is¡­ dead¡­ what that mean?¡± Kolu said, shaking as he desperately fought back tears.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone¡­ he¡¯s no longer breathing¡­ and it¡¯s okay to be sad about it¡­ it¡¯s okay to cry,¡± Kenneth said, telling Kolu what he wished someone had told him the first time he experienced death up close, allowing him to feel what he needed to feel.


    ¡°No! Kolu angrily yelled, stomping his feet and forcing a smile, ¡°Father always says all are customers and always meet customers with a smile.¡±


    Kenneth reached behind his mask and pulled up the zipper. Removing it, every fibre of his being revolted at showing his emotions so openly, but he needed to show Kolu he was allowed to cry.


    With teary red puffed eyes, Kenneth met Kolu¡¯s gaze and said, ¡°It okay to cry.¡±


    He looked up at Kenneth with wide eyes, and suddenly, tears finally began to flow, either because he finally understood he was allowed to or because he simply forgot to hold it all back.


    Whatever the reason, the floodgates had finally been opened, and in desperation or uncertainty, Kolu just ran up to Kenneth, hugging his big belly, his cries muffled.


    ¡°Let it out¡­ let it all out,¡± Kenneth calmly said, reciprocating the hug, giving whatever comfort he could.


    ¡°Black healer, get over here!¡± Trafka yelled.


    Kenneth let out a sigh. As much as he wanted to tell off Trafka and let Kolu have all the time he needed, they were on the run and couldn¡¯t stop for too long.


    Drying his eyes, Kenneth put back on his mask and lifted Kolu and Nokstella up in his arms.


    As he walked toward the wagon, doing his best to avoid the bodies scattered about, Kolu curled up into a ball, hiding his face against Kenneth¡¯s body as his muffled cries became muffled sobbing.


    Whether it was a natural progression or him trying to act like before, containing his emotions, he couldn¡¯t tell and didn¡¯t have the time to. For now, he had to focus on getting Kolu back home.


    He knew Solk would have wanted him to be safe, at home with his family.


    ¡°So, do we get the Qsiosija to move again?¡± Kenneth asked the group.


    ¡°It¡¯s too slow and leaves tracks, and the mercenaries have informed me the heretics took everything: the rations, the merchant''s wears, and, annoyedly, his maps, Trafka answered him. ¡°We are best off travelling on foot, heading in the direction we were already going.¡±


    ¡°¡­back¡­¡± Jago interjected.


    Rafk followed up, ¡°Yes if we circle back in an arc, we should be able to avoid the heretics and find Tragna and the other¡ª¡°


    ¡°We head straight,¡± Trafka said, his tone commanding, cold, and imposing.


    ¡°What?! We can¡¯t just leave all of them to die!¡± Rafk sharply exclaimed.


    Trafka slowly met his gaze, his ears, tail, and voice betraying no emotions of any kind, ¡°getting the black healer to the capital is a duty I was given by his majesty. We will not explore the wilderness in search of them.


    ¡°If you need motivation now that the merchant is dead, you have my word that whatever meeker sum you were offered for this job, my house will pay you all tenfold; now get moving and remember your place, low-borns.¡±


    Rafk, Jago, and the others all glared at Trafka, some looking about ready to take action, though whether that would be to leave or attack Kenneth couldn¡¯t tell. So before anything could happen, Kenneth played devil''s advocate.


    ¡°Listen up, everybody! He said. ¡°I think you all know I¡¯m the last person to get along with Trafka on anything; however, he does have a point.


    ¡°A very badly worded point, but nevertheless a point. We can¡¯t just turn back and search throughout the forest without knowing where Tragna and the others are. We¡¯d just be stumbling around blindly, and I doubt the Nok won¡¯t come after us if we do.¡±


    ¡°So¡­! You will allow them to be hunted¡­ like¡­!


    ¡°¡­Prey¡­¡± Jago said, his claws slowly protruding.


    ¡°Alright, I know you are worried, but there¡¯s a good chance they won¡¯t be killed, Kenneth replied. ¡°All of it, our capture, the games, was just a way to spread the burning death without any of them realizing it.


    ¡°So killing anyone on the run is pointless; at best, I just think they are herding them.¡±


    Both Jago and Rafk seemed to become a slightly bit calmer; their claws, at the very least, had begun to go the opposite direction, albeit slowly.


    ¡°¡­burning¡­?¡± Jago said in a mellow tone while distancing himself from Trafka.


    ¡°Yes, the burning death, Rafk added in an equally mellow tone. ¡°I''d forgotten. We can¡¯t return to the capital even if we wanted¡­ we are all going to die eventually.¡±


    ¡°No, you ain¡¯t, Kenneth said while manoeuvring his hand inside his bag and pulling a handful of antibiotics. ¡°Take one each, and we won¡¯t have to worry about the burning death.¡±


    Rafk looked at the pills, and his eyes slowly widened in shock. ¡°Wait! Are you saying you can heal the burning death?! I thought you lied and tricked the heretics into drinking poison!¡±


    With a slightly annoyed yet accepting look, Trafka spoke, ¡°Why do you think his majesty ordered the black healer before him?  Now eat it, and let¡¯s move out.¡±


    All of them took a pill, some quickly swallowing while Rafk just stared at it and eventually turned his gaze back from where they came.


    Kenneth noticed this and lowered his gaze slightly as he spoke, ¡°I¡¯m not going to tell you; well, he¡¯s magically going to turn up when we are on our way, but at least he has time. We can use that time to get to the village and resupply. After that, we can at least figure out where he is most likely to have gone.


    ¡°After that, all of you can decide what to do. It won¡¯t be much trouble for me to share medicine to heal the burning death.


    ¡°So the real question becomes how much do you believe in Tragna and the others? Do you think they¡¯ll just lie down and die, or do you think they¡¯ll fight and somehow find their way back?¡±


    ¡°¡­relentless¡­¡± Jago sighed.


    ¡°That fool could hold a grudge, Rafk added. ¡°So I doubt he¡¯s going to die easy. Fine, we stay on track for now, and once we get our bearings, we¡¯ll search for them all.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 15 (Wilderness)

    She was fast and ran up those stairs, but it was high, and the winds pushed so hard.


    It scary, and I close my eyes until we stopped.


    ¡°Trofk! Liko!¡± Nokfeka yelled.


    I opened my eyes, and we not outside, but inside house, big. It has normal chair and tall chair.


    ¡°I saw some of the guards,¡±


    ¡°Yes, one came by wanting to know if we knew anything,¡± the tall, furred one replied.


    ¡°So he¡¯s not been found yet. I had hoped, but it doesn¡¯t matter. This is Nokstella; she¡¯ll be joining us from now on. Kopraro, keep an eye on her and show her around; I¡¯ll go out and search for him,¡± Nokfeka replied, placing Nokstella down and quickly leaving.


    When the door close, it got darker, and I feel eyes on me. It scary.


    Then the tall furred one Kobrao walk close. I feel my scales change, but I not know what do.


    ¡°Hello, there¡¯s no need to be scared¡­ um¡­ Nokstella, was it?¡± Kobrao asked.


    Tall furred one, right, but I not say.


    Kobrao then sat down so, eyes same height, ¡°It¡¯s scary, I know. Coming to the big house with all of us. I remember my tail didn¡¯t come out from between my legs for a long time, but Nokfeka was good at making it come out again.


    ¡°She would be here by your side and make it easier, but she loves children, even those there are not family.¡±


    I not answer only hear and look down. Eyes on me scary.


    ¡°Nokstella, how about I introduce you to the others and give some names to all those faces.¡±


    There were many, some Nok like me but bigger, then many legs, all smaller, and furred tall ones.


    There were so many names, Uhabo, she clean, Juga, Bosolda, Ikodo make food, Huhuha, and Pradoda sew like kind lady. Many more names I not remember all. Many I not look in face.


    Kobrao ask if I like help, but I not answer; then she show me other room.


    ¡°This will be where you¡¯ll be sleeping. I hope you don¡¯t hate sharing; there aren¡¯t many rooms, Kobrao said while I still no say words. ¡°I thought it would be a good idea for you to share with Fole he is like you, also new.¡±


    Kobrao open door to other room, and I walk in. It dark but warm with many beds and one sleeping.


    Kobrao, go wake sleeping boy. He Nok like me only tall and brown and sleepy looking.


    ¡°What want?¡± He ask.


    ¡°We have a new child. She¡¯s going to share a room with you, so I hoped you could talk with her while I help with food,¡± she replied.


    ¡°No,¡± he quickly said, flopping back into bed. ¡°I not share room! It mine!¡±


    Kobrao breath out much, ¡°Fole, that''s your bed, but this is not your room; we all share. If you don¡¯t  like it, talk to Nokfeka when she gets back, and if you are kind to Nokstella until, I will save an eye for you.¡±


    Fole make many noises sounding like when waking up, ¡°only until food is ready.¡±


    ¡°Thank¡¯s, Kobrao said, turning to me. ¡°Now you can pick any bed you want, and if he gives you any trouble or you have more questions, come to me.¡±


    She left after that, and I not know what do; I stood there, look around and then.


    ¡°How your mama and papa die,¡± Fole ask.


    I stop, and Fole came out of bed and walk closer.


    ¡°How your mama and papa die,¡± Fole ask again.


    ¡°Mama not dead,¡± I say.


    ¡°So leave you. How your papa die then?¡± Fole asked.


    ¡°What is¡­ papa?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Papa, one with mama, help keep warm when dark, help when shedding, protect from danger,¡± Fole explained.


    ¡°Ohhhh¡­ Kennet¡­ papa,¡± I say.


    Fole look at me strange, ¡°Kennet that papa name. Strange and wierd.¡±


    ¡°Not wierd! I yell. ¡°Mama say stay with Papa, keep from master.¡±


    Fole look at me wierd, looking at marks on scales, ¡°If Papa love you, why leave you?¡±


    ¡°Mama say stay with papa, and papa say stay with Nokfeka then he get mama home,¡± I say.


    Fole laugh, ¡°Why young so dumb? Your papa leave you here and never coming back¡­ no one come back. We all stay here forever.¡±


    ¡°NO! PAPA AND MAMA COME BACK!¡± I yell, but I feel sad.


    ¡°If your papa get mama, why you not with? Fole ask. ¡°Sound like my papa. After Mama die, he leave and never come back. I chose him, and he not care. Why any different with you?¡±


    I feel sadder and say, ¡°I not chose¡­ not mama¡­ she chose me¡­ and mama chose papa.¡±


    ¡°Then they not mama and papa if you not chose,¡± Fole say back.


    ¡°Mama is mama¡­ papa is papa,¡± I whisper.


    ¡°Not if not chose¡­ your papa. That why he leave without you,¡± Fole say.


    I sit down and feel sadder, ¡°I not want Papa leave me.¡±


    ¡°Then go find Papa and chose him, then you leave, and I get room back,¡± Fole say.


    I still sad, but start feel happy and go to door, but Fole stop me. Then he show me under bed a rock. He push it away, and I see hole with light at end.


    We crawl to other side and out of house and go up.


    High up, still scary, and I not like and not walk.


    Fole look at me and say, ¡°So you not want chose Papa. You want stay, and Papa leave you forever.¡±


    I not like what he say and get angry and start climbing up stairs, but near top, we hear.


    ¡°Fole!!!¡±


    I hear voice of Nokfeka, and then Fole grab me and run up stairs faster, and we make it to top, but Nokfeka not far behind.


    Fole and I run around buildings for long time, but then he stop, and I not able to see around corner.


    ¡°There you are, Nokfeka say. She sound angry, and I stop. ¡°You can¡¯t just leave whenever you want. You have the guards out searching for you. Now tell me why you left.¡±


    ¡°I want leave,¡± Fole say back.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s a big change living with everyone else, but it¡¯s for the best, and I can promise you everyone knows how you feel, Nokfeka say, sound less angry and pick up Fole. ¡°Now you must be hungry; let¡¯s head back, and you can meet another little one I brought home. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°She¡¯s like us, and I think you two can get along.¡±


    I look around corner, and Nokfeka go away with Fole. Sound beat in my head, and I run before she see me.


    Loud yelling from far away help me find master and wagon, but I not see you papa. I know you inside wagon then and run to it fast, hope no one sees me. Doors too high not reach even when I hop high as I can.


    I know you inside and bang, but when door open, furred heretic open. He not see me, not look down, and I run under wagon, scared, and he walk down from wagon.


    Sound in head get louder, and I see heretic begin looking down under wagon. I not know what do, so I grab round thing under wagon and hold tight. More tight than ever, and heretic not see me and goes away.


    Look like big fight, so I keep holding and holding, and then wagon begin to move, but not see you, so I keep holding and holding, but then I not let go, won¡¯t let go.


    Even sleep holding, but battle wake me, and then I see you papa.


    ¡°So that''s how you ended up under the wagon,¡± Kenneth said, a bit short of breath while briskly walking through the forest; Rafk, Jago and the others were lacking slightly behind, yet Trafka more or less kept the same pace as him.


    ¡°Yes, I come back and chose you, papa,¡± Nokstella said, her scales still a bright green that periodically flicked to a lighter shade.


    Kenneth wanted to correct her to make it clear that despite everything, he cared about her, and he wasn¡¯t her real father, but at the same time, he couldn¡¯t.


    Offering her the truth now after he¡¯d lied and hidden the fact about her mother¡¯s death would just be cruel. He wasn¡¯t sure if his telling her would actually have changed anything, but the past is the past, and there was nothing he could do about it.


    Now, he would accept the outcomes of his choices and focus on not only the path ahead but Nokstella and Kolu as well.


    Ever since he¡¯d cried and clung to Kenenth, he¡¯d not uttered a single word, only silently burring his face in his embrace, Nokstella, often looking at him wanting to do something, clearly not sure what that was.


    Yet it wasn¡¯t something he could keenly focus on most of the time as his mind almost solely did so on his surroundings as they travelled toward the village, barely having made any stops, even throughout the night, despite how exhausted everyone was.


    The few breaks there were taken were only near streams and rivers, yet no one relaxed much or took the time to wash blood and dirt off their clothes as every sound coming from the forest was just another potential danger, whether it be the pursuing Nok or predators.


    It had become so bad that in the early hours of the morning when the sun finally began to rise, Trafka¡¯s once golden and shining armour now barely reflected any rays of light.


    Yet they marched on, yawning each and every one of them until they reached their destination.


    However, as they were pushing through some bushes and plants, Trafka suddenly went low and gestured for everyone to do the same.


    Concealing themselves amongst the underbrush of the forest, no one made a sound as further ahead, the echoing branches snapping alerted the small group to the unknown.


    Trafka slowly moved toward the sounds, his hammer and shields at the ready and the others behind him following along. Kenneth slowly moved to the side and held both Kolu and Nokstella closer.


    Gleaming from behind a tree, Kenneth watched as Trafka slowly and carefully pushed aside some branches and foliage, revealing the unknown to be a herd of animals, a kind he had seen before when sitting on top of a wagon.


    He remembered one of Solk¡¯s men calling them a Drofgnot.


    They had four elongated hoofed legs, a single protruding horn right above what looked to be their nose and a slender, flexible spike-tipped tail that they used to stab at leaves from trees and eat from.


    Their fur was striped green and dark-brown and looked to be rather thick despite their somewhat slender proportions.


    Yet, despite their rather fearsome appearance, everyone licked their teeth and cautiously moved closer.


    By some random chance or stroke of luck, one from the herd moved closer toward them all, clearly not having noticed their presence. It came closer and seemed within striking distance, or Trafka at least seemed to think so as he got ready to pounce.


    However, he was suddenly stopped by Rafk, who silently seemed to want him to wait.


    He didn¡¯t care to listen and ripped his hand free, an action that made the foliage rattle and the animal alert as its ears turned in their direction with its tail raised, ready to strike like a scorpion.


    Slowly, it began moving back, but suddenly, there was a loud crack sound like a tree branch falling in the opposite direction from where they lay in wait. The animal¡¯s head and ears quickly snapped back.


    Seacing the opportunity, Trafka leapt from the undergrowth and brought down his hammer, crippling the animal, if not outright killing it.


    The herd went wild, howling and quickly dispersing.


    But as they ran into the forest, only three remained, the one Trafka had killed and two more lying on the ground with arrows sticking out of them.


    ¡°And that¡¯s how you kill Drofgnot,¡± A calm, mature voice said.


    ¡°Did you see my arrow? It was perfect!¡± Another more eager voice called out.


    ¡°If only you¡¯re skill with the bow, we¡¯re as good as your stealth. They almost noticed us before we could draw our arrows,¡± a third voice said.


    ¡°My skills are better than yours; I killed the one furthest from the herd,¡± the eager voice cockily said.


    Suddenly, from the undergrowth and foliage opposite Kenneth and the other emerged a couple of Aki dressed in clothes similar to those back at the outpost carrying bows.


    They inspected their kills for a moment, the one who looked the youngest seeming rather proud. However, all of them quickly froze as their eyes wandered, noticing the prey Trafka had killed along with him and the arrow now embedded in his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m not seeing things, am I?¡± The youngest-looking of them asked.


    Trafka¡¯s ear twitched, and his eyes focused on the three hunters as he let out a growl and took a couple of steps forward, his tail growing twice its size in an instant.


    Suddenly, Rafk Jago and all the others leapt from the undergrowth and got between Trafka and the hunters, trying to calm him down.


    At the same time, the youngest hunter, in a panic, drew his arrow and aimed it at him.


    However, in that same instant, the oldest hunter grabbed the youngest one''s bow and ripped it from his hands, yelling, ¡°What do you think you are doing?!¡±


    The youngest hunter dared not meet the oldest gaze, his tail retreating only between his legs as he held his head low.


    Turning to face Trafka and the rest, the oldest hunter took a brief moment to scan the group and greeted them while keeping his guard up, ¡°I apologize for my subordinate''s hasty action and the unfortunate outcome.


    ¡°I¡¯m Drogsa, the hunter commander at the Hijoli outpost; who do I speak to.¡±


    Trafka pushed past Rafk, Jago, and the rest and held his shield up in front of his body, showing them his house crest.


    Both the younger hunters looked nervous; however, the commander quickly got on one knee, bowing his head, and the two others quickly followed suit, ¡°I beg your forgiveness for my subordinate Lord Krosk! He is young and had no idea you were hunting the Drofgnot as well.¡±


    Trafka calmly stepped closer and looked down at the youngest hunter, who was visibly frightened, quivering and shaking in fear. He brought his hammer to the youngest hunter''s head.


    Rafk, Jago, and the others looked away, and Kenneth quickly stepped out from behind the tree, but before he could say anything, it was over.


    ¡°Tsk¡­ you''re not worth the effort it would take, low-born, Trafka said, his voice cold yet with a hint of frustration. ¡°Hunter, lead me to your outpost. I have important matters to discuss with its commander.¡±


    ¡°Of course, lord Krosk and my deepest thanks for showing mercy,¡± Drogsa said as he and the other hunter got up, the youngest needing a hand to stand as his legs kept quivering.


    But just as quickly as things seemed to calm down, they once more flared up as Drogsa noticed Kenneth all the way in the back, a decent portion of his body still obscured by the foliage, though not enough for him to be uncertain of Kenneth not being an Aki.


    ¡°Behind you!¡± He hollered and drew his bow, aiming it at him.


    Before it could be loosed, Trafka swung his shield and knocked the bow out of his hand, ¡°Stave your claws! The black healer is not to be harmed!¡±


    Kenneth stepped out from the foliage, his entire body revealed.


    All three eyed him, along with Kolu and Nokstella. Drogsa, in particular, keenly scanned him, his eyes lingering around Nokstella, his bag, and hand. ¡°lord Krosk¡­ what¡­ who is this?¡±


    Trafka only met their confusion and bewilderment with callus cold, "It is of no concern of yours. Now make haste and guide us to the outpost.¡±


    ¡°Trafka, a word!¡± Kenneth loudly said.


    The hunters all looked visibly surprised as Trafka, with an annoyed expression, turned and walked right up to Kenenth¡¯s face, ¡°As always, you have my attention.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth, but we still have that ¡°HOT¡± problem, Kenenth reminded him, keeping his voice as low as possible. ¡°We can¡¯t just waltz into an outpost willy-nilly like so, especially when I don¡¯t know about the ¡°HOT¡¯s¡± Incubation period.¡±


    ¡°Regardless of your ramblings and your lack of magic, you are a capable healer, and you have shown to do so in large mass,¡± Trafka replied.


    Hearing words that almost sounded like praise from Trafka did throw Kenenth slightly off, but he wasn¡¯t wrong. If handled correctly, the spread of the burning death could be prevented before anything happens.


    ¡°I can; however, if we go with them, we can¡¯t just rush things like you always want. We need to rest; otherwise, if it ain''t the ¡°HOT¡± that¡¯ll be a problem, it will be something else,¡± Kenneth warned.


    ¡°I hear every word,¡± Trafka replied in seeming compliance as he spun around and ordered the hunters to take them to the outpost.


    Quickly picking up the three dead Drofgnot and carrying them over their shoulder, Drogsa and the two other hunters let the way, Kenneth and the rest keeping a slight distance behind.


    As they walked, Kenneth noticed Drogsa shooting him some glances, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a glimmer of familiarity now that that good old Aki racism was going to be back on the table.


    The journey to the outpost was a long track, but knowing respite was nearing seemed to refill everyone¡¯s vigour for just long enough to reach their destination.


    At first glance, it was hard to tell the difference between Laoli and this one. Its apparent structure was all the same, square, like almost everything else in Aki culture; however, the closer everyone got, the more Kenneth could spot the subtle differences.


    Mainly a lack of damage to the walls, along with a seemingly lesser number of guards on top.


    Speaking of which, when they reached it, the guards on top began to inquire.


    ¡°Well, Drogsa, I see your hunt was successful; you even managed to catch a few more mouths,¡± a man with a yellow-furred head and green-furred body up on the wall mused.


    Drogsa seemed far from amused and, with a slightly anxious voice, replied, ¡°Open the gate, Volsk! One of them is a royal of house Krosk!¡±


    At the mention, Volsk suddenly grew alert and seemed for the first time to notice Trafka¡¯s crest ¡°right away. Open the gate!¡±


    With little delay, the gate was opened, welcoming everyone to safety inside.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 16 (Welcome To Hijoli)

    Stepping inside, Trafka quickly barked orders demanding that not only the commander meet them at the great hall but that he also bring a map, something this outpost guard commander quickly ordered someone else to do.


    Walking the streets of the outpost, Kenneth couldn¡¯t help but feel a strange sense of familiarity.


    Streets littered with vibrant fur coats, stares turned toward his direction, and buildings that looked almost identical in both placement and structure.


    However, the only things that seemed to differ in any regard were the people, or more specifically, the women who wore messily stitched-together dresses, most of which were so long you could barely see their toes.


    Strangely enough, none of them, as far as Kenneth could see, had any weapons on them, unlike back at Laoli. Instead, they seemed occupied with tasks, only stopping and looking when they noticed the small group led by the hunter commander, their gazes mostly affixed on Trafka or, more accurately, the crest on his shield.


    Arriving at the great hall, the inside was almost completely the same. The only difference that could be immediately spotted was right by the wall, where opposite of it lay the kitchen.


    At Laoli, there had been a simple table where Hali had placed the pot of food for everyone to dig in, but here, right up against it, was a large dining table of clearly higher quality, along with a chair equal quality with a long backrest and armrests.


    Over by the table stood a woman with red and pink vertically stripped fur scrubbing it with a wet cloth, muttering something or other.


    She was leaning forward just enough to where the white tip of her tail was showing.


    Both of the younger hunters immediately seemed to notice, staring rather intently at her. Drogsa just turned his gaze, his tail twitching upward slightly, as he loudly ¡°coughed!¡±


    The woman immediately reacted to the sound, her ears snapping back. Glancing behind her toward the group, both of the younger hunters remained oblivious to her having noticed them even as her tail twitched.


    Rolling her eyes, she suddenly threw her arm back while flicking her wrist, hurling the wet cloth in her hand toward the youngest hunter and hitting him in the head.


    Staggering back, the youngest hunter dropped the dead Drofgnot he was holding.


    Kenneth had expected the woman to be angry at the two younger hunters; however, her ire was instead turned toward the oldest, ¡°It¡¯s a tail, Drogsa!¡±


    Turning his head to look at her, Drogsa only let out a sigh, ¡°Nevertheless, an apology is owed.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Drogsa looked at both of the younger hunters and, with his free hand, slapped the youngest one in the back of the head.


    Looking to his commander with slight confusion before realizing what he wanted him to do, the younger hunter met the woman¡¯s gaze with a smirk, ¡°Sorry, cook.¡±


    Her eyes suddenly narrowed further as she walked right up to him and glared down.


    His smirk quickly vanished as his ears and tail slightly lowered, ¡°Sorry¡­ Moliki.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Moliki,¡± the other hunter echoed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have them both skin the Drofgnot for you as an apology for that, Drogsa said, eyeing the youngest hunter. ¡°They could use the practice.¡±


    Moving her gaze back to Drogsa, her ire followed suit as she suddenly lunged forward with her claws, burrowing them into the Drofgnot he and the other hunter were carrying and throwing them up on her shoulder, whereafter she kneeled down and grabbed the last one on the floor.


    She certainly had the determination, but even so, as she walked toward the kitchen, her steps were a bit slow, encumbered not only by the weight but by the uneven distribution of the three carcasses.


    More than once, it looked like she would lose her footing and fall, but it seemed hatred and anger made her strong enough to carry everything to its destination.


    ¡°¡­Fiery¡­¡± Jago said once she was out of sight.


    ¡°Yes. Outpost women are something else,¡± Rafk weakly chuckled.


    ¡°When is the commander going to be here,¡± Trafka demanded to know.


    Drogsa turned to him and kept his gaze low, ¡°Soon; I doubt he¡¯ll be long once he knows you are here; until then, our healer can take care of your wounds.¡±


    He gestured toward the back room at the opposite end of the great hall.


    Without uttering a word, Trafka walked over to the back room and shut the door behind him.


    Letting out a small sigh, Drogsa turned to the rest, ¡°Take a seat. You all look tired.¡±


    After the day they¡¯d all had, he didn¡¯t need to tell them twice.


    Sitting down at a table, everyone let out exhausted sighs, yet Kenenth didn¡¯t afford himself such a luxury as his attention instantly turned to Kolu and Nokstella.


    He was still motionless, practically curled up into a ball and clinging to him, his eyes red and puffed from all his crying. Nokstella had barely taken her eyes off him, her scales lighter than her normal colouring.


    ¡®Did I make the right choice by taking her along with me? He wondered. ¡°Despite everything, the Nok are her people, and where we are heading won¡¯t be as kind as the Towe--Urg!¡¯


    Jolting slightly from the thought, Kenneth took a few deep breaths and calmed his nerves.


    ¡°How¡¯s he doing?¡± Rafk suddenly asked.


    ¡°As can be expected¡­¡± Kenneth sighed.


    ¡°A shame healers can¡¯t heal those wounds,¡± Rafk added as a silence fell over them all.


    ¡°¡­Talk¡­¡± Jago suddenly said, his croaking voice lowered as he glanced at Rafk.


    ¡°Listen, I¡¯m not against talking, but I think I just prefer a bit of quiet right now,¡± Kenneth said calmly, standing.


    ¡°¡­Wait¡­¡± Jago said.


    Sighing heavily, Kenenth asked, ¡°Why do you only say one word? We know you can say more.¡±


    Jago narrowed his eyes slightly while his tail remained motionless, ¡°¡­Why did¡­ you choose¡­ Rafk¡­?¡±


    Kenneth froze as he felt the weight of his choice riddling him with a sense of guilt, making him wonder if things might have turned out differently if he¡¯d simply chosen some other names.


    However, Jago¡¯s gaze wasn¡¯t the only one on him as the rest at the table also glared in his direction with a modicum of contempt.


    ¡°Enough¡­ Let¡¯s stop before we are at each other¡¯s throats, Rafk tiredly sighed. ¡°Listen, all of us haven¡¯t discussed it, but as far as the plan going forward¡­ it is to get some sleep and food and then head out once the light is with us.


    ¡°Tragna and the other are still out there, and if they were only being herded as you said, then we might be able to guess where they are from the nearest outpost.¡±


    ¡°¡­Good¡­¡± Jago added, along with some quiet and determined nods from everyone else at the table.


    ¡°Sound¡¯s like a plan, Kenneth added. ¡°Guess you want the medicine.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rafk calmly responded.


    Kenneth placed Nokstella down on the chair beside him, whereupon he reached into his bag and pulled out a long mug overflowing with antibiotic pills.


    ¡°I doubt you¡¯ll be needing this many, but it¡¯s better to be prepared, especially since I¡¯m not sure if one pill, even at this stage if everyone was infected, will be enough, Kenneth said. ¡°However, don¡¯t be chucking them down. They can be dangerous if you take to many at once.


    ¡°And they take time to work, so if you find anyone out there, give them only one, to begin with, and then wait¡­ roughly¡­ the time between eating breakfast and lunch, maybe a bit longer to be on the safe side.¡±


    Jago calmly took the mug of pills from Kenneth, ¡°¡­thanks¡­¡±


    ¡°I doubt I got all that; what about you?¡± Rafk asked Jago.


    With an assured nod, he replied, ¡°¡­Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Welcome to the outpost, Lord Krosk!¡±


    Everyone turned their heads to see a tall orange and yellow furred man standing in the doorway, dressed in fine, seemingly higher quality leather attire with longer sleeves than opposed to the normal ones most others wore.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°It is my honour to introduce the commander, Lord Akoz Batugta Hyrog.¡±


    The Lord and commander of the outpost walked past the orange and yellow-furred man carrying himself with prestige, his black featherily cloak gently swaying intact with his steps as he slowly made his way inside the dimmed light, making his maroon fur almost appear black.


    Coming to a halt, the Lord threw his hand to the side, opening up his cloak, revealing white and black silk-like attire underneath, as well as a scroll in his hand and a sword by his waist.


    With a gaze that looked dominant yet somehow less so than Trafka¡¯s and even the golden douche, the Lord scanned the room. His stoic expression grew ever so slightly annoyed as his other hand slid along his sword handle near the pommel, which was shaped like an animal with multiple eyes and two mouths, ¡°Ijubee, Where is Lord Krakni?¡±


    Ijubee looked somewhat distressed, his tail quickly shooting between his legs as his ears flattened, and he quickly looked around, his gaze lingering on Jago, ¡°You there! Where is the lord?!¡±


    ¡°¡­Back¡­¡± Jago replied.


    ¡°What? He¡¯s behind me,¡± Ijubee said in confusion, spinning around.


    Rolling his eyes, Jago lazily pointed toward the back room.


    Noticing, Ijubee slightly flared with anger as he said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you simply say-!¡±


    ¡°Quiet fool!¡± The Lord snarled the words enough to render Ijubee¡¯s anger muut and his posture submissive.


    Just as silence once again fell, the door to the back room opened, and Trafka walked out, the arrow in his shoulder gone along with a couple of nicks and scratches.


    The Lord was quick to walk over to him with the gesture of greeting, ¡°Greeting Lord Krakni, I¡¯m-¡°


    ¡°I heard through the door¡­ Lord Batugta, Trafka rudely interrupted. ¡°Now that you are here, I have matters to discuss with fewer prying ears.¡±


    He gestured toward the back room and kitchen.


    Lord Batugta was quick to catch on as he ordered Ijubee to get everyone outside, which he was quick to do, taking the healer, who looked tired and was dressed in a completely white rope. However, the cook, Moliki, was a bit of a challenge, especially with her colourful growling, yet she also left the building.


    ¡°Shall Ijubee show your servants to their accommodations?¡± Lord Batugta questioned, gesturing toward Kenneth and the others.


    ¡°Close the door,¡± Trafka ordered.


    Needing no instructions from his commander, Ijubee quickly closed the double doors, leaving the torch fire the only source of light.


    With a charismatic smile, The Lord asked, ¡°So for what reason am I honoured by--¡°


    ¡°Mercenaries! Trafka loudly said, cutting off Batugta, which did seem to leave him stumped as his expression flared with annoyance for a split second.  ¡°One of you make certain someone with good ears isn¡¯t listening.¡±


    Kenneth knew what he meant when he had to deal with Wilf; however, all the others just looked at one another in confusion, Rafk eventually being the first to ask, ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°I can assure you, Lord Krakni, There is no one in this outpost with such control over that ability, Lord Batugta assured him. ¡°Now, as requested, I¡¯ve brought the map with me.¡±


    Undoing the knot on the scroll, Lord Batugta rolled it out onto the table in front of everyone.


    The map was the same as the one Ulric had in his possession, with the exact same markings and layout of the outpost¡¯s villages and the capital.


    Tapping his claw on a particular outpost, laying about three other outposts down from Nya¡¯s and a ways off from the nearest village, The Lord stated, ¡°This is Hijoli.¡±


    Trafka glanced at the layout of the map for a moment, perhaps pondering which village would be best to reach next. Heading to the one closest to them would mean that they had to double back, taking a slight detour further away from the capital, while the one closer to their destination was a longer track on foot.


    With a charming smile, Lord Batugta walked over to Trafka, ¡°There¡¯s plenty of time to look at some old map, Lord Krakni, but now, why not tell me the reason for your honoured visit.¡±


    Meeting the Lord¡¯s gaze, Trafka took a step away from the table, leaving everyone else to studiously study the map in the meantime.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my intent to be here; the merchant Lord Jukibi and his caravan were set upon by an outpost¡¯s worth of heretics, killing most of his accompanying men and himself while we were in the midst of escorting the Black healer to the capital, as per his majesty¡¯s command,¡± Trafka explained.


    For the first time, Batugta¡¯s gaze wandered slightly from Trafka, lingering on Kenneth. It was clear from the onset that he noticed the differences between himself and Kenneth, though his reaction was mild, to say the most, a stark contrast to every one of the hunters.


    ¡°If it is the king''s command, it must be done,¡± Lord Batugta agreed.


    ¡°Good. Our destination was the nearest village. Have a guide and provisions made ready,¡± Trafka commanded.


    Lord Batugta somewhat glanced toward Kenneth, ¡°If I may Lord Krakni, of what importance have the king placed on this¡­ Black healer, if you have been tasked with their escort?¡±


    ¡°You are to know soon, so might as well, Trafka said as he turned to Kenneth. ¡°The Black healer is capable of healing the burning death.¡±


    Lord Batugta suddenly became visibly shocked and at a loss for words as his gaze snapped to Kenneth, ¡°I¡­I this is¡­ that¡¯s remarkable.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is, Trafka agreed. ¡°It is even more so that The Black healer is capable of such a thing without the use of magic. A rather handy thing, considering we¡¯ll have something to leave behind for you to heal the burning death once we leave.¡±


    Lord Batugta''s expression changed from one of astonishment to shock as he, without thinking, stepped away from Trafka, ¡°You mean not to tell me, Lord Krakni¡­!¡±


    ¡°The heretics that attacked the caravan were all inflicted with the burning death and aimed to spread it further using us, Trafka elaborated. ¡°Rest assured, we have all already begun to heal.¡±


    Lord Batugta looked uneasy; his eyes aligned with Trafka¡¯s as if to gauge whether or not what he was telling was the truth or lies. Slowly, seemingly by reflex, his hand graced his sword handle.


    ¡°I do not blame you for being cautious about this information but draw that sword, and this outpost will need a new commander, Trafka threatened as he calmly placed his shield in front of his body. ¡°I swear on the name of house Krosk and the blood of Heka, what I have told you now is true.¡±


    Lord Batugta didn¡¯t seem anywhere near calm; however, he accepted Trafka¡¯s words.


    ¡°Very well, Lord Krakni. My second in command will show you to your accommodations, Lord Batugta said. ¡°How long will you be my guest?¡±


    ¡°As soon as the preparations are made, we will be leaving,¡± Trafka answered him.


    ¡°We will be staying longer than that, Trafka, Kenneth piped up. ¡°We talked about this before we arrived.¡±


    Trafka rolled his eyes, ¡°You talked, I heard, but I never said I listened to you. Lying seemed the easiest way to make you stop worrying.


    ¡°Regardless, you can simply leave that healing stuff for the burning death here while we are off to the village. There¡¯s no need to stay.¡±


    Kenneth let out a frustrated sigh as his annoyance grew, ¡°Yes, there is! If we are sick with the burning death, which YOU most likely are after chomping down on Nokqotir.


    ¡°True, it mostly likely won¡¯t kill if I continue to provide treatment, but continuing to march ahead without resting is only going to weaken your immune system, and there¡¯s only so much penicillin is capable of doing. In all likelihood, you will grow weary and fatigued, which will only make the journey longer and more dangerous. And I don¡¯t need to tell you what we have to worry about out there.¡±


    ¡°Silence! Lord Batugta yelled. ¡°How dare you speak to one above your station in such a manner. Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness before I make you.¡±


    ¡°You will do no such thing; the Black healer is under my protection¡­ and don¡¯t forget that,¡± Trafka warned, staring down the commander with his icy gaze.


    ¡°So then, what¡¯s it going to be, Trafka? Do you want to stumble forward and struggle even more, or will you actually use that thing encased in your skull?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Trafka¡¯s tail flicked slightly, yet his gaze remained unwavering, ¡°Do what you want; it''s only the king''s wrath you¡¯ll incur. Lord Batugta, have your second in command show me the accommodations.¡±


    ¡°Do stay out of ours until when we return; Jago doesn¡¯t like anyone messing with his bed,¡± Rafk said.


    ¡°Return? What do you mean?¡± Lord Batugta inquired.


    The muscles in his face contracted in annoyance for a split second before Trafka looked the mercenary¡¯s way, ¡°You intend to search for those men. Looking a map over won¡¯t make you a cartographer, and you can forget to take it with you.¡±


    ¡°Jago is good with maps, Lord Krosk, Rafk replied. ¡°He used to help Lord Jubiki when he needed fresh eyes. He will be able to guide us to where most would have wound up.¡±


    Trafka''s posture remained firm, yet his facial features relaxed slightly as he let out a small chuckle, ¡°Your delusional optimism is amusing, but I think it has over-extended its welcome.


    ¡°Take one step out of this outpost, and you can all forget about the coins I promised you.¡±


    Without hesitation, each and every one of the mercenaries walked right past Trafka and exited the great hall, whereupon they had Ijubee guide them to their accommodations.


    Looking flabbergastered, Trafka growled, ¡°You deserters.¡±


    ¡°Lord Krakni, nothing more would please me than to throw these low-born out, but unfortunately, none of them has done anything that would entitle me to revoke the law of hospitality for them, Lord Batugta chimed. ¡°But I will assure they will only receive the barest of food for such insolence toward--¡±


    Trafka snapped his head around to face Lord Batugta, his expression a silent growl  as he reached a boiling point, and he shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t you realise you are abandoning a command given by the king!¡±


    As his words rang out, the outpost residents all looked on with expressions of shock, intrigue, and indifference.


    ¡°His majesty gave us no command, and I¡¯d rather be a deserter than leave a friend behind,¡± Rafk yelled back.


    Grinding his fangs, Trafkas fur began to rise, ¡°those lowborn¡­ why?!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have many friends, do you?¡± Kenneth asked while wiping down the table and chairs with rubbing alcohol.


    Trafka seemed completely taken aback by the sudden question as he stood silent.


    ¡°No amount of money, threats, or rationale will stop them. I suppose, simply put, they are brothers, Kenneth continued. ¡°Friendships like that are truly rare and are something you can only hope for.¡±


    ¡°Show me my accommodations!¡± Trafka growled at Lord Batugta.


    Slightly caught off guard by the sudden order, the Lord was quick to lead the way, with Kenneth following behind once he had finished.


    They were led down streets and alleys until arriving at a house no different from any other, with the same structure, same wood, and same interior.


    ¡°I hope it is to your liking, Lord Krakni,¡± Lord Batugta said.


    Trafka took a glance, ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting much.¡±


    ¡°It looks great. Thank you for finding something so quick,¡± Kenneth interjected as he walked inside.


    Lord Batugta looked annoyedly at him for a moment but uttered no words. Trafka had that front more than sufficiently covered.


    ¡°What do you think you are doing?!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Kenneth replied. ¡°We are going to be staying together.¡±


    ¡°Who do you think you are?! Out of the question!¡± Trafka yelled.


    With a slight sarcastic chuckle, Kenneth replied, ¡°Trust me, this is the furthest thing from what I want, but all four of us are at risk of spreading, you know what, so it¡¯s imperative we isolate ourselves.


    ¡°Otherwise, with the heightened risk of it spreading, we are going to be spending a lot longer time here than just a couple of days.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care; get out!¡± Trafka furiously yelled.


    Kenneth simply walked over to the bedroom, ¡°Kick my ass and throw me out then because I ain¡¯t leaving your side even if you find another house.¡±


    Taking deep, heavy breaths, Trafka¡¯s body shook with fury.


    ¡°I believe the cook will be done with the food soon. I¡¯ll have her deliver it to you promptly the moment it¡¯s done,¡± Lord Batugta said as he excused himself.


    ¡°Oh, tell her to leave it outside and then knock on the door! We¡¯ll get it!¡± Kenneth yelled as the door closed.


    As everything grew silent, Kenneth, Nokstella, and Kolu settled in, sitting down on the bed. Trafka was a bit slower when walking into the bedroom, mumbling something under his breath as he took a seat in the other bed.


    Letting out a tired sigh, Kenneth turned his gaze downward.


    Kolu was still clinging to him, staring blankly, and Nokstella just looked at him, trying to play that game again, but it still wasn¡¯t working. Instead, she decided to leave his grasp and walk around Kenneth.


    Spreading her arms wide, she went in for a hug in an attempt to comfort him as he had once done for her, but cruelly, it was not to be.


    The moment she touched him, he suddenly went wild, swiping his claws at her, drawing blood as he leapt from Kenneth¡¯s grasp onto the floor, growling, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me, heretic!¡±


    ¡°KOLU!¡± Kenneth gasped as he quickly took Nokstella, who¡¯d begun to cry.


    Standing on all fours with his tail easily twice its size, he only continued to growl quickly, scurrying under Trafka''s bed.


    Letting out a couple of amused chuckles while lying down, Trafka said, ¡°Good on you, kid.¡±


    Comforting Nokstella and taking care of her flesh wound with a bandaid, she asked, ¡°Am I bad heretic?¡±


    Kenneth froze for a moment, ¡°No! No, you are not bad! You are the goodest little girl! Kolu¡­ he¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s just hurting right now¡­ please just give him time.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 17 (Unruly Woman)

    It had been a long couple of days and not easy for anyone.


    Trafka had been his usual impatient self, wanting to go to the village as soon as possible and getting more and more frustrated each time Kenneth had more or less had to put him down.


    Eventually, he¡¯d become so bored he¡¯d begun to clean his armour and weaponry, something Kenneth supplied a bit of rubbing alcohol for so he could get his stuff nice and shiny and ensure any lingering viruses and bacteria were taken care of.


    Of course, he did the same for himself, cleaning the blood off his clothes, though it was a long and pained process with his broken finger. A splint and surgical tape would ensure it would heal and remain in the right place, though that meant he couldn¡¯t wear one of his gloves for some time.


    Not that such trivial things truly mattered compared to Kolu.


    He was still angry and had mostly spent his time hiding under Trafka¡¯s bed.


    Nokstella had tried to approach him a couple of times when Kenneth was preoccupied, but each time, the same thing happened. He¡¯d just growl and threaten with his claws, scaring her away.


    The wound he¡¯d inflicted on her may have healed, but the real damage wouldn¡¯t so easily.


    Kenneth knew he was hurting, and he tried to help as best he could by talking to him. Not that he ever replied, so instead, Kenneth thought it might be better to talk in another way.


    Right beside the bed, Kenneth had carved the game Tic-Tac-Toe into the floorboards using Huto¡¯s knife.


    He went first and then said, ¡°Your turn.¡±


    It took a long time, but eventually, without noticing, Kolu had made an X. The game was a long one, but it was at least progress.


    The only good news throughout it all was that the burning death seemed to have been contained. Trafka, as stubborn as he was, did take the penicillin without much of a fight when he developed some early symptoms of coughing and probably a low-grade fever.


    Kenneth couldn¡¯t be sure since there was no way in hell he¡¯d live through explaining the purpose of a rectal thermometer, not that he knew the average body temperature of an Aki.


    Yet regardless, as quickly as the symptoms had appeared, they disappeared, coupled with constantly using hand sanitiser plus wiping everything down, airing out now and again, and keeping a relative distance.


    For now, the worst seemed behind them.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going on a walk. Do you want to come?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Nokstella¡¯s scales immediately darkened, ¡°Yes, papa!¡±


    Still far from comfortable being called that, Kenneth shrugged it off for now and lifted her up in his arms. Before he left, He knelt and looked under Trafka¡¯s bed, ¡°Kolu, do you want to come too? The fresh air would probably do you some good.¡±


    He stared at Kenneth from the corner, the darkness obscuring all but his glowing eyes, yet slowly, he began to move, crawling out from under the bed.


    He looked worse for wear, his fur seemingly having thinned as the strands stuck to his clothes, yet strangely, the rest of it was neat and in place.


    ¡°Do you want to sit on my shoulders?¡± Kenneth offered.


    He didn¡¯t respond and only glared at Nokstella, his claws protruding.


    Kenneth wondered if he was going to attack her again, but instead, he just walked out of the room and into the bathroom.


    ¡®He still needs time,¡¯ Kenneth thought as he walked to the front door, closing the bedroom door behind him.


    He took the handle to the door and opened it, yet the moment he felt the warm rays of sun and cooling winds, he started to have second thoughts and closed it.


    ¡®What if I haven¡¯t used enough hand sanitiser? Kenneth worried. ¡®What if I¡¯m just being impatient when I know¡­¡±


    ¡°Bang¡­¡±


    Sounding like something heavy hitting the floor, Kenneth¡¯s thoughts came to an abrupt stop as he reflexively glanced back to where the sound had originated. The bedroom.


    ¡°¡­You can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    Trafka¡¯s words were rather quiet and slightly muffled, but Kenneth could make them out along with sounds of troubled breathing, sounding similar to panting.


    ¡°¡­You¡­ ARE not weak¡­ You¡­ are STRONG¡­ You¡­ HAVE to be strong¡­ You are a son of house Krosk¡­ You¡­ You¡­ CAN¡¯T be weak¡­ you can¡¯t let them¡­ Let them¡­ LAUGH at you¡­ You have to be Strong¡­!¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Kenneth just stood frozen, nervous and unsure what to make of what Trafka was saying as a million thoughts raced through his mind, ¡®Is he still sick? Was he just hiding it? No, that can¡¯t be. He recovered quicker than Kolu, but nevertheless, he recovered, so it has to be something else.


    ¡®He has been fighting almost nonstop since we left the outpost. Could it be he has some injury he¡¯s not mentioned, something healing hasn¡¯t been able to fully trea¡ª¡®


    His thought came to an abrupt halt as he heard the sound of the door opening. Snapping his head back around, his gaze locked with Ijubee¡¯s.


    He looked slightly surprised and uncomfortable, yet he greeted him with a smile. ¡°Black healer was it. I came to hear how you and Lord Krosk were feeling.¡±


    Kenneth hesitated a slight bit, ¡°fine, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Splendid, the commander will be pleased to hear such great news. Do both of you wish to join him at the great hall and deliver the news yourself¡¯s.¡±


    Kenneth thought about it for a split second, ¡°Umm¡­ no, I think¡ª¡°


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell him, Trafka said, stepping out of the bedroom. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of being cooped up in here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d imagine so, which is why the commander has some good news of his own to share,¡± Ijubee said as he led the way.


    Unable to get a word in, Kenneth followed as he kept a keen eye on Trafka, unable to spot anything obviously wrong with him, so either he was hiding it very well, or he had just been completely mistaken in thinking it was an injury. Maybe it was just some emotional problem or stress fueled by self-doubt, given what was said.


    Nevertheless, he decided to keep an eye on him for now just to make sure.


    It wasn¡¯t a very long walk and certainly not one he needed a guide for with how identical the outpost was, even if there were some slight differences.


    Arriving at the great hall, it was brimming with people, the sound of their talking overflowing and spilling out from the large building, yet it was strange as their seating disposition seemed somewhat segregated, with women sitting at selected tables at one side of the great hall and men on the other.


    It was a somewhat peculiar sight to behold. However, Kenneth didn¡¯t have time to linger as Ijubee led him over to Lord Batugta, who was sitting at the large chair by the fine dining table. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    He was joined by the hunter commander Drogsa and Volsk, who were in the middle of a conversation when they arrived.


    Lord Batugta quickly greeted them both, ¡°How excellent you could finally join me, Lord Krakni and Black healer. I¡¯ve been looking forward to this for some time.¡±


    He gestured for them both to take a seat.


    Trafka took the seat at the end of the table, and Kenneth took the seat beside him and Drogsa.


    ¡°So what is this news your subordinate wished to share,¡± Trafka questioned.


    With a satisfied expression, Lord Batugta leaned back in his chair, ¡°I knew how urgently this mission assigned by his majesty was, so not knowing how long your journey would be halted, I took the liberty of sending out some of my best scouts to ¡°Vogoli¡± to inform of your arrival and arrange a fitting escort for one of your status.¡±


    ¡°¡­I do not seem to recall having given such an order,¡± Trafka calmly said.


    Lord Batugta¡¯s satisfied smile grew, ¡°and of course, you didn¡¯t have to. I saw it not only prudent but an honour to aid you to the fullest extent of my authority.


    ¡°To that end, I also saw fit to have the scout travel back to the capital and deliver this news to your Lord Father.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Trafka said as his hand ever so slightly and almost unnoticeably shook.


    Noticing the pot was about to boil over for whatever reason, Kenneth quickly piped up, ¡°Well, Batugta, I, for one, am very thankful for your efforts, but could you answer me why there is such a large gathering here.¡±


    Lord Batugta looked somewhat surprised as his ear slightly twitched, but he quickly replied, ¡°Well, I thought it obvious given Ki¡¯s placement high above, but I do not blame you. There is a certain lack of aroma in the air.


    ¡°It is the new cook, unfortunately. She has not yet acclimated to her role as quickly as I would have liked. It is disappointing, but I suppose I shouldn¡¯t have expected much from outpost women; they do lack the fineness and dutifulness of a proper woman.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more,¡± Ijubee echoed.


    ¡°Uh-huh, okay then,¡± Kenenth replied with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Your questions are more than welcome, so I hope you feel inclined to answer mine, Lord Batugta said. ¡°Upon our first meeting, I noticed your darkened hand. Now I see it was only covering, but I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why you removed it and fastened some kind of device to your finger.¡±


    ¡°Oh, this thing. It''s just for healing purposes after a psycho bent it the wrong way,¡± Kenneth casually explained, surprising himself with his calmness.


    ¡°If you are wounded, we do have a healer at our disposal,¡± Lord Batugta offered.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite all right. I¡­ prefer to let it heal slowly,¡± Kenneth said while at the same time internally kicking himself for thinking of such a dumb lie, though no one really seemed to think much of it.


    In truth, he had debated for a short while if he should see the healer once the Burning death was dealt with; however, he ultimately decided not to since he couldn¡¯t be sure how much Trafka knew about him, particularly regarding when he and magic make contact.


    So, for now, he would keep it hidden, just in case.


    ¡°I hope you do not take any offence to me asking Lord Batugta, but how does one of royal beginnings end up as a commander of an outpost,¡± Trafka inquired.


    Pausing slightly, Lord Batugta spoke in a calm tone of voice, ¡°Originally, I was in charge of ¡°Vogoli¡±. I always found life in the capital far too crowded for my liking and took command with dutifulness and steadfastness.


    ¡°However, my work was all for not, as unfounded and terrible rumours about me made it back to the capital, and I was unjustly demoted.¡±


    The expression of the two Lords at the table remained calm; however, the others at the table did not share their emotional inhibition at this time.


    Volsk looked indifferent, as though he only partly paid attention to the conversation. Drogsa had a more complex expression, as though he wanted to say something, but he kept his mouth shut. Lastly, Ijubee looked slightly nervous but, like Drogsa, remained silent.


    ¡°I see, what a shame,¡± Trafka replied.


    ¡°Your words are greatly appreciated,¡± Lord Batugta responded.


    Soon, a silence fell between the two Lords, one that was prolonged by the aroma of meat and the appearance of a couple of women from the kitchen carrying bowls and spoons, which they placed in front of each person.


    With a bowl before him, Kenneth broke the silence, ¡°So¡­ um, Batugta, has there been any news about Jago, Rafka and the others?¡±


    Lord Batugta slowly shifted his gaze from Trafka to Kenneth, ¡°No. After the mercenaries departed, there hasn¡¯t been a trace. I suppose that could be considered both good and bad news since there¡¯s no certainty of their demise yet.¡±


    Not sure what other answer he expected, Kenneth fell silent just as the food was being brought in.


    With lumbering steps, the cook Moliki walked out of the kitchen carrying a square bowl filled with the normal meat soup, which she placed at their table.


    ¡°I know it is far from the cuisine of which you must be accustomed, Lord Krakni, but had I known you¡¯d finally join us at the table, I would have made certain this slop would have been of passing quality at least,¡± Lord Batugta apologized as Moliki with an angry glare walked back into the kitchen.


    ¡°Put your mind at ease. Expecting the food from an outpost to be befitting of a royal is a foolhardy notion. My father made certain to teach me that when in the fields of battle,¡± Trafka replied.


    ¡°A wise man indeed, yet even so, I will attempt such an endeavour, most certainly not succeeding but perhaps cleansing your palette, with a banquet in your honour later at dinner,¡± Lord Batugta confidently said.


    ¡°While a¡­ tempting offer, the king''s orders must not be delayed,¡± Trafka replied with hints of reluctance and annoyance in his voice.


    Lord Batugta leaned back in his chair, ¡°I do understand which is the reason I send those scouts to ¡°Vogoli¡±, but I also hope you understand that despite your exceptional physical capabilities, you are travelling with ones of considerably less skill and physical endowment.


    ¡®Is he really talking about me like I¡¯m not here?¡¯ Kenneth thought while raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°With those mercenaries running off chasing a fool''s hope, you are required to protect the Black healer and the child, and while I have no doubt you can handle such a challenge, it will slow you. Even offering you my best men, I doubt they could aid you to any extent you could not accomplish on your own.


    ¡°Whether it be now or later, your journey to ¡°Vogoli¡± and the eventual encounter with the escort, you will not be delayed in the slightest.¡±


    ¡°You make it sound as if only a fool would rush ahead,¡± Trafka replied.


    Lord Batugta let out a satisfied chuckle, ¡°You make it sound as if I¡¯m forcing you¡­ as if I could. No, your visit to this edge of his majesty''s kingdom is simply an unprecedented event.


    ¡°So rarely do we have an opportunity to celebrate, and I am a man of the people, so why not give them this glimmer of joy.¡±


    Around the table, everyone acted differently. Ijubee had a smile while Volsk looked bored, and Drogsa rolled his eyes; however, Trafka was motionless, staying silent for a moment.


    ¡°Morale is important among soldiers, so I accept.¡±


    ¡°You honour me and this simple place greatly,¡± Batugta said, his voice brimming with glee.


    ¡°It¡¯s rather generous of you to do,¡± Kenenth said.


    ¡°Oh, think nothing of it, Black healer. If you like, we can even throw the little heretic you are holding in the pot,¡± Lord Batugta offered with a hardy laugh.


    Completely taken aback by the proposition, Kenenth unconsciously held Noksetella a little more firmly as he could only say, ¡°Oh no, there¡¯s no need.¡±


    Even though he wanted to shout at him for suggesting that.


    ¡°Saving the little heretic for later then,¡± Lord Batugta replied while motioning for the cook, who¡¯d just finished bringing in the last bowl, to come closer.


    With a visibly annoyed expression that she made no attempt to hide, she walked over to the table.


    ¡°The food not to your liking?¡± Moliki snappily asked.


    Batugta narrowed his eyes slightly, ¡°When you speak to your superior, you will address me as such.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ Commander,¡± she replied with a hint of reluctance in her voice.


    Batugta raised an eyebrow, ¡°decent, but it needs a lot of work, and if your simple mind didn¡¯t catch it, I was both talking about your tone and skills as a cook.


    ¡°Regardless, for now, more important matters are at hand. The young Lord has decided to stay for a banquet in his honour, so I will need you to work in the kitchen and prepare everything. I will come by later to instruct upon the food you¡¯ll be making.¡±


    Moliki had a slight glare in her eyes as she clutched her hand, ¡°As you wish¡­ commander.¡±


    Turning to leave, Moliki was just about to walk into the kitchen when Batugta once more spoke, ¡°Cook have you no shame in this company. I can see the tip of your tail. Take the dress and get it fixed this instant.¡±


    Moliki just froze right on that spot.


    Batugta turned to both Kenneth and Trafka, ¡°I must apologize; these outpost women are little better than unruly beas¡ª¡°


    Suddenly, a balled-up leather skirt hit Batugta in the head. Everyone in the room fell silent as all eyes gathered on him and the one who¡¯d thrown it, Moliki.


    Her fangs were bare as she let out a growl.


    Lord Batugta only glanced at the stitched skins and then at Moliki, particularly her lowered half as her tail was now exposed, ¡°a sorry excuse in courtship if I¡¯ve ever se¡ª¡°


    ¡°SHUT YOUR SNOUT YOU DISGRACED THIEVING ROYAL!!!¡± Moliki shouted at the top of her lung.


    With fury blazing in his eyes, Lord Batugta calmly rose from his seat, yet despite his clear anger, he kept his composure, ¡°Your temper seems to have gotten the better of you, and in your hysterics, you make up lies about your comma¡ª¡°


    ¡°I told you to shut your snout! You''re no commander of mine! You got sent here! You force the women to wear dresses and tell us we are shameless and then force us to do menial chores instead of our duties!¡± Moliki yelled.


    With a confident and smug yet angry smile, Batugta responded, ¡°By duties, do you refer to your previous work at Kaliki? You may have been a guard; you may have fought in battle, but here we do things properly.


    ¡°Now pick your clothes, cover your shame and apologize, and you may only receive a small punishment.¡±


    With unwavering fury, as her tail grew and her claws fully protruded, Moliki replied, ¡°Do your worst; I¡¯m giving mine in return!¡±


    Batugta let out a small laugh as he drew his sword, ¡°I do apologize, Lord Krakni. It would seem I have to deal with this matter. Though what kind of man would I be to fight an unarmed woman? If she does not retreat, let it be as evenly as possible.


    ¡°Ijubee, get a sword from the armoury and make haste. I wouldn¡¯t want her needlessly parade her shamefulness any longer than necessary.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 18 (Eight Minus Three Equals Five)

    The sight was all too familiar.


    Tables had been cleared of all their contents and pushed together around the fighters while the people around watched, ready to see who would win; however, the only difference was Kenneth, for once, was among the crowd.


    ¡°Is bad man die?¡± Nokstella asked.


    Kenneth hesitated slightly to answer. He wanted to say no one was going to die, but he wasn''t the slightest bit certain that was going to be the case.


    ¡°The battle has already been decided, and that woman will be put in her place; where that is, I can¡¯t say,¡± Trafka interjected.


    He was the only reason Kenneth hadn¡¯t just left right away. He wasn¡¯t sure if there was something wrong with him, but he couldn¡¯t simply turn his back and leave it be.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°Your healing took care of the problem,¡± Trafka replied.


    Prying a little deeper, Kenneth asked, ¡°Are you sure? There isn¡¯t something else, maybe some pain this outpost healer couldn¡¯t fix.¡±


    ¡°If you¡­ aaahhhh¡­ insult me, do it to my face.¡±


    Kenneth reflexively turned his head and came face to maw with this outpost¡¯s yawning healer, a light-grey furred man with messy fur, sleep in his eyes, and dressed in a complete white rope.


    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to insult you,¡± Kenneth said.


    The healer looked tired and responded, ¡°Don¡¯t forget, who''s the only one that can heal you when you are in need.¡±


    Tilting his head slightly in confusion about what his attitude was about, Kenneth simply replied, ¡°I can heal certain injuries and most illnesses on myself.¡±


    The healer looked at him, his half-closed eyes opening ever so slightly and becoming sad, ¡°I got nothing to threaten you with then.¡±


    Sitting down, he hugged his knees, sulking.


    Mouth wide open, Kenneth was stunned, unable to process the scene he¡¯d just witnessed as Ijubee finally arrived with a sword in hand.


    Moliki reached for it, but at the last second, Ijubee let go and dropped the blade on the floor, his smug expression infuriating her. Calmly, she bent over, everyone¡¯s gazes already affixed on her tail and following, along with the last arrival of Ijubee.


    As her hand reached the sword, she didn¡¯t pick it up right away; instead, she placed her other hand on the floor and suddenly swung back her leg in an amazing display of Aki flexibility, kicking Ijubee right in the snout, knocking him right on his tail where upon Moliki quickly picked up her weapon and got ready.


    She held her weapon in both hands and kept a low stance, looking impatient to charge right then and there.


    However, Lord Batugta simply looked at her with a confident and slightly mocking smirk, ¡°Tsk, Tsk, you said you¡¯ve fought before; well, from the looks of it, you are¡ª¡°


    Before he finished his sentence, Moliki charged at him, closing the distance and swinging her blade.


    Lord Batugta calmly stepped forward and met her blade with his own, blocking and redirecting her attack to the side, throwing Moliki off balance, whereupon he quickly grabbed her arm and spun around, sending her crashing into the table behind him.


    ¡°Slobby, that feeble attempt might work on the brutish simpletons, but not one as innately superior as I,¡± Batugta said, allowing her to recover.


    Growling, she found her balance and turned around, noticing one of the straps on her shirt had been cut.


    Lord Batugta only gave her a pitiable look as he raised his sword and waited for her response, whether it be her next attack or her immediate surrender.


    However, her eyes only narrowed, and she sprinted once more toward Lord Batugta, aiming for his neck.


    Once within range, Lord Batugta met her blade again and redirected her to the nearest table.


    Determidlly, Moliki didn¡¯t give up, slamming her chest and stomach into the tables over and over again, failing each and every time until every single strap on her shirt was cut and her shirt flapped with every slight movement like a dress in the wind.


    Becoming more enraged by the Lord, but also seemingly by the gawking audience, Moliki shouted, ¡°Fight me, you coward!¡±


    ¡°Threats will be faced head-on, annoyances will be ignored until they can not,¡± Lord Batugta simply replied.


    It only fueled her anger more, her growling becoming silent as, amazingly, the fur on her tail grew even more. A lot of the men seemed fixated on it and did little to hide it even as she once more rushed ahead.


    With his expression faded from smug to bord, Lord Batugta swung his blade, but before their swords could connect, Moliki jumped back, and the moment her claws touched the floor, leapt forward, aiming for his chest.


    His expression instantly grew surprised before switching to a serious one.


    Lord Batugta quickly stepped to the side, avoiding the sword as he brought his own down on hers, knocking it away as he grabbed her arm, his clawing digging into her flesh, and, with inconsequential effort, threw her into another table.


    She crashed hard, this time her back taking the brunt of the blow, but as she got back up, she let out a slightly pained chuckle, ¡°You couldn¡¯t cut my shirt that time.¡±


    ¡°Even the most brutish simpleton can adapt if struck enough times, I suppose, Lord Batugta replied as he turned to face her. ¡°Congratulations, your insolence has awarded you a modicum of my attention.¡±


    Getting her blade, she tightened her grip around it as she got back into the fray, slowly walking around Lord Batugta just outside his range while his eyes followed her.


    She¡¯d almost made half a circle when suddenly she darted forward in a quarter circle. Lord Batugta quickly turned, but just as he did, Moliki jumped back half a quarter and sprinted toward him with her blade thrust forward.


    Blocking the sword tip with the flat side of his blade, Batugta pushed the hand, holding the grip further ahead, and with Moliki¡¯s momentum, her flat tip slid along his blade, causing sparks to generate an instant before they separated.


    Moliki quickly got ready for another attack, but before she could strike, Lord Batugta beat her to it, hitting her in the face with the pommel of his sword.


    She staggered to the side and blindly swung her sword.


    He simply stepped out of her range and quickly dodged around and behind her, raising his blade and bringing it down with expert precision, cleaving her shirt starting from between her shoulder blades to the end.


    Knowing he was behind her, Moliki quickly lowered her upper body and sunk all of her claws into the floorboard except for the one on her right leg, which she used to kick Lord Batugta.


    However, he was quick to notice and took one step back, avoiding her blow entirely, even though it looked like she should have hit him.


    ¡°If nothing else, this little outburst of yours is providing me with some mild reacquaintance with my skills and ability,¡± Lord Batugta said, his voice exuding confidence and mocking.


    Quickly escaping her vulnerable position, Moliki kicked off the floor and somersaulted to gain some distance, whereupon she entered a defensive position for the incoming blow; however, it never came.


    Lord Batugta only calmly stepped closer, his sword by his side, and stopped only a couple of steps in front of Moliki.


    Visibly, confused for a moment, Moliki swung her blade, and it connected, or at least should have, but Lord Batugta didn¡¯t flinch in pain, nor was there any wound of any kind with every strand of his fur untouched.


    He only stood tall over his opponent.


    Taking a deep breath, her nostrils flaring, Moliki attacked with almost reckless abandon, yet no matter which approach she tried, she couldn¡¯t even land a hit on him, and most infuriatingly and amazingly of all, she always seemed a hair short.


    With each failed attempt, Lord Batugta would swing his sword and cut away at her shirt, never drawing blood but merely disrobing Moliki ever so slightly in perhaps a tactic of humiliation.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Not that it was working since, in her enraged state, her sole focus was on Lord Batugta even as her shirt clung to her body by a threat, and she had begun to pant, her hands quivering to keep her sword up.


    Lord Batugta was in a better state, though certain signs of exhaustion were rearing their head, ¡°have you had enough? Have I not proven to you the chasm there is between you and me? Save the shred of dignity you have left, woman and learn your place.¡±


    Moliki kept her eyes low, continuously panting; however, she stopped abruptly and lowered her sword.


    ¡°At least you are not fully out of reach,¡± Lord Batugta said.


    As the blade touched the floor, Moliki suddenly clenched her fangs and, quickly raised her sword above her head and hurled it toward Lord Batugta.


    Visibly caught off guard, he quickly sidestepped and held up his blade, blocking the incoming hunk of metal and knocking it to the side.


    Switching his focus back to Moliki, his sight was obstructed as she ripped her shredded shirt off and threw it into his face. Quickly, he tore it away while swinging his blade wildly in anticipation of Moliki¡¯s attack.


    However, she dodged under it, and by the time Lord Batugta had regained his sight, Moliki, with her sharp claws at the ready, slashed all eight of them across his chest.


    A dead silence fell over everyone as Lord Batugta staggered back until he bumped into the table.


    The majority of the crowd, whose gazes had been on Moliki¡¯s tail and briefly her bare striped chest, now each and everyone gathered on Lord Batugta, who looked more confused than pained.


    Calmly, he lifted his hand and reached under his shredded clothes.


    ¡°Commander, look out!¡± Ijubee shouted.


    Moliki didn¡¯t let up as she went on the attack, grabbing the handle of Lord Batugta¡¯s sword over his hand and attacking with her other, aiming for his face.


    Grabbing her wrist, a struggle ensued as he tried to swing his sword, only for Moliki to sink her claws into his hand while smugly and malevolently smiling at him, ¡°How does it feel to be cut by a woman?!¡±


    She tried to push her other hand closer to his face, but it wouldn¡¯t budge as Lord Batugta only stared at drops of blood dripping from her claws. His breath became heavier as he suddenly threw Moliki to the side.


    She quickly took the opportunity and got her sword on the floor, but as she turned to face Lord Batugta, his eyes flared with burning rage.


    He walked toward her, and as she swung her blade, he reflected the blow and, the swords clashed, and the resulting sound echoed throughout the room as Lord Batugta pushed her back.


    Not having backed down before, Moliki wasn¡¯t about to now as she launched forward, striking with both claws and sword.


    With ease, Lord Batugta knocked her sword away and, at the same time, grabbed Moliki¡¯s arm and pulled it down, forcing her body to contort the same as he kneed her in the chest.


    Reeling back, she hit the table, and with no time for her to respond, Lord Batugta raised his sword and slashed her across her chest.


    Howling in pain, she twisted her wrist and aimed her blade at his side; however, in one swift motion, Lord Batugta sliced across her stomach and knocked her sword from her grasp.


    With blood running down her fur and onto the floor, Lord Batugta raised his sword up to her neck but then let it fall, ¡°how shameful of me to act with such barbarism. Rest assured, cook, I know how deep to cut, and your wounds won¡¯t kill you outright.


    ¡°As punishment for your insolence, you are not to seek aid from the healer. You must either overcome those wounds or succumb to them.¡±


    With gasping breath, Moliki¡¯s expression of pain twisted into a smiling grimace, ¡°Only two cuts to my eight.¡±


    He slowly gazed at her and suddenly grabbed her by the throat and threw her onto the ground,¡± If you survive, I do hope this will be the end of your outburst. Not as many as I would have the patience for you. Now have a bit of dignity and cover your shame.¡±


    Moliki glared back at Batugta for a moment, but it seemed all the rage in her had quelled as she silently and with difficulty climbed over the tables, some choosing not to look at her, others looking too much even as she exited the building.


    ¡°Enough looking around! Lord Batugta loudly said with a commanding tone as he sheathed his sword. ¡°Clean this mess, and then return to your duties!¡±


    As soon as the order had been given, all of the men left the great hall, and all of the women returned the tables to their previous placement. A couple of others quickly washed and cleaned the blood off the floor.


    In the midst of this orderly chaos, Lord Batugta approached Kenneth and Trafka, ¡°I apologize for the display, but I had to set that woman straight. It was for her own good.¡±


    ¡°And yet she caused you some trouble,¡± Trafka said, pointing to his wounds across his chest.


    ¡°Speaking of which, do you need me to take a look,¡± Kenneth interjected.


    Lord Batugta¡¯s gaze shifted to Kenneth, ¡°You need not waste your efforts on these scratches; only the healer beside you ought to.¡±


    Having almost completely forgotten he was there, Kenneth was reminded when the sulking healer¡¯s arm shot up glowing white.


    Ear twitching, eyes rolling, Lord Batugta grabbed the healer''s hand and pressed it against his chest, ¡°not a display I desired you to see, Lord Krakni.¡±


    ¡°I know well of the attitude and strangeness certain healers can exhibit, Trafka replied. ¡°However, this display is easier to see than your previous one.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lord Batugta questioned.


    ¡°You toyed with that woman too much and now may only have emboldened her instead of disciplining her,¡± Trafka replied.


    ¡°Rest assured, Lord Krakni, you need not worry about her, even if her will is strong enough to keep her alive. If her outbursts continue, I will take care of her, but let us not talk about something so inconsequential,¡± Lord Batugta said, letting go of the healer''s hand.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not needed, I¡¯ll be off then,¡± Kenneth interjected as he turned to leave, the sound of Lord Batugta¡¯s voice following him as he asked Trafka his preferred type of meat.


    Outside, Kenneth immediately turned right and walked in the opposite direction of where he was staying.


    Nokstella quickly took note and asked, ¡°Where walk, papa?¡±


    ¡°That woman who fought the commander is hurt and needs help,¡± Kenneth responded as he followed the trail of blood on the ground.


    It took a bit of time, and the distance covered was either a testament to Moliki¡¯s will or Batugta¡¯s precision; however, he soon found himself in front of a building no different from any other.


    He knocked on the door and took a very long step back, which wasn¡¯t needed as the door very slowly opened with a short purple-furred woman behind it.


    Their eyes interlocked, and suddenly, she ¡°Yipped!¡± Jumped back and slammed the door shut, ¡°sorry, nobody¡¯s here!¡±


    ¡°Ah ha¡­ then who do I have the pleasure of speaking to? The door?¡± Kenneth mused.


    A silence quickly fell, one that was broken as Nokstella chimed in, ¡°I think woman talk.¡±


    With a slight smile, Kenneth agreed with her, ¡°I think you''re on to something; I do think I saw someone before the door closed.¡±


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­ what¡­ what do you want?¡± The purple-furred woman asked.


    ¡°I followed the trail of blood, and I wanted to help Moliki,¡± Kenneth answered her.


    However, his simple offer of help was met with some unintended misunderstanding, ¡°help her! She is well! Now leave! She doesn¡¯t need aid, and she isn¡¯t being sent to her ancestors!¡±


    Kenneth processed her words like a ninety¡¯s computer, but before he could respond, Moliki herself did.


    ¡°Who¡¯s at the door?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No one, and you picked a dress for girls, pick something else! You can¡¯t walk around in public like that!¡± The purple-furred woman responded.


    ¡°Watch me!¡± Moliki angrily replied as she, to the best of Kenneth''s imagination from the sounds behind the door, fought with the woman and opened the door.


    She had acquired a new shirt, and the new dress was closer to a skirt; however, her attire was of little consequence as she made eye contact not with Kenneth but with Nokstella and promptly growled.


    ¡°Umm, excuse me, Moliki, was it? I heard Batugta say you were from the Kaliki outpost, or was I mistaken? Kenneth asked as Nokstella curled closer up to him. ¡°If so, do you perhaps know Nya, its former commander?¡±


    For the first time since their small conversation had begun, Moliki¡¯s gaze locked with his, ¡°the commander. What do you know of her?!¡±


    In a timely manner, Kenneth explained everything that happened that day, how he saw the smoke and encountered Nya, though he left out the bit where he accidentally knocked her out and borderline kidnapped her.


    Once he was done, Moliki just stared at him, seemingly in deep thought.


    However, the first to speak was the purple-furred woman, ¡°So that¡¯s what happened to the commander.¡±


    ¡°You are from Kaliki, too,¡± Kenneth said in surprise.


    ¡°Yes, she responded, nudging Moliki to step to the side. ¡°Why don¡¯t you come inside.¡±


    He did so and noticed this building was the outpost nursery, though it was lacking children as an empty crib stood over by the corner.


    ¡°We searched for her, you know, after the fire had gone out. We lost a lot searching for her since she was heavy with children,¡± Moliki said, her voice carrying some disdain in it, and her gaze lingered on Nokstella.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that, but let us focus on now instead and let¡¯s avoid another one dying, Kenneth replied. ¡°Would you please take your shirt off so I can inspect the damage?¡±


    ¡°Why bother? That disgraced simpleton will just try and carve me open once he learns that I¡¯ve been healed by you,¡± Moliki said, her breath slightly heavier as she took a seat on the floor.


    ¡°I see. You know I¡¯m a healer, but I guess you do not know how I heal, Kenneth said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a needle and threat. ¡°There will be some pain, but in the grand scheme of things, it won¡¯t be much. And besides, I didn¡¯t take you for someone blindly doing what Batugta says.¡±


    Moliki gave Kenneth a small smile as she disrobed for him.


    ¡°How unsightly in the presence of a¡­ errr¡­ what are you?¡± the purple-furred woman asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m a human, and my name is Kenneth; he replied as he placed Nokstella down and began to inspect Moliki¡¯s wound. ¡°Hmm¡­ doesn¡¯t look too bad. Not muscle deep, so I should heal fine once I close it up, but unfortunately, it looks like he got three nipples.¡±


    ¡°Who cares? Moliki rhetorically asked.  ¡°Do what you need to; the thought of dying to his wounds makes my teeth itch.¡±


    The purple-furred woman let out an audible sigh, ¡°If only you would humour him and play along and act proper like he wants.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s proper¡­ a proper bastard,¡± Moliki replied.


    ¡°You can¡¯t call him that,¡± the purple-furred woman objected.


    With a mix of anger and confusion, Moliki countered, ¡°And why not Akiti? He¡¯s a sleazy, slimy furball.¡±


    ¡°Oh, most certainly, but he isn¡¯t that word, bastard, Akiti elaborated.


    ¡°Who cares?!¡±


    ¡°I simply think when insulting someone, you should be accurate,¡± Akiti replied.


    As the discussion of the right definition of a bastard played out, Kenneth closed Moliki¡¯s large wounds.


    ¡°Well, that should do, Kenneth announced. ¡°You won¡¯t die from blood loss. Do wash it now and again, and do no strenuous activity for a while and get yourself some proper rest.¡±


    Moliki¡¯s ears perked as a devious expression came across her face, ¡°I can''t wait to see that bastard¡ª¡°


    ¡°Ahem..¡± Akiti coughed.


    Moliki rolled her eyes, ¡°that furball! When I march around the outpost looking healed without being healed.¡±


    As Kenneth packed up his things, Akiti suddenly pricked him on the shoulder, ¡°The needle you used; I noticed it was bent. Would you be willing to part with it? You see, I have none like that here, and you see, Moliki rarely thinks when she¡¯s angry.¡±


    ¡°Sure, but not this one, it''s been used, Kenneth replied as he dropped the needle into the bag and pulled out a dozen others. ¡°All yours, and I can teach you how to stitch if you want.¡±


    Akiti picked them up from Kenneth''s palm, ¡°Oh, I think I got it. I haven¡¯t pricked my finger more than a couple of times last time I made a shirt.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself; just remember to sterilize the needles after and before every use. A lit candle should do the trick. We wouldn¡¯t want one of the wounds to get infected now,¡± Kenneth advised her.


    ¡°What will you be doing now?¡± Moliki questioned.


    ¡°Nothing in particular; maybe just get some fresh air and walk around for a bit,¡± Kenneth replied as he picked up Nokstella.


    Moliki suddenly took his hand and led him outside, ¡°Well, as thanks for healing me, why don¡¯t I show you around.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 19 (Calm Evening)

    Calmly walking beside Moliki, Kenneth, for the first time in a long time, managed to shut off his brain and relax a slight bit.


    In the meantime, she pointed out different places in the outpost as they took their time getting around.


    First, the smithy, where the smoke from the forge rose up into the air, and the sound of metal banging echoed, then the training area where a number of men were fighting, aiming to impress the onlookers, most of which were women who discreetly pointed and gossiped among themselves, and lastly a roundabout trip up on the wall to get a different view of the outpost and its surroundings.


    Yet throughout it all, Moliki¡¯s voice as she pointed out each place and some of the people slowly began to seep with anger as more and more turned their heads to look at her.


    Most men would gawk, so obviously, even Kenneth could notice, and a lot of the women would just either ignore the sight, visibly scoff, or openly talk amongst themselves.


    Even as they walked by a pair on the main street.


    ¡°Does she not realize her dress is too short, or is she truly so stupid?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s no better than a harlot. Be careful not to let your mate get too close to her.¡±


    That last comment, coupled with the pair giggling, seemed to be the straw that broke the camel''s back as suddenly Moliki picked up a small jagged rock and threw it at the woman, hitting right between her shoulder blades.


    She ¡°yiped¡± in pain and staggered forward a bit, but as the pair looked back and saw the crazed look in Moliki¡¯s eyes, both quickly just ran away.


    A moment later, when both women were out of sight, Moliki slowly fell on her knee, ¡°Aww¡­ Aww¡­ that, that hurt real bad.¡±


    ¡°I told you to take it easy, Kenneth sighed. ¡°Did you open up your wound with that manoeuvre?¡±


    Moliki pulled on the neck of her shirt and leaned her head to the side to look down, ¡°I¡¯m not bleeding; it only hurt. Worth it, though.


    ¡°All any one of them does is stare at my tail and insult me. I wish I could throw rocks at all of them, sharp ones, the kind that hurt.¡±


    ¡°If you hate them looking at it, why do you go around showing it off as you do?¡± Kenneth questioned.


    ¡°To antagonize that no good commander and make him angry. Back at Kakili, everyone, whether we were men or women, could wear what we liked and work with what we wanted, Moliki said. ¡°I didn¡¯t have to feel ashamed for something I shouldn¡¯t have to feel ashamed for.


    ¡°Sometimes I pray to Dahi and wish for him to mould my body to have a big fat #&?% so I can just RAM it up that Lord¡¯s tail hole and make him beg for mercy!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­huh¡­ how vivid,¡± Kenneth said unshaken.


    Moliki scratched the back of her head, ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s probably not what a man wants to hear from the mouth of a woman.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no worries, I¡¯m a doctor and have heard far worse from patients¡­ a couple of middle-aged men, one teen, but mostly pregnant women. What you just said doesn¡¯t even crack the top fifteen, ¡° Kenneth reassured her.


    Moliki stared at him for a moment as a nervous and curious smile grew, ¡°You¡¯ve heard worse than what I just said. You have to tell me!¡±


    ¡°Well, if you insist. Nokstella, please cover your ears,¡± Kenneth told her.


    ¡°But I want hear,¡± She replied.


    ¡°It speaks,¡± Moliki said, surprised.


    ¡°Come now, Nokstella, this isn¡¯t something a kid should hear. If you do this one thing, we can play a game later,¡° Kenenth said, ignoring Moliki¡¯s comment.


    As her scales colouring slightly changed, Nokstella placed both her hands over her ears or, more accurately, the two sunken holes on both sides of her head as she proudly said, ¡°Yes, papa.¡±


    ¡°WAIT?! Is that your kid? How? Why? What?¡± Moliki flabbergasteridly asked.


    With a raised eyebrow, Kenneth asked her, ¡°Do you really wanna hear about the complexities of my life, or do you want to hear some of the dirtiest language I¡¯ve ever witnessed.¡±


    She thought about it for less than a second, ¡°Dirty words!¡±


    Before he began, Kenneth double-checked that Nokstella had both hands over her ears, ¡°Well, a bit of context: this woman, let¡¯s call her Lilly, she was petite, and her mate Andre was one of the tallest men I¡¯ve ever seen.


    ¡°Well, Lilly had been in labour for about thirty-eight hours, but given the size of the baby, which was around five kilos, it was understandable. I did recommend a C-section, but she refused, saying the birth should be as natural as possible. For that reason, she had also refused anything to dull the pain.


    ¡°Now, the dirty language occurred right about when the head was coming. Andre, being rather squeamish about all the blood, stood at the other end of the room, which very much made Lilly angry to the point she yelled.


    ¡°ANDRE!!! IF YOU DON¡¯T COME HERE RIGHT NOW AND TAKE MY HAND, ONCE I¡¯M DONE SHOOTING THIS PARASITE OUT OF MY VIGINA I¡¯M GONNA  S#!&% &%# #?&% #&#? #?%&#? %&#?#%&#&% YOU #?#&#%&#%?#%&%&#?#&%#!!!¡±


    After hearing it, Moliki just stared wide-eyed and, without uttering a word, just sat down.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°I never knew,¡± Moliki replied.


    ¡°Knew what.¡±


    ¡°That there existed such words you could use to insult someone! I¡¯ve been using such gentle words all this time,¡± Moliki said, suddenly jumping to her feet.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t exactly call your repertoire of words gentle,¡± Kenneth dryly replied.


    Moliki suddenly put both of her hands on his shoulder and looked deeply into his eyes, ¡°Thank you for showing me there are so many more words I could insult that halfwit with.¡±


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t plan on doing something stupid, Kenneth replied. ¡°I¡¯m good at putting people back together, but I have my limits, and you only have so many nipples left.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry. As much as I enjoyed slicing that disgrace of a royal, getting cut open¡­ hurt¡­ hurt a lot, and I¡¯m not in the mood for that to happen again. So I¡¯ll just insult him behind his back and piss in his food until eventually the Kakili outpost gets rebuilt, and I can leave this stinking place behind,¡± Moliki pridefully explained.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ pissing in his food. Don¡¯t you think spitting would suffice,¡± Kenneth reacted with disgust.


    Smiling smugly, she replied, ¡°What do you think I already was doing.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take this the wrong way, but I¡¯m happy you are not cooking for the banquet,¡± Kenneth said as he let Nokstella know she could remove her hands now.


    Smirking, she pointed toward the great hall. ¡°Me too, and from the sight of smoke coming from the kitchen, it would look like that furball ordered someone else to cook. Maybe it was that coward, Ijubee. He does anything he¡¯s ordered to.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you''re not invited, but are coming anyway?¡± Kenneth replied.


    Moliki huffed, ¡°I got better things to do than listen to that furball stroke his own ego.¡±


    Kenneth paused for a quick second, ¡°I¡¯m almost afraid to ask, but what?¡±


    ¡°Praying to Dahi,¡± Moliki answered him.


    ¡°Oh¡­ okay. Good luck with that,¡± Kenenth replied as both parted ways.


    Moliki went back to her house while Kenneth, before he attended the banquet, went back to his temporary dwelling and tried once more to coxa Kolu out from under the bed with the same result as before. Even when he told him about all the delicious food there was going to be, it didn¡¯t help in the slightest.


    By the end, Kolu had closed himself off more than before, curling up into a ball and hiding as far as he could within the dark corner.


    Knowing nothing more he could say would work, Kenneth left the house with a heavy heart to attend the banquet.


    Upon entering the great hall, he was met with vibrant life as every seat was filled, and people were talking, eating and laughing. Having arrived fashionably late, he calmly walked over to Lord Batugta¡¯s table and took a seat beside Trafka, quickly noticing Drogsa were not among them.


    He was welcomed at the table, but it was only short before Lord Batugta quickly began to talk to Trafka once more.


    Other people might have been offended by it, but it suited Kenenth fine as his mouth dripped with saliva at the selection of food before him, especially since he hadn¡¯t gotten lunch.


    He quickly filled a bowl and chowed sow on a piece of meat, tasting almost immediately a salty flavour and something more. He couldn¡¯t quite place it, but it reminded him of oregano or¡­ maybe paprika, but also not quite.


    ¡®What is it?¡¯ He asked himself, continuing to rack his brain and chewing on the chunk of meat, squeezing out every drop of flavour.


    His maddening attempts to uncover the secret were only halted by the little lady on his lap who reached for the bowl, hungry herself.


    Kicking himself for forgetting her, he grabbed the bowl and brought it down to her so she could also enjoy the meal.


    However, much to Kenneth¡¯s surprise, these were only the entrees.


    Soon after Nokstella had finished half the bowl, one of the cooks came out with silver plates and the main course of unsubmerged meat, glazed in juices that slowly ran along the side.


    He¡¯d been so enthralled by the sight that he hadn¡¯t noticed Drogsa finally joined them, carrying a slender three-eyed animal over his shoulder.


    ¡°About time you came back. Leave the animal in the kitchen and join us; you haven''t missed the great announcement,¡± Lord Batugta confidently said.


    ¡°Commander, there¡¯s something I need to discuss with you,¡± Drogsa replied.


    ¡°It can wait,¡± Lord Batugta said, giving a nod to one of the cooks.


    ¡°Commander, I must report this,¡± Drogsa reiterated.


    ¡°It. Can. Wait.¡± Lord Batugta sternly said


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Surrendering, Drogsa walked into the kitchen with his kill. Immediately after, Lord Batugta rose from his seat and made an announcement, ¡°Brothers and Sisters in arms! I feel so honoured that all of you could join me on this momentous occasion as we celebrate the fortunate arrival of Lord Krakni of House Krosk!


    ¡°I know your excitement is palpable, but I ask that you refrain from fainting now that I relinquish a bounty so utterly fruitful for all to share! Yes! If you had not guessed it, it is floor juice!¡±


    If everyone hadn¡¯t been excited before, they were now as some of the cooks, along with a couple of strong-looking men, carried out a rather large-sized barrel and removed the lit and served each and every single one the fruity alcohol.


    ¡°Rather generous of you, Lord Batugta. Was it acquired recently?¡± Trafka asked, glancing at his mug.


    ¡°Sadly not. This is one of the last remnants from my time in the village, Lord Batugta said with a thoughtful look. ¡°But let us not discuss such tedious matters. Drink to your heart¡¯s content, Lord Krakni.¡±


    Trafka sighed while adverting his gaze, ¡°My father firmly believes dulling one¡¯s senses is an act one must never indulge in. I am very honoured, of course, but sadly, I must refuse.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Lord Batugta said, taking his sip first, along with most others at the table, including Kenneth.


    As the evening drew closer, the warm orange light of the sun slowly dimmed to a gentle, colder black and blue.


    By this point, even the banquet attendees had gotten up from their seats and begun mingling, some enthralled in friendly conversations, others showing affection toward a significant other, and some trying their luck with the hope that both the booze could boost their courage and heighten their odds.


    Kenneth found it nostalgic to watch, especially when the floor opened up, and some began to dance together. It reminded him of a time when nothing mattered but the person in front of him.


    When nothing but June mattered.


    ¡®Sorry. I¡¯m sorry,¡¯ Kenneth thought, getting a bit misty-eyed as he let out a heavy sigh.


    While taking another gulp from his mug, he noticed out the corner of his eye a pair of women walking up to their table, one of them looking visibly nervous while the other behind her had a childish grin as she pushed her further ahead until she reached the table.


    ¡°Is there something you want?¡± Trafka questioned.


    Swallowing, the nervous woman grabbed both sides of her dress, which, unlike most others, were more finely stitched and did a small bow, ¡°Lord Kroft, um¡­ might I be so¡­ so bold to request you hand for a short dance?¡±


    Trafka barely glanced at the woman before he responded, ¡°You may not. Now take your leave.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ sorry for interrupting,¡± Disheartened, the woman walked away, the nervousness that had been plastered across her face and body fading into sorrow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you were being a tad bit rude?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Trafka rolled his eyes as he let out a sigh. ¡°She asked something, and I said no.¡±


    ¡°A shame you did, Lord Batugta interjected. ¡°She was a fine woman. Though if your taste is of another variety, I¡¯m certain anyone would be willing to keep you company. You¡¯d be doing the next generation of soldiers a favour like our forefathers dutifully did.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the women this outpost has to offer, and none of them sparks any interest in me,¡± Trafka replied.


    ¡°Rather picky. What type of women do they have to be for you then?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°The type that doesn¡¯t look like my sisters.¡±


    Kenneth glanced around the great hall and saw a vibrant assortment of different fur colours, patterns, and body shapes. ¡°Sounds to me you are choosing to see things that are not there. What, got a complex or something?¡±


    ¡°My eyes work perfectly,¡± Trafka replied with a hint of frustration.


    ¡°Really? How many sisters do you have then?¡± Kenneth asked as he took a sip from his mug.


    Exhaling rather loudly through his nose, Trafka replied, ¡°Thrithyone.¡±


    Kenneth choked on his floor juice and coughed, stammering in surprise, ¡°Thrithyone!¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°Your poor mother.¡±


    ¡°What did you say about my mother?¡± Trafka growled, visibly enraged.


    ¡°Now, now, Lord Batugta said, trying to calm the situation as he motioned for the cook to go into the kitchen. ¡°Lord Krakni, I¡¯m certain the Black healer meant no offence from his tone.¡±


    ¡°Doubtful,¡± Trafka scoffed. ¡°The Black healer is nothing but an impudent pain in my side, lacking manners of any kind.¡±


    Having recovered from choking on floor juice, Kenneth swirled his mug, ¡°I wonder why?¡±


    Trafka looked about done, ¡°do you intend to mention that deserter again?¡±


    Their gazes met, and the atmosphere all around them grew tense while the party went on.


    None of them were the wiser, as they happily enjoyed the festivities.


    Yet the same could not be said for the host as he frantically glanced to either side until, with quick but delicate and careful steps, the cook appeared from the kitchen carrying a silver bowl.


    ¡°I hope you saved room, Lord Krakni; for now, it''s time for dessert,¡± Lord Batugta said.


    As the cook placed the bowl down, their stare-off was brought to a halt. Both glanced at the newly arrived course, and Trafka visibly lit up with an almost child-like glee.


    However, Kenneth had to fight the urge to vomit as he laid eyes on the contents of the bowl. Eyes, big and small, slimy and squishy, in an assortment of colours.


    ¡°This is quite a haul,¡± Trafka said, his voice seeping with slight astonishment as the cook began to serve everyone at the table.


    ¡°Yes, it would seem, Dahi smiled upon us upon your arrival. I know well the small luxuries on the road can be frugal, so I hope this surprise finds you well,¡± Lord Batugta replied.


    As the cook finished serving everyone at the table, she took the remainder of the eyes and began to serve the rest of the attendees; however, it was in far smaller portions, only a couple compared to the overflowing plate in front of them.


    Yet without hesitation, everyone began to dig in, chewing the savoury little organs with visible glee, all except for Kenneth.


    One thing would be to accidentally eat an eyeball from the meat soup and never know another thing was this. Even if it was nutritious and probably had some other taste that would offer a reprieve from the chewie texture and mundane taste, Kenneth could barely fathom the thought.


    However, clearly, that notion didn¡¯t extend to everyone sitting at that seat as Nokstella reached for the plate. More than happy to get it out of his sight, he brought the plate under the table for her to gleefully gobble down without chewing.


    ¡°Is something the matter, Black healer? You have not taken a single eye,¡± Lord Batugta questioned.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine. I think I just ate a little too much and am not quite hungry right now,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Lord Batugta seemed to silently accept the answer, but his gaze had a modicum of contempt aimed at Nokstella, who obliviously swallowed another eye.


    ¡°Lord Krosk,¡± a familiar and eager voice sounded.


    With a visible look of annoyance at having to be interrupted mid-dessert, Trafka turned to face the youngest hunter, who shot him in the shoulder and now carried a mug of floor juice, which seemed to be the root cause for the youngster''s emboldened actions.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Trafka sighed.


    The youngest hunter quickly downed the remainder of his floor juice while the other hunter stood behind, watching with visible glee, while Drogsa only rubbed his brow.


    Ingesting the liquid courage to its completion, the youngest hunter threw his mug on the floor, ¡°I challenge you to a test of strength!¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Trafka replied as he went back to eating dessert.


    The youngest hunter was completely flabbergastered at the response, as the other hunter laughed his ass off while Drogsa breathed a sigh of relief.


    Walking away from the table, the other hunter, through his laughter, said, ¡°As if you could beat the son of the strongest man alive! At best, you could only fight back for a moment!¡±


    ¡°What did you just say? Trafka questioned, his ears fully snapped back as he slowly rose from his chair. ¡°Are you insulting my house by in any way doubting that I wouldn¡¯t crush any in an instant in a test of strength?¡±


    Quickly standing up with a panicked look across his face, Lord Batugta Said, ¡°Lord Krakni, these words are only the ramblings of someone who¡¯s been drinking too much. I shall punish them for their insolence; there¡¯s no need for you to waste your time¡ª¡°


    ¡°There¡¯s only one way to find out, isn¡¯t there!¡± The youngest hunter boldly shouted.


    As the words were uttered, a deafening silence fell over the room as everyone held their breaths.


    ¡®Oh, this isn¡¯t going to end well,¡¯ Kenneth thought.


    ¡°I suppose you are right, Trafka calmly said as a deviant smirk grew across his face. ¡°You¡¯ve caught me in a generous mood; I suppose I''ll humour you and let you choose the test of strength. I¡¯ll try not to break you.¡±


    ¡°I choose arm wrestling!¡± The younger hunter proclaimed.


    Within moments, the younger hunter jumped over a table and found himself a seat ready and confident to begin, while Trafka slowly strutted over to the table and took a seat as a crowd of onlookers began to gather around them, including Kenneth.


    Both placed their elbow on the table and grabbed each other''s hand.


    ¡°You do know you are going to lose that arm,¡± the other hunter told the youngest hunter.


    With unwearying confidence in his voice fueled by the liquid courage, he replied, ¡°It will be worth it.¡±


    Sighing, the other hunter placed his hand on top of theirs and quickly announced for them to begin.


    With a sudden surge of strength, the youngest hunter used all of his might to tense every muscle in his body, from the tips of his toes to the tips of his ears, all to fight against Trafka, their strength reaching an equilibrium as neither moved a millimetre to either side.


    However, suddenly, the muscles in Trafka¡¯s face tensed as he, in the midst of the arm wrestling match watched by nearly everyone in the outpost, yawned.


    For all his confidence, the youngest hunter wasn¡¯t even a challenge to him. Even though he could probably finish this in less than a second, he chose not to. He wanted to show off his strength and show everyone the power he possessed.


    For most, this showing would have been enough to see they should just cut their losses and surrender, but then again, alcohol has never made people smarter.


    Digging his claws in, the youngest hunter bared his teeth and summoned all the strength while grabbing the table with his other hand.


    For one moment, all of his efforts accomplished something, moving Trafka''s arm a smidgen back.


    His bored expression for one moment tensed, and with enormous strength slammed his opponent''s hand down onto the table with such violent force he flew out of his chair and almost did a half backflip, landing on his back.


    ¡°You dead,¡± the other hunter asked.


    Clumpsly getting back on his feet, the youngest hunter let out a couple of chuckles, ¡°That was fun, and did you see I made him move.¡±


    ¡°I think you might have hit your head.¡±


    Calmly, Trafka got up from his seat and began to walk back to his dessert.


    ¡°Wait Lord Krosk! The youngest hunter yelled. ¡°Please allow me another try.¡±


    ¡°Now you are just begging for death.¡±


    Annoyed, Trafka rolled his eyes for a brief moment, making eye contact with Kenneth, ¡°You pestering is annoying, but if I was too gentle, I might consider giving you another attempt as long as you can beat the Black healer.¡±


    All of a sudden, a lot of eyes gathered on Kenneth. Though not nearly as many had looked willing to test their might against Trafka, a lot more seemed willing to do so with him.


    His smaller stature and deceptive strength compared to an Aki weren¡¯t helping in the slightest either in discouraging them from trying just so they could probably brag about having won a royal¡¯s challenge.


    ¡°You know I could just pretend to lose to each and every one of them,¡± Kenneth loudly said.


    Without turning around, Trafka replied, ¡°You saw what happened to the last fool who tried to beat me in a challenge of strength.¡±


    ¡®Huh¡­ the brute¡¯s got a brain and knows me a decent bit. Well, guess I have to do this,¡¯ Kenneth relented as he took a seat.


    His first opponent was a tall, dark green-furred man with a confident grin plastered across his face, ¡°This is going to be easy! Don¡¯t worry, little fella, I¡¯ll be real gentle.¡±


    ¡°Oh, how kind of him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s so tough and strong; I bet his touches are soft if he wanted them to be.¡±


    ¡°How could this ever be a challenge? Does the royal want people to challenge him?¡±


    With the crowd''s less than encouraging words echoing behind Kenneth, he and the big fella locked hands, and within moments, the match began.


    Right away, the big fella aimed for a quick finish, pushing Kenneth¡¯s hand toward the table, but suddenly, just as quickly as it had begun, it stopped.


    The once easily moveable hand had suddenly become an impassible wall, one that slowly and persistently pushed him back, his struggling, useless as the back of his hand gently touched the table, leaving him and everyone there in stunned silence.


    ¡°Wow, you were quick. Really surprise me,¡± Kenneth said.


    Suddenly, people in the crowd erupted in laughter.


    ¡°Maybe you were too gentle!¡±


    ¡°Not as strong as he looks, how disappointing.¡±


    Slowly, the big fella stood up, shock, disbelief, and humiliation plastered across his body as a new opponent took his place.


    This guy had amber-coloured fur with white stripes, ¡°I ain¡¯t kind enough to be any kind of gentle.¡±


    Yet the result of the match was the same as before: slow, agonizing defeat.


    So, too, was each match that came after, no matter the opponent, no matter the approach, no matter the dirty tactic, or random magical ability, all met the same fate.


    Truly, it was the most gentle approach. Yet also the most cruel.


    Compared to Trafka, who showed the difference in strength rather thoroughly, Kenneth''s method left them unable to see where his strength truly peaked, filling each new challenger with the hope they would be the one to win against the smaller foe, certain in their strength and his growing exhaustion.


    Yet it was never to be as although he was growing more exhausted with each new challenger, his stamina and recovery far outclassed and exceeded any Aki¡¯s by a sizeable margin.


    Slowly, the challengers waiting their turn began to dwindle until there was just one left, who, if not for his grey fur, Kenneth was sure would be as red as a tomato.


    With the end in sight, Kenneth said, ¡°Don¡¯t flex so hard you¡¯ll just pop a blood vessel.¡±


    With that ordeal over, Kenneth got up from his seat. Most of the men kept quiet and avoided any sort of eye contact with Kenneth, pretending he didn¡¯t exist, as they went back to try and wow the ladies.


    As he walked back to Lord Batugta¡¯s table, Kenneth noticed Trafka was gone and asked, ¡°So, did his lordship tyre of watching me win all the time?¡±


    ¡°Lord Krakni has simply left the party to rest for now,¡± Lord Batugta answered him.


    Chuckling slightly, the hunter commander chimed in, ¡°he better sleep well, for when he wakes up, he¡¯s going to have one massive hangover.¡±


    You are mistaken, hunter commander. Lord Krosk mentioned he did not partake in any floor juice, nor did I see him drink anyway,¡± Ijubee interjected.


    ¡°Huh¡­? Get your eyes healed, or did you not see the Lord when he left? He could barely walk straight, you brown-tongued growler!¡± The hunter commander angrily yelled.


    Lord Batugta let out an audible sigh, ¡°No more drinking for you. And Black healer, how are you enjoying the banquet?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s lively, but I think I¡¯ll retire for the evening, and if you don¡¯t mind borrowing the plate, I think Kolu would enjoy some of the¡­ dessert,¡± Kenneth said as he abruptly left, taking the plate of eyes with him before he even heard Lord Batugta¡¯s response.


    Hastily walking through the outpost, Kenneth had a bad feeling.


    The words Trafka uttered when he thought he was alone were still clear in his mind.


    He wasn''t sure how bad it truly was, but it was worse than he had expected as he suddenly came across Trafka slumped over on his knees, struggling to get standing and using a nearby building for support while panting heavily.


    Managing to get standing, he suddenly fell face-first onto the ground and remained motionless.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 20 (Thick)

    Alarm signals blaring in his mind, Kenneth quickly ran over to Trafka and kneeled down beside him. Placing Nokstella and the plate of eyes to his side, he checked Trafka¡¯s pulse, fitting his fingers underneath his armour.


    ¡®Okay, his hearts is still beating with a steady rhythm, so he''s not dead,¡¯ Kenneth thought.


    Turning him around to check his breathing, Kenneth noticed in the moon¡¯s pale light a running stream of blood coming from Trafka¡¯s nose.


    ¡®Did he get a nosebleed falling down?¡¯ Kenneth wondered.


    Trafka suddenly smacked him in the chest, knocking him back, yelling in a rapid and out-of-breath voice, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Arms shaking as his metal armour clacked, Trafka, using the building beside him with his claws sunken into the ground and wood, began to stand up.


    Quickly getting to his feet, Kenneth went over to Trafka, gently placing a hand on his chest and back, ¡°Don¡¯t strain yourself. Listen, just tell me what''s wrong, and I can hel¡ª¡°


    Suddenly, Trafka swung his arm, hitting Kenneth¡¯s broken middle finger, ¡°don¡¯t touch me.¡±


    Reeling back, Kenneth grabbed his hand and gritted his teeth so close to cursing yet stopping himself while in the vicinity of Nokstella.


    Feeling the pain slowly fade away as Trafka got standing, Kenneth said, ¡°What the hell is the matter with you? I¡¯m trying to help.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need help, Trafka pantily snapped as he dizzily took a couple of steps and fell onto his knees. ¡°Im a¡­ Im a son of house Krosk. Not some weakling¡ª¡°


    ¡°Oh, you are going on about that again, Kenneth said as he walked up to Trafka, grabbed his arm and threw it over his shoulder. ¡°I heard you the first time, you stubborn mule.¡±


    He weakly bared his teeth, ¡°How dare you spy on me¡­. and let go of me! My ancestors have¡­ fought this before, and¡­ their blood runs through me! This is only a measure¡­ of my strength to separate the weak from the strong! ¡±


    Kenneth let out a tired sigh as Nokstella followed along, holding the plate of eyes with both of her hands, ¡°you¡¯ll have to make me. Now, are you gonna tell me what¡¯s wrong, or do I have to drag you back to the party and let the healer have a look at you.¡±


    Trafka struggled briefly, fighting Kenneth''s grasp with such force he easily broke free, whereupon his body collapsed onto the ground again.


    Kenneth sighed, ¡°I can do this all night¡­¡±


    Trafka glared at him, panting more heavily than before, suddenly gritting his teeth in frustration, ¡°Take¡­ take me back¡­ back to the house.¡±


    ¡°And then you¡¯ll tell me what¡¯s wrong?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°Take me¡­ back¡­¡± Trafka ordered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes then,¡± Kenneth sighed as he helped Trafka stand, carrying him over his shoulder back to the house and gently placing him on the bed.


    Nokstella walked in right behind the both of them, still carrying the plate, which she placed on the ground and pushed under the bed for Kolu to eat while she patiently waited.


    Hovering over Trafka, his gaze looked weak right up until Kenenth came into full focus. It suddenly grew firm, yet seemed disoriented, ¡°go away. Im only tired.¡±


    ¡°Not until you tell me what this is. Oh, and don''t try to lie and say something like you drank too much. You don¡¯t smell of alcohol, and they don¡¯t cause nosebleeds,¡± Kenneth firmly replied.


    ¡°Shout¡­ up!¡± Trafka snarled.


    ¡°I believe you mean ¡°shut up¡±, but if you are going to be difficult, I¡¯ll be as well,¡± Kenneth simply replied as he slipped both of his arms underneath Trafka¡¯s body.


    ¡°Wh-what are¡­ you doing?!¡± Trafka questioned.


    ¡°Lifting you back to the party.¡±


    ¡°Stop¡­ stop! Don¡¯t touch me! He yelled to little avail. ¡°Fine! Fine! I¡¯ll tell you!¡±


    Retracting both hands, Kenneth straightened his legs and arched his back, ¡°I¡¯m waiting in anticipation.¡±


    With a pained look different, Trafka let out a sigh, ¡°It''s poison.¡±


    ¡°What, you¡¯ve been poisoned?! Kenneth gasped. ¡°When? Was it in the food? And what kind of poison.¡±


    Trafka struggled with his breath for a moment, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ Sil poison, back¡­ from the tower.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­? From the tower? But that can¡¯t be; no poison can remain in the body that long. If whatever this is is still affecting you after so long, it has to be some kind of infection or perhaps a virus,¡± Kenneth thought out loud.


    ¡°It¡¯s Sil poison¡­ I was a fool to think the traitor¡­ only grabbed me; of course¡­ that woman would poison¡­ me,¡± Trafka irritatedly growled.


    ¡®Hmm¡­ a poison or venom that sticks around the body for long over a week should be impossible. It should either have been flushed out or killed him long ago, Kenneth thought. ¡®Most likely, it would be a bacteria or virus transmitted from the bite, but if it wasn¡¯t at all affected by penicillin, then it could be some mycobacteria.


    ¡®If so, the treatment would just be a combination of different antibiotics; however, that could pose a problem since, in the worst case scenario, that would mean treatment could last upward of a couple of years, and I doubt he¡¯s patient enough to wait a couple of weeks if he starts feeling better.¡¯


    ¡°¡­hehe, Trafka mockingly laughed. ¡°A healer who can heal the burning death but is stumped by Sil poison.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ no, I could have created anti-venom if you¡¯d told me earlier, using the Sil and that big animal that pulled the wagons,¡± Kenneth replied absentmindedly before suddenly feeling as though getting struck by lightning, realizing he¡¯d practically forgotten about Trafka in a sense.


    ¡®What clown I am. I forgot the most important thing when diagnosing. I need to talk to the patient, Kenneth thought, internally kicking himself. ¡®Really, am I just a veterinarian? Though given who I''m treating, I might be in that ballpark.¡¯


    ¡°Okay, Trafka, you think this is a poison. What makes you say that? Do you know it? Have you seen this particular kind before?¡± Kenneth asked him.


    ¡°You are so annoying it hurts. I know this is a Sil poison because it bit me or whatever they do. I could feel it coursing in my arm when we made our track back to the merchant,¡± Trafka replied.


    ¡°Yes, back at the tower, you said. Now, has this poison just progressively made you weaker? I assume the nosebleed is a new development,¡± Kenneth inquired.


    He raised his hand up into the air and balled it into a fist, ¡°I fought against the poison for some time, feeling it ravaged me from the inside. I kept composure, but you never make it easy.


    ¡°It helped relieve my pain to swing my hammer for a time, but such distractions yielded nothing but rotten spoils as soon after I felled that tree, fought those heretics and brought you here. I could feel it, the battle growing more intense, as more of my external strength waned in favour of my internal.¡±


    ¡°So what I got from that is you are saying you got worse then better then worse,¡± Kenneth summarised.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Battles are fought marching forward with the enemy opposing and pushing back, you imbecile,¡± Trafka replied.


    Ignoring the comment of how Trafka thought poison worked, Kenneth began to think, ¡°Well, he said he got better during what¡¯s essentially physical activity, with a spike in heart rate and a rise in body temperature, all signs currently point to a disease being the culprit.


    ¡®Hmm¡­ and yet that¡¯s ignoring the fact that he said all of the started almost right after he was bitten. Maybe it''s not a venom Sil use but a mycobacteria or¡­ dammit! There are too many unknowns regarding Sil. I haven¡¯t had the opportunity to study them thoroughly.¡¯


    Pausing, Kenneth hesitated about how to proceed.


    He could go with his initial assumption of a mycobacteria or conclude it all was caused by a poison that remained in the body for longer than any normal poison possibly should be able to.


    The question itself seemed utterly obvious, yet it was like he was trying to solve a murder mystery, with most of the evidence added up, yet something small seemed to contradict the conclusion entirely.


    The short of the long of it. He was lacking information and needed to get more.


    ¡°Okay, Trafka, time to strip. I¡¯m gonna give you a physical examination,¡± Kenneth said with conviction.


    ¡°Strip?! Trafka snapped, suddenly sitting up. ¡°I ain¡¯t stripping for you like some common whore!¡±


    ¡°That seemed to fill you with some life, Kenneth remarked. ¡°Let me clarify: I need to inspect your upper torso, mainly the arm where you were bitten. You wearin'' all that armour makes that difficult, and who knows, I might discover something out of the ordinary.


    ¡°But hey, I won¡¯t force you, so if you are perfectly content with slowly dying a fool''s death for something possibly preventable, go ahead and kick the bucket.¡±


    Trafka mumbled something under his breath, scowling at Kenneth while undoing a couple of straps by his elbows and neck, removing his fingerless gauntlets and neck plates.


    All that remained underneath was simple yet fine and sturdy-looking leather clothing with metal covering affixed directly into the slick fabric.


    Luckily, neither of them had to deal with the long, drawn-out process of removing those pieces as Trafka undid a couple of straps by his waist and proceeded to remove the upper part of his armour, taking it off like a normal shirt.


    He had it about halfway off when suddenly he stopped and began to struggle, the metal clanking as he weakly tried to get it off.


    ¡°Yeah, you don¡¯t got all night,¡± Kenneth impatiently sighed, grabbing the ends of the armless sleeves and pulling the entire thing off Trafka.


    Holding the gold armour in his hands, Kenneth couldn¡¯t help but notice how lightweight it was. He¡¯d expected it to be heavier, even though it was gold and not steel.


    ¡°More than you¡¯ve ever held before, I bet,¡± Trafka snarkily said.


    ¡°Hold out the arm that was bitten,¡± Kenneth ordered.


    With a combination of reluctance and weakened movements, Trafka did as he was told.


    Slowly, Kenneth inspected his arm, going over every millimetre, a task made infinitely harder by the overabundance of fur. The thought of shaving all of it off occurred to him many times, yet he endured as his gloveless hand slid across and shifted through all the fur.


    He spotted no obvious discolouration, but around the elbow, his finger ran across a small bump. At first, thinking it might only be a zit or small knot of fat, he pressed down on it, but the moment he did, Trafka suddenly ¡°Yiped¡± and ripped his hand away.


    ¡°By Akina, if you do that again, I won¡¯t care about the King''s order!¡± Trafka shouted.


    Kenneth paused in contemplation for a moment, ¡°That hurt? Can you describe in what way?¡±


    ¡°In what way? It hurt!¡± Trafka obnoxiously replied.


    ¡°More specificity, please,¡± Kenneth asked.


    Growling, he replied, ¡°My elbow.¡±


    ¡°Give me your arm. I think there¡¯s something in it, Kenneth demanded, something Trafka was reluctant to do. ¡°Do you really wanna do this song and dance anymore, or will you let me help you.¡±


    Trafka relented, and Kenneth busted out his tools.


    ¡°What are you planning to do, and what is that?!¡± Trafka questioned, pointing to the syringe of local anaesthetic.


    ¡°This will just numb the area before I start cutting to see what¡¯s under your skin,¡± Kenneth answered.


    Surprisingly, Trafka didn¡¯t have any further questions, perhaps due to his weakened state, as he was allowed to promptly inject him with the anaesthetic.


    With delicate precision, as he parted Trafka¡¯s fur, Kenneth slid the scalpel across the tiny flesh bump. Slowly, blood began to leak, but as he cut just a bit deep, something stuck out.


    It was a small, thin object.


    Grabbing a pair of tweezers, he carefully and slowly pulled it out, discovering it to be a needle-like object.


    ¡°That Sil left that in me,¡± Trafka said, his voice growing more firm.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Kenneth replied as he reached into the bag and pulled out a small microscope.


    Zooming in on the needle-like object, he could clearly see one end was thicker and irregularly shaped, appearing more to have been broken off, and from that end slowly seemed to seep a brownish, black liquid of some kind.


    Trafka was right; he was being poisoned. However, that left the question of why the liquid remained in the needle-like object for so long.


    Yet, as Kenneth pondered that question, he noticed something odd about Trafka¡¯s blood.


    ¡°What is that thing?¡±


    Speak of the devil, Kenneth internally mused as he answered him, ¡°Microscope. It helps see small things.¡±


    ¡°Another thing from that bag. What a lie to say you heal without magic,¡± Trafka said.


    Kenneth let out a sigh and stood up, holding the needle-like object with the tweezers. ¡°Let¡¯s put a pin in that for now, and let me explain what this pin did to you. You were right; it was a poison, one that is still in this little thing.


    ¡°I noticed when looking at it through the microscope that your blood was irregular or, more accurately, the number of your red and white blood cells. There were a lot more than seemed normal by Aki standards from what I¡¯ve seen previously, and coupled with your nose bleeding; I suspect the poison thickens your blood.


    ¡°Though I¡¯ve dabbled in the subject of natural poisons and venoms, I must say I¡¯ve never heard of anyone that does this to some. In all honesty, your symptoms are more aligned with a larger-than-necessary injection of Antifibrinolytic drugs.


    ¡°It fits snuggly with your symptoms and would explain why it kept hounding you for all this time since an increase in red blood cells also increased your body''s ability to coagulate wounds around where the needle stabbed you. Which blocked both ends until some sudden movement probably shook it loose for the poison to drip out.¡±


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Trafka asked.


    ¡°With explaining what happened to you, yes, treating you, no, Kenneth replied.


    ¡°The poisonous part of the Sil is out of my body¡­ its reinforcements have been cut off¡­ now the battle can reach its conclusion,¡± Trafka panted as he flopped down on the bed.


    ¡°That conclusion is in all likelihood going to be a stroke leading either to your death or permanent damage. Now, I know we both don¡¯t like one another, but I think we can both agree that you dying is not a good thing,¡± Kenneth said.


    ¡°So you¡¯d have me swallow one of those white ¡°penning¡± things,¡± Trafka grumbled.


    ¡°No, and any blood-thinning medicine I have might kill you, so we¡¯ll have to do things a bit old school, Kenneth responded as he turned to leave. ¡°Prepare yourself because you are about to drink yourself into oblivion.¡±


    His trip back to the great hall was rather short-lived, with most men either avoiding eye contact or glaring rather loathingly at him.


    He was questioned as to his return, and in no uncertain terms, he explained to Lord Batugta that Trafka had become thirsty and had sent him to get some floor juice.


    He was quick to agree, showing Kenneth the mostly empty barrel of floor juice, which the partygoers had been hitting pretty heavily.


    Even so, there were more than enough, and while Lord Batugta was giving orders to have it taken to Trafka, Kenneth lifted the entire thing up with one hand and grabbed a mug off the table, leaving just as quickly as he arrived and returning in no time.


    Placing the barrel on the floor, the liquid inside splashed around as he filled a mug and handed it to Trafka, ¡°just what the doctor prescribed.¡±


    Looking at Kenneth with an expression annoyance, Trafka slowly sat up on the bed.


    With reluctance in every movement, he took the mug and stared down into it.


    ¡°Did you say anything when you grabbed the barrel?¡± He asked, sniffing the floor juice.


    ¡°Only that you were thirsty. Now, your blood won¡¯t be getting thinner anytime soon if you don¡¯t start drinking,¡± Kenneth warned him.


    Taking a heavy breath, Trafka slowly sipped from the mug, ¡°Urg¡­! It¡¯s disgusting.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, the alternative would be way worse,¡± Kenneth slightly mused as he sat down on the bed. In quick pursuit, Nokstella followed, crawling up onto the bed and flopping down beside him.


    Looking completely tuckered out, Kenneth gently stroked and scratched her scales, at which point she began to hiss and growl in a manner reminiscent of a cat¡¯s purring.


    Meanwhile, Trafka fought through the bad taste downing his mug, at which point  Kenneth refilled it free of charge and then again, and again, and again until the barrel was dry and the room became as dizzying as his blood thickening had made him feel.


    ¡°Well, there''s not much more to do now than wait. Let me know if you feel any more pain; I¡¯ll see what can be done,¡± Kenneth said.


    ¡°Why did you help me? I know you hate me. You could have just stayed silent and hoped I died. It wouldn¡¯t have mattered to you, with the escort still on its way and that brown-tongued Royal willing to fulfil every one of your whims?¡± Trafka questioned, clearly inebriated.


    Kenneth let out a sigh, ¡°hate is a strong word. I think a lot of people tend to throw it around without thinking, but I won¡¯t¡­ not after experiencing true hatred.


    ¡°I dislike you, Trafka, a great deal, but I don¡¯t hate you, and even after what you¡¯ve done, I don''t think you deserve to die. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m better than you; in all honesty, I¡¯ve killed people; the only difference between you and me is that I don¡¯t do so at the drop of a hat and with such indifference afterwards.¡±


    Trafka lowered his gaze slightly, ¡°That green-furred man back at the Tower. He was the first one I ever killed. Thinking back, I don''t really remember everything very well. I just know now and knew then I didn¡¯t want to die, so I fought, and I killed for the first time as a son of house Krosk, with such¡­ ease.¡±


    ¡°Do you regret taking his or any of the other¡¯s lives?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°Black healer, what is your name?¡± Trafka asked back.


    Puzzled, he answered, ¡°It¡¯s Kenneth.¡±


    Trafka slowly raised his gaze and met his, ¡°Kenneth, shut up im going to sleep.¡±


    Just as he¡¯d done a few times throughout the evening and night, Trafka flopped onto his bed and, this time rolled onto his side, his back turned to Kenneth.


    ¡°Well then, good night,¡± Kenneth said.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 21 (Mess)

    Trafka¡¯s breathing, despite everything occurring yesterday, was calm.


    His tail and face twitched now and again in his slumber. Kenenth couldn¡¯t tell what he was dreaming; however, it seemed to grow slightly in intensity as he suddenly rolled onto his side, fully revealing his puffed tail.


    Suddenly, with a full-body twitch, it stopped, and his body relaxed as he rolled onto his back.


    With barely open eyes, he looked up at the ceiling for a moment before abruptly spinning to his side and puking a mixture of alcohol, meat, and eyes onto the floor.


    Unfortunately, some of the pupils were still intact and looking at Kenneth.


    ¡°Morning, sleepy head. How are you feeling aside from the splitting headache and dehydration?¡± He asked, followed by a yawn.


    Trafka briefly looked up at Kenneth with a glare, opening his mouth and uttering, ¡°Why, sitting there lookin''--Blerg!¡±


    Before he could utter the last syllable, he puked again, adding to the mess on the floor.


    While gently scratching Nokstella as she slept, Kenneth replied, ¡°I was a bit worried about the possibility of you either choking on your own vomit or having a stroke or seizure in the night, so I stayed up just in case.


    ¡°Now, I would offer you some coffee, except that heavenly brown brew is only available to me in pill form, and as fun as it would be to see you borderline crazy with zoomies, you¡¯d just be right back where you started once you calm down from the high,¡±


    Groaning, Trafka sat up, ¡°Why did I allow myself to listen to you? I¡¯m still poisoned.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s called a hangover, and it¡¯s because alcohol is borderline poison, though a fun one to drink, I suppose, and one that might have saved you from having a stroke,¡± Kenneth replied.


    ¡°So your way of healing poison is to substitute it for another?¡± Trafka questioned.


    ¡°No, we usually use anti-venom to cancel out the effects. Shame you didn¡¯t come clean about being poisoned before we left the tower. I might have been able to create such a concoction and save you some pain,¡± Kenneth explained.


    ¡°The only reason for my pain was my own ignorance, Trafka said. ¡°Had I known part of the Sil remained inside me, I would have ripped it out myself and won the internal struggle easily.¡±


    ¡°Well, regardless, poison is still in your system, luckly for you, flushing it out and relieving your pain has the same solution. You need to drink water and pee a lot, and you should be the same old angry self in no time.


    ¡°I should probably have the healer focus on your liver and kidneys to expedite the process.¡±


    ¡°No, Trafka said with a mix of growling and groaning. ¡°I will not be healed. I couldn¡¯t win the internal struggle of the last poison on my own, but this poison I will.¡±


    ¡°Ah ha¡­ and to that end, I¡¯m guessing you will refuse to drink any water or use the toilet,¡± Kenneth surmised.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous; if I want to drink, I¡¯ll do so, and if I want to piss, I will do so from the top of the wall if it so suited me!¡± Trafka proclaimed.


    ¡°Let''s hope all the alcohol didn¡¯t give you a kidney stone; otherwise, it¡¯s going to be a very loud serenade you¡¯ll perform for the outpost. Kenneth stretched his legs and stood up out of bed, ¡°Now, if you want to drink some water, I¡¯ll be getting some. I need to clean up the gawking mess on the floor. It¡¯s making my skin crawl.¡±


    ¡°If you must, do it quietly,¡± Trafka replied.


    Taking one last look to be sure Nokstella was still sleeping, Kenneth made the quick trip to the well, humming a quiet little tune as he threw down the bucket.


    ¡°Getting some water, I see,¡± Akiti said, walking right up to the well.


    ¡°Yep, I¡¯m guessing you are here for the same,¡± He replied, gesturing to the bucket she was holding.


    She smiled gently at him, though her eyes were kept lower than most other Aki he¡¯d had conversations with, ¡°You said Moliki¡¯s wounds needed to be washed, and I know she only tends to listen to half of what someone is saying.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ the bane of any doctor''s existence, patients who don¡¯t listen, Kenneth sighed, though he had a slight comforting smile. ¡°It¡¯s good she has you then.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do. It is because of her that I even managed to make it as far as we did to end up here, Akiti said with a saddened expression. ¡°Do not let the fight she had with Lord Hydrog fool you; she is a capable fighter, though nothing special.


    ¡°It honestly amazes me how blind she can become when angry. Thinking she could defeat a royal and of all a descended of house Kokulika no less.¡°


    Huh¡­? House Kokulika,¡± Kenneth repeated.


    Akiti looked at Kenneth for a moment, tilting her head in slight confusion before it dawned on her. ¡°Yes, you wouldn¡¯t know, would you? But many summers ago, one of House Hyrog''s children was born with a unique inherited magic.¡±


    ¡°U-huh¡­?¡±


    ¡°When word reached house, Kokulika, the head of the house, sent word interested in obtaining this magic and for the child when he came of age to become one of House Kokulika''s daughter''s mate.¡±


    ¡°Errr¡­¡±


    ¡°I remember rumours of the negotiations spread around every corner of the capital, even down in ¡°Underfoot,¡± and people gossiped simply because, unlike every other royal household, they almost never engaged in these transactions.¡±


    ¡°Ahhh¡­¡±


    ¡°By the end of the negotiations, the son of house Hyrog was promised to house Kokulika, and in exchange, they would get two daughters, one of who was Lord Batugta¡¯s mother.¡±


    ¡°Umm, I was just wondering what made House Kokulika so special; I pretty much understand the whole name thing. First name, middle name, last name.¡±


    Once more, Akiti tilted her head in confusion, ¡°First, middle, and last. I understand what you mean, but I don¡¯t think you understand what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Enlighten me then?¡± Kenneth requested with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Well, you have your ¡°Name,¡± for you, it¡¯s Kennet; then you have your family name, which only royals and noblemen have, and then your house name, an honour only the king himself can bestow on anyone,¡± Akiti explained.


    ¡°I see. Longer name, higher status. I guess this is the kind of basic stuff I never got around to learning,¡± Kenneth said.


    ¡°Ask me any question then,¡± Akiti cheerfully offered.


    ¡°What about the one I originally asked about, house Kokulika?¡± Kenneth requested.


    ¡°Oh, of course. But mostly all I know are rumours, Akiti admitted. ¡°Every child born in House Kokulika are geniuses capable of reading and writing from near birth. Unlike other houses like the Krosk¡¯s and Amotika¡¯s, which aim for children who inherited their specific magic, they only want those who focus on the mind.


    ¡°Many say it is to make the next generation wiser and breed the greatest mind that will ever be, yet others say they already have. Ask anyone, and they can always tell you a story of a child of the house Kokulika who paraded through the streets, some naked, others clothed, screaming to those above, inflicted with madness for knowing truths none were ever meant to know. ¡°


    ¡°Huh¡­ how scary,¡± Kenneth calmly replied.


    Akiti softly giggled, ¡°I supposed I became a bit excited.¡±


    ¡°I get the distinct impression you are one who likes gossip. Nya enjoyed a bit of that as well,¡± Kenneth reminisced.


    ¡°The commander?! Akiti exclaimed. ¡°I find that hard to believe! She was always very imposing and not a woman you¡¯d want to anger.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, learned that the hard way, a couple of times,¡± Kenneth slightly awkwardly admitted, remembering a scar of his.


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    ¡°Though now that you¡¯ve brought up the subject of gossip, I must say, word has been travelling very fast, and I must admit I wanted to know if they were true?¡± Akiti questioned.


    ¡°Depends; which rumour?¡± Kenneth replied.


    Akiti¡¯s tail gently began to sway from side to side, ¡°Oh, don¡¯t act coy. All the women have been talking about how Lord Krosk issued a challenge that if any could defeat you in a battle of strength, they¡¯d get the honour of challenging him.


    ¡°Those I heard it from couldn¡¯t stop laughing when recalling the confident faces of each man, only for the fa?ade to be shattered when none could move you. I must say I find it a bit hard to believe, given your size.¡±


    ¡°Well, believe it then. I arm-wrestled with a couple, and none of them could quite beat me,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Akiti somewhat shyly fiddled with her fingers, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind my asking, how strong are you?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ hard to say. It¡¯s been a long time, but when I was in my prime, I could benchpress maybe around ninety to ninety-five kilos, but I suppose I can always show you if you want?¡± Kenneth offered as his bucket finally reached the top.


    ¡°If it¡¯s no trouble, but what will you be lifting?¡± Akiti asked as she looked around while Kenenth placed the bucket on the ground.


    Noticing her eyes off him, he let a devious and playful smile grow across his face, ¡°I think I found something straight ahead.¡±


    Akiti squinted and leaned a bit forward, ¡°Do you mean the creat over there--!¡±


    Suddenly, without warning, Kenneth pouched on his prey, sweeping her off her feet and holding her in a bridal carry, ¡°Well, you are not as heavy as I guessed.¡±


    ¡°Oh my! I didn¡¯t think you so forward!¡± Akiti yelped with slight laughter.


    Kenneth let out a chuckle of his own, ¡°I must say you are handling it far better than Nya. The last time I did this to her, she was already threatening me with her claws.¡±


    ¡°The commander also?!¡± Akiti exclaimed in a mixture of shock and laughter.


    ¡°Oh, just you wait. I¡¯m not done yet, so please don¡¯t move; I wouldn¡¯t want you to fall,¡± Kenneth warned as he spread his legs slightly, bent his knees and tightened his core. Keeping a firm yet delicate hold on her body, he lifted Akiti above his head like she was a dumbbell.


    Even with her tail hidden, Kenneth could feel it wildly thrash around underneath the fabric. Feeling the pain in his broken middle finger along with a foreboding pain in his lower back,  he carefully placed her back on the ground.


    ¡°There¡¯s no denying the rumours now!¡± Akiti said in a mixture of awe and excitement.


    ¡°Sorry if that was a bit much. I got a bit carried away,¡± Kenneth said.


    Akiti tied the rope to her bucket and tossed it down the well, ¡°I was the one who wanted to know how strong you are. Guess I got my answer.¡±


    ¡°Well, I should probably get back before the mess before it stains the floor,¡± Kenneth said as he got ready to walk back.


    ¡°Em¡­ before you go, one last thing I wanted to ask you,¡± Akiti quickly said.


    Kenneth paused right after picking up his bucket, ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Well, remember there was a small matter I mentioned of Moliki only hearing half of what anyone is saying,¡± Akiti said, her slightly chipper expression waning.


    ¡°Yes, what of it?¡± He asked.


    ¡°She seemed to have heard the wrong thing and is now using words I never thought possible and don¡¯t understand while diligently trying to make new, worse ones, Akiti explained. ¡°I only wish to know why you taught her them?¡±


    ¡°It was either that or explain to her the complexities of my life, Kenneth shrugged. ¡°But if this makes you breathe a little easier, she told me before I went to the banquet that she doesn¡¯t want to lose more nipples fighting Batugta.¡±


    Akiti sighed while pulling on the rope, ¡°I can only hope, I suppose.¡±


    Getting a filled bucket of her own, both of them parted ways.


    As he walked back on the way, he spotted Batugta, along with Ijubee in toe, dragging the outpost¡¯s healer by his legs, who looked bored and tired even now.


    ¡°Lord Krakni, I hope you do not think me forward for bringing you a healer after the banquet¡¯s delights¡±, Lord Batugta said.


    Ijubee smiled, ¡°Sound utterly fantastic, Lord Hydrog.¡±


    ¡°What do you know, Lord Batugta calmly snapped. ¡°It is complete shit; it sounds like I think he¡¯s too weak to handle a bit of floor juice. I need it to be perfect, so shut up and let me think.¡±


    ¡°Yes Lord Hydrog. Sorry for my incompetence,¡± Ijubee said as he kept following along.


    As they continued to walk, unaware Kenneth was calmly approaching from behind, Lord Batugta muttered incomprehensible words to himself while adopting some new poses every ten seconds or so until they finally came to a stop in front of Trafka¡¯s and Kenneth¡¯s abode.


    Quickly, he settled the feathers on his black cloak to look pristine, then got ready to knock.


    ¡°So, what did you settle on?¡± Kenneth asked before the Lord¡¯s knuckle as much as graced the wooden door.


    Startled, both he and Ijubee turned to face him.


    ¡°Black healer, Lord Batugta said in surprise, ¡°I had not expected you to be awake so early. Does that mean Lord Krakni is as well?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t know if he went back to sleep after I left, though a piece of advice, I wouldn¡¯t go inside just yet; it reeks, and I haven''t had time to clean,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Lord Batugta stepped away from the door and closer to Kenneth, ¡°One of your intellect should not have to lower yourself and do a low-born¡¯s work. Ijubee! Get cleaning!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lord Hydrog!¡± He replied.


    However, Kenneth stopped him with the wave of a dismissive hand, ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so humble when you are of such importance,¡± Lord Batugta insisted.


    ¡°No, really, Kenenth said, his voice becoming a little more firm. ¡±Trust me, I¡¯ve handled far worse working in elderly care, though the back talk is about the same, but regardless, it¡¯s fine. Need to do something to keep me awake anyways; otherwise, my sleep schedule will once again be destroyed.¡±


    Lord Batugta looked ready to respond; however, before he could.


    ¡°Commander!¡± Drogsa said from a distance, quickly approaching.


    ¡°Drogsa, I¡¯m in the middle of something important. Whatever it may be, it can wait,¡± Lord Batugta said.


    Drogsa¡¯s tail flicked to the side before falling motionless, ¡°You had me put this off since the banquet, but this is something you need to hear. Returning from the recent hunt, while I was in the middle of stalking my prey, my sons noticed two Nok wandering the forest and killed them.¡±


    ¡°And¡­? I don¡¯t need to hear about your son''s achievements. Be proud if you want to, but do not share it with me,¡± Lord Batugta said with a hint of anger in his voice.


    ¡°I do not feel pride but concern, commander, Drogsa replied. ¡°Having recently learned a large gathering of Nok is in our territory, I think we should take action.¡±


    Lord Batugta turned to face Drogsa, ¡°And what actions do you propose? Should we gather the forces and have them march to wherever this large horde of heretics are if the two your sons killed were indeed a part of that and not simply scavenging low-life wanding on their lonesome.¡±


    ¡°I would not take it so far; I would only have more guards up on the wall and an increase in patrols. As it is, we are far too few in manpower, so I propose we have a number of women take part and merely watch,¡± Drogsa replied.


    ¡°What is it with this insubordination from you low-borns as of late?  Have I not made it clear we do things properly here as it should be,¡± Lord Batugta sternly said.


    ¡°Yes, commander,¡± Drogsa surrendered.


    Breathing a sigh of frustration, Lord Batugta turned around to face Kenneth once more, ¡°Well, Black healer, my apologies for the interruption, and if you change your mind, do let me know; I¡¯ll be doing some work in the meantime.¡±


    ¡°See you later then,¡± Kenneth said as the three took their leave, the healer getting dragged away while looking at him.


    ¡®Wierd,¡¯ Kenneth thought as he walked into the house, keeping quiet so as not to rouse the hungover Lord if he had gone back to sleep.


    Slowly and silently opening the door, Kenneth was surprised to see Trafka out of bed, crouching down over by his.


    ¡®SHIT!¡¯ For a moment, the alarm bells rang in his head as every possible and horrid thing his imagination could imagine flashed inside of his skull, but just as quickly as they had come, they were gone.


    Surprisingly, Trafka didn¡¯t seem to hurt Nokstella in any way, but more so annoyed her.


    Carefully using his knuckles, he blocked her nostrils, making her body shudder in her sleep before she began to breathe with her mouth. Strangely, it seemed he was being gentle with her, avoiding as much as knicking her with his claws.


    ¡°Err¡­ what''s going on here?¡± Kenneth asked.


    Suddenly, Trafka sprung to life, standing up while his ears flexed in Kenneth¡¯s direction.


    Slowly, he pulled his fingers away from Nokstella¡¯s snout and stood up while at the same time audibly fighting against the urge to vomit, winning, ¡°I wonder. Why did you keep this little heretic? Wouldn¡¯t it have been better off with its own kind?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer my question with a question,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Trafka sighed as he walked over to his bed and grabbed the mug on it, ¡°I saw how peacefully the little creature looked while sleeping, and it made me angry. So I hoped to disturb the heretic¡¯s peaceful slumber.¡±


    ¡°Wow, you are petty,¡± Kenneth said.


    He turned around and dunked his mug into the bucket of water Kenneth held. With a series of loud, audible gulps, he swallowed every drop, whereupon he dunked the mug into the bucket once more, gulped the liquid down and, once done, jumped onto his bed.


    Kenneth watched as Trafka placed the empty mug by his side, folded both arms behind his head and closed his eyes.


    ¡°What, no comment?¡± He asked, the silence the only answer he would get.


    Huffing in annoyance, Kenneth got to work using most of the water, pouring it on the floor and, reaching into his bag, pulled out a large number of bandages, thinking, ¡®It works as toilet paper, probably also works to clean up vomit.¡¯


    After cleaning up the mess, Kenenth scrubbed the floor in a relatively short time, ensuring there would only be a small stain, if any.


    However, the more he worked, the more Trafka¡¯s silence began to annoy him, slowly building until he poked the sleeping bear, unsure of what the result would be.


    ¡°You know you could at least show her a bit of decency. She saved your life, you know,¡± Kenneth said in annoyance while continuing to clean.


    Trafka scoffed, ¡°How funny. And when did the little heretic save my life?¡±


    ¡°When she saved mine and stopped Nokqotir from killing me. If not for her, you¡¯d be dead,¡± Kenneth calmly said.


    ¡°I owe that heretic nothing, and you better not go around saying such things and make people question my honour. I will defend that above all,¡± Trafka warned him.


    ¡°Treat her with a bit of decency, and you got yourself a deal,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Trafka seemed to hold back his anger and annoyance, letting out a sigh and rolling onto his side, facing the wall. ¡°Fine, Kenneth, I¡¯ll do that small kindness.¡±


    Getting a better deal than he ever thought he would get, Kenneth let out a small sigh as he more or less finished cleaning. However, before he was about to stand, he noticed that the game of tic-tac-toe he¡¯d carved into the floorboards had come to an end.


    ¡°You win Kolu. I guess this time I¡¯ll go first,¡± He said in a melancholy voice, carving another game into the floorboards and making the first move.


    ¡°Hiissssss¡­¡±


    Kenneth calmly turned around to see Nokstella awake, looking a bit disheartened, ¡°How long have you been awake?¡±


    ¡°Is Kolu good?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Not yet, Kenneth sighed. ¡°He needs space and time, as much as we can give him.¡±


    ¡°I only want play Kolu. I miss,¡± Nokstella said, lowering her head.


    ¡°I know, Kenneth said, taking a seat beside her on the bed. ¡°One day, but until then, how about playing a game with me.¡±


    With a hissing sigh, she fell onto his lap, ¡°What game?¡±


    ¡°Whichever you want,¡± He said with a weak smile.


    For now, everything seemed peaceful, yet Kenneth couldn¡¯t, no matter how hard he tried to shake the feeling in the back of his head that it was only a matter of time before something, whether it be inside or outside the outpost, was bound to happen.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 22 (Ketchup)

    With an exhausted sigh before the events had even begun, Kenneth looked at the scene before him.


    He was back in the tower in that endless ivory hallway with statues. Yet they were not deserving of even a flicker of interest as he stared down at the floor, a puddle of red gracing the tip of his shoes as he stared at his own lifeless body.


    It was lying face-down, and the puddle of blood underneath ever so slowly encroached toward him from an overflowing wound of red in his back, drenching his jet-black attire in crimson.


    With an annoyed sigh, Kenenth walked up to the body, the pool of blood splashing with every step he took, ¡°How long are you going to pretend you''re dead?¡±


    The body stayed motionless and mute as the flow of red slowly grew stagnant.


    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯ve forgotten about the ketchup trick, you ¡°Solid Snake¡± wannabe?!¡± Kenneth groaned in annoyance, kicking his own body''s side, which promptly elicited a pained yelp.


    ¡°Arg! Damn, that hurt! Jesus, you can¡¯t take a joke, can you?!¡± His younger self groaned as he slowly rose from the crimson puddle, revealing an empty ketchup bottle underneath, along with a second that fell from underneath his coat.


    ¡°So, is this the part where we fight? Is Jasha somewhere watching dressed as a mime this time, or something more subtle like a Greek statue just blending in?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°Nah, she¡¯s too busy recuperating after a little Liasion. We just couldn¡¯t stop talking to one another, though my words were muffled for most of it,¡± Kenneth¡¯s younger self bragged, holding up two spread fingers in front of his face.


    Kenneth raised an eyebrow, ¡°Of the two of us, you forget you are wearing a mask.¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ doesn''t really matter as long as you get what I¡¯m saying,¡± He replied, crossing his arms.


    ¡°Urg¡­ I honestly think I preferred you when you were a ball of unbridled tantrums and mispronounced curse words,¡± Kenneth sighed.


    ¡°How about a change then? I don¡¯t like these clothes anyway; they are covered in ketchup,¡± Kenenth¡¯s younger self said, gripping his coat and pants and tearing them away with ease.


    Underneath, his new attire was that of Solid Snake from the original PS1, polygons and all except for his head.


    ¡°Stunned, speechless, I know,¡± His younger self said with unbridled confidence.


    Kenneth rubbed his brow, ¡°More so by the fact I used to act like this. Can¡¯t you at least wear something¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ just something else.¡±


    ¡°I could do ¡°Psycho Mantis,¡± but don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve honestly forgotten,¡± His younger self said, lighting a cigarette and having a smoke, whereupon he immediately began to cough.


    ¡°Of course I haven''t!¡± Kenneth snapped.


    ¡°Well¡­ could¡­ ¡°cough¡± fooled me, his younger self said through his coughing fit. ¡°I still remember it clearly, how her face lit up when she asked us to go to a cosplay event, and while we were apprehensive, we quickly dug in our heels, wanting to be ¡°Solid Snake¡±, after she told us she wanted to be ¡°Sniper Wolf.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I think her joy came more from the fact we knew about the character and game and had such love for it as she did. I think that was the first real connection we had with her that lit a spark, don¡¯t you agree.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°So¡­ is this the new tactic? Make me long for what I¡¯ve lost by reminding me of the happy times?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°Honestly, no, He replied. ¡°I just thought about it and shared that with you, though if you are looking for something I want to talk to you about, like the sexy vixen, then how about this? Why do you still follow the rules?¡±


    ¡°And what rules would those be?¡± Kenneth questioned.


    His younger self took the cigarette from his mouth and flicked it onto the floor, ¡°The hospitals. Do we really have to ask for permission to do anything to any one of them? Most of the population back home doesn¡¯t even understand half of the medical jargon aside from words like ¡°Maligtant¡± or ¡°terminal.¡±


    ¡°Here, these Aki Nok and Sil don¡¯t even have the luxury of medical dramas to teach them anything about what we do in the slightest. Can you really say any one of them can make an informed decision about what¡¯s best for them when, in terms of medical knowledge, we are the most  intelligent person on the subject solely because everyone¡¯s knowledge is close to nonexistence?¡±


    ¡°The rules exist for a reason,¡± Kenneth replied in a calm voice with an underlying fury.


    ¡°Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr¡­!¡±


    ¡°And if those reasons result in someone dying, are they truly worth it?! He yelled back. ¡°We didn¡¯t give anything to dull Wilf¡¯s pain when we needed to close the tear in her bowels! We didn¡¯t know she was unable to feel pain and just assumed it was an adrenaline rush!


    ¡°It didn¡¯t matter if she was crazy enough to fight against us; it only meant we had to do the right thing, not what had been drilled into us over the years!¡±


    ¡°GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!¡±


    ¡°And when would it stop?! Kenneth questioned. ¡°They don¡¯t know what I know, but that doesn¡¯t make them dumb!


    ¡°One thing is the certainty of a limb that can never be used again having to be cut off before infection spreads; another is doing so when there¡¯s no guarantee of it being a death sentence without informing the patient and allowing them to take the risk or not!¡±


    His younger self narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth, responding with, ¡°HISSSSSSSSSS!!!¡±


    Kenneth¡¯s eyes suddenly snapped open to utter pitch-black darkness as he sprang out of bed in a dazed panic, his heart pounding from the high-pitched, pained ¡°hiss¡± he knew belonged to Nokstella.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡± Trafka yelled.


    Despite being unable to see in the darkness, Kenneth knew the layout of the room from memory as he followed the pained sounds and dropped to the floor, quickly reaching under Trafka¡¯s bed.


    His hand frantically searched around for a couple of seconds until he got a hold of Nokstella¡¯s tail and yanked her out, meeting some resistance as a pair of glowing eyes followed, getting dragged along.


    With his body halfway out from under the bed, Kolu suddenly unhinged his claws from Nokstella and retreated.


    ¡°Nokstella, what were you doing under there?!¡± Kenneth asked, his panic intensifying as he felt the unmistakable, warm and slick feel of blood.


    ¡°Only want play, Kolu!¡± She managed to say through tears, shivering in pain.


    Kenneth froze for a moment, ¡®Dammit! Now isn¡¯t the time for that! I need to assess the damage!¡±


    ¡°Kenneth! Shut that heretic up, or I will!¡± Trafka growled.


    For a brief instance, he wanted to punch Trafka right then and there, but as quickly as the thought had appeared, it disappeared as his attention went back to Nokstella.


    He needed light to assess her wound, more so than the pitch-black room offered.


    With nary a thought, Kenneth grabbed his bag and ran outside, yet the cloudy skies overhead blocking the moon''s cold clear light barely offered any more illumination than before, but from what little he could just barely gleam, it was no mere scratch.


    Remembering how there always used to be guards patrolling with torches back in Laoli, Kenneth quickly sprinted down the road, looking for any sign of guards and that illuminating orange glow.


    His frantic running in search of light eventually led him to the main street with not a person in sight; however, fortunately, the same could not be said for the soft orange glow.


    Up by the great hall, Kenneth quickly noticed two lit torches on either side of the double doors. Waiting not a second, he frantically sprinted, his heavy footsteps no doubt waking some of the nearby inhabitants.


    Yet he didn¡¯t care.


    All that was on his mind at that moment was Nokstella¡¯s well-being as he reached his destination and grabbed one of the torches off the wall. Like Ulric, without using his hands, he attempted to open the door by kicking it, only to discover it opened outward, making him stumble back to find his footing.


    Reluctantly forced to slow his pace, he used the hand he held the torch with and, as quickly as he could, opened the heavy doors enough for him to rush inside.


    With no time to waste, he placed her on a nearby table and began to light some of the extinguished torches to give himself a perfectly clear view of Nokstella¡¯s injuries so no shadow could hide the smallest of details.


    And as he moved her away from his chest, her crying visage, retaining still some slight green, was covered in red.


    With everything clearly illuminated, Kenneth breathed a sigh of relief.


    The wound, as far as he could tell, while heavily bleeding, wasn¡¯t deep, though it did require a couple of stitches.


    Wasting no time, he got to work cleaning the area and then began to stitch the wound close, piercing the flesh between the scales.


    She let out ¡°Hisses¡± of pain and recoiled her body, but Kenneth could not stop. He encouraged her to stay still, telling her she was brave and it would only last a little longer.


    Eventually, managing to finish his work, he covered the gash with a suitably large band-aid.


    ¡°Nokstella, you were so brave throughout it all, He told her in a comforting tone; her crying had diminished a great deal, though it still persisted to some extent. ¡°Ah¡­ well, look at us two. Black and red, and green and red. People will think I¡¯m a ladybug and you a tomato plant.¡±


    Sniffling while tears ran down her scales, Noksktella asked, ¡°What tomoato?¡±


    He weakly chuckled while reaching into his bag and pulling out a small wrapped cloth pad and some saline solution. With delicate care, he began to clean off the blood before it dried, ¡°a tomato is a red¡­well, I think it¡¯s defined as a berry. It can be small or large, but is always juicy and a bit sour on the inside.¡±


    ¡°Is it like egg?¡± she asked, her tears beginning to dry.


    ¡°I suppose you can see it that way. They both have smooth outsides protecting their insides where the most precious things are, just like you,¡± Kenneth sweetly said, boopping her nose with the cloth pad, most of the blood wiped away.


    ¡°Many things like egg,¡± Nokstella laughed.


    Happy she could still smile, Kenneth began wiping off the blood from his coat.


    Yet slowly, without his noticing it, her smile slowly faded into sadness as she suddenly asked, ¡°Is Papa angry?¡±


    A bit caught off guard, Kenneth stopped wiping and took a seat beside her, ¡°No, of course not, but I need to know. Why were you under that bed?¡±


    Nokstella avoided looking at Kenenth in seeming shame and answered him, ¡°Miss Kolu¡­ only want play like you do.¡±


    ¡°I see, Kenneth replied, not liking what he was about to say. ¡°I told you he needed space.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± She replied, her scales brightening.


    ¡°You need to listen carefully now, Nokstella, Kenneth said, his tone growing slightly more serious, ¡°We are headed to the capital and especially for someone like you, it¡¯s going to be a dangerous place, and I will always do what I can to keep you safe, but that means you need to listen to me all of the time not just some of it.¡±


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    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Nokstella replied, her scales brightening even still.


    Kenneth didn¡¯t like it, but sometimes children needed tough love, ¡°No, Nokstella, I need to hear you say it. You¡¯ll do what I say when I say it.¡±


    ¡°I do what you say when you say,¡± she repeated after him.


    ¡°Good. I only want to keep you safe. I know that was Nokstel¡¯s greatest wish,¡± He replied.


    Nokstella let out a sighing hiss, ¡°Mama always good.¡±


    Looking at her, Kenneth felt a shadow of regret and nervousness as he let out a sigh, ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t ask you, but would you have preferred to stay with the other Nok? I know it can not be easy to be around all of the Aki all the time, with so many looking at you with disdain.¡±


    Nokstella looked up at Kenneth and then calmly wrapped both her arms around his, ¡°Other Nok, not Papa. Mama trust Papa, so I want to stay with Papa.¡±


    ¡°I see, Kenneth said, struggling to keep a lit on his emotions even when his mask hid them from everyone. ¡°I think we¡¯d had enough of an eventful night; let¡¯s get some sleep while we can.¡±


    With an agreeing yawn, Kenneth lifted Nokstella up in his arms and began to extinguish each of the lit torches; however, in the middle of it, he suddenly heard a shout, the contents of which made his blood freeze up.


    ¡°HERETIC ATTACK AT THE REAR!!!¡±


    Without thinking, Kenneth ran outside and around the building.


    Immediately, he noticed a strong wind had picked up, and the clouds above that had before been at a standstill suddenly raced across the sky, creating small tears and holes for the moon''s light to shine through.


    Yet even so, the little light provided from above paled in comparison to the orange and red blaze that quickly grew behind the wall.


    People quickly woke and rushed out of their houses, some half naked, others fully, and a few in the midst of putting their clothes on.


    In the blaring chaos, Kenneth thought, ¡®Calm down, take a breath. This is just like before. Heal those that come. Heal those that come.¡±


    Taking a breath and steeling himself, Kenneth quickly walked around to the front of the building while preemptively sticking his hand into his bag, thinking of every tool he¡¯d need.


    However, before even a single item had manifested in his grasp, another holler ahead brought his thoughts to a complete standstill.


    ¡°HERETIC ATTACK AT THE GATE!!!¡±


    Looking up for only a second, Kenneth felt his heart shoot up into his throat as a massive ¡°BANG!¡± rang, sounding like distant thunder.


    A large number of people who were in the midst of running to the rear quickly changed direction and ran toward the gate as another lesser ¡°Bang!¡± rang out the gate, and the beam that held it closed violently shook.


    Some of the women were quick to act, running to the well and hoisting up buckets of water to put out the fire, handing them to each passing man that could come.


    It was overwhelming; despite Kenneth already having experienced something like this before and having done more stressful and nerve-pinching operations than he could recall, this was still unfamiliar.


    Nokstella grabbed his arm even tighter, perhaps solely due to her own fear or perhaps in an attempt to quell his own; whatever the case, he had to get his shit together, not just when the first wounded came, but before that.


    Getting out his tools, he rushed inside and began preparing everything he could, moving tables and chairs to optimal positions with a little help from Nokstella; all the while, the sounds of burning, screaming, and banging persisted.


    However, suddenly, one of those sounds changed, and the loud ¡°Bang¡± was followed by a cracking snap.


    Heart sinking, he quickly grabbed Nokstella and rushed to the door, seeing to his utter dread before it was announced.


    ¡°HERETIC¡¯S BREACHED THE GATE!!!¡±


    Like a trapped body of water that had just been freed by the smallest of cracks, all of them rushed through, their numbers seeming never-ending as the two forces engaged one another in a bloody battle.


    In the disorienting chaos of fighting, both masses blended together, but as the moon''s light shined down below, a shining figure stood, one that wielded a great, mighty hammer.


    Even from afar, he could see Trafka fighting his utmost, yet one man could not so easily turn the tide. That much had been proved to him before.


    Now wasn¡¯t a matter of fighting; now was a matter of surviving.


    Gritting his teeth, Kenneth sprinted as fast as he could before the carnage had enough time to spread. As embers flew above his head, he reached the house and rushed inside.


    Acting on base instincts, he grabbed the bed and flipped it, revealing Kolu underneath.


    His eyes quickly landed on Nokstella, and he growled.


    ¡°NOT NOW KOLU!¡± Kenneth shouted with such bellowing might that he immediately froze, either understanding the seriousness of the situation or becoming so frightened that he couldn¡¯t offer any resistance.


    Not caring either way, Kenneth grabbed him with his other hand, ignoring the pain shooting through it as he ran out of the room.


    Just before he exited the house, the light from the outside was blocked by a hulking Nok.


    Stopping dead in his tracks, he jumped back, creating some distance.


    ¡°There you are, Black Beak, The Nok said in a long, drawn-out manner, sounding almost relieved. ¡°Stay still, and I won¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    He slowly backed away, the Nok following as he weighed his options, ¡®I don¡¯t know how much of an option fighting is. They got a club, and Kolu and Nokstella could get hurt. It might be best to just surrender.


    ¡°I know they are after me so they won¡¯t harm me; I¡¯m too important, considering I¡¯m the only one who can heal them. I might be able to cut a deal and stop the fighting. No¡­ probably not. Even if I could do that, Trafka wouldn¡¯t stop fighting, and I¡¯m doubtful anyone else will after who knows how many have already--¡¯


    His back hit the wall, and he had to make his choice now.


    However, his attention was drawn away painfully as Kolu struggled in his grip, bearing his teeth to the approaching Nok and growling.


    ¡°Stay still!¡± He snapped his anger at the moment, more so fueled by pain than anything else, as Kolu kept trying to get free, but Kenenth refused to do so.


    His struggle became more furious, and Kolu embraced his feral nature as he began to ¡°Bark¡± and ¡°Yip.¡±


    ¡°Better let it go, Black Beak. We don¡¯t want you to be hurt,¡± The Nok said, reaching out with their hand.


    Suddenly, Kolu ¡°HOWLED!¡± like a wolf during a full moon.


    He kept going, raising the pitch higher and higher as loud as his small form would allow. It never seemed to stop until, at its highest point, when the sound was drilling into Kenenth¡¯s ear, it suddenly vanished.


    He could still feel Kolu''s body vibrate with his mouth agape in a silent scream as tears flowed from his eyes.


    ¡°Arg! Hiss!¡± Both the Nok and Nokstella suddenly screamed in pain, quickly covering their ears.


    ¡°Nokstella! What¡¯s wrong?!¡± Kenneth yelled in confusion to little availe while the intruder dropped their club and fell down, writhing in pain as they rolled on the ground.


    No doubt Nokstella would have followed suit if not for Kenneth¡¯s panic and tight grip on her, keeping her in place as he stood there like a confused idiot unable to do anything.


    Yet, as quickly as it had begun, it suddenly ended. The Nok and Nokstella both ceased their pained ¡°hisses¡± in favour of laboured breathing. The same was true for Kolu, whose panting quickly drew Kenneth¡¯s attention, making him wonder if he was responsible.


    ¡°Hiss¡­ Black Beak,¡± the Nok said, struggling to stand.


    No time to think; Kenneth couldn¡¯t squander the golden opportunity and sprinted ahead, leaping over the Nok, and ran out of the house.


    The moment he stepped foot outside, he wasn¡¯t even given a moment to think before suddenly...


    ¡°Black Beak!¡± A yell sounded, cutting through the chaos of the battlefield as both Kenenth and a group of Nok were made aware of each other¡¯s position.


    Again, not given any time to think, Kenneth turned and ran with the group of Nok chasing after him.


    By now, the fire had spread to the other walls and some of the houses, filling the air with smoke and making it far more difficult to breathe and see.


    As he ran, a couple of women further ahead emerged from the smoke rounding a corner, their fur blackened by the sod. Suddenly, a spear that was hurled through the air pierced through one of their necks, killing the woman instantly.


    The others, already running, didn¡¯t even turn to see they¡¯d lost one as the Nok who threw the spear came to claim what was theirs while the group went in pursuit.


    ¡°BLACK BEAK!¡± One of the group behind hollered quickly, catching the group further ahead¡¯s attention as they forgot about their prey in favour of chasing him.


    With his options for fleeing dwindling, Kenneth quickly ran in between two buildings; however, it was clear the place was being completely overrun as another group of Nok chasing another group of women with a wounded man was further ahead.


    The moment the Nok locked eyes with him, they almost fully forgot about their previous prey, which they caught up to and knocked to the ground, trampling over their bodies.


    Sprinting as fast as he could, he rounded corner after corner, trying to shake them or find someplace to exit, yet eventually, he became cornered with Nok closing in on all sides.


    With no seeming way out of this unless he suddenly developed the ability to climb walls, Kenneth stopped and breathed out a sigh, ¡°Well then, you all got me. I¡¯m cornered, with no way for me to escape. So what happens now?¡±


    Most of the encroaching groups looked at him, puzzled, clearly not expecting any such question in a situation such as this.


    However, not all of them shared in the pause given.


    ¡°Now, Black Beak, we claim our prize,¡± a voice from one of the groups called out as she made her way to the front.


    A chill went down his spine as he recognised the voice, but even so, he was sure Trafka had gone back to kill her¡­ and yet there she came, dressed in the same black animal skin cloak and missing a middle finger, Nokqotir.


    She walked toward Kenneth. With each step she took, another memory in his mind flashed, filling him with rage. Not alone, he felt Kolu struggling in his grasp more than ever, no doubt wanting revenge.


    Yet, Kenneth could not allow him to do anything stupid. He needed to protect him no matter what.


    Standing before him, he could see the burn marks and scorched flesh under her hood, ¡°How happy I am to see you again. So many of my people have been so eager to personally thank you for giving them hope.¡±


    ¡°I see, Kenneth replied, keeping his composure as best he could right up until Nokqotir suddenly reached for Nokstella, whereupon he suddenly backstepped, yelling, ¡°Don¡¯t touch her!¡±


    Having not looked behind him, he suddenly slammed into a Nok, who quickly wrapped their brawny arms around his throat in a choke hold.


    ¡°How can you think so little of me? We would never hurt a child, ¡°Nokqotir said, walking up to Kenenth as he struggled to break free, taking Nokstella from his grasp.


    ¡°Awoooo-cough! Awooo-cough!¡± Kolu howled while struggling so much that he managed to break from Kenneth¡¯s grasp and leapt for Nokqotir.


    She simply swatted him away like an insect, knocking him to the ground, and as he recovered, she grabbed him by the tail and lifted him up.


    Still struggling to get free, Kenneth tightened his core and leaned forward, lifting the Nok off the ground and trying to shake them off him, much to the surrounding crowd''s astonishment.


    ¡°Let Black Beak go,¡± Nokqotir ordered.


    The Nok quickly complied, jumping off and backing away from Kenneth.


    Finally free, he turned his attention toward Kolu and Nokstella, but even in his angered state, he stopped himself from doing something he¡¯d regret.


    ¡°Oh yes, do remember your place; otherwise, this little one will have the same fate as his father, and I know he¡¯ll die far more easily,¡± Nokqotir threatened, swinging Kolu from side to side by his tail as he dangled helplessly.


    ¡°I assume you¡¯ll be wanting more penicillin to treat the burning death,¡± Kenneth said.


    ¡°That can wait; we are not in desperate need. For now, why don¡¯t you follow along? The fight is almost finished anyway,¡± Nokqotir said, handing off Nokstella to one of her subordinates in favour of a spear as she walked out onto the main street.


    He followed along as a prisoner of war, yet at least not restrained physically.


    Out on the street, the sight was abhorred with dead bodies lying scattered about, most in pieces as blood and guts soaked the ground. It was hard not to throw up with each splash his steps made, yet the sight by the gate as he adverted his gaze was far from better.


    The last remaining fighters, including Trafka, were surrounded, keeping the Nok at bay for the time being, each passing second ticking down to their eventual defeat as, one by one, they were slaughtered.


    ¡°Oh, what a beautiful sight. My face aches a little less at seeing the Weakie royal on the edge,¡± Nokqotir chuckled manicly.


    ¡°Commander, one of Nokqotir¡¯s subordinates said. ¡°The fire is spreading quickly; we should leave.¡±


    Nokqotir stared at the dwindling resistance as she breathed out a heavy sigh and raised her spear, shouting, ¡°All attack!¡±


    Suddenly, the slowly encroaching horde of Nok all rushed Trafka and the remaining fighters all at once, ending the fight in the blink of an eye as they were all buried under a mountain of bodies.


    However, not going down easy, Trafka swung his hammer with all his might, cracking skulls and sending people flying until he too was tackled to the ground, his mighty hammer flying from his grasp and crashing directly into a burning house, the thing crumbling in an instant.


    With the fight finally over, Nokqotir walked toward the gate. Kenneth forced to go with her as she reached Trafka, his head sticking out from underneath the fighters.


    Glaring down at him, she held the tip of her spear to his snout, ¡°You took my finger, burned my scales, and KILLED my mate! All this time, I¡¯ve thought of ways to kill you myself!


    ¡°¡­However, it pains me more than anything to say that whatever I could imagine would pale in comparison to what I¡¯ve heard about ¡°Her.¡± You will not get an easy death for your crimes against me. I¡¯ll make certain of that.¡±


    Retracting her spear, she ordered for Trafka to be restrained, this time more thoroughly and with iron chains, each individual link in the shape of a triangle.


    While it happened, Trafka resisted, growled, and snarled each step of the way until it was over. Bound and subdued, his body-length shield was tied to his body.


    Nokqotir, along with her remaining subordinates, walked out of the gate.


    Outside, Kenneth''s eyes quickly affixed themselves to a couple of dozen Nok guarding over a large number of prisoners, most of them women as far as Kenneth could gleam from the many dresses, except for a couple in the back he recognised in a heartbeat.


    Rafk, Jago, Tragna, and a lot of the other men from the caravan.


    One, however, was at the front. The outpost healer who just sat down with his arm raised for any wounded Nok to use as they pleased, treating minor and severe injuries in seconds, all from his touch.


    Nokqotir pulled back her hood and gestured with her hand, and promptly, one of the soldiers dragged the healer over to her. She leaned down and gently held his head by his snout, ¡°Such a clever little heretic. You know your place, and I know I¡¯ll fetch something good for you.¡±


    The outpost healer, with a blank gaze, simply held up his hand and Nokqotir, with a smile, reached for it.


    ¡°YOU HERETIC¡¯S DARE ATTACK MY SHITHOLE OF AN OUTPOST!!!¡± Lord Batugta shouted.


    Everyone quickly turned their heads to see the commander standing under the flaming gate, missing one arm and his tail. The end of his arm appeared mostly cauterized by the flames but still sprayed a great deal of blood onto the ground.


    Using his sword like a cane, he remained standing, but it was clear he was struggling to keep balance.


    Nokqotir turned to face Lord Batugta with a grin, speaking in the tower tongue, ¡°What a fine cloak. If you take it off, I¡¯ll give you a swift death!¡±


    Lord Batugta stomped his foot on the ground and held his sword up to his face, shouting in the tower tongue, ¡°A proper commander does not yield to a heretic¡¯s demands.¡±


    ¡°As you will,¡± Nokqotir said, throwing Kolu to one of her subordinates and tightening the grip on her spear with both hands as she calmly closed the distance between the two.


    Slamming the tip of his sword into the ground, Lord Batugta approached Nokqotir, getting closer and closer; his body was weakened by the loss of blood, yet his eyes remained firm. It was clear he wasn¡¯t going down without taking someone with him.


    With one final step, Lord Batugta quickly swung his weapon up into the air, keeping his balance for just one second more as he hurled it in Nokqotir''s direction.


    With ease, she dodged past it and rushed up to Lord Batugta, piercing his stomach with her spear with such violent force he was carried off the ground and lifted above Nokqotir¡¯s head.


    With blood raining down below her, Nokqotir said to Lord Batugta, ¡°What a shame. All that effort for nothing. And now that cloak is covered in red.¡±


    Weezing and groaning in pain, Lord Batugta managed to say with his final breath, ¡°A proper¡­ commander¡­ Kill as many¡­ Heretic¡¯s¡­ as possible¡­¡±


    Nokqotir threw his body on the ground and took his black cloak as her own; however, when she turned around, she was met by the shocked and stunned silenced expressions of everyone as the outpost healer lay dead on the ground with Lord Batugta¡¯s sword in his throat.


    Letting out a hissing growl, it was clear she wished she could kill him a thousand more times, stomping on his dead body over and over until her anger quelled slightly.


    With some calmness, she approached Kenneth, ¡°It appears you have a lot of work to do.¡±


    Kenneth, knowing he had no choice regardless of the circumstances, simply replied, ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±

 The Plague Doctor chapter 23 (Prisoner)

    Calmly walking in the brightly lit forest, Kenneth kept a decent pace without his feet aching like most times he¡¯d had to keep up with Aki. Nok, despite their size, were quicker than one would expect, but even so, their speed was somewhere between a calm stride and a slow jog for Kenneth.


    Nothing too demanding for him, though he wasn¡¯t allowed to keep a quicker pace, always needing to stay in the middle of the herd, so they were certain he wouldn¡¯t try something.


    It was a bit suffocating, especially having his wrist tied to Nokoogo¡¯s, the yellow and browned-scaled woman with multiple faded scars to his right, but compared to the other prisoners, he was being treated quite kindly. At least he didn¡¯t have his arms tied to his sides, and he was forced to walk in front, constantly exhausted and with very few breaks.


    ¡°You look so; nothing, what nothing are you feeling?¡± Nokxem asked Kenneth.


    Nokxem has been one of Kenneth¡¯s many patients since his capture. Though his wounds were not the worst ones, he had taken an arrow to the knee and could, therefore, not walk for some time until his wound healed.


    It was surprising how little time it actually took for some of the Nok to build a makeshift stretcher from a couple of animal hydes and two sturdy branches to carry him in. Though, given his energetic nature, it might as well have been a prison sentence.


    ¡°Are you not going to answer me?¡± Nokxem asked.


    With a vigilant gaze that he did not fully keep on him, Kenneth said, ¡°Did you open your wound up, or do you feel pain somewhere else? And mind you, boredom does not count.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you do something to make my knee better now? I have to shit standing on one leg,¡± Nokxem complained.


    ¡°Just lean up against a tree,¡± Kenneth recommended.


    Nekxem¡¯s violet and yellow scales ever so slightly grew brighter as he let out a hiss, ¡°And shit, all over my tail, not all of us were unlucky enough to have it cut off!¡±


    ¡°Not all of us were lucky enough to be born with one,¡± Kenneth simply replied.


    ¡°Well, I-¡°


    ¡°Enough! Keep quiet!¡± Nokoogo told Nokxem.


    ¡°easy for you to say, you barely got hit in that battle; look at me; what can I do when Ki is at her fullest?!¡± Nokxem asked her.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing the same as now, lying on your back while others do all the work,¡± Nokoogo smirked.


    Nokxem grew speechless as his scales grew a bit paler while others around them hissed.


    Though Kenenth hadn¡¯t spent much time with Nok, he had observed a few things regarding their biology, mainly as far as he could tell that the bigger and brawnier Nok were women while the smaller and more sleek were all men.


    It was a bit strange to hear such deep voices come out of women¡¯s mouths; yet, all of it only stoked his intellectual curiosity as he wanted to learn more, mainly about their biology but also how it influenced their social structure and general mannerisms.


    However, he knew to hold himself back from asking a ton of questions and, for now, only observed no matter how hard it would be to figure out, since if he didn¡¯t pay attention¡­


    ¡°Urg¡­ again, again, Kenneth groaned as he walked up to a woman scratching above her bandages and pricked them on the shoulder, facing the more aptly descended of dinosaurs than chickens with all the confidence of a lion, facing a gazelle with the quiet tone of a passive-aggressive librarian. ¡°Yeah, you don¡¯t¡­ you don¡¯t wanna do that.


    ¡°I know it itches. I know how badly you want to scratch it, but you see, for the literal twentieth time, I¡¯ve told all of you. You are going to get an INFECTION if you keep doing it!¡±


    Looking about ready to punch him, though refraining from doing so, the hulking woman hissed and replied in a deep voice, ¡°Keep to yourself.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry for trying to keep you alive! But hey, when your wound is spewing pus and is slowly killing you, I won¡¯t cry a tear at your funeral!¡± Kenneth angrily replied.


    Clearly, understanding the different mannerisms of different species was just as difficult for them as him as the woman stared at him with a confused and conflicted expression, made all the clearer by the glimmering light show going on the Nok¡¯s body as her scales quickly changed into all sorts of hues.


    It was hard to ignore Kenenth¡¯s little outburst, and with all eyes on him and the living light show, everyone around them began to laugh.


    At least, that¡¯s what he believed to be the case. The multitude of hisses other than angry, you are about to die now, and happy was a bit difficult to decipher at times.


    ¡°You speak so dominantly even though you look so submissive,¡± Nokoogo observed.


    Kenneth rubbed his brow as he let out a sigh, ¡°Well, I have to; otherwise, everyone is just going to die slow, preventable deaths.¡±


    Suddenly, the prisoners in front came to a halt, and all the Nok¡¯s hisses abruptly changed to something like happy but not quite. Still being the shortest of everyone, Kenneth was the last to know, but even so, he could hear the constant sound of running water.


    Looking like crocodiles, he should probably have suspected they liked water, though liked didn¡¯t describe the love all of them had for it.


    At previous streams, most looked disheartened and sorrowful when Nokqotir hadn¡¯t permitted a break, forcing everyone to simply continue ahead. However, now they stood in front of a river, tittering on the edge.


    ¡°Break time!¡± Nokqotir said.


    With little delay, most jumped in the water, fully clothed, submerging themselves and writhing in what could only be described as pure ecstasy. A few even played and fought in the water like kids.


    Of course, that meant Kenneth had to remove the wet bandages and reapply once everyone was done like the other times, but he couldn¡¯t complain too much since they took care of cleaning the injuries on their own.


    ¡°Hisssssssssssss¡­¡± Nokoogo sounded.


    ¡°Something on your mind?¡± He asked.


    There was no response, but it was clear from the longing gaze Nokoogo had on the running stream and rippling surface that they wanted to join in on the fun.


    ¡°Are we crossing this river like the other streams?¡± Kenneth asked.


    ¡°What do we look like, Weakies?¡± Nokoogo asked back.


    Kenneth walked forward, already taking off his shoes and socks, saying, ¡°Might as well get my pants wet then.¡±


    Nokoogo barely needed a second as she ran past Kenneth. Before he could fully process the situation, he was dragged along, barely able to keep his feet on the ground until most of his lower body was submerged.


    With a very happy and relaxed hiss escaping her maw, Nokoogo said, ¡°How I¡¯ve missed this.¡±


    Heart racing and legs freezing, Kenenth, trying not to fall over into the river, said, ¡°Okay, this rope needs to be longer.¡±


    ¡°Afraid of a little water,¡± Nokoogo asked.


    ¡°No, but the fear of getting my shoulder dislocated has just risen to near the top of the list,¡± he retorted.


    ¡°Keep up next time, then,¡± Nokoogo replied.


    Getting carried on the stretcher, Nokxem was placed near the water¡¯s edge before those who carried him jumped in.


    Rubbing his hands, he let out a couple of hisses, ¡°In this much water, I¡¯ll be able to move some.¡±


    ¡°No, Kenneth quickly and flatly replied. ¡°swimming requires your entire body, and I¡¯ve told you you need to be patient and don¡¯t get your stitches wet; otherwise, your leg won¡¯t heal right.¡±


    ¡°You are saying I can¡¯t get in the water now?!¡± Nokxem questioned.


    ¡°You can splash your hand in the water,¡± Kenneth replied.


    Nokxem glared at him, ¡°So nothing.¡±


    ¡°How sad you won¡¯t be swimming for some time, Nokoogo taunted with a smirk at Nokxem''s annoyed visage before she stepped out of the water to him. ¡°Even I ain¡¯t that cruel. As far as I heard, all we need to do is keep your leg dry.¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    With little hesitation, Nokoogo stretched both arms underneath his body and carefully lifted him up before stepping back into the water and slowly submerging them both while keeping Nokxem¡¯s leg above the surface, almost holding him upside down.


    ¡°At least his leg is elevated,¡± Kenenth muttered in slight awe at the lengths they would go to for a quick dip.


    Taking a moment, he felt the mud between his toes and the water rushing past him. Despite the tomfoolery all around him, he was almost able to relax, not having to worry about keeping an eye on everyone for this short time.


    However, he couldn¡¯t. Not as long as he felt their eyes on him.


    Break time for the Nok also meant a break time for the prisoners, one they desperately needed.


    Food was rationed among everyone, for the most part, except the prisoners.


    He guessed that even if there had been enough for ten feasts, they would still only be lucky to get scraps. Water, however, was in such abundance that they could drink as much as they wanted, and they desperately needed as much as they could, being forced to march as much as they did.


    Kenneth only wanted the best for people, but he knew if he raised any of his objections, Nokqotir would do far worse than simple starvation just to shut him up.


    So he would burden those jealous and angry gazes from those who had the strength to give him them.


    Yet even in this dark situation, he could still find a glimmer of joy as he suddenly felt someone wrap their arms around his leg.


    ¡°Hello there Nokstella. Didn¡¯t expect to see you down there. Did you sneak away from that big fella with grey and red scales?¡± Kenneth asked her, looking a bit around to see if he could spot the Nok.


    ¡°I not like her. I want to be with Papa,¡± Nokstella replied.


    Kenneth let a small smile cross his lips, ¡°I know it¡¯s hard, but it¡¯s for the best. We are travelling in such a dangerous place, so I just feel more at ease knowing someone stronger is keeping a good eye on you.¡±


    Nokstella let out a frustrated hiss as her scales slightly brightened, ¡°Papa strong and Papa good. I do not like bad Nok, hurt Kolu.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like I said, Nokstella, there are good and bad people in the world, and they are that way through choices. Some here are bad, but don¡¯t go thinking everyone is,¡± Kenneth said, trying not to let her distance herself from her own people during these formative years.


    ¡°Papa,¡± Nokstella suddenly said, swimming around to his other leg with such ease that it barely looked like she was moving.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Scales itch,¡± she said.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ again, it hasn¡¯t been that long since you last shed your scales, or does it just happen often? Kenneth thought out loud, ¡°Well, don¡¯t you wanna tell that big fella? I bet she knows more about how to do it than me.¡±


    ¡°NO! Nokstella snapped, ¡°Papa only one.¡±


    Kenneth couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, ¡°How demanding you are, little lady. Well, if you insist, I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±


    Nokstella¡¯s scales darkened a bit as Kenneth leaned down to help her shed; however, before he could even get started, an all too spine-chilling voice called out.


    ¡°Enjoying the water?¡± Nokqotir asked, walking up behind him near the water¡¯s edge.


    Nokstella¡¯s scales suddenly flickered to a lighter hue as she quickly hid under the water¡¯s surface while continuing to cling to his leg.


    Straightening his posture, Kenneth asked back, ¡°Are you asking me or anyone of the couple dozen splashing around?¡±


    Nokqotir stepped into the water beside Kenneth, keeping her left bandaged arm above its surface, ¡°How I wish your healing was faster. These waters are perfect for swimming in, but I know it will burn.¡±


    ¡°So, did you just come here to complain about my inability to magic your pain away,¡± Kenneth said, snapping his fingers.


    Looking at his hand with a bit of a smile, she replied, ¡°What a funny sound, but no. You need your bag to dress everyone as it were.¡±


    ¡°Redress their wounds, yes,¡± Kenneth corrected her.


    ¡°And I need to let this one drink,¡± She said, pulling her other arm out from under her cloak where she hid Kolu, his arms tied to his side and held by a rope tied to her wrist.


    Handing him his bag, Nokqotir lowered Kolu to the water''s surface for him to drink.


    The sight was gutwrenching for Kenneth, to see Kolu treated as though he was an accessory. ¡°When are we arriving at wherever you are taking me?¡±


    ¡°The journey has barely begun, and you are already impatient. We are not fully out of Weakie territory yet, but soon, and once we enter ours, we will head straight to ¡°Aboroli¡±, where the commander will no doubt reward me for bringing you¡±, she replied, noticing Kolu wasn¡¯t drinking anymore.


    Proceeding to lift him up, she walked across the river.


    Once gone, Nokstella came up from the water¡¯s surface, ¡°Scary.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she is,¡± Kenneth agreed.


    Just as Nokqotir reached the other side of the river and shook off some of the water, she turned around, ¡°That¡¯s enough bathing for all of you!¡±


    Slowly, one by one, the Nok playing in the water began to stop over half of them, looking dejected with their scales becoming a brighter hue as all of them left the water.


    ¡°Look¡¯s like my break is over. Sorry, but I need to go,¡± Kenneth told Nokstella as he tugged on the rope to get Nokoogo¡¯s attention.


    She rose with Nokxem in hand, asking, ¡°What is it?¡±


    He pointed to the other side of the river and a large number of Nok who¡¯d reluctantly left the water.


    With an annoyed hiss from both of them, she placed Nokxem back on the stretcher and then walked across with Kenneth, his lower torso becoming fully submerged.


    Nokstella clung to him a decent distance; however, just before he left the water, her caretaker finally found her.


    ¡°There you are, she said, emerging from the water and grabbing Nokstella, pulling her away from Kenneth, ¡°Should have guessed that¡¯s where you snuck off to. But what have I told you? Keep close to me.¡±


    Glancing back to see her looking disheartened and refusing to answer the woman, Kenneth didn¡¯t delay his work any longer.


    One by one, he went around and gathered everyone¡¯s wet bandages and put them into the bag. Then, while everyone was air drying, he inspected their wounds to see how they were progressing and handed out some penicillin for the ¡°Burning Death.¡±


    As he worked, he could hear some complaints about having to wait, but it was the way it was, or at least that¡¯s what he¡¯d told them.


    After having handed out a seemingly endless supply of medicine from an empty bag, there was no denying it was magic.


    However, what kind of magic he could fabricate to his liking just as long as nothing he did or had done contradicted anything he¡¯d said, mainly that you couldn¡¯t get something from the bag without putting something in at a previous time.


    So wet and bloody bandages suddenly disappeared and became clean and new, and a multitude of flora and fauna became the medicine.


    It was far from the best lie, but it was one he thought necessary.


    He feared that if Nokqotir understood the bag¡¯s true potential, one of the things he aimed to avoid when he passed Jasha¡¯s test could become a reality. All she needed to do was hurt someone enough that he¡¯d probably cave, and then they could get practically any raw material they wanted, given what the bag had shown him to be capable of so far.


    He imagined scalpels made of silver, gold, titanium, platinum, and stainless steel. The images alone made his bag heavier, though he dared not open it, instead picturing the bandages he needed and leaving everything inside to simply disappear.


    With great care, he wrapped every single wound to utter perfection, taking perhaps a little longer than he should until they were ready to move out, and Nokqotir took back the bag.


    With the last of the Nok all across, it only meant it was time for the Aki.


    In great contrast to the Nok, most of the Aki were far more reluctant to venture into the water.


    Despite their size, ensuring the water was only waist high for even the shortest, they still refused, struggling and resisting while those in front with their feet already in the water frantically looked around below them in a panic.


    Yet all of it was a fruitless effort as the ropes they were bound to were simply tugged on, forcing them to move forward or fall.


    Those who did, fraild around in the water, having to be pulled after a few of their captors, had a good laugh before getting back on track.


    Everyone was dripping with water, but at least Kenneth¡¯s shoes and socks remained relatively dry as they once again made their track through the forest, walking for another couple of hours until reaching the edge.


    Ahead from under the shade of the trees was a sprawling green field reaching as far as the eye could see with no obstruction of any kind to hide its natural beauty.


    The change was almost immediate for almost everyone as the Nok basked in the warm radiant glow of the sun, and a couple even removed layers of clothing to feel it directly on their scales.


    They didn¡¯t even seem to mind the cooling breeze that moved across the land, its invisible hand making every strand of greenery gently dance along with the Aki¡¯s fur, offering them a desperate relief.


    The ground beneath was, in contrast to the root-littered forest with overgrowing undergrowth, was, thankfully flat, as was its namesake.


    In truth, Kenneth knew a bit about this place they¡¯d just entered.


    Nya had once told him, when talking about the war, that one of the first battles that took place was her right between  Nok and Aki territory, ¡°The Flatlands.¡±


    However, that same nugget of knowledge he¡¯d learned also filled this moment with a sense of nervousness.


    It mainly came from the fact that Aki and Nok''s territory hadn¡¯t expanded further out in the region despite it being a fantastic killing field for Aki with the wide open space.


    The main faults with this place were a lack of resources to build and repair an outpost, along with its vicinity to others to avoid overhunting and competing with other outposts for food, but the most condemning reason was the wildlife that inhabited this area.


    Nya didn¡¯t describe many details about them because she herself hadn¡¯t read about or seen any of them with her own eyes, but she was certain they were very dangerous if you didn¡¯t have the numbers to intimidate them into keeping their distance.


    ¡®Well, here to hoping we got the numbers,¡¯ Kenneth thought to himself as the next leg of the journey began.


    ¡°We make camp over by the large tree further ahead!¡± Nokqotir commandeered.


    Just as quickly as it had begun, it came to a halt.


    The sun was far from going down, so they still had a decent amount of time to push further ahead, but he knew the reason wasn¡¯t the dangers lurking in these lands but simply the convenience of that tree.


    It was tall and wide at the bottom with many sturdy-looking low-hanging branches, perfect for camp.


    It didn¡¯t take long to set up camp simply because it was mostly one big tent made from animal skin. Once it had been, it was time for the prisoners to eat what little scraps they were given, chowing down with ravenous speed.


    Before everyone had been given proper time to eat, it was time.


    One by one, they were hoisted up in the tree at the end of the ropes that bound them to the lowest hanging branches, ensuring any escape attempt was discovered and thwarted rather quickly.


    As the evening drew closer, people sat down to eat around the campfire, relaxing and telling stories of battles past, some even getting into fights.


    All the while, Kenneth¡¯s gaze often went upward. He¡¯d seen the sight a couple of times now, but it never got any easier to see them strung up in such a manner.


    ¡°Trying to look up their dresses,¡± Nokxem laughed.


    Nudging his side, Nokoogo added, ¡°It¡¯s far too early, but we can always cut one down and see what happens.¡±


    He only took a breath and stood up, ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep now; are you coming?¡±


    ¡°Tired already. How annoying, but might as well,¡± Nokoogo replied, walking into the tent with Kenneth.


    The single tent for sleeping meant everyone slept together in practically a huge pile, something Kenneth didn¡¯t prefer as he lay down near the tent¡¯s edge.


    However, he wasn¡¯t alone, as Nokoogo, lying beside him, snuggled up to him.


    ¡°Do you have to?¡± Kenneth sighed.


    With an almost purring-sounding hiss, as she went and spooned him, wrapping her arms around his body, she replied, ¡°But you are so warm.¡±


    Doing his best to ignore it, Kenneth just closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep, the cacophony of pained whimpering above him, his lullaby.

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 23.1 (Distraction)

    Within a stuffy room illuminated by the soft orange glow of candlelight sat Lord Tokta at his desk, closely and meticulously going over the applications of those joining the military.


    As he worked, a soft, gentle knock at the door caught his attention.


    ¡°Enter!¡± Tokta said, barely looking up from the stack of papers on his desk as the door slowly opened.


    With the knock alone, he knew who it was, and with each step, the pace, and the rhythmic sound her claws made as they tapped on the floorboards, his hypothesis became solid as steel.


    ¡°Toa, are you coming to bed soon?¡± Kishik asked.


    ¡°Apologies, Kis, I¡¯ve got some work I need to take care of,¡± He replied, never once raising his head to meet her sight.


    Despite this, he knew well she wore her purple gown, had her fingers interlocked, rested just below her swollen stomach, and had an expression of unease across her face.


    ¡°I see. I hope you can join me soon; the bed feels so empty without you,¡± she replied before taking her leave.


    With a tired and bereft sigh, Tokta got back to work.


    Normally, the captain would be in charge of such tasks. It was mostly always the same: some child of noble or royal birth joined the military, with their formal education and training speaking on their behalf.


    Though with such similarities between most all applicants, anything to set them apart was solely determined by their inherited magic.


    However, in the cases of unique or useful abilities, the captain saw fit to share information about applicants along with proof of their parentage and bloodline with him if some looked useful.


    Yet, this time, he¡¯d asked for all of them.


    With diligence, he poured through each applicant, marking down their parentage and ability before examining the information with his own books of the other royal houses and their bloodlines.


    Though the king''s guard wasn¡¯t lacking in numbers, allowing anyone with a particular inherited ability to slip through their fingers would be a loss.


    However, that didn¡¯t change how tedious yet necessary it all was.


    If any were to lie about their ability, depending on what it was, they could slide by for summers on end without anyone noticing. Though he doubted any royal household would risk such humiliation, he couldn¡¯t say the same for their sons.


    Some had been either desperate or foolhardy in the past and suffered for it.


    Better to be honest about bad luck in life and serve the role you were moulded for than fall to the bottom trying to rise to the top.


    ¡®Hmm¡­ Rhuko Dekaso Amotika inherited ability extraordinary flexibility. Errko Hydrog Uchashi inherited ability, perfect sight without light. Drygnee Nohogo inherited ability, perfect balance,¡¯ Trofk read, rubbing his tired eyes and yawning.


    Examining the last applicant, Tokta let out a sigh that transitioned into a yawn. While most had abilities you wouldn¡¯t come across often, they didn¡¯t strike him as king''s guard material.


    More so relieved rather than being disappointed at having gone through each applicant, the thought of going to bed crossed the lord''s mind; however, right as he rose from his chair, he noticed the early advancement of Ki¡¯s light outside.


    ¡°Duty calls,¡± The Lord calmly said as he extinguished each candle and walked out of his office.


    Standing outside waiting was the head butler, Nostraal, a fine and trustworthy man with neatly kept grey and yellow striped fur, along with some black spots.


    ¡°My lord, I hope your work proved to be fruitful,¡± Nostraal said, greeting Tokta.


    ¡°None were of particular interest,¡± Tokta said as he walked down the hallways of his home.


    The butlers and maids were already awake and had begun work. Each greeted him as usual before returning to their tasks.


    ¡°My lord, do you intend to get some rest before you are off?¡± Nostraal asked as they descended the stairs.


    ¡°The light is advancing rapidly. Any sleep I would attain now would do more harm than good,¡± Tokta replied.


    ¡°I see, He replied, with no visible emotion. ¡°Will you change your clothes and armour before arriving?¡±


    ¡°These will do.¡±


    ¡°As you wish. I took the liberty of waking the cook earlier than usual, and your breakfast is in the wagon, along with your weapons waiting outside to take you to the castle. Shall I give the lady your apologies when she awakes?¡±


    Tokta glanced down at the head butler with a thankful look, ¡°No, I¡¯ll tell her myself later.¡±


    Nostraal gave a small nod, ¡°As you wish.¡±


    With little to delay him, Tokta left his home and stepped into the wagon outside. He ate the breakfast, sausages and eyes in quick fashion before the wagon came to a stop.


    Bowing his head to get out of the door, he entered the castle, walking into the throne room, ready to serve his majesty.


    ¡°What is that? Those heavy steps, could it be a Nok? Lord Jasabi, who already stood beside the king''s throne in the empty room, said, looking up from his book. ¡°Guess not. Only a simpleton, but I hope you can forgive the mistake. It is hard to tell the difference.¡±


    In silence, Tokta walked up to the other side of His Majesty''s throne.


    ¡°What were my words as big as you?¡± Lord Jasabi asked.


    ¡°For a man proclaiming to be the smartest of all, it does surprise me that you haven''t come up with something new to say,¡± Tokta responded.


    Lord Jasabi shook his head, ¡°What can I say? A simple brute demands simple mockery.¡±


    As both shared an ireful glare, the King descended down into the throne room with Sir Aegra and took a seat on the throne.


    Tokta watched over His Majesty as his faithful shield while he dealt with the problems and disputes that had arisen between other royal families and, at times, noblemen. It was always a bit exciting when lowborns would stand before the king, though that rarely happened and only when there was just cause for it.


    But now, no. Now, it was only soft  Nobleman Fraktru standing before the king with stains on his clothes.


    The only reason Tokta even remembered his name was because of all the other times he¡¯d requested to speak to the king.


    ¡°Your majesty, it is a great honour to be in your presence,¡± Nobleman Fraktru said.


    ¡°As it has no doubt been many of the other times you¡¯ve stood before me, The king replied, his voice hinting at annoyance. ¡°So what shall it be this time? Will you suggest that royals and noblemen have too much power over low-borns or that taxes are too high?¡±


    ¡°No, Your Majesty. This time, my concern lies with former soldiers of your army. Hundreds of thousands have served you dutifully for many summers, defending the capital''s borders; however, those who return are crippled with unhealable wounds,  Nobleman Fraktru explained.


    ¡°Many do not know what to do outside of crime if they do not wallow in despair. What I ask is merely that the crown would funnel a tiny sum of its resources to help these broken men and women and, hopefully, greatly reduce the crime in ¡°Underfoot.¡±


    The King''s eyes narrowed on the nobleman, ¡°Do know, your plea does not fall on deaf ears.¡±


    ¡°Those that mean-!¡±


    ¡°Do not interrupt me, The king said with a stern look that could frighten even a seasoned veteran of war. ¡°Your initiative is Noble if nothing else; however, I cannot allocate resources on a whim.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°The crown is still reeling from the destruction of multiple outposts and one of our villages nearly ten summers past. If you wish to help these people, such funds must come out of your own pocket. For now, this audience is finished.¡±


    With a defeated expression boarding on anger as the nobleman muttered something under his breath, he quickly took his leave while the people of the court made snide comments.


    ¡°How many more Jasabi?¡± The king asked.


    Lord Jasabi, with his nose buried in his book, replied, ¡°Five more. Two sets of royals, each in a feud over hunting territory outside the capital, a royal and men from the hunters guild complaining about a break in contract, and two noblemen demanding restitution after a royal son of house Uchaschi sullied the virtue of multiple daughters during mating season. I took the liberty of making that a single audience.¡±


    The king let out a tired sigh, ¡°Tell all of them to wait. I¡¯ll rest in my room for the time being. Tell the cooks to bring me something from the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°As you desire, your majesty,¡± Lord Jasabi obeyed.


    About to rise from his throne, the court began to talk amongst themselves when suddenly the doors to the throne room opened. A man wearing fine but dirty leather clothing and a necklace with the sigel of house Amotika walked in, escorted by the king''s guard members.


    ¡°What is this?¡± The king questioned.


    Sir Uvagi stopped before his king, ¡°A messenger from one of your villages, my king.¡±


    The king leaned back on his throne, ¡°Very well. Deliver the message.¡±


    The Amotika¡¯s. Tokta didn¡¯t have many fond emotions for the current household Lord; however, it was undeniable that when it came to transporting messages, they were the fastest. Crossing vast distances in half, if not a third of the time, it took any other man. A fact they prided themselves on.


    The young son of House Amotika approached and pulled out a letter, and handed it to Lord Tokta.


    ¡°Do you think my sight is weak?¡± The king questioned.


    He quickly got on his knee, ¡°Never, Your Majesty. I apologize for the confusion, but the letter was addressed directly to Lord Krakni, and I was told he had already departed to the castle when I arrived at his home.¡±


    ¡°Why me directly?¡± Tokta questioned, wondering if Trafka had sent it to him.


    ¡°I do not know, Lord Krakni. The contents of the letter, as any delivered by House Amotika, are confidential to the sender and recipient,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Very well. A fine job; you can leave now, The king said before glancing at Tokta. ¡°Any noteworthy news?¡±


    ¡°I will read it when I¡¯m off duty, Your Majesty,¡± Tokta replied.


    ¡°If it was sent directly to you, it might be from your son and possibly regarding the Black healer,¡± the King said.


    ¡°I understand, your Majesty,¡± Tokta said as he read the letter.


    ¡°What does it say? Have your little spawn fallen and hurt his knee,¡± Lord Jasabi chuckled.


    Standing tall and unbreakable as a stone pillar, Tokta said, ¡°The merchant is dead along with most of his men, killed by a heretic horde roaming the lands--¡°


    ¡°WHAT! the King shouted, gripping his throne with such force that his claws penetrated the gold exterior that covered the soft wooden interior. ¡°Those heretics! To roam my lands and KILL a royal!¡±


    Trofkt continued, ¡°My son, along with the black healer and a small remaining number of the merchant¡¯s men, including his son, has for the time being sought refuge at the Hijoli outpost with intentions to travel to ¡°Vogoli¡± and then directly to the capital.¡±


    The King turned to Lord Jasabi, ¡°Send word to Lord Dekaso and have all of his fastest messengers deliver orders to every village and outpost! I want these heretics off my land and to have their rotting bodies line the border to my kingdom on spikes!¡±


    ¡°At once, Your Majesty. Shall I tell all the lords and members of the guild waiting to return home?¡± Lord Jasabi asked.


    With an unwavering gaze filled with fury, the King responded, ¡°No, send them in.¡±


    Lord Jasabi let a smirk cross his lips.


    As the first pair of royals were sent in, they were already arguing, oblivious to the king¡¯s mood, though not for long as their once puffed tails quickly touched their bellies from betwixt their legs.


    The king listened for a moment and found the problem was in regards to an animal hunted on one royal territory but died on the border of another¡¯s. With little patience, the king ordered it to be split down the middle and for each man to take half.


    The next was simply a dispute over poaching as a royal son had tracked a beast to another royals territory and killed it before getting caught and having it taken away. The king simply said, ¡°The law is the law and land belonging to one man does not belong to another.¡±


    With the second meeting adjourned, it was time for the third.


    The king listened for a short while as the representative of the hunter¡¯s guild, and the royal spoke the crux of the problem, being the royal failing to pay for their work simply because one of the beasts had been killed with an arrow through the eye. The royal then argued that the only reason for the beasts to be hunted was because of it¡¯s eyes.


    However, partway through the royal''s argument, the king, his patience wearing thin, asked, ¡°Was it specified in the contract that all eyes were to be intact?¡±


    Stammering, the royal admitted it wasn¡¯t and tried to argue, but the king had heard enough and ordered the royal to pay the men for their work.


    Lastly were the noblemen and the lascivious young royal. Before anyone even had a chance to speak, the king did, his patience clearly gone from the previous dispute he had to mediate.


    ¡°Did you bed these women you are accused of sullying?¡± The king sharply asked the young royal.


    With a calm and confident expression, he simply replied, ¡°No, your majesty. These accusations are unfounded.¡±


    The king looked at both Noblemen and asked, ¡°Do either of you have proof this man bedded your daughters?¡±


    The first nobleman presented a small bag with a bunch of fur, each strand matching the man''s own fur colours, though hardly proof.


    The second man also showed a bag of fur, once again each strand matching the young royal; however, there was one more piece of evidence. A gold button, identical to the ones on the young man¡¯s shirt, and most damming of all, one was missing.


    Narrowing his eyes, the king glared at all three men, ¡°It is clear that this young man could not resist his urges during mating season. As restitution to Nobleman Bokadra you are to become his son-in-law and be married off to the daughter you sullied.¡±


    The royal man, with a panicked look, was about to object but stopped himself as it was far from over.


    ¡°And though Nobleman Teraano does not have sufficient proof as punishment for lying to your king, you are to sire one litter of legal children with the daughter you sullied.¡±


    With the punishment rendered, the young royal had an expression of devastation as the court was stunned silent. Even the two noblemen who¡¯d achieved restitution were at a loss for words.


    Yet it was the king¡¯s punishment, and his word was law.


    With that business finished, The king rose from his throne, and the royal members of the court quickly exited the throne room to report this development to their respective houses.


    Slowly returning to his chambers and ascending the stairs, Tokta followed along with Sir Aegra.


    As the king entered, both knights stood guard outside the room; however, before the door closed, the King spoke, ¡°Sir Tokta, come inside. I wish to have a word.¡±


    With no hesitation, he followed the king''s command and entered the room, closing the door behind him. He patiently waited as the king walked to an ornate table in the middle of the room and took a seat.


    With a distant stare, the king looked out a window, ¡°Were I a hasty fool?¡±


    ¡°Your majesty?¡± Tokta replied in a questioning tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t play the fool. That role doesn¡¯t suit you, no matter how much Lord Jasabi may disagree. Now answer my question,¡± the king demanded.


    ¡°To make bastards yet-to-be-sired legal children will definitely have Ohota and the rest of house Hydrog in a frenzy; however, you saw the evidence for yourself, Tokta replied. ¡°The Young man was even so brazen as to directly lie to you and bring clothing he wore during his acts¡­ and yet it wouldn¡¯t be the first time royals and nobles have tried to fabricate evidence and demand... compensation.


    ¡°It does strike me as odd that two separate noblemen accuse the same young royal near the same time and bring the SAME evidence. Both should know better than to bring fur, regardless of what fury they must have felt.


    ¡°If I were to venture a guess, perhaps it was a conspiracy between the two to strengthen suspicions on the young man in the hope one of them could attain his or house Uchaschi''s inherited ability. Maybe they simply wanted to strengthen their next generation or perhaps try to enter the competition and find your perfect match. One of them might have gone so far as to snatch a button when the opportunity arose, or the young man truly was so foolish as to arrive in clothing missing a part. Truthfully, I cannot speak to the man¡¯s innocence or guilt; I can only share my thoughts and suspicions, which you no doubt have already thought yourself.¡±


    The King let out a sigh, ¡°You know me well, old friend. In my haste and anger after hearing the news in that letter, I neglected to think of these things before I rendered judgment. I am not the man I once was. Whatever might come of this beneficial or detrimental will have to be dealt with in the future.¡±


    ¡°If that is all, Your Majesty, I will return to my post,¡± Tokta said.


    ¡°Do not be hasty yourself; there is another matter of importance I wish to discuss with you. Now take a seat, ¡°The king said, gesturing to the chair in front of Tokta.


    Obeying the King¡¯s order, Tokta sat down and asked, ¡°Is this other thing regarding the Black healer?¡±


    ¡°It is regarding you, old friend. I alone was not shaken by that letter, was I?¡± The King asked.


    Tokta met the king¡¯s gaze, his own, firm, betraying no emotion, ¡°The loss of the head of a royal household is always a tragedy, even one whose family have lost their might and is only clinging on to status--¡±


    ¡°Yet, even so, that letter was what occupied your mind, was it not? The king asked. ¡°Lord Jasabi, he thinks too highly of himself, which is why he doesn¡¯t like you and scratches at you; of course, you scratch back, but not after you read the letter.


    ¡°Your majesty, I merely grew tired of Lord Jasabi¡¯s antics,¡± Tokta replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s your son, isn¡¯t it? The King asked. ¡°You are worried about his well-being now that we¡¯ve learned of the danger lurking in our territory.¡±


    Tokta let out a sigh as his features relaxed, ¡°I didn¡¯t want him to undertake this mission to bring back this Black Healer. Every moment since he left with the merchant, I¡¯ve wanted to pursue him and bring him home. However, he made his choice, and I¡¯ll respect it.¡±


    The King turned his head, and both men shared a look, ¡°Sir Tokta, with the recent information, I charge you with ensuring the safe return of the Black Healer and bringing him before me.¡±


    Whatever weakness Tokta had shown before now vanished as he replied, ¡°Your Majesty, I am the commander of the king''s guard; you know I cannot leave your side for so long.¡±


    The King looked at Tokta with understanding for a moment before his features grew more stern, ¡°This mission is one I cannot entrust to anyone else. No other members of the king¡¯s guard or any of the royal houses.


    ¡°It is only you I trust who can bring back the Black Healer safely. It is the same reason I allowed your son to take on this mission in the first place; he is your blood.¡±


    For a moment, Tokta''s eyes widened in understanding, but even so, he felt conflicted, ¡®To go would mean leaving the king defenceless and if something were to happen, but even so...¡¯


    The King let out an impatient sigh, ¡°Sir Tokta, to refuse your king¡¯s order is grounds for treason. For your many summers of service and our personal relationship, I chose to overlook it the first time you refused, but not this time.¡±


    With silence between them, Tokta looked at his king and knew instantly he meant every word.


    Standing up, he simply said, ¡°as you command your majesty.¡±

 The Plague Doctor Chapter 24 (Across The Flatlands)

    In the early morning, after the sun had long since abandoned the soft orange glow in favor of its brighter and stronger yellow hue, the heat evaporating the glistening dew.


    Despite the sun shining brightly, the group of Nok had yet to move out as all stood in silence in front of a small lake, an oasis around these parts, watching one prisoner standing in the water. One that Kenneth knew, Jago.


    Watching was all he could do as Nokoogo had a hard, muscular arm on his shoulder, holding him close.


    His white fur was completely drenched in water, making him appear thinner than Aki¡¯s already looked. Mud and dust covered his back, and ripples emanated from underneath him as his legs continuously shook, not from cold but out of fear.


    With frantic twists of his head, he looked everywhere until his eyes suddenly settled and grew wide on a shadow near the water¡¯s surface that slowly moved toward him.


    At first glance, it appeared as only a submerged piece of driftwood aimlessly floating, but Kenneth knew better.


    Nokoogo flexed her arm and said, ¡°Do you think they¡¯ve seen it yet?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t even see it,¡± Nokxem replied, trying to get a better look while lying down on the stretcher.


    Ignoring them both, Kenneth watched, feeling a cool sense of unease and anticipation as the shadow floated closer and closer to Jago until it was within arms reach.


    Suddenly, it began to move, the water just above it on the surface rippling violently as Jago yipped in panic.


    ¡°NOW!¡± A yell sounded.


    Quickly, the rope tied to Jago was pulled on by four Nok, dragging him out of the water. A split second later, a grey-scaled creature broke the surface of the water in pursuit.


    It had a long neck like a giraffe with four short webbed feet, one black eye just above a vertical snapping mouth, and needle-like serrated teeth. Despite its closeness to the ground, the creature was fast on land, as in the water, and it came closer and closer to Jago, its teeth nipping at his claws.


    However, before it could get a bite, an axe was brought down on the beast¡¯s neck, cleaving it in two and ending its life in a quick fashion.


    The warrior wiped the aquatic creature''s blood off using its body before it was dragged away and tossed onto a pile with its brethren. Meanwhile, another went around the lake, throwing small pieces of meat into it to determine whether there was anyone left.


    ¡°Are you going to let go now?¡±Kenneth sharply asked.


    Nokoogo obliged, ¡°You worried over nothing. See, the heretic is still in one piece.¡±


    He just let out some disgruntled groans as his eyes focused on Jago past the crowd, who waited with baited breaths of anticipation.


    Slowly, as the last of the meat was thrown in, the ripples began to dissipate, and the waters grew completely still.


    ¡°Break time!¡± Nokqotir yelled.


    With no stopping them, most of the Nok jumped in; however, a decent few who weren''t dragging prisoners to the water¡¯s edge for them to drink and to technically keep being on guard duty partook in some of the spoils from the successful fishing.


    Though the food was still being rationed, with this haul, everyone could take a bit of a bigger bite. They didn¡¯t even use knives as they brutally ripped pieces from the still-bleeding bodies using their maws.


    It was a bit of a nauseating sight as all of them lacked table manners of any kind, even as he watched from the corner of his eye while walking over to Jago. Nokoogo somewhat reluctantly followed along while looking at everyone who wasn¡¯t too wounded having fun in the water.


    Kneeling down beside him, Kenneth asked, ¡°Are you okay? Is there anything I can help with? A wound or something?¡±


    Jago didn¡¯t respond, his eyes wide and breath rapid as his terror persisted.


    He was most likely in shock, paralyzed in a state of fear; however, as a hindleg from one of the aquatic creatures was dropped overhead, His eyes focused on it as he began to move in his restraints, his hunger trumping his fear.


    Walking into Kenneth¡¯s line of sight, Nokqotir looked down on Jago with a smile and petted his head, ¡°Eat. I can¡¯t have someone as useful as you die now.¡±


    With little hesitation, Jago went for it; however, Kenneth stopped him, snapping at Nokqotir, ¡°Are you insane?! You¡¯ve barely given them any food for days, and now this, are you trying to kill him?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good we have you then. Do whatever you need, but get some food in this one,¡± Nokqotir ordered, throwing his bag to him before walking over to the water.


    Trying to pay as little attention to her as possible, Kenneth pulled a scalpel from his bag and began to cut small pieces of meat from the leg. Jago ravenously devoured each of them with such desperation Kenneth was certain he¡¯d have lost a finger if not for the glove.


    He always wanted more and looked at Kenneth loathingly when he forced him to wait. However, it was not done out of cruelty but necessity.


    After a good long while, Jago stopped eating even though his stomach still growled.


    ¡°...Why...?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jago, but with your little intake of food for this long, there is a chance refeeding syndrome is, at worst, going to kill you and, at best, leave you weak,¡± Kenneth answered him.


    Jago raised his head but kept his eyes low on the ground, but not on the meat; instead, he looked ashamed, ¡°...Why... Help... I¡¯m a... traitor? ...led them... to... you...¡±


    ¡°Eat, but slowly now,¡± Kenneth said, holding the piece of meat up to his nose.


    Jago could only look at him with confusion.


    ¡°No need to look at me like that; we are both in the same boat. It would be hypocritical of me to shame you for being forced to do her bidding when I¡¯m doing the same. The only thing you really can do is live with what you¡¯ve done,¡± he said.


    ¡°¡­True¡­¡± Jago replied.


    ¡°Now, eat just a little more,¡± Kenneth said.


    As Break time came and went, Kenneth did his duty of checking wounds, reapplying bandages, and giving out medicine before they continued onward.


    Having wandered the flatlands for a couple of days or even more, not that Kenneth really had kept track of it, they¡¯d encountered a decent portion of different animals, many who looked just as alien as those he¡¯d seen before but characteristically more deadly.


    Some would thankfully run away at first sight, others would keep a close watch, even stalking them for a bit, probably waiting for someone to separate, but the most daring would even attack outright.


    They were a large group, but it wasn¡¯t as though they were walking shoulder-to-shoulder, and for some animals, that was enough. They¡¯d strike quickly, probably expecting everyone to act like normal animals and run away; however, they rarely did.


    When anyone was in danger, the rest would come running and deal with the threat.


    Kenneth couldn¡¯t help but find the camaraderie they had for one another admirable even as he cleaned, stitched, and bandaged the fresh wounds.


    Yet, as he just happened to finish his work, suddenly, in the distance, the sound of galloping like a stampeding herd could be heard, one that slowly grew louder and louder as figures came into view.


    ¡°It¡¯s a herd of ¡°Hassies¡± coming our way,¡± a man near the front yelled.


    ¡°Everyone ¡°Alassie¡± formation! Keep the heretic royal and Black Beak in the center!¡± Nokqotir commanded.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    In the blink of an eye, each and every Nok began to move, creating what he could only describe as orderly chaos as Kenneth disorientingly tried to react correctly.


    However, he wasn¡¯t given any time as Nokoogo grabbed him from behind, lifted him off the ground, and walked over to where the crowd gathered.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Kenneth yelled in protest.


    ¡°By Noktato¡¯s spear, you are heavier than you look, she said with a weeding hiss. ¡°don¡¯t you worry about your pointy beak now; we¡¯ll take care of this.¡±


    Just as he was sat down with Trafka, only a meter or so from him, everything stopped. From what he could see, the horde was standing in a triangle formation.


    The outer line stood firm with shields stabbed into the ground all the way around; however, cruelly, despite there being more than enough Nok with shields, they had the prisoners between real shields as shields themselves.


    The second line was made up of pure fighters with weapons drawn, half of which seemed to be spears and the rest an assortment of swords, clubs, and even a spiked triangular maze.


    Lastly, the center was made up of important people and non-combatants, like those who carried food, those who were too wounded, himself and Trafka, and children.


    With everything set, all that was left was to wait as the stampeding herd drew closer and closer. Little by little, the ground began to vibrate, and many had a hard time hiding their nervousness and fear.


    With the vibration and sound growing louder and louder, Kenneth instinctually braced himself for the eventual impact; however, suddenly, the sound, which had only come from one direction, suddenly split and surrounded them.


    Amidst the claustrophobic crowd, Kenneth could barely gleam the outer edges of the formation and the creatures running in circles around them.


    Slowly, they came closer and closer, tightening their own formation, it would seem, until suddenly, a bellowing roar sounded like a mix of a lion¡¯s roar and an eagle''s screech.


    Quickly, the Hassies came to a stop, facing the group from all sides, but even though they stood still, a consistent clacking sound emanated from all of them.


    ¡°HOLD!¡± Nokqotir yelled.


    Finally standing still, Kenneth got a good look at them.


    They were big like bulls, with short curly fur and an elongated face. Their mouth consistently bit into the air as their flat teeth clacked together, or perhaps that was solely due to them having to close theirs because of their sturdy and heavily looking tusks sticking out from their jaws.


    As another roaring screech sounded, the Hassies began to close in, their pointy hoves flattening the ground beneath.


    ¡°HOLD!¡± Nokqotir once more yelled.


    They came closer and closer, their eyes utterly and completely focused on the prisoners. Especially those who ¡°yipped¡± in fear as opposed to those who stood frozen, paralyzed.


    ¡°NOW!¡± Noqotir finally yelled.


    With mighty thrusts, all of the spears swiftly struck past the prisoners and stabbed the encroaching Hassies closest to them. Some fell to the ground, dead, and others hollered in pain.


    Taking advantage of the chaos, the prisoners were quickly pulled back as Nok, with flipped shields, came and locked down the formation.


    Moments later, the floodgates busted open as the horde of Hassies rushed the walls of shields with the Nok standing firm, keeping them at bay. Those that reared up like a horse to try and get over the wall and stab or fling with their tusks were swiftly dealt with by the second line.


    In the middle of the chaos, Kenneth felt something slap his leg. He looked down to see Nokxem lying on the ground, holding a bow and arrow, ¡°Help me up!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t stand on that knee yet!¡± Kenneth yelled back.


    Their yelling quickly caught Nokoogo¡¯s attention, ¡°What are you doing?! Even if you could stand, you can¡¯t hit any of them from here!¡±


    ¡°I can if I get on top of your shoulders!¡± Nokxem yelled back as both suddenly froze at what had been said in the heat of the moment.


    Snapping out of it, Nokoogo quickly kneeled down to get Nokxem to stand up.


    ¡°Wait, we are actually doing this!¡± He yelled in surprise.


    With a heavy heave as Nokoogo flexed almost every muscle in her body, she lifted Nokxem up from the ground; however, even bending down, it was difficult for her to get him sitting up on her shoulders with the little maneuverability of his wounded leg and the claustrophobic crowd.


    Coming to their aid, Kenneth quickly helped Nokxem just a little more so that he could get in the right position.


    With both legs on her shoulders and his crotch pressed against the back of her neck, Nokoogo stood and wobbled slightly from the extra weight. Nokxem nearly fell off right then, and the movement caused his wound to erupt in pain, yet before he fell, Kenneth placed a hand on his back to prevent it.


    He quickly glanced down at Kenneth, gave a short nod, and then drew back his bowstring.


    With a vigilant gaze, he looked around, eventually letting out a dissatisfactory hiss, ¡°Both of you spin around. I need a clear view of everything!¡±


    With lumbering steps, Nokoogo did as instructed while Kenneth followed along; all the while, Nokxem didn¡¯t fire a single arrow despite Hassies being within his line of fire, threatening to break the outline.


    ¡°WHY AREN¡¯T YOU RELEASING ANY ARROWS!¡± Nokoogo yelled.


    ¡°I ONLY NEED THE ONE! NOW KEEP ON SPINNING!¡± Nokxem yelled back as he continued to scan the chaotic area.


    The fighting grew more and more bloody, with bodies of Hassies piling up outside the shields, but their continued banging and striking were beginning to wear down the outer line. Some began to lose their footing, desperately struggling to keep the outer line intact.


    With their tusks, some of the Hassies exploited the small gap created and slipped them in between and, with ease, flung their heads up in the air along with shields.


    In desperation, those who lost their defensive capabilities grabbed the Hassies'' tusks to keep the line. However, despite the Nok¡¯s brute strength, they were clearly no match for this four-legged foe.


    ¡°There you are,¡± Nokxem suddenly said as he let go of his bowstring.


    In the blink of an eye, the arrow flew above the line of shields and, from the trajectory, probably most of the herd as well.  Kenneth didn¡¯t understand why he wasn¡¯t shooting arrows left or right or why he was apparently searching for one in particular.


    Thinking that was a luxury. One, there was no time for as the Hassies fought off and pushed back those who¡¯d grabbed their tusks charging into the formation.


    With his stomach in a knot, he felt something grab his leg, and as he looked down, he saw that it was Nokstella. In the blink of an eye, he reached down and grabbed her, holding her tight.


    It all seemed over like a chain breaking at the weakest link; however, suddenly, a screeching roar that bellowed above all other sounds made each and every Hassie stop to join in until the sound grew to deafening proportions.


    Kenneth shielded Nokstella¡¯s ears as he held her closer to his chest until the sound from the Hassies died down, and all that fury that had been turned toward them now changed as they fought each other.


    In the abrupt chaos, each hole that had been created at the outer line was plugged, and each and every Nok began cheering.


    ¡°What the hell is going on?!¡± Kenneth yelled in confusion.


    ¡°Killed the leader, so the Hassies ain''t much of a threat to us anymore! They are gonna be too busy fighting each other to find a new one!¡± Nokxem shouted to Kenneth over the many sounds.


    ¡°EVERYONE!!! ALASSIE FORMATION MOVE OUT!!!¡± Nokqotir yelled with thunderous might.


    Ready to leave the surrounding herd of Hassies behind them, the formation began to tip-toe forward.


    The beasts still banged against the formation''s line of shields; however, it was far from intentional as the formation pierced its way through the herd until it was free of them and a long distance away.


    ¡°Glad that¡¯s over. It''s time for you to get down from me,¡± Nokoogo said to Nokxem.


    ¡°What, you don¡¯t like me mouting you? He asked back with a playful smugness. ¡°I have to say I quite enjoy this.¡±


    Nokoogo let out a hissing chuckle and shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m already responsible for Black Beak. I don¡¯t need any more weight on my shoulders.¡±


    Nokxem crossed his arms in defiance, ¡°Well, I like it, so you are gonna have to bear with it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I could, but I could always do this,¡± She replied, raising her finger right up to his knee wound, so close to poking it.


    With a hardy chuckling hiss, Nokxem bent forward and looked her in the eyes, ¡°Come now, I know you wouldn¡¯t do that. You like me too much, and you know it.¡±


    ¡°By ¡°like¡± do you mean to annoy me until I smile out of pity,¡± She replied.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same thing?¡± he asked.


    Smiling once more, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll carry you until that tree a bit ahead.¡±


    ¡°I love the sound of that, Nokxem said, suddenly resting his elbow on the top of her head. ¡°Now, slow down a bit. I want to enjoy this.¡±


    ¡°Nokxem,¡± Nokoogo said, barely hiding her annoyance.


    He looked down and asked, ¡°Too far?¡±


    ¡°Too far,¡± She replied.


    ¡°Are you gonna poke me or throw me off?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a woman of my word and will carry you to that tree, and to strike at a wound is cowardly.¡±


    ¡°You are so kind, Nokoogo, you big softie,¡± Nokxem chuckled.


    ¡°Yes, it would be cowardly to strike a wound now, wouldn¡¯t it, even the entire leg, but your other leg isn¡¯t wounded now, is it?¡± She asked threateningly.


    Nokxem¡¯s scales quickly grew lighter, ¡°Now, let¡¯s not be hasty. I¡¯ll come down now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s too late for that, She said, suddenly grabbing his thigh and squeezing so tight he yelped and loudly groaned in pain, almost doubling over; however, Nokoogo helped him stay upright. ¡°Now, keep your balance; there¡¯s still a long way to the tree.¡±


    Continuing this softcore torture while the surrounding group looked on with slight amusement, some chuckling at the archer¡¯s predicament, which to him must have felt like an eternity.


    As they finally reached the tree, Nokoogo let go and asked, ¡°You know what? It wasn¡¯t that hard carrying you. I can do it for longer if you want.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll come down,¡± He replied weakly, eyes squinted, almost completely closed from the pain.


    However, as he looked up, they slowly began to widen as he began to smile, and scales began to darken.


    Noticing this change, Nokoogo asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I see it, the edge of the ¡°Flatlands.¡± I see home, ¡° He replied.


    As the word spread, barely anyone could hide how they felt. Their scales quickly grew darker, and everyone was filled with renewed vigor as they marched faster, clearly impatient.


    All except for one that Kenenth spotted out of the corner of his eye. The one in charge of keeping Nokstella safe was now looking all around for her. Part of him wanted to say something to ease her obvious worry; however, he didn¡¯t. Whatever little time they¡¯d have together now, he¡¯d enjoy.


    Before long, everyone could see the thick line of trees Nokxem saw on top of Nokoogo, and after another couple of hours of walking, they finally reached it.


    It was hard to tell what everyone was thinking when crossing that line from the ¡°Flatlands¡± to Nok territory. From how much he¡¯d seen the Nok scales change from lighter to darker, he knew the basic happy-sad, but it could not truly be so simple to express such complex emotions.


    Truly, he could only guess what everyone was feeling.


    Some were probably happy, and others were probably relieved to finally leave that dangerous place; a few might even be nervous to return. But for the prisoners, it was probably the point of no return that solidified their fate and filled them with despair.


    As for Kenneth, he wasn¡¯t quite sure what he was feeling. Perhaps it was every emotion at once fighting inside him for supremacy, or trepidation for the future or everything; it might even be a twisted form of anticipation to arrive.


    Truly, he couldn¡¯t figure it out.