《Rise of the Three Heroes》


 Prologue

    Cold air whisked in onto the battlefield of late spring. Here standing by each were three great nations led by three great heroes.


    The newly established Almarian Holy Kingdom. I place that values life above all else and the foremost authority of medicine and healing. Everyone from the nation was former slaves and refugees of Slamast. They all worship their leader, not as a god but rather as an example they all aspire to be. Known as the Saint of the desert to those who first founded the kingdom alongside her.


    The reformed Kingdom of knights, Albion. Built on the idea that those with power must protect those who are weaker. Though Knights of Albion were rarely seen outside the kingdom it is also very rare to enter the kingdom. The leader of this kingdom will inherit the name of the first king, Arthur and takes it on as their own. Those who demonstrate exceptional loyalty, swordsmanship, and temperament are fit to advise the king as one of the twelve Knights of the Round Table.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Lastly the Harkland Kingdom, where mercenaries come and go as they please. A former mercenary group which gained massive support in the years leading up to the founding of the kingdom. While it does not have a formal military Harkland can muster up a force comparable to the other three kingdoms. Due impart because of the leader of Harkland the Berserk King whom every mercenary holds great respect for. Would come from across the land to fight by his side. These mercenaries hold a code which they all abide by similar to the Knights of Albion oath to protect but quite different.


    At this moment history will change. At this moment lives will be lost.

 1~ Calm before the storm

    Thane


    As the sun just rose above the horizon the birds chirped to each other signalling the start of the morning. Still groggy from after being awakened by the birds I gradually adjusted my vision, rubbing away the crust in my eyes. Only after doing so I made my way through the bedroom; I slowly walk across the room doing my best to avoid the hay from the beds as to not wake my younger brother and sisters. Only after successfully crossing the room into the kitchen I breath big but quiet sigh of relief.


    ¡°Morning, Thane.¡±


    Short and to the point my dad gives his usual greeting to me. I return the greeting and skip the chatter and continue our routine. He had made his morning breakfast was quick to leave to gather logs. I did the same making extra for the younger ones leaving just as fast as my father went to make my rounds doing my job delivering firewood and charcoal to everyone in the village. Leaving the house, I eyes blinded by the sudden light of the sun I begin to make my way up the leaf-covered path. I pant heavily as I make my way up the hill. It never gets easier for me. Struggling The sound of the villagers waking up and starting their day gets louder with each step that I take. As I reach the entrance I stand still watching. The village looks poor and almost run down but I like listening to the village as it comes to life. The breadwinners for each respective family leave their houses one by one and while their spouses chatter spreading gossip, they had heard the day before. This scene is simple pleasure of mine, it gives a sense of wonder and fulfilment I can¡¯t describe. Though I can¡¯t stand all day here and enjoy it I begin delivering the firewood and charcoal to those who had ordered the day before. As I make my deliveries. I engage in the usual pleasantries.


    ¡°How you are doing today?¡±


    ¡°How are your brothers and sisters?¡±


    And


    ¡°Working hard ain''t ya?¡±


    I respond chatting only long enough to complete my delivery. I then excuse myself from the conversation. I repeat this till I reach Ezra¡¯s house. I knock on the door. Only to hear his mom from the side garden attached to the house. Walking through the garden gate over to the front door.


    ¡°Morning Thane, doing deliveries again?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you know my father, not the type to talk or make conversation. It¡¯s all work and no talk.¡±


    ¡°I know that very well. What about siblings why don¡¯t you bring them along?¡±


    ¡°It''s a little too early for them to work just yet.¡±


    ¡°Ah speaking of work.¡±


    She opens the door and yells into the house. Frightening the nearby animals.


    ¡°EZRA GET YOU SORRY BEHIND OUT AND TO SCHOOL!¡±


    Ezra¡¯s mother was as scary as always; contrary to her gentle demeanour upon first impressions. A clearly startle Ezra stumbles out of the house. We exchange greetings as quick as possible and make our way to school. Joining into the crowd of kids walking down the main road


    ¡°Come on man get yourself together.¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say. I don¡¯t have to stamina or the body strength to survive daily training. Every time I get home I can hardly bring myself to do any of the chores.¡±


    I¡¯m sure most people our class would disagree, but Ezra was small for a 12-year-old and it didn¡¯t help that he stood out more with his short black hair and dark brown eyes which were uncommon around here.


    ¡°You just need to get used to it.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    We leave for school and while we''re walking Ezra continues to complain about the physical exercise we were made to do the day before yesterday. Though he wasn¡¯t like this before when we first met. He talked very little and often hid whenever I came near him. Now it''s different, he has opened up a bit to me.


    ¡°Well look who it is, it¡¯s our favourite fatherless friend Ezra.¡±


    I turn to see Bardon and his group of followers standing in front of the school and make their way through the crowd of kids just to cut off our path. I see Ezra shoulder slump making him appear smaller, and I move in front Ezra blocking them.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything else to do with your time Bardon.¡±


    Bardon was a big kid and his body showed it too. You could tell that he trained a lot. Though his defining feature would be his personality and his long brown hair.


    ¡°Shut up you.¡±


    ¡°Oh come on, you don¡¯t have any other comebacks other than shut up.¡±


    ¡°Shu¡­. Whatever prepare yourself. If we get paired today I''m gonna kick your ass in sparring. Just wait, you and Mc Fatherless are gonna get it.¡±


    Stifling the urge to laugh at him I grab Ezra by the arm and lead him past Bardon and his lackeys and into the school.


    ¡°Sorry Thane...¡±


    ¡°Why are you apologizing?¡±


    ¡°But.¡±


    ¡°Listen I''m your friend I''m going to be there for you.¡±


    Ezra gives a tiny smile and we both make our way to our first class and waited till it was time for sparring. Everyone at the school stood in one big group as we waited for instructions from our instructors As everyone was being paired up I waited for my partner for sparring. Then by some strange fate, I get partnered with Bardon.


    ¡°Well, then I guess today is the day I beat your ass.¡±


    ¡°Well, you can try.¡±


    As we were led into the fenced enclosure that we used a sparring arena. Both of us ready our practice swords and stare down each other as we get into our fighting stances.


    ¡°All right here are the rules of the match: Any attacks made with the intent to seriously injure or scar your opponents are not allowed and the round ends when your opponent admits defeat or when I determine one of you can no longer fight, okay.¡±


    We both nod in agreement with the rules


    ¡°Alright begin!¡±


    The instructor made a chop in the air, signalling the start of the fight. Immediately after we both rush at each other. Bardon starts off with a feinted with a downward strike into a horizontal one. Which I then immediately parry and prepare a counter aimed at his left shoulder. He jumps back attempting to avoiding my practice sword. I didn¡¯t get a clean hit but I felt a bit of resistance from my weapon.


    ¡°Is that all you got Thane!¡±


    Despite the impression he gives off when most people first meet him, he is a very talented swordsman. The only downside is his personality.


    ¡°Come at me!¡±


    We both rush back swords now locked together, he continues his taunts. He would be a better fighter than me if he just learns to shut up, and watch his opponents rather than taunt them constantly.


    I pull my sword back and try to attack again, but Bardon landed a heavy blow to my side before me. Though despite hitting me I pressed on with my attack, with me hitting him on the left shoulder. A loud pop could be heard and Bardon kneels down.


    ¡°That all, stop the fight.¡±


    I relax my body and kneel down in front of Bardon.


    ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t mean to hit so hard.¡±


    ¡°Man Shut up, I lost that there was to it. I''ll win the next time.¡±


    After we both left the practice field and the class continued on. With everyone done with there was only the last match is Ezra and one of Bardon¡¯s lackeys. Ezra is shy and cowardly with almost everyone besides a select few people. The fight went about expected of Ezra with him avoiding all direct hits rarely attacking his opponent. By the end of the fight, he had lost, not being able to land enough hits while receiving every hit. He tries despite how much he complains about training, that''s what like about him.


    I lend Ezra my shoulder and we both take a walk to the village doctor. I knock on the door and call out to see if anyone was in.


    ¡°Excuse me, anyone there?¡±


    I hear footsteps on faintly on the other side of the door and they gradually getting louder until the door opens. In the doorway is Alma the doctor''s daughter, I assume she isn¡¯t surprised to see Ezra here.


    ¡°I was expecting you, come on in sit down. I¡¯ll get the medicine ready.¡±


    Alma leads us in and I help Ezra onto a chair.


    ¡°My fathers out right now, but I can do the treatment instead.¡±


    ¡°As Usual.¡±


    Ezra is an easy person to read if you look closely. It¡¯s clear that he likes her. Well, most kids our age would just be based on her appearance alone. Having straight blonde hair and piercing blue eyes she looked like an angel descended onto Materia.


    ¡°Here is the usual ointments Ezra, it¡¯s time after time with you. How do you manage to keep this up? Why don¡¯t you try doing something else.¡±


    ¡°... It¡¯s because I want to try to be better.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm. Alright then rest up here, then you should be fine by the end of the day.¡±


    I always think to myself and everyone probably thinks it too. It is amazing how quickly and effective the medicine Alma and her dad make. Especially Alma I often find medicine from her is faster at healing.


    ¡°I guess I should be going.¡±


    I don¡¯t want to intrude on their alone time. On the way out I see Bardon off in the distance. He sees me and rushes over to me.


    ¡°Our fight isn¡¯t over yet I challenge you.¡±


    I look down at his arm in a sling


    ¡°With that arm?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Wait No! In a few days, I¡¯ll challenge you to a duel at midnight. We will meet at the shallow river right outside the village.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then I will win as always.¡±


    ¡°Not this time you won¡¯t.¡±

 Chapter 2: Midnight Fire

    Chapter 2: Midnight Fire


    Thane


    ¡°Dammit not again. I won¡¯t lose again.¡±


    ¡°Of course you were going to lose, your arm hasn¡¯t even fully healed yet¡±


    That match with Bardon was not as close as it was when we last fought. Though fights with him are never boring to me. Even if he is a real asshole to others he doesn''t like for no reason. I find he is different when we fight. To me, he seems truer to himself when he is fighting, more straightforward. I slow my breathing trying to catch my breath and with each exhale a white cloud covers my vision. Looking straight up to the sky the moon shines down on on the pond.


    ¡°Come on get up. We have to get back.¡±


    Picking Bardon up we both slowly walk back home. I was curious to know why Bardon acted the way he did with everyone.


    ¡°Hey, why do you act like an asshole sometimes?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything I was just curious.¡±


    We keep walking down the path. It was kind hard to walk on while supporting Bardon with all the stones embedded into the ground and larger ones lining the path.. Until I see two figures ahead of us. I couldn¡¯t see in the darkness cast by the trees and their branches. There shouldn¡¯t be anyone on this path.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    As soon as I call out to them. A bright is lit blinding me for a second. Adjusting my eyes to the bright light I look to towards the light. Just to realize I was panicked for no reason. It was just Alma and Ezra. I make my way towards them meeting them halfway.


    ¡°What are you guys doing here?¡±


    Alma clearly not amused.


    ¡°Well, I heard you guys outside the building when Bardon called you out.¡±


    ¡°Yea it was mostly Bardon loud voice.¡±


    Bardon glared at Ezra. He stared daggers at Ezra. Ezra then move moved back behind Alma.


    "Anyways since you were going to fight again I brought some supplies with me."


    Alma pulls out some bandages along with some her medicines out of the shoulder bag.


    ¡°Now sit here and let me take care of what we can here and head back.¡±


    While Alma patches up Bardon I noticed Ezra walk to the side of the path.


    ¡°Hey, you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yea, yea. I''m okay.¡±


    We both don¡¯t say much for a minute. We both just stare at the winding path down the steep hill leading out of the forest until Ezra breaks the silence.


    ¡°It¡¯s just why is he such an asshole all the time?¡±


    He makes a quick check to see if Bardon heard him and continues.


    ¡°I''m mean come on why it always me?¡±


    I really didn¡¯t know how to respond to him. He never seemed to mind it much when it came to Bardon¡¯s constant teasing I guess he reached his limit today.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want to deal with him anymore.¡±


    I never saw him more disheartened before. I mostly thought of Bardon¡¯s words as something not to take to heart and assumed Ezra didn¡¯t. I guess he was really hurt by them.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°Ezra, how about I talk to Bardon see what I can do. Though it probably would only end up in another fight.¡±


    Ezra gives a soft smile.


    "Let¡¯s go back they should be done now.¡±


    At the last second as I turn to go back I see a group of lights down the trail. I turn back and try to figure out what it could be.


    ¡°Ezra, do you see that?¡±


    ¡°See what?¡± He takes notice of the lights making their way up the path.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s some merchants.¡±


    ¡°At this time of night?¡±


    Ezra shrugs ¡°Maybe?¡±


    We stand there and watch as the parade of torch lights make their way up the path until they are right below us. That''s when I notice that everyone single one of them is carrying weapons. I feel my heart sink for a moment. I grab Ezra¡¯s arm and put a finger up to my lip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make a sound.¡±Whispering softly.


    I walk as softly and quickly towards Alma and Bardon. As they notice me and Ezra coming back I motion to them not to make a sound. I get as close as possible to them and mouthed ¡°Get to the bushes!¡±


    Bardon usual expression made a quick change to a serious one. Without making any loud noise we hide just off the path in the trees. I look at everyone and they look at me scared and confused. I can feel my heart beating faster and harder as the lights from the torches got closer. We all hold our breaths as we watch the group pass us. All of them are wearing cloaks with hoods covering any distinctive features. They get what seemed like a considerable distance away.


    ¡°Seriously what is going on!¡± Ezra softly yelled


    Bardon puts his hand over his mouth. We sat there wide-eyed. In the distance, we hear someone speak.


    ¡°Did ya hear something?¡±


    ¡°What... no, well it¡¯s probably just some animals.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and check it out. you guys start without me.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you guys know what to do. Start by setting up the roadblock and we¡¯ll start once we get the signal.¡±


    Shit, Shit Shit. He¡¯s coming over here.


    ¡°Guys, I¡¯ll distract him you guys run back to the village and tell them whats going on.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t let anyone stop me I had to get this guy as far away from them as possible. I jump out and run across the path in plain view.


    ¡°Hey over here!¡±


    ¡°I knew it! Hey, we got one over here.¡±


    That¡¯s right, come on. I''m right here.


    ¡°Idiot, what kind of kid jumps out and starts calling out to you. He has friends nearby, we don¡¯t want any witnesses.¡±


    ¡°NO!¡±


    I rushed the man in front of me and raise my practice sword bringing it down on top of his head. He rubs the spot I hit him with his free hand.


    ¡°Alright now you¡¯re going to get it. Once I''m done with you. Ima gonna make sure you friends follow after.¡±


    The man attacks with a downward swing. On reflex, I prepare myself to block. I understimat the sharpness of the blade as it cut through and almost through me if i didn¡¯t jump back. Before I could realize it he grabs me by the head and slams it into the ground.


    Bardon~


    Goddammit hes knocked out. They¡¯ll find us sooner than later or rather me. Fuck why am I so weak.


    ¡°Hey, Bardon what should we do?¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    They¡¯ll hear us. Why don¡¯t you ever think?


    ¡°I know there someone here come out and I¡¯ll make sure you die painlessly.¡±


    What''s the best possible outcome. Think, think!


    ¡°We should run, come on! I¡¯ll carry you Bardon.¡±


    ¡°Shut up weakling! I''m done I''m staying and helping Thane.¡±


    ¡°Wait no, thats suici-¡±


    I don¡¯t need to hear that I know what I''m getting into.


    ¡°Alma you got any painkillers in that bag of yours.¡±


    ¡°Yea but-¡±


    ¡°Just hand them over.¡±


    I can see she is reluctant to hand them over.


    ¡°Hurry!¡±


    After taking the painkillers my whole body feels numb. I can¡¯t really feel anything ugh it''s kinda hard to walk.


    ¡°Now you guys can¡¯t do anything here. So get out here weaklings.¡±


    I stay hidden for a while longer making sure they escape.


    ¡°Come on out I know you''re there.¡±


    Gotta make sure he thinks I''m the only one. I hide my practice sword on the ground covering it with some plants. I whip up some fake tears and begin sobbing slowly walking out of my hiding place.


    ¡°Please ddoN¡¯t kill me. I won¡¯t tell anyone!¡±


    I reveal myself to him. As I adjust my eyes to the torchlight he speaks.


    ¡°Oh good, now let gets started.¡±


    Pulling a sword from his waist he brandishes his sword flaunting it almost.


    ¡°But now that you made me wait I''m gonna have some fun with you.¡±


    Swinging his blade he aims for my face. I didn¡¯t feel much of it but I could faintly tell there is a shallow cut on my cheek.


    I continue with my acting while he makes his way closer smacking his lips to me replacing his sword with a knife. Wow, this guy is really a sicko.


    Now he just a meter away I pick up my sword and aim for the throat. He gags produces a noise similar to a toads croak. Lucky for me he drops the knife and reaches with a hand for his throat. I stumble as I drop my weapon and go for the knife. As I get up with the knife in hand I look at him and scowling at me with murder in his eyes. Picking up my the sword I drop and in a desperate attempt I throw it at him and it hit him in the head. At that moment I charge in with the knife stabbing the knife in between the ribs. I twist the knife and blood begins to pour and splatter onto the ground.


    ¡°YOu BAstard!¡±


    He manages to croak out a few words as he tries to pull out the knife.


    ¡°ahhhhhh!¡±


    I pull out and stick it back in. Suddenly he stops, everything stops. All his weight is then put on top of me and I fall to the ground with his body on top. I notice the torch fall out of his hand into a bush.


    ¡°Ah shit!¡±

 Chapter 3: Ashes

    ~Narrator~


    Overnight smoke could have been seen for miles around and the village had disappeared along with the night. An ungodly smell permeated the air, the smell carried by the wind began attracting people with good and bad intentions.


    ~Mercenary Leader~


    I recognize this smell, I come by it way too often.


    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Seems like Johanna noticed my change in mood. She is like her mother in that regard. I hope she doesn''t take after me.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing, Joan.¡±


    She doesn''t need to know Its too early for her.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°You should stay at the camp I have some business up ahead.¡±


    ¡°Okay Dad.¡±


    ¡°Alright good girl.¡±


    I look at my men and call them over.


    ¡°Men get ready we need to head out. There a smell in the air so bring your masks.¡±


    ¡°¡°¡°Yes Sir.¡±¡±¡±


    ~Trader~


    -Just a couple hours after the fire-


    That smell, ah just what I need. Where there are fires there are always survivors. I need to restock while I have the chance.  It never gets any easier all I can do is treat them the best I can and hope that none of them is bought by the rare breed of people that are actually decent.


    Even if this is the easiest way to make money for that damn pig in human clothing. You can¡¯t make it in Salmast without that man¡¯s approval. I can pray to the goddess that I be forgiven and that nothing happens to these poor souls.


    ~Knight commander~


    ¡°We got a report that bandits were spotted in the area.¡±


    ¡°When was this report?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°5 days ago Commander.¡±


    *Sigh* Not again It keeps happening even if bandits get reported in the area there is somehow always a delay in the information chain.


    ¡°Come let us see if there are any survivors.¡±


    ¡°But Commander.¡±


    ¡°Just get everyone ready to deploy.¡±


    If we find anyone I will take responsibility for them. When I find out who could do their job right their heads will roll off the chopping block and Hung from the gates of this base.