《The Master and The Slave》


 Chapter 1: Beginnings

    The beautiful sunset and the relaxing sound of the wind, brushing against the cliff-like slope of the mountain is disturbed by the noise of metal clashing against metal on the treacherous path and elf scream in pain with fear as they fall down the slope. The handsome male elf with short, dark, purple hairs clad in a light leather armor, parry the incoming sword of the enemy knight that is wearing a full body armor in front of him. He then stabs his sword through the enemy neck where there is a gap between his armor.


    The enemy knight''s body quickly falls limply onto the ground after the elf pulls out his sword from the enemy neck, blood drips from his sword. The heavy armor soldier behind him pushes his own ally body off the slope with his feet and replace the fallen knight''s place.


    The fight continues.


    "We just need to hold them here for a few more minutes," The handsome elf said aloud to his squad behind him.


    "Regeeum Demiseo!" The young male elf with a short red hair casts a spell on his own squad.


    The squad feels energized as if their stamina has returned. The young red-haired elf takes a long breath to regain his strength after his own Mana begins to deplete.


    "Easy for you to say, Ariamnes. My Mana has begun to decrease, we can''t keep this up any longer," The young elf said.


    "Don''t despair, Yinlar. We can get through this together, right Nesto?" Ariamnes said aloud, hoping to raise his subordinate''s morale.


    "Nesto?" Ariamnes called out to the human male with a silver-haired ponytail that is standing behind him after noticing that he did not reply his question.


    "Eilna is down there, I don''t think she can make it here in time," Nesto said to Ariamnes.


    "Don''t worry, she will be fine. She is one of the strongest Knight that I have ever known. She will make it. Believe me," Ariamnes said as he parries another attack from the enemy knight that''s clad in heavy armor.


    Nesto looks down the edge at the path below him, his feet straddle on the edge of the slope. The light, golden-haired elf woman below him moves her saber in a swift manner that it''s almost impossible for anyone''s eyes to catch up to it. She alone takes four enemy knights down while two more elves in her squad support her by battling the other knights. Her beautiful stance and her amazing hair astound Nesto; everytime he sees it.


    Nesto notices the enemy behind the one that Eilna is fighting is currently loading his crossbow with an arrow to fire at the elf woman. Panic grew inside his heart as he saw the knight carefully aim his crossbow passed his ally and toward Eilna.


    "I need to get down there!" Nesto said as he slides down the slope then takes out a short metal baton from his back.


    "Nesto, stay here and follow your order!" Ariamnes shouted, but it was too late as Nesto was already halfway down.


    Nesto jumps midway and unfolds his metal baton into a long staff. He then landed in the middle of the knights and smacked the crossbow away from the enemy hand. He swings the long staff, hitting the knight in the head, knocking him out, crushing the skull inside the metal helmet and causing him to fall down the slope.


    Eilna stabs the knight that she is fighting then she kicks him to the side, throwing his body down the slope, and giving Nesto a way to retreat. He then took a step back to Eilna side while the woman whips her saber to get the blood and gore off from her weapon


    "What are you doing here? You are supposed to be with Ariamnes," Eilna said, her tone sounded disappointed and gladness at the same time.


    "I thought you needed the help," Nesto said with a smile on his face.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Nesto! You''re supposed to follow the plan, you dummy," Eilna scolds lightheartedly.


    He felt his own morale raise after hearing those cute words coming from the beautiful woman. As long as he is with her, nothing could stop them.


    "What''s wrong with breaking a few orders?" Nesto said as he smacks the enemy knight''s helmet, stunning him after that Eilna took the chance to stab him with her saber; taking him out easily.


    "You can''t just break orders, there are consequences," Eilna said.


    "I willing to break any order just to be with you," Nesto said with confidence and smug.


    Those words cause Eilna cheek to blush red a little, she looks away from Nesto with a loving smile and focuses on fighting the enemy.


    "Please Nesto, don''t break any order just to be with me," Eilna said.


    Nesto was about to reply when he turns his head toward Eilna. There is fear on her face when she looks at Nesto, she quickly grabs his shoulder and switches places with him. Nesto heard a sound of a crossbow going off and Eilna yelp in pain. He looks behind Eilna finally realize that the knight that he pushed off had climbed back and reached for his crossbow. The enemy was aiming at Nesto, but Eilna had switched her place with him in the nick of time.


    The look of horror donned on Nesto''s face as he saw the arrow pierce her back. His heart drops while Eilna looks back at him with both of her eyes widen in fear while her mouth parted in surprise.


    "Nesto! Now Yinlar!" Ariamness order as he saw Eilna getting shot.


    "Please forgive me goddess," Yinlar pray before casting the spell.


    "Immi Thundulus," The cloud above them begins to darken then lightings strikes the enemy from above, destroying the path, and killing the enemy knights near Nesto.


    Thunders echo at the mountain path, ground tremble beneath everyone, the enemy commanding office yell out order while enemy knights fall down as the path crumble beneath them.


    But all that happens was unimportant to Nesto as he focuses only on Eilna while she gasps for air as her body falls to his arm. Everything suddenly went quiet for Nesto while he felt her body become cold in his arms and blood drip down the arrow shaft. Eilna gaze into Nesto''s green pupils while he gazes into her blue eyes. A tear begins to flow down her cheek as she places her soft hand on his cheek, then she let out a gentle and loving smile. Nesto stroke her golden hair while passing by her oversized elf ears, the biggest one he ever saw and his favorite feature of her.


    He saw her mouth moving; she was saying something. What did she say?


    His surrounding and the enemy around him begin to melt away until everything became black goop. Eilna body slowly disappeared into nothingness, and there was nothing around Nesto except for himself and the regret he felt that day.


    *


    Nesto opens his eyes and his sight is greeted by the room ceiling. He gets off his small bed and walks to his window. Then, he wipes the one tear away, when his gaze off to the distance, he can saw the majestic Royal castle and the beautiful orange dawn, shining behind it. After taking in the fresh air, he grabs his towel and makes his way to the door, but he stops when he saw his reflection in the mirror that hangs on the wall of his room.


    He rubs his own chin, feeling the stubble of hair already begins to grow. Then he moves his fingers to the metal collar around his neck, scratching the skin behind it just like always. The years have been kind to Nesto as his face has matured significantly.


    Nesto breathes in and stands straight. He continues to walk toward the door and open it. His sight was greeted by the green lush yard with a well near his modest shack. He goes outside and goes to the well to clean himself with the water.


    The water washes down the sticky sweat from his body and he ran his finger on the many battle scars on his body. A few of his scars come from the battles he fights, but when he moves his hand closer to his sight, he notices the knife scar on his wrist. Nesto remembers those came from his dark days after Eilna...He shakes the dark thought away. After his mind calms down, he took a few moments to shave his stubble with a knife and cleans his long silver-haired.


    After cleaning himself, he goes inside his modest shack again. Then wiping his body dry first before he brushes off a little dirt off his butler uniform. After making sure that his butler uniform is clean, he proceeds to wears it. He tugs down the lapel part of the blazer to make himself look cleaner and proper. He gathers his long silver-haired in one hand and begins to tie it into a ponytail with another hand. He practices his smile just like always in front of the mirror.


    Nesto doesn''t want his smile to look too manic, or too happy, or too sad. It just needs to be the right amount of smile, like a smile of someone who contents with his life. A good smile doesn''t grab the attention of the people around him.


    Yep, that''s the right one; Nesto thought as he looks and sees the smile he wanted on the reflection.


    Nesto took out his pocket watch and looked at the times. He still can reach the mansion in good time before everyone awake. Nesto cracks his neck, then he goes outside of his modest shack and closes the door behind him.


    He turns to face the direction of the mansion and begins walking toward it. Through the light woods, using the dirt path provided.

 Chapter 2: Mornings

    The dim-lit forest is beautiful in the dawn as the morning lights distorted when it passed through the tiny droplets on the many leaves of the tree around Nesto. He carefully takes his steps on the ground as to not step on the wet dirt which can cause his shoes to get dirty.


    Getting out of the woods, Nesto arrives at the backyard of the mansion. The backyard is a large lawn that has been well maintained by other slaves that the noble family living here owned.


    "Mr. Fasheir, Good morning, sir!" A young human slave, getting out of the woods and waves his hand at Nesto.


    "Morning, Mil," Nesto replied as he waves his own hand at the young lad.


    Nesto arrives at the mansion garden, the garden is filled with beautiful flowers from every corner of the Arorona continent. Nesto then picks a few Eoglane flowers; the purple, reddish flower has always been a favorite for the Amberdall family. He then brings the flowers with him and walks to the kitchen entrance.


    Nesto opens the door and enters the empty kitchen. Nesto then grabs a pot and fill it with water, then Nesto places it on the still burning coal to heat up the water. As Nesto waits for the water to be heated; he cleans one of the smaller vases in the kitchen and places Eoglane flowers in it. He places the small vase with the flower on the metal tray.


    The door to the kitchen opens, Nesto turn behind to see the short blond-haired male elf wearing a chef uniform enter the kitchen while yawning.


    "Good morning, Mr. Aymon," Nesto greet him.


    "Oh, morning, Nesto," Aymon said while yawning.


    Aymon may look younger than Nesto, but he is actually older than him. The Elven race is like that, they stop growing old at the age of twenty-five, that''s why they always look so young.


    "You seem awfully tired this morning, Mr. Aymon," Nesto ask.


    "Oh, Last night, I met this pretty busty woman in the tavern and we hit it off right away," Aymon said while a perverted grin appears on his face.


    "And let me tell you, she was very good with her hand. I mean like wow, It''s like she was a-" Aymon stops mid-sentence as the Elven maids enter the kitchen.


    Aymon let out a cough, "You should go there sometime and let me buy you a drink."


    The kitchen becomes lively again as the maid begins their work.


    "I don''t know, I got too much work to do in the morning," Nesto said as he lifts the hot pot off the burning coal.


    "I insist that we should go together, we can drink, sing, and met the beautiful woman there," Aymon said.


    "Maybe some other times," Nesto said as he grabbed a jar of herbal teas grind.


    "I will take that maybe, as a yes," Aymon said.


    Nesto then scoops it out using a spoon and place it in the infuser. Nesto then places the infuser on top of the ceramic teapot and pour the hot water on it. The hot water mix with the teas grinds and flow down to the bottom. Nesto takes out the infuser, close the teapot with a ceramic lid.


    "Hmm, tea... Can I have some?" Aymon ask.


    "Of course," I said as I pour some into a cup for Aymon.


    Nesto grabs the cup of tea and gave it to Aymon. Aymon takes a sip and lets out a pleasing moan.


    "Your tea is the best, Nesto. I got a proposition for you, why don''t you become my wife. I would love to have you," Aymon offers as he winks at Nesto.


    "Sorry, but I''m not interested," Nesto declined.


    Nesto heard some of the maids giggle as he declines Aymon offer.


    "Oh, you truly break my heart, Nesto," Aymon joked as he overdramatically places a hand on his chest.


    Nesto let out a small laugh. "Ladies, you still have a chance to grab Nesto," Aymon said as he eyeing the maids in the kitchen.


    Nesto notices the stare of the few of the young maids in the kitchen, but when they notice that he is looking at them, they quickly look away. The maids continue their work while pretending that nothing had happened.


    Nesto scratches the back of his head for a bit before after placing the teapot on the tray and then he places four empty cups on it with the small vase that contain the Eoglane flower.


    Nesto lifts the tray with one hand and carries it out of the kitchen into the mansion.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The first room he always goes to is the eldest daughter; Mistress Venhana Amberdall. Nesto opens the door to her rooms and quickly he could smell the musk of two people had a vigorous intercourse. Nesto notices the two bulge on the bed, one is probably Venhana and another probably her new playthings. Nesto then removes the covers and surprised to see, it''s actually three naked elves. One large male elf, a small male elf, and a black-haired female elf snuggling each other.


    Nesto let out a loud cough, then Venhana opens her eyes while yawning. The other two male elves quickly open their eyes and shocked to see Nesto is standing at the edge of the beds. Nesto glare at them, while letting his bloodlust seeping out of him. They quickly get off the bed, grabbing their clothes and jump out the windows.


    "Oh, Nesto... morning," Venhana said with a smile on her face while her head bobs a little.


    Nesto pours a cup of tea and delivers it to Miss Venhana. Mistress Venhana grabs it and takes a sip of it. She also let out a pleasing moan, as she tastes the teas.


    "Miss Venhana, if Madam Vylmae finds out about your adventure with the male of this kingdom. She would be furious at you," Nesto said.


    "I can''t help it, I just love making love beside my mother won''t find out because I got you, keeping my secret safe," Venhana said.


    "One of this day, I will not be here to protect your secret anymore. You need to take good care of yourself, okay miss?," Nesto advised Venhana.


    "Sure... But as long as you here. I can count on you," Venhana said with a grin.


    Nesto sigh and smile, then he claps his hand once, suddenly the maid enters the room and begins cleaning it. Nesto then heads out of the door after taking the tray of teapots, vase, and cups with him.


    "Thank you, Nesto! "Venhana said aloud before he leaves the rooms.


    After waking up Venhana, Nesto head toward Venhana little sister''s room. Arriving at the door of Zelstine''s room, he knocks first before opening it. Entering the room, Nesto notices that Zelstine is not in her bed, he let out a smile after seeing the small fort make out of books in the corner of her room.


    Nesto walks to the table in the middle of the room and places his tray there, pouring a cup of tea, he then carries it to the makeshift fort. Nesto slowly drops to his knee and place the coffee at the small entrance of the fort.


    "Miss Zelstine, did you skip out of your sleep again?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m sorry, Nesto... But I couldn''t myself, this book really engaging," Zelstine replied inside the fort.


    "May I ask, what kind of book are you reading now?" Nesto ask.


    "It''s about Elven biology!" Zelstine said excitedly.


    "What did you learn from it?" Nesto ask.


    "I learn a lot of things, from our Mana capability, how to reproduce and the most interesting part is about Elven skin," Zelstine said.


    "Elven skin?" Nesto queried.


    "Yes! Did you know that Elven skin tone change depends on where they are born? For example, a city elf has a light color skin to match with its surrounding of the stone building and stone wall, but for wood elf where their surroundings are the forest, so their skin turned to green. It''s the same for the dark elf that lives underground." Zelstine said.


    "In conclusion, the Elven race has a natural camouflage in their biology depending on their birthplace," Zelstine continue.


    "Interesting, but nevertheless you shouldn''t skip on your own sleep," Nesto scold Zelstine lightly.


    He heard Zelstine moving inside her makeshift fort, then she pops her head out of the entrance. For Nesto, she looks like a mini version of Venhana. After she finally gets her whole body out of the fort, she looks down at the floors with a pouted lips.


    "Chin up," Nesto said.


    Zelstine raises her head to look at Nesto, she had bags under her eyes. Nesto shakes his head disappointingly at Zelstine. She sniffs her tear away while she was on the verge of crying. Nesto let out a smile, reassuring her that everything is fine.


    "Is mother going to be mad at me?" Zelstine worried.


    "Probably," Nesto answer.


    "What should I do?" Zelstine ask.


    "We can hide those bags under makeup, and pray that she doesn''t notice," Nesto said.


    A smile crept on Zelstine''s face, Nesto clap his hands and the maid came in the room then start their usual routine of cleaning. Nesto then raises his hand to one of the elf maids, and she quickly came to Nesto side.


    "Can you make sure that the other maid hides those bags under Miss Zelstine eyes after bathing her?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes, we can. Mr. Fasheir," The maid said.


    "Thank you. You may continue on," Nesto said.


    "Yes, Mr. Fasheir," the maid said then continued on to her works.


    "Thank you, Nesto," Zelstine said with a smile on her face.


    "Now drinks your tea," Nesto said.


    Zelstine lifts the cup off the floor and takes a sip out of it. She also let out a pleasing moan. Zelstine continues to drink her tea, Nesto stands up and walk to his tray. He then lifts the tray with one hand and walks out of the room.


    With the tray in his hands, Nesto walks to the dining room. Arriving at the dining room, he notices Madam Vylmae is sitting at the table with a letter in her hands. Nesto could see the resemblance between her and her daughters.


    "Good morning, Madam Vylmae," Nesto greet as he bows his head toward the Elven woman.


    "Morning, Nesto," Vylmae said while her eyes still stick to the letter that she is holding.


    Nesto walks quietly toward her without making any sound and prepares her cup of tea. He then places the cups of tea on the table in front of her. Nesto took the vase with Eoglane flower in it and place it at the center of the table.


    "Thank you, Nesto," Vylmae said as she takes a sip out of her cup.


    Nesto back away to the wall and wait for the rest of the family members to arrive. A lean body elf male with a short dark hair enters the room while yawning, and took a seat at the table.


    "Stop yawning, Algotin. It''s unbecoming of you," Vylmae said.


    "Sorry, my love. Oh, morning Nesto," Algotin said as he finally notices Nesto.


    Nesto bows his head and walks to Algotin side to prepare his cup of tea. The elf smiles as he saw the cup of tea and the lingering steam from it. He then took a sip of tea before looking around the table for his daughters.


    "Where are our daughters?" ask Algotin.


    "Late as usual," Vylmae sigh.


    Algotin let out of laugh, "Why are you laughing?" Vylmae ask.


    "I guess, I know where they get it from," Algotin said.


    "They got it from you," Vylmae said.


    Algotin stops laughing and turn his head to the human butler. Nesto took a step closer to the elf, "Nesto, we need to talk after breakfast. Meet me at my studies."


    He nods his head replying to his request.


    Then, Nesto back away to his spot and the maids enter the room with trays of breakfast then they serve it at the table. After the maids serve the foods, they take a step back to their spot just like Nesto. Venhana and Zelstine arrive in their dress and took their seats at the table.


    The Amberdall family enjoys their breakfast and the morning went perfectly without a hitch.

 Chapter 3: Good things must come to an end.

    The morning light enters the room from the glass window, and a few particles of dust can be seen floating around. The almonds like odor permeate in the studies, Nesto could see old book stacks on the floor and blueprints of a ship laid out on the table. Nesto eyes went to the panting piece hanging on the wall in front of him. The painting contains a picture of the Amberdall family with Algotin personal warships in full glory behind them.


    Nesto eyes catch something under the blueprint, He moves closer to the desk and pushes the blueprint away slightly. Revealing a map of Arorona, Nesto could see the Targia Kingdom that where he is right now and the other kingdom such as The Weyshers kingdom, located southeast from here besides the mountains.


    Nesto back away from the table when he heard footsteps outside of the rooms. Nesto kept his hands behind his back when the door to the room opens and enter Algotin with a ton of scrolls in his hands. Algotin took a seat on his chairs and place the scroll on the table.


    He let out a breath before asking, "Nesto... How long have you worked for me?"


    "Three years, Sir," Nesto answer.


    "Three good years," Algotin said and rotate his chair so he could see outside of the window.


    "Three years, you serve under me without complaints with diligence and discipline," Algotin said.


    "At first, I doubted your performance. I mean a human working as a butler for my family. A mere human slave," Algotin said.


    "But since you were recommended by the royal family themselves to me, I couldn''t decline their offer. I took you in and immediately you exceed every expectation I have," Algotin continue.


    Nesto wonder in his mind whether this talk is going somewhere.


    "In three years you served me, I see that my family themselves has grown closer to you, especially my daughters. You take care of them without rest and I thank you, for that," Algotin said.


    "Maybe Human is the same us, I sounded crazy when I said it aloud," Algotin said as his eyes gaze outside of the window.


    "Sir, may I ask, what is going on?" Nesto said.


    "Times is changing my friends, the gears in the kingdoms are moving again and a new age will befall upon us," Algotin said.


    "Yesterday, in the council, the king has proposed a new law. The law of slavery, he wanted to make slavery illegal," Algotin said.


    "The law was successfully established with an outstanding four out of five votes in the council and myself voted that the law should be established," Algotin said.


    "Because of you, Nesto. You prove me wrong with the human finally free, the possibility of improvement is endless," Algotin said.


    "I don''t understand Sir," Nesto said.


    "The new law will be publicly announced this evening and as prove our support for the new law. The noble''s family in Targia will be releasing their slave first," Algotin said.


    "W-what?" Nesto let out.


    "In conclusion, I''m releasing you from service, Nesto Fasheir," Algotin as he stands out from his chairs and walks toward Nesto.


    "But sir-" Nesto was about to say when Algotin hugs him.


    "But, sir why can''t you just hired me right back?" Nesto said.


    Nesto could hear Algotin''s breath near his neck and the warmth of his arms wrapped around his body. He pats Nesto on the back before saying.


    "I couldn''t Nesto if I took you back the other nobles would use that as an excuse to question my loyalty to the king. I need to release all my slave to show my loyalty," Alogtin replied.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Thank you for all of your services, my family is grateful to have you, and I know a mere thanks, couldn''t repay the amount of dedication you have given to this family."


    Algotin let go of Nesto and walk to his table again. He opens the drawers of the table and takes out a small bag.


    "Here, something to you helps you along," Algotin said while he places the small bag on Nesto hands.


    Nesto opens it and surprised to see the amount of gold coin in the bag


    "Six hundred gold coins," Algotin said.


    "This is too much, Sir. This amount of money can buy me two warships. I can''t take this" Nesto said.


    "No need to be modest, Nesto. This amount of money couldn''t compare the amount of your work you did for this family," Algotin said.


    "Are the other family member know about this?" Nesto ask.


    "No... They would protest if they knew, but we have to tell them," Algotin said.


    "I got no choice in this, am I, Sir?" Nesto ask.


    "Unfortunately, no," Algotin answers.


    "Sir, can you grant me a favor?" Nesto ask.


    "Anything my friends," Algotin said.


    "Don''t tell them until I leave, my heart couldn''t handle if I saw their face with a broken heart," Nesto said.


    "Are you sure?" Algotin ask.


    "I''m sure," Nesto replied.


    "May I be excused?" Nesto ask.


    "Before you leave, come closer to me," Algotin said.


    Nesto walks closer to Alogtin. Algotin then bites one of his fingers. letting a few blood drops and press it in the middle of the collar.


    "My name is Algotin Amberdall, I release this slave from my care," Algotin cast.


    A glowing blue rune word appeared around the collar and suddenly the collar unlocks itself. Nesto takes off the collar and looks at it in his hands. Algotin smiles and back away. With the metal collar and a bag of gold coins in his hand. Nesto, walk out of the room.


    Nesto notices the Elven maid beside the door, her face looks calm, but her eyes show otherwise; she was shocked to hear what just happens. Nesto nod his head to her before walking away.


    As Nesto walks down the hallways, His eyes catch something in the yard. He stops and turns to look. He could see Venhana practicing her sword skill with her trainer and Zelstine taking a nap with her head resting on a book.


    "It''s true then, my husband did release you," Vylmae said as she walks toward Nesto and stands beside him.


    "Madam Vylmae, I''m worried," Nesto said.


    "So do I," Vylmae said.


    "Why are you worried, Madam?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m worried about my daughters, nobody could replace your place, you were like a family to them and to me. You did a better job raising them than me in this three year," Vylmae said.


    "But your their mothers and you did a good job before I met them," Nesto said.


    "Thank you for the unnecessary compliment, I know how they view me. I''m like an angry, cold, person to them. They never confide in me about their problems or secrets, but they confide in you," Vylmae said.


    "I know Venhana secret meeting on the night and Zelstine habits of staying up late to read a book," Vylmae continue


    "They never told me about those but I notice," Vylmae said.


    "They are scared of me, their own mother," Vylmae said.


    "Without you, they would be less happy staying here with me," Vylmae said.


    "Madam, one thing I know for sure, those girls are not scared of you. They just don''t want to disappoint you because they love you," Nesto said, in the corner of his eyes, he could see a smile crept on a Vylmae face.


    "If you so worried about becoming distant to them, tried to open up your feeling to them," Nesto advice.


    "Thank you Nesto, I appreciate it," Vylmae said.


    "Goodbye, Madam Vylmae," Nesto said.


    "Goodbye, Nesto," Vylmae said, there a sadness in her voice.


    Nesto walks away from Vylmae, leaving her in the hallway. Nesto arrives in the bustling kitchen and notices Aymon is busy preparing the ingredients. Nesto wanted to say goodbye, but since he was busy, Nesto let himself out. He walks through the garden and picks two Eoglane flowers. Then he heads to his shack


    In his shack, Nesto begins packing all of his stuff, it doesn''t take him long since he doesn''t have that many belongings. He took a seat on his bed and stare at the wooden wall in front of him. Everything was quiet in his room except for the sound of wood critters around his shack.


    Three years, he works for this family. This work has kept all his demons away, but now the collar is off, he begins to worry again. Nesto digs his finger into his palm and stands up from his bed. He places the Eoglane flowers on his bed and grabs his bag.


    Opening the door, Venhana suddenly hugs him from nowhere. Venhana saw the bags in Nesto hands.


    "Then what the maid said was true, you were going to leave me without telling!" Venhana cried as she back away.


    "I''m sorry, but I couldn''t tell you," Nesto said.


    "How dare you! You were like a brother to me," Venhana shouted.


    "Venhana please..." Nesto said.


    "No, I''m not going to let you leave, I''m going to confront my father and demand he takes you back," Venhana said.


    "He can''t Venhana," Nesto said.


    "Why?!" Venhana asks as she plants, both of her feet in the ground further.


    "Because he had too, there a new law. He needs to let me go," Nesto said.


    "I don''t care!!" Venhana said as tear flow down her cheeks.


    Nesto drops his bags and embraces Venhana with his arms. Venhana was surprised at first, but she didn''t fight it. Instead, she begins to sob heavily as she held on to Nesto cloth.


    "Do Zelstine know?" Nesto ask.


    Venhana sniffles before answering, "No, I didn''t tell her."


    "Don''t tell her, wait until I left the mansion grounds," Nesto said.


    "Okay... I love you like a brother, Nesto," Venhana said.


    "You and Zelstine were like a sister to me, and I could not ask for any better sisters than you both," Nesto said.


    "Goodbye, Nesto," Venhana cried.


    "Goodbye, Venhana," Nesto replied.

 Chapter 4: Fallen.

    Somewhere In The Targia City Underbelly.


    In a dark, slimy, rancid smelly hallway, a line of human and a single young female elf in chains, walking in a straight line. A male elf in leather armor, push one of the human slaves forward to quicken the movement of the line.


    "Move insect!" shouted the elf.


    Another elf in leather armor walks up to him.


    "Can''t you move this line quicker? We''re running out of time here!" The elf scolds.


    "I''m trying my best here!" the elf yell back.


    "Your best is not good enough!" the elf yell back.


    "It''s not my fault, it''s that stupid king fault, his the one that decided today he wants to establish that law," the elf said.


    "Don''t you think I know that? If we ever get caught under here, we are going to lose a lot of good gold over this," the elf grimace.


    One of the human slave in front of the young elf girl, fall to her knee and begins to cough loudly causing the line to stop. The male elf in leather armor turn to the human slave and take out his whips. He whips the human slave that on her knees.


    "Move you insect!" The elf yells.


    The human slave screams in pain as she tries to cover her body with her hands, hoping the whip doesn''t hit the other part of her body. The elf beside him grabs the other elf whipping hand, stopping his friend from whipping the slaves laying on the floor.


    "It''s a waste a time!" The elf said.


    He let go of the other elf hand and take out his sword. The human slave cried as she lay on the floor. She raises her hand in defense as the elf walk closer to her with a sword in his hands, he grabs the human slave hair and lifts her up. Then he stabs the sword through her belly.


    "What is wrong with you? We just lost our goods!" The elf yell.


    "No one going to buys a sick insect anyway," the elf said.


    "Damn it, we are losing time. Take her cuff off and leave her body here," The elf said.


    "Yeah, yeah!" The elf said as he takes out the keys and unlocks off the dead human handcuff and legcuff.


    Before he could connect the chains between the other human slave and the elf girl. She somehow breaks free of her handcuff. The male elf looks shocked when the elf girl takes his dagger out and stab him with it. The male elf screams in pain and the elf girl took the keys out of his hand; unlocking all her legs cuff and collar. She then gets out of the cuff and looks around for a way out.


    "What in the name of Yana?" The male elf said surprised.


    The other elf take out his sword when he noticed his friend screaming. The elf girl throws the key to the back row of the line and notices a passageway in one of the hallway walls. She then runs toward the entrance of the hallway that leads to god know where.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The elf girl runs in the dim lit hallway, behind her the noise of dozen elves footsteps chasing after her. When she almost reaches the end of the hallway, her feet suddenly steps on a puddle of water which causes her to slips and falls to the floor, face first. Her face is smudge by the dirty moss and mud on the floor.


    The elf girl grunts in pain when she lifted her head up, she could see a light at the end of the hallways. She gathers all her strength and stands up again, she stumbles forward until she reaches the end of the hallways. She was shocked to find several metal bars blocking her way when she looks outside and down; she could see the canal below.


    The elf girl turns to look behind her and saw the lantern light coming closer to her. She tries to slip her body through the bars and succeed. The elf girl suddenly slips again and fall into the canal below. She tries to swim up, but the water current was stronger than she could expect. Her body got hit by many rough rocks under the canal, leaving cuts on her body while the water current swept her away.


    Suddenly her head hit one of the rock under the water, knocking her unconscious, but she quickly wakes up when she found herself drowning. Her hands try to grab for something and manage to grab a root. She pulls herself toward it and manages to get herself out of the water. Her body lay on the mossy floor while she panted heavily for air.


    The elf girl gazes at the clear blue sky above, a sudden relived spread to her body. She finally manages to escape those terrible people. Her stomach growls loudly while she lay on the mossy floor. The noise of a bustling people catches the elf girl attention and the smell of freshly cooked food cause her stomach to growl even louder.


    The elf girl uses her hand to push her off the floor to raise her body. When she finally stands up, her head throbs slightly for no reason. After the throbbing left, she slowly climbs the stair to reach the alley above. With her raggedy cloth wet after the slips, she stumbles in the dark alley following the bustling noise and the smell of delicious food.


    The elf girl stops when she reaches the end of the alley. In front of her, she can see her own Elven kind walking and bumping shoulders together as they head somewhere or try to buy something from the vendor. She only needs to step over the threshold separating her from the empty alley she in and the crowd of people in front of her.


    Her hand raises and about to reach in, but suddenly an unknown fear filling her own heart, causing her hands to tremble uncontrollably. Her own breath begins to hyperventilate and the feeling of nausea forces her to take a step back. She hugs herself with her own arms while her own mind begins to panic for no reason. She back herself into a wall and slide down until her buttock reaches the ground.


    The elf girl can''t understand why is she feeling this horrible thing right now or why her body sweat for no reason. Tears begin to flow down her cheeks, she just doesn''t understand what is going on. She is free from those horrible men, but why right now she feels like, she not.


    She finally regains her composure after a couple minutes and her stomach still growl heavily. One of the doors in the alley open, a male elf wearing a chef uniform step out from the door while carrying a box of garbage. The male elf places the box in the alley and walks back inside while closing the door behind him.


    The elf girl looks at the garbage, her stomach growl again. She stands up and walks to the box of garbage. She could see leftover food and a few rotten one inside of the box. Her stomach growls even louder than before while she looks at the foods inside the box.


    How low has she fallen, the elf girl thought. She finally escaped but this was not what she imagined. Her body falls to her knees and cried as she has to swallows her own pride. She grabs one of the leftover food and places it inside her mouth. Her mouth chews the food feeling the grimy texture and weird sensation in her tongue.


    She hears the door open again when she turned to look she saw the male elf standing in the doorway. The male elf glares intensely at her with his eyebrow furrow.


    "Get out here!" The male elf shouted.


    The elf girl saw the male elf grab something behind the wall beside the door. He takes out a long wooden stick and whacks the elf girl on the head.


    "You think you can eat my food for free?!" The male elf shouted.


    The elf girl picks her self up and grabs one of the food before running away from the male elf.


    "Freaking urchin! They are everywhere these days," The male elf said after waiting for the elf girl to get out of his sight.

 Chapter 5: Announcement.

    Nesto sat on a bench in the plaza of the kingdom with his bag on the ground beside him, Nesto maintains his posture of sitting correctly and proper as his eyes wander around. He saw the elf kind wandering around the plaza, some are with their family and others are simply on a date. He also saw a couple human slave following their Elven master from behind.


    Nesto close his eyes as he felt the warm ray of the sun, gently touches his skins. Nesto could hear two voice chatting with each other near him, one is a female elf another is a male elf, and they seem close to each other like a couple.


    "Do you know about the new law?"


    "What law?"


    "The law about making slavery illegal."


    "Pfft, that is ridiculous. I have never heard once in a thousand years that any king in Arorona propose slavery is illegal."


    "I know it ridiculous but it the truth."


    "They say, it going to be announced today."


    "If that the truth then Targia will be the first kingdom to make slavery illegal."


    "But that is stupid if there is no slave, who going to build our home or maintain our street?"


    "I don''t know."


    "It the stupidest decision a king could have ever made."


    "Shh, you can''t say the king name in vain."


    "Come on, I rather get some food than talk about politics."


    Nesto hears the couple stand up and leave the plaza. He let out a breath as his mind thought the same thing as the couple did. What is the king thinking right now? Is he trying to purposely ruin this kingdom? I know the law is good for the human race but establishing that law could destroy this kingdom economy. Nesto releases the air in his lung to calm himself.


    The magic voice amplifier, the ones that look like a street lantern, but have a cone-shaped device on top of it. Those magic device in the plaza suddenly went alive.


    "Greeting my citizen," An older man voice can be heard coming from the magic voice amplifier.


    Everyone at the plaza stops on their path and focus on the magic voice amplifier in the plaza.


    "There is no need for an introduction, but for those who still don''t know me, I am Orpheus Vignil. The King of Targia," The king said.


    "Today, I''m going to address the rumor that''s been spreading in the Kingdom," The king continues.


    "Yes, I have established a new law. Beginning today slavery is made illegal. For those who own a slave in Targia will be met with punishment," The king said.


    Nesto notices the expression of the people around him is a mix of confusion and happiness. Mostly the elf is confused by the new law but for the human slave, Nesto could see the joy on their face. There is a worried murmur in the crowd especially the elf.


    "Quiet!" The king bellowed for some reason he knows the reaction of the crowd.


    The people in the crowd suddenly shut their mouth after their heard the King command.


    "I know, that my own kind is worried about this new law. I know, that this new law has so many problems that it will be brought to us, but I wish you to see past the problem and see the potential beside you,"


    The elf in the crowd turn their look on the human slave in the midst of the crowd and some of them even look at Nesto.


    "Look at them, we have been using them for a thousand years, we look down on them, and we treat like an insect, but let me ask you a question. Who builds your house? Who builds this castle? Who builds the wall that protects us? Or make the weapon which armed our army? Yes, we design the weapon, the house, and the wall."


    "But it is their sweat that builds it, their blood. They are not an insect, they are not lower than you. They are being different from you on the outside, but similar on the inside."


    The elves lower their head in shame as if they were being scolded by their parent, but as for the human slave, hope can be seen on their face as their gaze at the magic voice amplifier.


    "If the Elf and Human banded together, not as master and slave, but as a comrade, partner, and even family. We can achieve something greater together, maybe even change the future to an even better one."Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "This change will come with a cost at first, it will be hard to adapt, but I believe in my subject. That we can go through this together."


    "Lift your chins up and fill your heart with hope because today we make history."


    The crowd cheers their heart out, in celebration after hearing those inspiring words. Nesto could help himself but let out a smile after hearing those word.


    "Calm down and save your energy because tonight we celebrate. A parade in the central plaza will be made to commemorate this day, come and enjoy yourself. May your day be blessed by Yana," The king said and the magic voice amplifier shut off.


    The king has always had a way with words that can inspire people, the crowd goes from being sour to joy at the end of the speech. Only a king with a large amount of charisma can achieve that. The crowd begins to free their own slave, and they wildly celebrate together. But Nesto notices some of the free humans became confused, especially the old one and the younger one.


    One of the free humans near Nesto begins to chatter with another one.


    "What are you going to do now?"


    "I don''t know... What about you?"


    "Hmm, I always wanted a house for myself."


    "Your right, its time to think about ourselves. I need to tell Jaquelin that I love her, and we can finally start a family together, free from being a slave."


    Another human enter the conversation.


    "If we wanted those things, we need to get a job that can pay us."


    "Your right, let get moving then!"


    The human disperses and headed their own way with goals in their hearts. Nesto still sitting on the bench and think about what those people said.


    A house? I could do that.


    I will need a woodcutter Axe first, Nesto thought. Then he stands up from his bench, grabbing his bag on the grounds and head to the nearby blacksmith workshop. He squeezes his body through the vigorous crowd and makes his way to the smithy.


    Arriving at the smithy, he opens the door and enters the smithy. The smell of burnt metal hit Nesto nose when he enters the smithy. He walks to the counter, looking around and sees no one behind the counter or in the room. He looks at the bell on the counter and taps it. The bell rings and Nesto can hear a noise of item falling down and hitting the floor, coming from upstairs.


    Nesto then heard a yelp as something starts to roll down the staircase beside the counter, Nesto turns his attention on the stairs and spots a muscle bodied elf with blond braid twin-tail rolling down the stairs. The elf woman bodies hit the wall which causes the heavy sword display on the shelves to fall down on the floor, which causes the plank in the floor to launch a bucket full of unfinished knives toward Nesto.


    Nesto quickly ducks down, avoiding the incoming knives when he looks behind him. The knives all planted into the wooden wall and on the single wooden barrel behind him. Nesto looks at all the knives and grimace. Nesto then looks back to the elf woman and surprised to see that she still alive after falling down the stairs. The elf woman grunt in pain as she raises her body off the floor and walks to the shopkeeper site of the counter.


    "Well, hello there, welcome to my smithy. My name is Karia Ironwork. How may I help you today?" The elf woman said nonchalantly as if she pretends that nothing happen earlier.


    Nesto confuses at the situation his in, with no appropriate response to what just happens. Nesto just plays along with it, pretending that nothing had happened.


    "Yeah, I''m looking for... Wait your last name is Ironwork?" Nesto said.


    "Yep, I know... my father insists that we change our last name, so I could be the best blacksmith in the kingdom with an appropriate name, but unfortunately I''m not the best," Karia said.


    "Who is the best?" Nesto ask.


    "That damn good-looking elf across the street, Guttenheig. Damn him! DAMN HIM!" Karia cursed while raising her fist in the air.


    "Okay... Well, I''m here to buy a Woodcutter Axe," Nesto said.


    "An Axe, ah yes. Zoli!" Karia called.


    Suddenly the top lid of the barrel that the knives planted in, shoot up revealing a small human boy with messy brown hair and big cute eyes.


    "Yes?" Zoli said.


    "Do you know where the woodcutter Axe is?" Karia ask.


    "Under the counter," Zoli replied.


    Nesto look at him eye widen, where he in that barrel the whole time?


    "May I ask what in Arorona are you doing in that barrel?" Nesto ask.


    "Playing hide and seek with Timmy," Zoli replied while smiling at Nesto.


    "Psst, Timmy is his invisible friends, just play along with it," Karia whispered.


    "Sure..." Nesto said, his left eyebrow raised.


    After a short time of Karia searching for the Axe, she finally finds it and places it on top of the counter. Nesto examines the Axe and was amazed by the craftsmanship of the wooden handle and the blade work on the Axe. The layer of the metal is perfectly merged together into one singular blade. This thing could pierce through a Wyvern scale.


    "This Axe is amazing," Nesto compliment.


    "Stop it, you make me blush," Karia said.


    "It''s the truth. May I ask, where did you learn to make this?" Nesto ask.


    "I learn it from a Satyr that live in Materna," Karia answer.


    "Materna... I have never been there before," Nesto said.


    "The Kingdom of Iron they call it, good food, great place to get a weapon," Karia said.


    "How much for the Axe?" Nesto ask.


    "20 silver coins," Karia said.


    "I''ll take it," Nesto said then he placed back the Axe on the counter.


    Nesto takes out his bag of coin and places 20 silvers coins on the counter. He then places backs the bag of coins in his pocket and takes the Axe. Karia takes the coins and stores it in her pockets. Nesto then looks at the boy in the barrel.


    "Did you heard about the new law?" Nesto asks Karia.


    "Oh, that what the commotion all about. It got nothing to do with me," Karia shrug her shoulders.


    "Isn''t Zoli a slave?" Nesto ask.


    "No, his not. He free to leave whenever he wants," Karia replied.


    "I prefer to stay with Karia, she is the nicest person I know," Zoli cheeks redden then he ducks down into the barrel and close the lid.


    "Isn''t he cute?" Karia said.


    "Thank you for the Axe," Nesto thanked while he held the Axe in his hand.


    "If you need anything else, please come again," Karia said.


    Nesto goes out from the smithy with his bag and Axe in his hand. Before Nesto heads toward the wall gate, he notices a handsome elf with golden flowing hair and beautiful blue eyes standing outside of the smithy in front of Karia smithy.


    "He really is good-looking," Nesto let out, The handsome elf wave at Nesto and Nesto lift his bag up to wave back at him.

 Chapter 6: Trouble at The Gate.

    The massive gray cold wall that circles the entire city cast a large shadow at the nearby building. With its many watchtowers embed in the wall itself, that watchtower help to guard the city against any outside force. They say it can even hold an attack from a dragon. Nesto notices a large quartz on top of each of the watchtower.


    From his military day, someone once told him that it is a weapon capable of firing a large magical energy projectile on the enemy. Nesto then look at the gate, noticing a large number of guards in heavy armor and wearing a helmet that covers their face. They all are armed with sword and spear. Nesto also notices a few War mage in the midst of the guards, because of their robe-like uniform and light armor.


    Someone taps Nesto on the shoulder, "Sir, you are holding up the line."


    Nesto looks behind him and notices the male elf behind him, gesturing him to move forward. Nesto looks back to front and takes a step forward. He then peeks to the front of the line and sees a human woman is having a problem with the elf inspector at the gate checkpoint.


    "What do you mean I cannot leave?" Say the human woman.


    "Be patient human," the inspector said to her while his men check her belonging.


    "I''m a free human, my master has released me. Why can''t I pass the gate?" the woman said.


    "We just checking to make sure you didn''t take anything that didn''t belong to you," The inspector said.


    "I didn''t steal anything," The woman said.


    "Clean, we can only find regular cloth and a wrapped bread," one of the guards said then toss her belonging at the woman feet.


    "You may go," The inspector said.


    The human woman grabs all her stuff off the ground and walks away from the inspector quickly. The inspector looks at her with disdain until she no longer in his sight.


    "Next," the inspector said.


    The elf woman in front of Nesto walk closer to the checkpoint and the inspector easily let her passed without any hassle or even glance at her. After the elf woman leaves it finally Nesto turn, he walks to the inspector and immediately the inspector shout.


    "Weapon!" The civilian around Nesto duck down.


    While all the guard in the vicinity circle around Nesto and point their weapon at him. Nesto just stood there, his eyes just stare annoyingly at the inspector while letting out a sigh.


    "Drop your weapon and raise your hand up in the air!" The inspector shouted while pointing his sword at Nesto.


    Nesto raises his hand up in the air after dropping his bag and Axe on the ground. One of the guards carefully walk to Nesto and kick the Axe away while another one push Nesto down to his knee. The guard then grabs both of Nesto hand and bring it together behind his back. Nesto then felt the cold steel on his wrist as the guard handcuff him.


    "Well, shit," Nesto said before a sack covers his head.


    Nesto felt a sharp pain as if someone hit him in the back of his head with the hilt of a sword, knocking Nesto out.


    After, a couple of minutes.


    Nesto groans in pain as his slowly came conscious again. Nesto opens his eyes and notices the sack is still covering his head. Nesto tries to move his hand, forgetting about the handcuff. When he finally notices about the handcuff, he let out another tired sigh and droop his head in defeat.


    Nesto heard an angry elf talking to another outside of the room. The other elf voice is too quiet to hear clearly, but the angry elf was loud enough that Nesto could hear it.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    "What do you mean you lose her?"


    "In the sewer?"


    "She jumps into a canal?"


    "Why didn''t you chase after her?"


    "I don''t care how hard it is to find her, it''s your damn fault."


    "If you don''t find that elf girl, you are going to pay the price."


    "Leave, I got another business to tend too."


    Nesto heard the door to the room open and close. The footstep circle around Nesto, almost like the elf is examining him. The footstep is heavy for a woman, even if she wears a heavy armor. The footstep stop and his sack were lifted off his head, granting Nesto sight back. Nesto looks around the room, noticing his Axe leaning on the wall and remember one of the interrogation room he once used in the war.


    The male reveals himself, an elf with a long blue hair and dark blue eyes. Based on his body type and shape, Nesto remembers this elf. He is the inspector that treat the woman at the checkpoint poorly earlier.


    The inspector drops the bag of coins that was a gift to Nesto on the table in front of him. The inspector then lifts the Axe and planted its blade on the table.


    "Tell me, how a human trash like you have all this gold? Did you steal it?" The inspector asks.


    "It was a gift from my former master," Nesto answer truthfully.


    "Do you think I''m a fool?" The inspector asks.


    "No, sir," Nesto said, suddenly the inspector punch him in his faces.


    Nesto''s fingers start to dig into his palm, as his anger begins to surface, but Nesto let out a breath, calming him down.


    "Now tell me the truth, did you steal the gold!?" The inspector asks.


    "No," Nesto answer and the inspector punch him the face again.


    "If you are going to lie again, I''m going to cut your precious tongue off," The inspector threatens Nesto as he leans closer to him.


    "Did you steal or not?" the inspector said.


    "No," Nesto answer.


    Nesto can see the vein bulging on the elf forehead, as he clenches his teeth and glare at him. He then pulls the Axe out of the table and lifts it up in the air. The inspector was about to plunge the Axe into Nesto shoulder when suddenly the door to the room opens up.


    "What in the name of Yana?!" The other armored elf wearing a helmet shouted.


    The inspector drops the Axe immediately and it planted itself into the ground then he salutes the other elf.


    "I was just interrogating him, Sir!" The inspector said.


    "That is not proper protocol, get out of this interrogation room, inspector!" The other elf command.


    "Yes Captain," the inspector said and quickly left the room before glaring dagger at me.


    The inspector closes the door behind him. The captain walks to the table and took a seat before letting out a drained sigh. The captain then taps his finger on the wooden table.


    "You know, you shouldn''t bring a weapon at the gate, especially if you are a human, former major Fasheir." The captain said then takes off his helmet and place it on the table.


    The elf in front of him with brown hair, dark black eyes and tree tattoo on his face while wearing a friendly grin on his face as he looks at Nesto.


    "Elren, is that you?" Nesto ask.


    "I can''t believe the one that people called ''Silver Flame'' is tied up in an interrogation room after bringing a weapon at the gate," Elren said.


    "I haven''t seen you since the war, how are you?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m healthy and getting a bit fatter, but that is thanks to my wife and daughter. They keep making delicious food for me everytime I get back home," Elren said.


    "You''re married, that''s good. Do you have a picture of your daughter?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes, actually I do," Elren said then take out a pendant that he is wearing under the armor.


    He opens the pendant, revealing a picture of his wife and daughter to Nesto. Nesto notice there a lot of resemblance between Elren daughter and his wife, but Nesto also sees the few resemblances to Elren.


    "Oh, so cute. How old is she?" Nesto asks while look at the picture.


    "12 years old," Elren said proudly.


    "Thank you for asking, but let get to business," Elren said then store the pendant in his armor.


    "Where did you get all this gold?" Elren ask.


    "I got it as a gift from the head of Amberdall family," Nesto answer.


    "Oh, the noble family you work for, that explains it," Elren said.


    "What were you going to do with the Axe?" Elren ask.


    "Build a house," Nesto answer sheepishly.


    "A house... Okay," Elren said then he stands up, walk up to Nesto and unlock his handcuff.


    "You can leave now," Elren said.


    "Wow, that easy?" Nesto ask while rubbing his wrist with his hand.


    "You save my life once Nesto, I thank you for that. Think of it as a gesture to repay for what you had done," Elren said.


    "Thank you Elren," Nesto said gratefully.


    "Next time don''t bring a weapon or large sum of gold at the gate, okay?" Elren said.


    "Okay," Nesto said.


    "Let me show to your stuff and escort you out. Also, I will tell the other guard to let you passed through whenever you want," Elren said.


    "Thank you again," Nesto said.


    "No problem," Elren said.


    Elren then brings Nesto to where all his stuff is located, and with all of his stuff return back to Nesto. Elren then escorts Nesto out of the watchtower and to the outside of the wall gate without any hassle from other guards. Nesto wave goodbye at Elren before heading into the forest instead of using the provided trail.


    Elren looks at the Nesto as he leaves the vicinity of the gate with his left eyebrow raised and let out a smile before entering the gate again.


    "What a strange man," Elren let out.

 Chapter 7: Finding work.

    Nesto stops walking when he reached a clearing in the forest with a small river at the edge of the clearing. He then turns his body to look at the city wall, it still visible from where he stands. He also notices that he got a full view of the royal castle from here. Nesto then took a fresh breath of relieved and determine that this is a good spot to build his house.


    He drops his bag and Axe on the ground. Taking off his butler jacket first, then he places it on top of the bag. Then he pulls up his both of his sleeves and grabs the Axe off the ground. He heads to the nearest tree and began chopping them down.


    Several hours went by, the sun begins to set. Nesto has been working non-stop without rest with only one goal pinned in his mind; that is building a house. After building the wall and the roof, Nesto went inside and start filling the floor with wood planks. He then makes a simple window that can be open and close like a door.


    A few more hours went by, Nesto looks around the empty room of his house. He then goes outside and starts chopping more wood to make simple furniture for his house. He makes a small table, two chairs, and a bed frame. He then looks at the bed frame, thinking whether he should hunt an animal. To use its fur to make a mattress or buy some at the market.


    Nesto then notices then the sun is setting, hunting for an animal in the dark is a bad idea. He instead grabs a chair and brings it to the porch where he took a seat.


    "After the bed, the house is finished. Then what?" Nesto ask aloud as he gazes at the majestic castle far away.


    Nesto let out a tired sigh as he rests his chin on his hand.


    "Even if I finish the house, what am I going to do tomorrow and the next day and the day after that, and so on," Nesto groan.


    Nesto hasn''t felt like this for a long time, the feeling of being purposeless. A life with goal or meaning.


    "How do normal people handle through this? Doing pointless things without goals or purpose," Nesto asks the emptiness around him.


    "Eilna..." Nesto mutters under his breath as he closes his eyes.


    Nesto can remember that few moments of happiness he had with Eilna. For example, the day when we prevent an attack from Weyshers army on a small village name Tinevic. Eilna was so tired after the battle that she could move. Nesto carries her to a single tree on a hill and seats her under the tree while her back leans on it.


    Nesto took a seat right next to her, Eilna suddenly falls asleep because of the fatigue. Suddenly, her body falls to the side, bumping into Nesto shoulder. Eilna rests her head on Nesto shoulders while Nesto places his arms behind her back. Then he playfully massages her earlobes. Eilna had this quite snore that she makes when she is sleeping. It always soothes Nesto soul when he hears its, but she also had this quite small snort in between her snore. That just put a smile on Nesto face.


    Nesto dreams were interrupted when a firework explodes above the city. Another small explosion snaps Nesto back to reality. Then Nesto, remembers Aymon offers. Maybe he could get something to drink since he got nothing left to do. Maybe he can drown his sorrow with a good Mead. Nesto head inside his house, grabbing his jacket and some gold coins. Then he heads to the City gate after locking his house door.


    Arriving at the city gate, he was able to easily pass the elf guards without any trouble. Nesto also notices the elf inspector from earlier glaring dagger at him and spit his saliva at the ground while Nesto passes the checkpoint. Nesto just looks away and try not get involve or get riled up by him.


    The street is alive with street performers doing a trick like juggling ball that is lit on fire and many others. The elves gather toward the central plaza, to watch the main performer. The smell of delicious food permeates the street air. The smell of food not just come from the vendor, the smell even comes from the restaurant and tavern nearby. The parade makes it much harder for Nesto to find a tavern without too many people in it.


    Nesto walks away from the parade to find a tavern that far away from it. Surely further the tavern is from the parade, the fewer people are in it. Nesto realized something dark that when he moves away from the parade. As the elf celebrated, the free human without a house or coin is more likely to be homeless.


    When Nesto passes a dark alley, his theory is confirmed. When he saw the humans in raggedy cloth in the dark dirty alley. The humans are snuggled up to each other to find warmth in the cold nights. Nesto walks closer to the alley and all the human back away, afraid of him. Nesto reassures them that everything is fine by smiling at them and showing his hands is empty. Nesto then took a couple of gold coins from his pockets and place it in front of the human girl.


    Nesto notices a fresh bruise on one of the humans. Even if they are free, the discrimination still continues. The human girl takes the coins and back away after nodding in thank toward Nesto. Nesto smile and back away from them to leave them alone.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    A few blocks from the alley, Nesto finally find a quiet tavern that he can enjoy. He opens the door and the bell ring, Nesto looks around the tavern, seeing only a few customers is in the tavern. A male elf in the back of the room sleeping, after too many drinks. A group of elves sitting in the middle of the room, melancholy showing on their face while they gulp down their mead.


    A male elf with short light red hair resting his head on the table while still holding on to his mead. Nesto walks to the table next to the elf with short light red hair and took a seat on the stool. The male elf with an apron walks to Nesto table, he must be the owner.


    "Mead?" The male elf ask.


    "Yes," Nesto answer.


    The male elf walks away from Nesto table. The male elf with a short light red hair groan and stirred while he rests his head on the table.


    Then the male elf suddenly speaks, "Ne-Nesto?"


    The elf raises his head and immediately Nesto recognizes him.


    "Yinlar?" Nesto mutter.


    "It''s you!" Yinlar said as he was about to cry.


    "Are you okay, Yinlar?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m not okay, my company is about to be ruin and I still can''t sleep at night after what I had done," Yinlar burst out.


    "It''s going to be okay," Nesto said while changing his seat next to Yinlar and pat his back to comfort him.


    "What the problem, tell me?" Nesto ask.


    "Because of the new law, I had to release all my slave. My construction company has no worker left. How am I going to run a company without any worker?" Yinlar said.


    "It''s going to be okay, you will get through this," Nesto comfort.


    "Nesto, how do you do it? How do you sleep at night after killing those men?" Yinlar asks desperately while holding on to my collar.


    The Weyshers knight? Yinlar still hasn''t moved on from the battle six years ago, it must be traumatizing to him.


    "I''m a healer, Nesto. I don''t kill people but I had to do it that day!" Yinlar said.


    "Yinlar, listen to me, I''m not like you. I think they deserved to die," Nesto said.


    Yinlar looks at Nesto cold empty eyes as Nesto said those words, he couldn''t find any guilt or pity in his eyes. Yinlar lets go of his collar, fearing for his life when he saw those eyes. It''s like looking into the deepest part of someone rage and seeing your end on the other side.


    Nesto closes his eyes and opens it back up, those cold eyes replaced by a gentle kinder one.


    "Look, I don''t have any advice for you on handling that matter, but times can heal any wound if you gave it chance. I know someday you will move from this," Nesto said, cheering him on.


    Yinlar let out a smile, "Thank you."


    Nesto returns a smile, suddenly an idea pop into his mind, "Did you said, you need workers?"


    "Yes?" Yinlar queried.


    "I know people including me that want some work right now. If you be willing to pay us," Nesto said.


    "You want to work for me?" Yinlar ask.


    "Yes, besides I have nothing going on right now and the free time is killing me slowly," Nesto said.


    "Thank you. I willing to pay, if you can find me some workers," Yinlar said gratefully to Nesto offers.


    "Tell me where we should meet tomorrow and I will bring the workers," Nesto said.


    "Here is good," Yinlar said.


    "Okay, I will meet you here tomorrow. I got something to take care first" Nesto said.


    "Wait, you''re leaving?" Yinlar ask.


    "Yes, take care of my mead, will you?" Nesto said after taking two silver coins out from his pocket and place it on the table.


    Nesto then leaves Yinlar table and head outside of the tavern. When Nesto reaches outside of the tavern, he notices a couple young elf, kicking something. Nesto looks closer and saw the human girl under those two elf kids feet. The little girl face contorts in pain as she tries to defend something in her hands.


    A human woman on her knees and with both hands grabbing the elf kid leg pleads to those two elf kids.


    "Please leave us alone," The woman said.


    One of the elf kid spit on the woman face then kick the woman face causing her to fall to her side. Those two kids didn''t notice Nesto already behind them. Nesto taps his fingers on both of their shoulders. Those two kids turn around and immediately Nesto grab one those kids face with one hand. Then he lifts the elf kid up in the air, causing the kid leg to dangle in the airs.


    The other kid is terrified when he saw his friend tangle in the air. He was so scared that he pissed his pants before running away and leaving his friend behind. The other kid in Nesto hand struggle to escape his grip but fail.


    "If I ever see you here again, I will break every bone in your face. Do you understand?" Nesto ask.


    "Ye-yes, please let me go!" The elf kid plead, Nesto let him go and the kid falls to the ground.


    The elf kid quickly gets up and ran away while crying. Nesto squat down and help the human girl sit up. He examines the bruise on the human girl and looks for any serious damage that those kids might have caused.


    "Thank you, kind sir," The woman said.


    "Call me, Nesto. What happens?" Nesto ask.


    "They saw the gold coin that you gave to my daughter earlier, and they accused my daughter of being a thief. Then they demanded the coin from my daughter but my daughter refused. So they try to beat the coin out of my daughter," the woman said.


    Nesto looks at the little girl hands as she reveals the two gold coins in her clasp. Nesto felt guilty, the reason why the accident happens is from Nesto carelessness. He shouldn''t give gold coins in an open place.


    "I''m sorry, it''s my fault," Nesto apologize.


    "No sir, it wasn''t your fault. It was ours, we should have hidden it better," The woman said.


    Nesto let out a kind smile and said, "No, it was my fault, I should have known better. As compensation, how about I offer you a job that can pay. This offer extends to all of you."


    Nesto offers pique a couple interest from the human in the alley.


    "This job can offer you money to buy food, cloth and someday a house," Nesto continue.


    "What kind of job, sir?" The human male in the back asks while he peeks his head out.


    "It a tough job but an honest one, laborers for a construction company and don''t worry about the owner. He is a close friend of mine if you still wary of about this job. Don''t be, I will take care of you if anything bad happens," Nesto said.


    The human turn their head and look at each other.


    "I want the job," said one the human male that asks earlier.


    "So do I," another human said.


    Then a few more human joins, even the woman beside Nesto and the little girl. Suddenly, All of the humans in the alley, want the jobs. Nesto let out a small smile, then he felt a growing joy in his heart. He shakes the feeling away and focuses on them.


    "For those who want the job gather here, early morning," Nesto said and the humans in the alley nod their head in response.

 Chapter 8: Work.

    Somewhere in the city.


    The elf girl with an infected cut running on her left eye, stumble in the dark alley. Earlier she found a tattered used cloak and been using it to cover herself while warming herself. She licks her dry and chapped lips while looking for something to drink. Her head getting dizzy, while her body felt cold even with the cloak on.


    She could barely open her eyes, as she follows the sound of cheers coming from the street. A bright colorful light hit her eyes, and she looks away from it. She notices at the end of the alley, the street is packed with people, their face shows joys and happiness. The sound of the music playing, soothe her head a little bit.


    A sound of water drip, grab her attention. She turns her head to the barrel of water, she then looks up and saw water dripping from the gutter above. The water in the barrel is rainwater, she stumbles toward it and places her hand on the edge of the open barrel. The elf girl submerges her head into the water while trying to get as much water into her mouth. She lifts her head back up and gulps down the water in her mouth.


    Then she releases a breath of relieved after gulping down a large amount of water. The elf girl wipes the drip of water off her face. Then she looks at the reflection on top of the water and sees two moons reflected on the water. She also can see her beige freckled face with two elves ears jut out from both sides of her head. She notices her long ginger hair is a mess because of jumping into the canal earlier. She then combs her hair down using her hands.


    She blinks her two brown eyes and backs away from the barrel. When the elf girl back touches the wall, she slides down until her buttock touch the ground. In her mind, she cursed her mother name for what happened to her.


    "Lucilla, I hope you choked and die," She muttered under her breath.


    The elf girl struggle to opens her eyes, she looks at the end of the valley where the street is packed with people. The colorful light begins to become blurry, her breath became heavy, and she can hear her heart beating loudly. Then darkness shrouds her sight and slowly she falls asleep in the alley with her back on the wall.


    *


    Early morning, outside of the Tavern.


    Nesto stretched his arm further away from his body, so he could ready himself for the coming work. He breathes in the fresh morning air, as he bends his body down to stretch his spine. He straightens his upper body and releases the air in his lung.


    "Sir?" Some called Nesto from behind.


    Nesto turned and see the human group from last night in raggedy cloth. They have a wary expression on their face, still suspicious about this new job that Nesto offers.


    "We''re all here and ready," the woman from last night said.


    "Call me, Nesto," Nesto said, his eyes went to the little girl with both of her fists raise slightly and excitement on her face for the new job.


    "When do we start?" The girl asks, her eyes beam excitement.


    The sound of horses hoof hitting the stone road cause Nesto to turn and see Yinlar on the wagon with the reins in his hand while a big smile on his face. He waves at us then he pulls back the reins, stopping the horse from moving forward even further.


    "Morning!" Yinlar greets with a cheerful tone.


    "Morning," Nesto walks to the side while Yinlar gets off the padded seat and climb down the wagon.


    Nesto raises his hand toward Yinlar, he then grabs Nesto hand and pulls him closer for a hug. Yinlar let go of Nesto after they both pat each other back. Then Yinlar looks behind Nesto at the group of human standing behind him with a confused look on their face.


    "So this is the workers you talk about?" Yinlar ask.


    "Yep, do you have any problem with it?" Nesto ask.


    "Nope, as long as they can do the work, I am willing to pay," Yinlar said.


    Nesto turns to the group of human, "His name is Yinlar, he is a friend of mine and the (owner) of the company." Nesto gesture toward Yinlar.


    "Working for an elf? I''m sorry but I don''t want the job," One of the male humans in the back said.


    "Why?" Nesto ask.


    "I don''t want to be anyone slave anymore," The male human replied.


    "Let me get this straight, I will not treat you human like a slave anymore, even before I had a slave, I never treated them like one. Take my word for it," Yinlar said.


    "Take mine as well, Yinlar is a close friend to me, I know him for a long time, he is a good man," Nesto said.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "But I''m not here to force you to work if you feel that you are dissatisfied with the work you can leave," Yinlar said, Nesto saw the worried escaping his facade.


    Yinlar needs these workers if he doesn''t get these people to join his company then his company won''t survive in a month.


    "Damn it, fine. I will take the job," The male human said.


    "That''s good, any more question?" Yinlar ask.


    "How many coins, you be willing to pay us?" one the human asked.


    "Seven silver coins for a week, one silver for one day of work," Yinlar answered.


    The human turns and looks at each other while nodding their head. They all impressed by the amount of silver the will be getting. Seven silver is enough to make it for a week, Nesto is impressed by the fair amount that Yinlar offer.


    "Anyone disagrees with the offers?" Yinlar asks, then the human replied by shaking their head slightly.


    "Okay, before we start, let me grab something first," Yinlar said and head to the back of the wagon.


    After a short while, he came back with a large sack over his shoulder. He then drops the sack on the ground, Nesto looks at the sack wondering what is inside of it. Yinlar looks at the group of human start counting them.


    "1..2..3...a dozen people," Yinlar counted.


    He then opens the sack and takes out a dozen brown color shirts and grey color pants. Nesto eyebrow raises while looking at the cloth, confused for what they are for.


    "Before we can start working, you people need some cloth to work in. I doubt the raggedy cloth you people are wearing can hold out when you work," Yinlar said.


    "You first," Yinlar said while pointing at the little girl first.


    The little girl looks right and left confused. Then she gestures at herself, and Yinlar nod. Then she walks closer to Yinlar and stands in front of him. Yinlar gave the cloth to her, she takes it and holds it tightly to her chest while a big smile formed on her face.


    "Okay next," the woman walk to Yinlar and grab the cloth. Afterward, everyone in the group has the cloth in their hands.


    "Oh one more thing, you don''t have to return the cloth, their yours forever," Yinlar said.


    The human''s mouth drop in surprise, and then a giant smile appeared on their face. They all begin to thank Yinlar for the cloth, Yinlar was surprised by the sudden outburst of gratitude that it causes him to blush a little.


    "Okay everyone, get inside the wagon. We are going to the warehouse first to grab material, and then we head to our first work," Yinlar said and the humans all begin to pile in the back.


    Yinlar walks to his wagon and climbs on the driver seat. Nesto follows him by climbing the wagon and sit right next to Yinlar. Yinlar grabs the reins and turns his head to look at Nesto.


    "It''s just a simple cloth, why are they so excited?" Yinlar ask.


    "It might be a simple cloth to you, but for them it a luxury item it because they never had any personal belonging anything before," Nesto replied.


    Yinlar turns to look at the street again and whip the reins. The two horse in front of the wagon, tap their front hoof on the stone road making crackle noise before they start moving forward again. The two horses pull the wagon down the road while Yinlar control where they head with the reins.


    The wagon moves down the street, passing several stone buildings until Yinlar jerk the reins causing the wagon to stop in front of a warehouse. Yinlar gets off the wagon and walks to the warehouse door. He then pulls the warehouse door and reveals the large amount of material such as a plank, a sack of sand, gravel, and lime.


    The human drops down from the back of the wagon and walks to the warehouse entrance.


    "You guys can change your cloth in the back. After you change, come back here and help me load this stuff into the wagon," Yinlar said.


    The humans head to the back of the warehouse to change the cloth, Nesto climbs down the wagon, taking off his butler jacket and hang it on the wagon.


    "Which one I should grab first?" Nesto asks while pulling up his sleeves.


    "The plank first, let me help you," Yinlar said.


    Yinlar and Nesto lift the material together. They store it in the back of the wagon. After a couple more, the rest of human came back and help to load in the material into the wagon. After all the material has been load, the humans climb back in the wagon. Yinlar closes the warehouse door.


    Yinlar and Nesto climb back on the wagon. Yinlar then pulls the reins again and the wagon moves again. The ride was short as the wagon stopped in front of a three-stories brothel.


    "Yoohoo, hey there baby," A very handsome male elf greet us while wearing a colorful, frilly dress.


    "Afternoon, Loradan," Yinlar greet the elf.


    "How many times, do I need to tell you. Call me, Elluin, baby," Elluin said with his lips pursed.


    "I''m here to check the building problem you had," Yinlar said.


    "All work, no pleasure, such a shame," Elluin said.


    Elluin then turns his eyes to Nesto and bite his lips seductively, "Who is your new friend?"


    "An old one, actually. He''s here to help me," Yinlar said.


    "A pleasure of meeting you, my name is Elluin Loradan, but you can call me Elluin," Elluin said as he raises his hand toward Nesto.


    Nesto drops down the wagon then he gently grabs his hand and places a kiss on it, "My name is Nesto Fasheir."


    "Nesto," She pulls back his hands and licks the place where Nesto laid a kiss. Elluin then bites his lower lips, and fan himself with his other hand.


    "Can we get on to business?" Yinlar asks, with an awkward smile on his face.


    "Ah, yes quickly come," Elluin said then he heads into the brothel.


    Nesto and Yinlar follow Loradan inside of the brothel. The humans in the back exit out of the wagon and follow them both. Entering the brothel, Nesto was surprised by the colorful decoration and the cleanliness of the room.


    "Welcome to Loradan Palace of Pleasure," Elluin announced, with so much pride in his words.


    "Where the girls?" Yinlar ask.


    "I had to get them out first, so they won''t interfere with your works," Elluin said.


    Elluin head to the stair with Nesto, Yinlar and the others following from behind. They all walk up the stair until they reach the top floor of the buildings. Elluin stops at the top of the stair and gesture at the hallways.


    "Here is the problem," Elluin said.


    "Where?" Yinlar walk down the hallway.


    Suddenly, a loud crack bellowed in the empty hallway and Yinlar foot drop through the floor. Nesto grab hold of him before his whole leg fall through the floor. Yinlar eyes widen, Nesto pulls him out of the floor and away from the floor.


    "The floor, it has really grown old," Elluin sigh.


    "So the whole floor or just the hallways?" Yinlar said while rubbing the splinter off his pants.


    "Hallways only, my girls have been complaining about it all day. I had to change it or the same thing that happens to you could happen to my girls," Elluin said.


    "Hmm, Nesto and the other can work on this right now," Yinlar said.


    "One more thing, my basement, there a crack on its wall and floor. I wish to add it to your list," Elluin said.


    "We split into two group, half with me and another half with Nesto," Yinlar said.


    "Good luck boys," Elluin said as he heads down the stairs.


    "Should we start?" Nesto ask.


    "Let''s do this!" The little girl said excitedly.

 Chapter 9: Get out.

    The little girl brings one of the planks to Nesto while he pulls out one of the floorings in the hallway. Nesto places the broken flooring on the side and grab the planks of the little girl hands.


    "Thank you? I''m sorry, but I never ask your name yet," Nesto said as he turns his head to the little girl.


    "It''s Celi," The little girl said with a bright smile on her face.


    Celi back away to grab another plank to give it the to the man beside Nesto who also work on the flooring. Nesto grabs the hammer beside him and two nails, he then begins to nail the plank down to replace the broken one.


    "How about you, what your name?" Nesto asks the man beside him.


    "The name is Joh," The man replied.


    "Do you people know each other?" Nesto asks as he pulls out the other broken flooring.


    "Yes, we all were own by a single person," Joh replied.


    "What kind of owner did you had?" Nesto ask.


    "He was a sadistic man, that all I can say about him," Joh grimace but still continue his work.


    "It must have been tough serving someone like that," Nesto said.


    "How about you? Based on your cloth and act, you must have served a lot of people," Joh ask.


    "I''ve been around, but mostly I have been lucky on getting a good owner," Nesto answer, as he reminisces the Amberdall family.


    "Here you go," Celi said as he hands Nesto the new planks.


    "Thank you, Celi," Nesto thank her after he takes the plank from her hands.


    Celi grabs the broken floorings and carries it downstairs. After Celi leaves the hallways, Joh turns his head and ask Nesto, "You know I never see Celi this excited for a job before."


    "It a good job with a good pay, what not to be excited for?" Nesto ask.


    "It''s a good job, the boss seems to be a really good guy. Even though it''s a good job, I have never see Celi this happy before, she always had this melancholy on her, always," Joh said.


    "I think she looks up to you, Nesto," Joh said while he pulls out another broken floorings.


    "What makes you said that?" Nesto ask.


    "She changes after that night that you scared those elf kids away. We have never seen a human do that before or dared to," Joh said.


    "Can I ask you, why do you even work? I know you have gold coins. For someone who has gold coins, I don''t think that persons need to work," Joh said.


    Nesto pulls out the broken flooring, Celi climbs the stairs and brought some more planks. She brings the plank to Nesto and Joh. Nesto and Joh said their thanks and grab the planks.


    "I just need to be busy," Nesto said.


    "Busy huh? I used to know an old man who always wants to work because if he doesn''t, he will felt that he is useless," Joh said.


    "Sound like a hard-working man," Nesto said while he nailed down the new plank in.


    "He dies because he works himself to death," Joh said.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The woman, Nesto made last night came up the stairs, Celi look at her with a big smile on her face and hug her legs with joy.


    "Yinlar said its lunch time. He wants you all to come down and take a break," The woman said.


    "Okay," Nesto said and stand up from the floor.


    "I never get your name before?" Nesto ask.


    "It''s Corza, sir" the woman answer.


    "Nice to meet you Corza, are you related to Celi?" Nesto aks.


    "I''m her mother," Corza answer.


    "Your Celi mother? You look younger than me," Nesto said.


    "It''s a long story," Corza said as she pats the tops of Celi''s heads,


    "Come on, let take a break," Joh said as he wipes the dust from his hand.


    Joh moves past Corza and climbs down the stairs. Celi let go Corza legs and follow Joh, Corza also follows Joh. Before Nesto could follow the three of them, he heard a slight creaking noise coming from the door at the end of the hallway.


    Nesto turns his body to face the hallway, and he saw a half-naked female elf, wiping her eyes while yawning. She casually walks down the hallways. Nesto was about to warn the female elf about the unstable flooring, but suddenly he heard the loud cracking noise coming from the floor she steps on.


    Nesto looks down at where she places her feet and see the wooden floor begin to form a large crack. Nesto foot pushes his entire body into a charge toward the female elf. The female lets out a yelp when the entire floor beneath her suddenly give away. Nesto takes a leap and wrapped his entire arms around the female elf body before she falls.


    Nesto and the female elf rotate, Nesto back hit the floor edge first before they start to fall down the floor. Nesto rotate their position again, letting his back face the full force of the impact. The female elf opens her eyes in shocked and screams her hearts out while holding on to Nesto. They both break through the second floor and landed in the kitchen table at the ground level.


    Nesto grunts in pains as the pain shook his entire body while the elf female still screaming in his arms. Yinlar and the rest of the group barged into the kitchen and saw Nesto laying on the wooden table with a half-naked female elf in on top of him.


    "What happens?!" Yinlar ask.


    The table legs broke and Nesto entire back hit the floor. He grunts in pain again as he let the female elf get off his body.


    Elluin walks into the kitchen and looks at the big hole in the kitchen ceiling. He sighs, "add that to the list please."


    "The floor break when she walks on it¡ªI jump in to save her, but because of our entire weight, we break through the second floor in the fall," Nesto answer.


    Yinlar and Joh walk to Nesto side. They both grab each of Nesto arms and help him stand up. They both help Nesto walk to the main area and place him in one of the booths in the room. Elluin helps the half-naked female elf into another room to tend to her.


    "You okay?" Yinlar ask.


    Nesto tries to move his back and felt a drop of liquid flowing down his spine.


    "I think, I''m bleeding," Nesto said.


    Yinlar looks at his back and saw the blood absorbing into his shirt.


    "Everyone out please!" Yinlar said, everyone else in the room look at each other confused.


    "Don''t ask any question, just get out of the room," Yinlar said, everyone in the room head to the front door and exit the room then they close the door behind them.


    Nesto heard the door close, then he turns his back on Yinlar. Nesto takes off his shirt and reveals a long deep cut running on his back.


    "I need to check your crystal first," Yinlar said.


    He then runs his fingers on the five crystal embedded in Nesto back. Yinlar looks for a crack or damage in the crystal, he found none. Then he let out a breath of relieved.


    "If the crystal break, I don''t know what will happen," Yinlar said.


    "It won''t believe me. She makes sure that it won''t happen," Nesto said.


    "I don''t even know why you would agree on this," Yinlar said.


    "I was young, I do stupid stuff," Nesto joked.


    "Just make sure you take care of it, I can''t fix it if anything happens to it," Yinlar said.


    "Don''t worry about it, just heal me up," Nesto said.


    Yinlar hovers one of his hand on tops of Nesto cut, then he mutters, "Aperori."


    A green light hue gathers around Yinlar hand and the light seeps into the cut. The skin and muscle begin to merge together, sealing the cut slowly. After the cut heals itself, the green light disappears from Yinlar hands.


    "Thank you," Nesto said then he wears his shirt again.


    "No problem," Yinlar sigh.


    "You can enter the room again," Yinlar said aloud and the door opens.


    Everyone in the rooms enters with a look of confusion on their face. Celi slips through the group of people and gets closer to Nesto, her eyes show worried as she looks at Nesto''s bloody shirt.


    "Nesto is fine now, but he needs to get home early to rest," Yinlar said.


    "What? I can still work," Nesto said.


    "You need to rest, Nesto. Go home," Yinlar order. Nesto looks at Yinlar eyes, he sees the serious nature of his word.


    "Your right, I need to rest," Nesto said reluctantly then he gets off from the booth.


    Celi lifts her head to looks at him, Nesto pats her head before heading toward the front door. Everyone standing in the doorway, move to the side to let Nesto through. Corza passes the butler jacket to him, Nesto smile and take it.


    "Thank you," Nesto said.


    Nesto cursed himself inside his mind before walking away from the brothel area.

 Chapter 10: Meeting old family.

    Nesto doesn''t want to go home instead he took a walk around the common area. His unbutton jacket flutter in the wind when a strong breeze brush against his body. The sound of a bell grab Nesto attention, he looks to his left and saw the temple of Yana. He looks up the temple and toward the highest peak of the temple tower, He saw a glimpse of the giant bell there.


    He walks up the temple steps and arrives at the giant doorway which leads to the worshiping area. The first thing that grabs Nesto attention is the giant beautiful statue of Yana at the end of the room.


    Someone once said that Yana is the first elf to walk upon this world. Her existence comes to be when she was born from an ancient world tree. She faces this world at the time where monsters roam this lands with no fear. The moment she dies, two elves born from her corpse which then they copulate and fill this land with elf race.


    Nesto looks at the row of seating that faces the statue, there a quite few numbers of elves, praying to her right now. They are even a few humans who also worship Yana. Nesto looks at the beautiful statue, the bell on top of the tower rang again. He then turns to face the entrance to the spiral staircase that leads to the highest peak.


    Nesto walks toward the staircase entrance and continues walking up the staircase until he reaches the highest level of the tower. Near him is the giant bell, which rang earlier, Nesto turns to look at the view of the city. He can''t believe there are 100,000 elves living in this city, not account for the amount of human in it. He looks down at the street below, in which pack with elf and humans. Nesto notice in the distance he can see the abandoned gladiator ring in which he grew up in. Then his gaze went to the royal castle surrounding by an inner wall.


    Nesto stands at the edge of the tower, he looks down below and thinks it would be so easy to end it now. He just needs to step over the edge and let the fall do the rest.


    "I want to be with you, Eilna," Nesto mutters.


    Nesto closes both of his eyes, his right feet pass over the edge. His heart starts beating loud, and when he was about to let himself fell to the street below. He felt a sharp stabbing pain in the back of his neck. The sudden pain causes Nesto to back away from the edge. He tries to reach the metal collar around his neck, but he felt none. He finally realized that he''s not wearing any metal collar.


    There is a look of defeat on his face, as he back away from the edge and walk down the spiral staircase. His head hung low as he exits the temple and into the street. He kept on walking down the street until he reaches the central plaza.


    Nesto sat down on one of the benches in the plaza, a few elf glances at him. The passerby notices the man, disheveled cloth and the look of despair on his face causing them to avoid being near him. A mysterious elf wearing an old cloak that covers his entire body, head toward him and sat right next to him.


    "It has been so long, how are you holding up, son?" The mysterious elf in the cloak ask.


    "How did you find me?" Nesto asks without looking at the elf.


    "I have a few eyes, there and there''s," The elf said.


    Nesto places a hand on his sweaty forehead, "I can''t do it, I can''t live like this," Nesto said.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "What do you mean, you can''t live like this?" The elf asks.


    "I can''t live without someone ordering me, I need to be a slave again," Nesto said.


    "Why do you want someone to order you around?" The elf asks.


    "Because¡ªI''m scared," Nesto said


    "I''m scared that I''m going to make another terrible decision. I''m scared that I have to face the consequence of that decision," Nesto continues.


    "When I was a slave, I don''t have to think about the consequence. I only need to follow the orders. I need orders!" Nesto stressed while his fingers dig into his palm.


    "Take a deep breath, Nesto," The elf said. Nesto inhales the fresh air, fillings his lungs and then release it.


    "It''s a beautiful day, isn''t it?" The elf asks. A small smile form on the elf lips as he watches the people moving around him.


    Nesto gaze went to the people around the plaza. He looks at the group of elves kid that are playing tag at the plaza and then he saw an elf couple that is on a date.


    "It is a beautiful day," Nesto answer.


    "It''s time like this, I wish Madeleine was here," The elf said.


    "She would probably give me a good advice right about now," Nesto said.


    "Her advice is probably about not giving up and keep on moving," The elf said and let out a small laugh.


    "The most common advice she could give to people," The elf continues.


    "But it works, why fix something that isn''t broken," Nesto said.


    "So do you want to give up?" the elf asks.


    Nesto head lowers a bit, then he looks at his shoes, his closed hands open up, and a smile form on his face.


    "I''m going to try again," Nesto said.


    "Good, but if you were to give up again. You will always welcome to come home again," The elf said.


    The elf pokes his right arm out of his cloak and shows Nesto his wrist. Out of nowhere, a flower tattoo with five petals appears on his wrist. One of the petals is dark black while the other four still glow a golden hue. Nesto pulls up his own right sleeve and the same tattoo appear on his right wrist.


    "No matter how you see it. You are a part of my family," The elf said.


    "Also, do come home sometimes, your brother and sister miss you a lot." The elf said as he hides his arm under his cloak.


    "I will be sure to remember to come home sometimes," Nesto said.


    "It''s time for me to go. I got a lot of work to do back home," The elf said.


    "Be careful," Nesto said.


    "Ah, before I leave, here." The elf said, then he takes out a cupcake from under of his cloak.


    "You are still making these?" Nesto said, and he takes the cupcake off the elf''s hand.


    "Yeah, but I still couldn''t get the recipe right," The elf said while he gets up from the bench.


    Nesto took a bite out of the cupcake, "Still not the same as Madeleine, but you are getting close."


    "One ingredient that I still didn''t get it right. I wish I had listened to her complaints about her cupcake more often," The elf said then he let out a sigh.


    "Take care, Nesto," The elf said then he walks to the crowd of people.


    "So do you, Sir," Nesto replied.


    Nesto watches the elf left the plaza. Immediately he enters the crowds of people, he disappears into the midst of the crowd with no trace of him. Nesto finishes his cupcake and wipes the crumb off his pants. He stood up and start walking toward his house.


    While he was walking down the street, and heading toward the City gate. "Nesto," A voice sound like Eilna called out to him.


    Nesto snaps his head toward the source of the voice. Then he saw someone in the dark alley, a short person that is standing stiffly with a cloak over his body while staring directly toward him. That person was shorter than Nesto about a height of a small adult. He kept on staring at that person when suddenly that person body drops limply onto the ground.


    Confusion filled Nesto mind, he then rushes toward that person. He then drops to his knees beside the cloaked person. Pulling back the hood with his hand and reveals an unconscious young elf girl with an infected cut running over her left eyes. Her ginger long hair falls out onto his arms after Nesto pulls back the hood.


    Nesto notices the constant sweat on her face, he then wedges his hands under the girl back and lifts her up. Her body was hot to the touch, Nesto needs to bring her to someone who can help her.


    ''Yinlar'' name came to his mind, Nesto carries the elf girl with him towards the warehouse. Hoping that Yinlar can help her.

 Chapter 11: Heal up.

    The sun disappears into the horizon. The orange hue sky above begins slowly replaced by a dark blue starry sky that accompanies by the two moons rise on the opposite side of the horizon, where the sun set down.


    Nesto knocks on the warehouse door with all his strength but nobody answers. Nesto looks beside the alley of the warehouse. He then carries the elf girl in his arm to the back of the building, in which he found a two-story dorm behind the warehouse. The elf girl groans in pain in his arm while breathing as hard as she can.


    Nesto stands in the dorm front yard, looking at each door to guess which Yinlar room is. Then he looks at the side of the dorms and notices a small house. He looks at one of the beams at the porch and saw the Jackal head emblem carved into it.


    "That''s the house," Nesto mutters to himself.


    Nesto hastens his pace with the elf girl in his arms toward the small house. Stepping on the porch, Nesto knocks the door with an intention of grabbing Yinlar attention. The sound of footsteps echoed in the room and coming closer to the door. The door open revealing Yinlar with his left eyebrow raised in confusion when he saw Nesto on the other side of the door. He pushed the center of the pair of glasses, so it secures into place.


    "Nesto, I thought you went home?" Yinlar said.


    Nesto pushes Yinlar aside and brings the elf girl inside. He then looks around his room and spots a single bed in the corner of the room. Nesto brings the elf girl to the bed and lay her gently on the bed.


    "Nesto?" Yinlar said again.


    "No time to explain, please help her," Nesto said.


    Yinlar removes his glasses and stores it in his shirt pockets. He then walks to the elf girl, his remove the cloak and examine the elf girl body. The elf girl body is full of scars and infected cuts.


    "She had too many injuries and affliction, I need to examine her with magic," Yinlar said.


    With the lantern brighten up the room, Nesto finally notices the freckle on the elf girl beige color skin. Yinlar looks at the ginger hair, a suspicion look appear on his face.


    "What''s wrong?" Nesto ask.


    "Nothing," Yinlar said.


    Yinlar hovers both of his hands on top of the elf girl body, and mutter, "Revealus."


    The elf girl body is enveloped by a glowing green light. Yinlar eyes went from her feet to the top of her head then he stops when his eyes went to the elf girl right wrist. A flower tattoo with three petals appears on her wrist. Two of the petals are glowing but the other one darken. The green light disappears and Yinlar back away


    "Royalty tattoo," Yinlar said. Nesto looks at the tattoo.


    "Ginger hair, royalty tattoo. Do you know who this is before you bring her here?" Yinlar ask.


    Nesto turns his eyes to Yinlar, a terrified look appear on Yinlar''s face. "She is Neya Nimmith, the former princess of Weyshers," Yinlar said.


    "You are going to get us in trouble, Nesto!" Yinlar raises his voice.


    "Listen to me, I don''t care if she is the princess. I want you to heal her!" Nesto demand.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "Why should I?" Yinlar said.


    "You said that you are haunted by the men you killed? Then think of this as a way of redemption for those soldiers. You will be saving the princess that those soldiers take an oath to protect," Nesto said.


    "Yana! Fine, I''ll try," Yinlar said.


    "I don''t want you to try, I want you to do it," Nesto stressed.


    "Okay, Okay," Yinlar said.


    Yinlar hovers both of his hands again above Neya body. He mutters under his breath, "Aperori Maximus."


    Another green light even brighter than before enveloping Neya entire body. Nesto watches as the infected cut clean itself and merged together leaving a scar behind. Her skin begins to glow a healthy hue once again rather than the dull sickly gray from before.


    Yinlar moves his hand away and took a long breath to gain his strength again. He then wipes the sweat off his forehead. "I manage to heal all her injury and disease, but I can only do so much," Yinlar said


    "She still has a common cold that should go away tomorrow and her left eye too far gone. I can''t repair it," Yinlar said.


    "What do you mean?" Nesto ask.


    "Her left eye is blind," Yinlar said.


    The elf girl let out a relieved groan in her sleep as her head moves from side to side. Yinlar let out a sigh and went outside of the room. Nesto follows him from behind. Yinlar walks to the center of the front yard while rubbing the bridge of his nose.


    "What wrongs?" Nesto ask.


    "What wrongs?" Yinlar asks with a heavy skepticism.


    "What wrongs are you bringing a freaking former princess from a former enemy kingdom. Do you know what kind of trouble, you will bring here?" Yinlar exclaim.


    "Are you scared?" Nesto ask.


    "Of course, I''m scared Nesto, I don''t want to fight any battle anymore. I''m sick of battle," Yinlar said.


    "Calm down, Yinlar," Nesto said.


    Yinlar took a long breath and relax his body, "Where are the others?" Nesto ask.


    "They are in the dorms. They told me that they don''t have any place to sleep. So I gave them a place until they have enough money to buy their own home," Yinlar said.


    "That''s awfully nice of you," Nesto.


    "It''s least I can do to repay them. After all, they save my company and did a good job today," Yinlar said.


    "Here," Nesto said and take out a bag of coins from his jacket.


    "In this small bag contain 300 gold coins," Nesto said as he throws it at Yinlar.


    Yinlar catches it with his hand and a confused look appear on his face, "What this for?"


    "It''s for them," Nesto gesture his head to the dorms.


    "I promise those people that I will take care of them, I''m keeping that promise," Nesto said.


    "Beside you right, I don''t want to bring any trouble here," Nesto said.


    Mr. Yinlar, I request the termination of my employment, Do you accept?" Nesto ask.


    "You don''t have to leave," Yinlar said.


    "Do you accept?" Nesto ask again.


    "Nesto..." Yinlar said.


    "Please, Yinlar. Do you accept?" Nesto ask.


    "I¡ª accept," Yinlar said.


    "Thank you, you have been a good friend to me," Nesto said as he walks closer to Yinlar.


    "Damn it, Nesto," Yinlar said. Then he rushes to Nesto hugging him tightly with both of his arms.


    "If it weren''t for you, my company would be in ruins," Yinlar said, as he sniffs a single tear away.


    "And I would have died a long time ago in the battle," Yinlar continue as he wraps his arms around Nesto body.


    "It''s not like you won''t see me again," Nesto said.


    "I know, but it still hard for me to let you go alone. I''m sorry, I can''t be beside when you need me the most, " Yinlar said.


    "It''s okay, I understand," Nesto said, they both let go of each other body with a big smile on their face.


    "I do need a favor though," Nesto said.


    "What is it?" Yinlar ask.


    "I need your mattress, a sheet, and a long rope," Nesto said.


    "What?" Yinlar ask.


    After, a few moments later.


    One of the Gates guards open his mouth to yawn as he leans on his spear. He notices something in a distance, a man with a roll-up mattress on his back. The guard stands straight and points his toward the man. When the man comes near the light, the guard''s shoulder droops in relieved. He then lowers his spear tip to the ground.


    "Mr. Nesto? What are you doing this late at night," the guard asked.


    Nesto scratches the back of his head with one of his hand, "I was buying a mattress for my bed," Nesto answer.


    "This late at night?" the guard asked.


    "I stop by the tavern earlier after I bought the mattress," Nesto answer.


    "Oh, did you stop by the Moonlight cat tavern? They had the most beautiful barmaid there," the guards said.


    "No, I didn''t. I went to a normal tavern," Nesto said.


    "You should visit there sometimes," the guard said.


    "I will put it to my list, can I passed the gate?" Nesto ask.


    "Oh sure go ahead," the guard said.


    Nesto passed the gate without any trouble. He let out a grin as he heads to his home with the roll-up mattress tied to his back. The mattress stirs a little as Nesto walks down the rough path.

 Chapter 12: Running.

    Neya opens her eyes, she is greeted by an unfamiliar wooden ceiling above her, and the feeling of a soft mattress under her body. She takes out her left arms under her blanket and brought it in front of her face. She notices that there something amiss with her sight, she kept waving her left hand in front of her face.


    She can''t see with her left eyes, she ran her finger on the surrounding skin around her left eyes. She couldn''t see her left-hand clearly, but she felt a scar running down her eyes. Neya then removes the sheets from her body, kicking it to the floor and notices the oversized white shirt that she is wearing.


    Neya raises her upper body to a sitting position on the bed. Then she checks all of her cut and injuries, every one of it has been healed. Looking around the small bedroom, she finally realized that this is not her room. Neya notices the sound of the footstep getting closer to the door. She back away to the corner of the bed, with her back touches the wall.


    Neya hugs herself with both of her hands while waiting for the door to open. The doorknob turn, the wooden door swings open revealing a silver, long, ponytail hair human on the other side.


    The human has this contempt smile on his face while wearing a butler uniform and carrying a wooden tray with food on top of it. The man walks closer to Neya, she back away even further from the man. He then places the tray of food on the bed and back away.


    Neya looks at the tray of food, a glass of water and some kind of soup in a bowl. The delicious smell lingers under Neya nose causing her stomach to grumble.


    "It''s carrot and potato soup, you should try it," the man said.


    Neya heart rate rises like a drum being repeatedly hit in quick succession. Her muscle tense especially around her face, her hand twitches as she tightens her grip on her arms. Her eyebrows furrow and she bare her teeth toward the man.


    "I know men like you, you use kindness to gain my trust, but when I disagree with your order. All that facade crumble and the true monster reveals," Neya said.


    "I''m not using you. My name is Nesto, I''m the one who found you unconscious in a dark alley," Nesto said. He places his right hand on his heart, gesturing to himself.


    "Do you think, I owe you something because you save me from death?" Neya ask.


    "No, I just want¡ª" Nesto was interrupted by Neya.


    Neya stands on the bed and walks closer to the tray of food. She pulls back her leg and kicks the tray toward Nesto. The bowl of soup smear Nesto''s clothes, the bowl fall to the floor while the smear drip down Nesto cloth.


    "I rather die than eat you poisonous food!" Neya shout.


    Nesto looks at the bowl, he squats down and picks up the tray, cup, and bowl. He stands up again still smiling, he nods at Neya. Not a single trace of anger on Nesto face. Neya was expecting something like an outburst, but it didn''t appear.


    "Don''t worry about the mess, I will clean it up later," Nesto said.


    "Just leave me alone!" Neya shout.


    "Okay," Nesto said he then walks out of the room with the tray of empty bowl and cup.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Nesto closes the door, leaving the room to herself. Neya takes a step back to the corner and begins to scan the room. The room is empty except for a bed and a chair. She sees a close window, Neya rush to it. Neya slowly places her hand on the close window and push it. The window opens, revealing a thick forest on the other side.


    Neya climbs out of the window, using her upper body strength. Her feet are the first to touch the dirt ground, she walks a couple step and her feet feel the trickle of grass on her sole. Neya looks up toward the giant wall circling Targia. She saw the royal palace, she spits on the ground and turns her body to face the other way.


    She took off from the spot and toward to the forest. As she runs in the forest, she felt the rough small rock prick under her feet and the smooth root that she almost slip on.


    She finally free, Neya thought as she ran past the bundle of trees in the forests.


    A loud roar causes her to stop her tracks, she looks around with caution. Neya tries to find the source of the roar, she treads lightly after she guesses the source of the roar is. Another roar came from behind her, Neya turns her body to face the source.


    Her heart rate begins to rise again, but this time instead of rage, fear overcomes her. Another loud roar came from the bushes in front of her. When the bushes start to shake, Neya turns her body to face the other direction and start running away from it.


    The loud roar kept getting closer, Neya kept on running with all her strength. But Yana didn''t bless her with luck as she slips on a root on the ground causing her to fall face first to the ground.


    Neya screams in pain as her head trickle a little bit of blood, but what worse is the searing pain in her ankle. The load roar kept getting closer to her, Neya tries to stand up again, but the pain was so intense that she couldn''t. Neya turns her body so her back laid on the ground. She looks at the source of the loud roar.


    Her eyes widen as she saw a brown bear charging toward her with drool dripping from its mouth. Neya closes her eyes and turns her head away, waiting for the inevitable to happen when the bear let out a painful cry. When Neya opens both of her eyes, she saw an Axe planted in the tree beside her.


    She looks at the bear, there a large cut on its snout. The bear places a paw on its snout and continues to let out a painful cry. Neya search for the person who throws the Axe, she turns her head and saw the man with a silver-haired walking toward her with the same smile on his face.


    Neya looks closely at the man, there is something different about him. She can feel the intensity coming from him. Nesto casually walks past Neya and the bear while brushing a few leaves off his chest. He then pulls out the Axe first out from the tree trunk before walking back to the middle of the two.


    He stands between the bears and Neya. He points the Axe at the bear, the bear stand on its two legs, and let out a terrifying roar that causes Neya''s entire body to shake in fear. Nesto didn''t even flinch, he just looks straight at the bear''s eyes. Neya kept waiting for the man to attack the bear, but it never happens. Instead, the bear drop on its front leg and walk away from the man.


    Nesto waits for the bear to leave and then turn around to face Neya. He then places the Axe on the ground, after that he examine Neya ankle.


    "It just a sprained, can you walk?" Nesto asks as he tried to touch her sprained ankle.


    "Don''t touch me!" Neya scream, as she remembers the feeling of getting close to other people.


    "It''s okay, I''m not going to hurt you," Nesto said.


    "I said, don''t touch me!" Neya screams again.


    "You can''t stay here forever," Nesto said.


    "I can walk on my own," She stresses. Neya tries to stand up, but the pain was too much for her to handle.


    Nesto looks at the elf girl struggling to stand up, he then sighs and wedge his hand underneath the girl and lifts her up. Neya struggle and scream.


    "Stop!" She said almost crying.


    "Everything going to be okay," Nesto reassure her.


    Neya stop struggling and nothing happens. Nausea, fear, panic, not one of them arise inside of her mind and heart. She confused by the situation that she is in, did she cured her insanity. She raises her head to look at the man, he still has that gentle smile as he carries her.


    "I don''t understand," Neya mutter to herself as her eyes on the verge of tears.


    "It''s okay. Sometime in the world, nothing makes sense," Nesto said as his eyes went to the elf girl.


    Neya burst out crying, she grabs the fabric of his jacket and planted her face into the man chest. She begins to sob onto his jacket causing it to become drenched with her salty tears. Nesto looks away from the crying girl, giving her some privacy to let her spill her pain out.

 Chapter 13: Power.

    The long, narrow piece of fabric wrapped comfortably around Neya head after Nesto cleans the wound. The door to the room open, revealing Nesto with food on top of a wooden tray. Neya back away again to the corner, she stops after her back touch the wall and Neya watch Nesto bring the food to her bed.


    Nesto places the wooden tray on top of the bed, Neya looks at the food. It''s the same foods as before, a bowl of soup and a cup of water. Her eyes went to Nesto as he took a step back. Neya stomach growl as the delicious smell of carrot and potato soup linger under her nose.


    "I won''t eat it," Neya said instead of shouting.


    "May I ask why?" Nesto asks as he looks at the food.


    "I still can''t trust you," Neya said.


    "If you don''t eat, your cold is going to come back," Nesto said.


    "I don''t care, I won''t eat it," Neya said as she looks away from Nesto.


    "What can I do to gain your trust, So you can eat without worried?" Nesto ask.


    "Nothing you can do that can gain my trust, not again and never," Neya said.


    She then pulls the blanket on the bed and covers herself with it. Nesto stares at the floor while contemplating a way to gain Neya trust. An idea pops into Nesto mind, causing him to let out a small grin. Nesto walks out of the room, leaving Neya to herself.


    Neya stares at the doorway, with one of her eyebrows raised. She heard something like a rat going through a trash box in the other room. Nesto came back with something behind his back. He took a couple steps closer to Neya. She looks at him with suspicious eyes, then she readies herself for anything horrible that going to happen to her.


    Nesto drops to one knee, Neya close her eyes for the coming pain. She tightens her grip on the blanket and waits for the inevitable outburst. But just like the same as before it didn''t come instead she open her eyes and saw the slave collar on Nesto hands.


    "You are going to make me your slave? Humans can''t use magic, so it useless to you," Neya said in anger while mocking the human race weakness.


    "It''s not for you, it''s for me," Nesto said.


    "What?" Neya said.


    "What do you trust more, a sword on your side or a stranger you just met?" Nesto ask.


    "A sword, but what that got to do with the collar?" Neya ask.


    "Let me be your sword," Nesto said.


    "Are you crazy?" Neya ask.


    "No, people trust more on the things that their own, much more than the people by their side. Let me be the item that you owned, your tool, your weapon, your slave. Used me as you seem fit, and disregard my emotion or my well-being," Nesto said.


    "Why are you doing this? People would give everything they had to be free, but why are you want to be my slave," Neya ask.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Because I''m not like most people, I am not normal, I''m far from it. I wish to live as a servant more than a free man," Nesto said.


    "You are crazy..." Neya said, her voice trail off.


    Nesto bows his head to Neya and raises the slave collar to her. She removes the blanket and move closer to the edge of the bed, she let her feet touch the wooden floor. Neya then takes the slave collar off Nesto hands and Nesto raises his head to give Neya an unobstructed reach to his neck.


    Neya unbuckles the slave collar and places it around Nesto neck. She locks the collar around Nesto neck, and then she bites her index finger to let a trickle of blood to come out. She places her bloody finger on the center of the collar.


    "I take this man to be my slave until the day I release him," Neya said.


    The slave collar glows a blue rune character around it when the glow blue rune disappears, then Neya pulls her finger away. Nesto lower his head to gaze at Neya eyes with an acceptance smile.


    "Did it work?" Neya ask.


    "Try it," Nesto said.


    "Jump!" Neya order.


    Nesto didn''t follow her order, then an electrical shock zaps Nesto neck causing him to grunt in pain. The shock continues as long as Nesto disobeyed Neya command. The longer Nesto disobeyed Neya order, the more painful the shocks become. When Nesto couldn''t handle the pain anymore, he jumps up in the air following Neya order. Then the shock stops stabbing Nesto neck.


    Nesto let out a breath of relieved when the shock stop. Neya let out a sadistic smile on her face when she watches Nesto in pain and following her order.


    "Now grovel before me," Neya order.


    Nesto drops down to both of his knees and lowers his head forward until it touches the floor with both of his hands beside his head. Neya felt joy when she watches the man before her bow down. For the first time in her miserable life, she gains and felt power.


    "Kiss your master feet," Neya order.


    "Yes, master," Nesto said.


    Then Nesto crawls to Neya feet, and he placed his hands on her soft feet. He brings it closes to his lips and laid a kiss on it. Then he places back the feet and back away.


    "What is in the food?" Neya ask.


    "Potato, carrot, milk, and herbs," Nesto answer.


    "Go to the other room and leave me be," Neya order.


    Nesto stands up, dusting a bit off the dust from his knee. He heads out the door to the other room while closing the door behind him. Neya looks at the soup and her stomach growl again. She takes the bowl of soup and begins eating it. She felt the delicious soup wash the inside of her mouth from the terrible trash taste that she been eating for a couple of days.


    "Nesto!" Neya called.


    Nesto opens the door and lets himself in.


    "Yes, master?" Nesto ask.


    "I want some more soup," Neya order.


    "Yes coming right up, master," Nesto said.


    Nesto goes back into the other room and when he came back, he brought the pot in which contain the soup. He brought the pot closer to Neya, he then scoops out some of the soup out with a ladle and pours it in the bowl.


    While Nesto was pouring the soup into the bowl, a little bit of the soup splash and a drop of it landed on Neya hands. Neya look at the drip of soup on her hands, she doesn''t feel burn instead only felt slightly warm, but her calmness suddenly snaps.


    "I''m your master! You should treat me better!!" Neya scream.


    "I''m sorry master," Nesto apologize.


    "I don''t need your apologies, I want my hand to be clean!!" Neya shouted, then she threw the bowl of soup at Nesto face.


    Nesto didn''t avoid the flying bowl of soup instead he let the bowl of soup hit him. The wooden bowl falls to the floor while warm soup dripping from Nesto face. Nesto takes a clean cloth out of his pocket and begins cleaning Neya hands that got splash a little bit.


    "I will do better next time," Nesto promised.


    "You better be," Neya said as she looks away from him.


    "Clean this up, I''m going to bed," Neya said, as she covers herself with the blanket and turns her body to face the other way.


    "Your wish is my command, master," Nesto said.


    Nesto drops to his knee and picks up the bowl. He brings the bowl and the pot into the other room. When he came back, he brought a clean cloth and start wiping the floor quietly as to not disturb Neya slumber.


    Neya face lit up with impish glee as she relishes in her own power of owning Nesto as a slave and treating him like garbage. Just like the people who treat her the same way, now she has power, and she will never going to let it go.


    Sooner or later, she felt her eyelids become heavy and when she closed her eyes. Her consciousness is pulled back into her minds to a dream world she created.

 Chapter 14: Dream-like state.

    "Neya?!" A male elf in extravagant cloth and wearing a gold crown, calls out to her from the hallway.


    Neya sneaks into her father studies. Neya enters the studies, she begins to scan the room for a hiding place. She notices the large curtain that hangs at the window. She let out a smile as she hides behind the large curtain of the room. Neya loves playing hide and seeks with her father, every time her father has the time to spend on her.


    "Here I come, my cute orange," The male elf with the same ginger hair, but shorter than Neya, enter the room.


    Neya let out a big grin on her face while trying to hold her breath by covering her mouth and nose with her palms. So her father could not hear her heavy breathing. Neya heard her father footsteps in the room, searching for her in the room.


    "I wonder where my cute orange is hiding?" Neya father said to himself.


    "Is it behind the desk? Boo! Aww, she not here," Neya father said.


    "Mhm? Maybe she... Behind the plant, Boo!" Neya father said aloud.


    "She not here either, she must be a master of hiding. If this goes on even longer I might never find her," Neya father elf said.


    Neya let out a muffled giggle after she heard her father words.


    "Hmm, I guess she not here after all. I should search the other room," Neya father said.


    Neya heard her father footstep slowly disappear, she peeks her head out from the curtain and saw her father with a big smile on his face. Neya screams and tries to run away, but her father grabs her. Neya father starts tickling her to the ground causing Neya to laugh aloud and unable to breathe properly.


    "You think you can trick me, my cute orange?" Neya father said aloud.


    "Stop it!" Neya said while giggling uncontrollably.


    "Now confess who is superior in hiding and seeker?" Neya father asks while he keeps tickling her daughter.


    "You daddy!" Neya said.


    Neya father lets her daughter go and laid beside her on the floor. Neya was panting as she laid beside her father. Neya loves her father so much because he is the only person who would spend time with her. Neya doesn''t have any brother or sister to play with her. Neya knows there are other people around her, but they all seem to be avoiding her. It not like she hasn''t tried to get close to one of them, she tries, but fail.


    The double door to the studies opens revealing a maid on the other side.


    "King Ernest, there is a message from you from Major Arathorn," The maid said.


    Neya looks at her father, his face sport a frown and seething anger. His faces change when he looks at her daughter.


    "I''m sorry my orange, but daddy got work to do," Neya father said.


    "Okay, daddy," Neya said. There a tinge of sadness in her heart every time her father had to leave.


    Ernest stands up, wiping off the dust from his cloth, he waves goodbye to his daughter and heads out with the maid to the throne room. After her father leaves, Neya mother walks in front of the door with a cold and distant face.


    "Get up, Neya. You will dirty your cloth if you lay on the floor," Neya mother said when she stopped in the doorway.


    "Yes, mother," Neya said then she stands up again and wipes the dust off her cloth.


    Neya mother has always been distant and cold toward her since she was able to talk. So Neya has always avoided her mother and follow her instruction, wanting to not anger her. Neya mother looks at her up and down then she walks away from the room without saying a word.


    Neya walks out of the room, she looks around the empty hallway while wondering what she should do to cast away her boredom. She looks at the path that leads to the throne room, her mother always forbid her to go there, but what she doesn''t know won''t hurt her.


    Neya let out a grin and walk toward the throne room. She sneakily passes the guard in the hallways and found the door that leads to the throne room. Neya opens the double door slowly, She peeks her head inside, seeing that nobody is inside. She enters the throne room and closes the door behind her quietly.


    Her jaw drops and her eyes widen in awe by the massive room with pillar lining up at each side and the many large orange curtain dangle from the ceiling that reach to the floor. Neya has never been inside the throne room before in her life so she was amazed by the room. She looks at end of the room seeing a large throne carved out from a single large rock.


    Neya walks toward it when she gets close to the throne. She looks at the throne carving, but what grabs her attention the most is the dragon carving that is under the armrest. The door to the throne room creaks as someone opens it. Neya quickly runs to the curtain and wrapped herself with it; helping her to hide. She separates the curtain a bit letting one of her eyes to peek out.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Neya sees her father walk to the throne with a cane in his hand while all of his guards with spears on their hands, following behind him. He took a seat on the throne while his guards stand guard at each pillar of the room. Then, a male elf enters the room with his body cover with many bandages and another male elf also cover in bandages helping the first elf to walk.


    The two elves drop to their knees when they are finally close to the king''s throne. Neya could see many burn mark under the bandages.


    "Speak," Neya father bellowed.


    "I''m sorry, Sire. Bur, We lose our entire regiment, everybody is dead except for us both," The elf said then they both drop their head to the floor.


    "You had a thousand men in your regiment, what happens?" Neya father asks in anger.


    "The path on the ridge is too small for our entire regiment, so we had to line up the soldiers, but the path was not without obstacle, a single squad name the Jackal stop us from moving further." The elf said his voice shaking with fear.


    "A single squad decimates an entire regiment!? That''s not possible!" Neya father said with seething rage escaping his words.


    "No, Sire. The squad merely destroy the path keeping us from moving further," The elf said apologize.


    "Then who killed my regiment!?" Neya father ask.


    "It was not something that we had ever faced before. It was a monster shaped like a man but its body is shroud in a silver fire. The man called it the silver flame. It kills everyone and leaving a trail of fire behind it," The elf said while his entire body shivers when he remembers the event.


    "I saw... it''s eyes, it''s was truly a monster," The other elf said, his voice crack in fear.


    "You imbecile!" Neya father shouted, then he stands up from the throne and walks toward them.


    "Please forgive us, Sire," The elf begged.


    "I have sent a thousand men to break through Targia defense and not one of you succeed," Neya father said as he stands in front of the elf that cowers in fear beneath him.


    "You fail and you dare to come back here!" Neya father raises his cane and whacked the elf in the head.


    Neya father repeatedly whacks both the injured elf with his cane and start kicking them while they laid on the floor.


    "You should have died along with them! Because of your incompetence, I''m losing this war!" Neya father shouted.


    Neya father stops hitting them when the puddle of blood reach his shoes. The elf that Ernest was hitting cried like a baby while muttering "I''m Sorry" repeatedly. The bloody elf hugs himself in a fetal position on the floor.


    "Pathetic, get them both out of here!" Neya father said after spitting on the bloody elf face.


    Neya looks at what happens in horror, her father didn''t even care about the elf his hitting. Neya had never seen this side of her father before, she has always thought her father was a kind king. Two of the guard salute, walking to the elf on the floor and drag them both out of the room; leaving a trail a blood on the floor.


    Neya then notices her mother enters the room, she walks closer to the throne. Ernest sits on the throne while sighing about the news.


    "What is it, Lucilla?" Neya father asks while he looks at her mother.


    Neya mother walk closer to Ernest then takes out a dagger from her sleeve and throws it at Neya father. The dagger stab Ernest in the heart. Neya father screams in pain and his face filled with confusion. Neya eyes widen when she saw what happen, she was about to scream, but she kept her mouth closed with her hands.


    "Guards!!" Neya father shout.


    But his guards didn''t respond to his command.


    "What is going on?" Neya father grunts.


    "Your tyrannical reign ends here, Greed king," Neya mother mocked.


    "You think I''ll go down without fighting?!" Neya father shouts as he stands up from his throne and walks toward Neya mother.


    He raised his hand to cast a spell.


    "Guards," Neya mother said.


    The guards move their hands and aim their spear at the Neya father with lightning fast reflexes. Then they simultaneously throw the spears toward him. The spears pierce him from every side, it was a like horror scene from a play as blood splatter everywhere on the floor. Neya father was about to falls back but stops when one of the spears holds his body up, he vomited out a massive amount of blood.


    "You treat your subject like trash for far too long. They''re sick and tired of it. So they appoint a new leader, guess who they pick?" Neya mother ask.


    Neya father glare dagger at Neya mother. She only let out a grin to respond to his glare.


    "Me. While you are busy with your stupid conquest. I was busy gathering support from the nobles, and I succeed it without you ever noticing it," Neya mother said.


    "You damn¡ª" Neya father was about to curse her mother name when his heart stops beating.


    Neya screams while running toward her father, Neya mother look at her. Neya grab hold of his hand and cries when she felt her father cold hands.


    "Daddy!" Neya said while her tears flow down her cheeks.


    A guard walks to Neya mother side, "Ma''am, What should we do with your daughter?"


    "She not my daughter, she has always been his daughter. Sell her to the slave market," Neya mother said flatly, without pity or sympathy when she looks at her own daughter.


    "What...?" Neya said, the guard grab both of her arms and drag her away.


    "NO!" She screams.


    "DADDY!" Neya screams again for her deceased father.


    "Daddy!!" Neya scream.


    Everything around her begins to melt just like a dream. Then came the darkness, the pain, the torture, the humiliation, the anger, the despair, the abuse, the violation, the molestation, the maltreatment. Everything horrible that ever happen to her is because of her mother. Neya sees the face of men that once treated her horribly and taken advantage of her, flash before her eyes.


    Neya felt her body freezing as the darkness and emptiness surround her while a horrible pain stabbing her entire body. Then she felt it, a warmth in her palms, something she never felt before. She holds it tightly and not letting it go.


    Bird chirping cause Neya to opens her eyes, she was greeted by the wooden ceiling above her and the wetness on her forehead. She remembers she escaped from that painful place and saved by a slave. Neya turns her head and looks at the rough hand that holding her owns.


    Neya looks at the source of the hand and saw Nesto sleeping face rest on the edge of the bed. He has been holding her hand while she was asleep, that warmth that she felt, it was him.


    Nesto let out a quiet groan before opening his eyes while a lock of his silver hair falls out of place. Neya closes her eyes back up, pretending to be sleep. Nesto open his eyes, letting go of Neya hand and walk out of the room silently. Neya is confused, why is this man is so nice to her besides the fact that he is her slave now. His must have plans to use her somehow, she just couldn''t trust him.

 Chapter 15: Fishing.

    Neya checks her ankle first, finding that her sprained ankle has healed overnight. Neya crawls out of the bed, letting both of her feet touch the cold wooden floor, and then she sneaks her way to the door. She heard a mild rustling noise in the other room. She eases the door open, letting her eye to peek through the gap.


    Through the gap, Neya watches Nesto as he ties a handmade basket with a rope and proceeds to carry it on his back like a bag. He then grabs his ax and places it in the basket. Nesto opens the door and left the house. Neya slowly opens her room door and walk to the front door that Nesto just used. She then peeks through the gap again, watching Nesto head toward the forest.


    Neya opens the front door, then she gets out of the house and starts stalking him through the forest. Neya watches Nesto from far as he walks through the narrow path in the forest while stepping over a few overgrown roots on the path. Nesto stops in his track causing Neya to stop, she looks at Nesto then quickly hide behind a tree.


    Neya leans to the side to peek, seeing Nesto turns his body to face the bushes beside him. He then squats down next to the bushes and begins picking berries from the bushes. Neya let out a breath of relieved, she thought Nesto had noticed her following him. Nesto places the berries in the basket, he then turns to look in the bushes and his eyes widen.


    Neya looks closely and saw Nesto pick a blue flower from the bushes with a smile on his face, he then places the blue flower in his jacket pocket and pat it gently.


    "Flower?" Neya whispered to herself.


    Nesto stands up and begins to walk down the path again. Neya waits for a few moments before following Nesto again. It doesn''t take too long for Nesto to stop on his track again, but this time he stops at a riverbank. Nesto takes off the basket and places it under a tree. Then he took the ax and start cutting down a few tree branches. He took a couple long branches and shave it down to a fishing spear.


    With the spear in his hand, he stood on one of the large rocks near the river. Neya watches Nesto as he stood quietly on top of the rock without making any noise, then suddenly he throws the spear down into the river. Nesto pulls the spear out of the water and two fish can be seen stuck at the end of it.


    "I don''t understand him at all, he is just fishing without any care in the world," Neya whispered to herself.


    "Is it me the problem? No, it''s him. It''s not me," Neya whispered to herself.


    Neya thought what is she doing right now is a waste of time, so she heads back to the house leaving Nesto alone. After Nesto catches a few other fish, he then walks back to the basket and stores them in it. Nesto then gathers firewood in the forest, and then he walks back to the riverbank, grabbing the basket of material he collected.


    He carries the basket on his back while holding the firewood in his hands. He took the same path to reach his house. Nesto arrives at his house, then he begins to prepare the breakfast outside of his house by igniting the fireplace. He cooks the fish and prepares a special brew of teas by mixing the tea leaves with the berries he found in the forest.


    He went inside the house to grab the wooden plate and cup, but before he heads outside. He peeks through the gaps of Neya room door, he could see Neya still sleeping on the mattress. He heads back outside and prepares the food, he went back inside with a plate of grilled fish and surprises to see Neya sitting at the table.


    "Morning, master," Nesto greet Neya with a smile on his face.


    Neya shows no emotion after hearing Nesto address, her lip flattened and her eyes tired. Nesto overlooks the emotionless responses and prepares the meals in front of her. He places the blue flower beside the plate and backs away from the table while he waits for his master to enjoy the meals


    "I don''t..." Neya position both of her hand on her face.


    Nesto lean closer and waiting for her to finish her sentence. Neya pulls her hands away and a look of defeat looms over her.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "I don''t understand you. Why are you so nice?!"


    "Why are you so damn happy despite being a slave?!"


    "What are your plans?!" Neya asks while her gaze bore into Nesto.


    "I''m sorry, but there is no plan," Nesto answers with a small smile to calm her down.


    "Stop. Stop smiling!" Neya shouted in anger.


    "How could you be so happy in this shitty world?!" Neya ask.


    "Master..." Nesto said.


    "Answer me, that is an order!!" Neya command.


    "I''m happy because of you," Nesto answer.


    Neya let out an unstable laugh after hearing Nesto answer. Her eyes begin to redden as she slams her fist on the table while laughing uncontrollably.


    "Because of me? You love watching me suffer, do you? You pretend to be nice to me so you can confuse me and watch me become paranoid about every single thing," Neya accused.


    "Master, that''s not¡ª" Nesto about to say when Neya throws the plate at him.


    "I won''t let you! I won''t fall for your trick anymore," Neya exclaim.


    Neya stood up with rage, pushing the chair back and flip the table. She then grabs a long tree branch underneath the table and walks to Nesto. Nesto stands his ground and not moving an inch of his body, he clenches his teeth. Neya raised the tree branch and swing it toward Nesto, she hit him with all of her anger and frustration.


    "Why won''t you fight back!?" Neya scream.


    Neya kept on hitting Nesto while screaming profanity, she swings and hit. Nesto stood there letting Neya lash out her anger. The tree branch kept hitting his side and arm while occasionally the tree branch grazes his head leaving a bloody cut.


    Neya stop as her breath getting heavy, she looks down at her feet and notices the spilled tea cast a reflection of her. She looks into her reddened eyes and saw the same eyes that the men used to torture her has. Then she remembers that her father had the same eyes when he hit those two injured elves back in the throne room.


    "My father and those men," Neya mutter.


    "They are the same, I always look up to him. Now, I''m becoming him, I''m becoming those men that I despise," Neya said while she gazes on her reflection.


    Neya let go of the tree branch, letting it fall to the floor beside her. Then she looks up at Nesto, she saw blood flowing down from the cut on his head. This man in front of her is the only good thing that happens to her and because of her unstable mind, now he is going to hate her for it.


    She destroys everything good around her.


    "I''m sorry" Neya mutter slowly.


    Neya legs gave away, and she was about to fall to her knees. When Nesto grab both of her arms and pull her closer for a hug. Neya eyes widen as she felt Nesto warm body press against her.


    "I can''t be normal anymore. My mind is broken, just like what those men say they would do to me," Neya said.


    "It''s not broken," Nesto said. Neya was surprised to hear those words.


    "You don''t know what I felt, all those pain they inflicted on me. I try to stand against it for six years on my own, but it was useless," Neya said.


    "I know about pain, trust me. Master, You not too far gone, you still have good in you," Nesto said as he rubs the back of Neya''s head.


    "How could you say that?" Neya asks, her voice cracking.


    "Because for the last two days I watch over you, never once I saw you have the intention of seeking revenge for what happened to you. You hated those men that torture you, you hated your family for abandoning you, but you didn''t go after them. You only wish to escape the pain and be free from your anger," Nesto said.


    "How do you know about me?" Neya asks.


    "You speak in your sleep, and I put the rest of it together by observing you," Nesto answer.


    "I don''t want to live a life with pain," Neya said.


    "That is impossible. There is always pains as you live your life, but I promise you. As long as you are my master, I won''t let a bad thing happen to you as it did before," Nesto promise.


    "Thank you, Nesto. Thank¡ªyou," Neya said while the dam of tears she has been holding back broke and release every last drop of her tears on Nesto chest.


    "You ask me earlier, why am I so happy. It''s because I found a good master to serve under," Nesto said.


    Neya smile as she hears those words while her tears dripping from her cheek and her eyelid begins to become puffy while she clenches her teeth. Nesto looks at the blue flower on the floor, it has been soaked by the tea and crushes under the table.


    *


    Memories of Eilna flash before his eyes. she is holding a blue flower in her hand while sitting under the tree, she leans against Nesto. Nesto notices the flower in her hand, Nesto eyes went to Eilna smiling face while she gazes into the flower.


    "You sure love the Claryfair flower," Nesto said.


    "It''s because of you," Eilna said as she brings the flower close to her nose.


    "Me?" Nesto asks while Eilna sniffs the fragrance of the flower.


    "Don''t you remember? It''s the first gift you ever gave me," Eilna said.


    "I don''t actually," Nesto said.


    Eilna hit Nesto playfully on his chest with her fist. She pouted as she glares at Nesto for forgetting about the flower. Nesto raised his hand to defend himself from Eilna attack.


    "It''s happened at the castle when we were still kids," Eilna said.


    "Ohh, I remember. It''s when you still dressed like a boy," Nesto said as he remembers the first time they met.


    "Oh Yana, Nesto... Huh, Thank the goddess that I didn''t love you for your brain," Eilna said while shaking her head, Nesto just laughs it off.

 Chapter 16: Sneak.

    After the outburst from Neya earlier, everything has finally come down. Neya eyelids are puffy and swollen from all the crying she made. The room has been clean by Nesto in a short time. Neya enjoys the meal that was prepared again by Nesto. Nesto is not even angry at how much the food is waste instead he is grateful that his master finally eating again.


    There is a guilty look on Neya face, "I''m sorry Nesto for making a mess."


    "Don''t worry, I''m just glad that Master is eating again," Nesto said with a smile on his face while standing a few feet from the table.


    "Why don''t you eat with me?" Neya asks as she looks at Nesto with a pouted lip.


    "A Servant never eats with his master," Nesto said.


    "No, I don''t care about that. I order you to eat alongside me," Neya said.


    "Yes, Master," Nesto said as he nods his head.


    "Don''t call me Master. Call me Neya," Neya said.


    "Yes, Miss Neya," Nesto said as he nods his head again.


    There is a big smile on Neya faces as she heard Nesto said her name. Nesto went outside to grab a plate of grilled fish and went back inside to enjoy the meals with Neya. Nesto eats with proper etiquette when eating at a dinner table while Neya eats a bit messier than Nesto.


    Both of her eyes went to Nesto, seeing how he ate properly, Neya feeling a bit ashamed, she tries to remember how to eat with proper etiquette. She begins to eat like a proper lady again when the memories of her living in the castle resurface. Nesto stares at the dirty white shirt that Neya is wearing.


    "Miss Neya, I think we need to buy you some cloth," Nesto said.


    Neya looks down at the white shirt she wore, her lips pursed. "Your right," Neya said.


    "Then, I will go to the city alone to buy you some cloth," Nesto said.


    Neya looks back at Nesto, her lips parted. "I will come with you, I don''t want to be alone," Neya said.


    "Are you sure, Miss Neya?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m sure," Neya replied, gulping the saliva in her throat.


    "Okay then. After we finish our food, we will go to the city together," Nesto said.


    It doesn''t take them both too long to finish their food. Nesto provides Neya with a slipper he made from wood and rope. To serve as temporary footwear while she walks around the forest. Nesto brings a scarf with him to the city gates.


    When they both arrive at the outskirt of the city gates. Nesto wrapped his slave collar with a scarf while Neya put on a cloak to cover her body and head. Neya notices that Nesto is covering his slave collar.


    "Why are you hiding your collar?" Neya ask.


    "Its because slavery is illegal here. I don''t want my master to get toss into the dungeon for breaking the rule," Nesto said.


    Neya remembers the dark hallways in the city underbelly. Her mind put what Nesto just said and why the men in the sewer were so restless. Those men were transferring the slave out of the city without getting caught.


    "What''s wrong, Miss Neya?" Nesto asks as he looks at Neya face.


    "Nothing, let''s head to the city," Neya said.


    They both head to the gate checkpoint. Nesto thought that they were both going to pass the gate without a problem, but they were immediately stopped by one of the guards. The guard look at the elf girl wearing a cloak, he then turns his head to Nesto.


    "Who is the kid?" The guard asks.


    Neya hand start shaking when he was close to the guard and her heart start beating faster again.


    "She is a girl that I save in the forest, her wagon was attacked by Woodfolk. Both of her parents were deceased when I found her," Nesto lied.


    "Show me your face kid," The guard said.


    Neya body froze for no reason causing her to disobey the guard request. The guard looks at her, suspicion begins to grow. The guard slowly moves his hand to pull her hood. Neya for no reason back away from the guard hands and hide behind Nesto.


    The guard reaches the hilt of his sword, "what''s wrong with her?" the guard asks.


    "I think she is a bit overwhelmed after the accident," Nesto reassures the guards while putting both his hand up.


    "I don''t care what happens, I want to see her face or I will toss both of you down the dungeon," The guard said.


    "Okay, please let me talk to her first," Nesto said.


    "I will count to ten if she doesn''t reveal her face. I''m going to arrest both of you for disobeying the law," The guard said.


    Nesto quickly squats down to meet Neya face, he was surprised to see the sheer terror in her face. Nesto hugs her and said, "Everything is going to be fine."Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "Don''t let him touch me, please," Neya whispered to Nesto ears.


    "I won''t. Trust me," Nesto said.


    Neya closes her eyes and nods her heads slightly. Nesto pinches the edge of her cloak and pulls it back revealing her face to the guards. The guards look at Neya, he then releases the hilt of his sword.


    "It ain''t so hard right? It''s just a procedure." The guard said.


    Neya took a breath of relieved so do Nesto. Nesto let out a calming smile, but Neya body still shaking a bit while she smiles back at Nesto.


    "Damn Woodfolk, their must did a number on her. Barbaric, no offense Nesto," the guard said.


    "It''s okay." Nesto reply.


    "You can move along." The guard said.


    Neya takes hold of Nesto hand, and they were both walking away from the checkpoint. Nesto notices the inspector just staring at Neya with a blank face from afar. Nesto change side with Neya to block the inspector vision as they walk away from the checkpoint.


    When they both arrived at the central plaza, Nesto let Neya took a seat on the bench. Nesto takes look at her face closely, her eyes movement were erratic, her gaze kept switching to a different person.


    "What''s wrong?" Nesto ask.


    "Ever since I escape, I can''t stand the thought of touching other people. It just gives me so much fear for just thinking about it," Neya answer.


    "Then don''t think, I''m here with you," Nesto said.


    "I''ll try," Neya said.


    "Come on let buy you some cloth," Nesto said, Neya nod her heads in agreement.


    They both walk away from the central plaza and head to the nearest clothing store. Arriving at the front of the boutique, they both enter and was greeted by an upbeat female elf shopkeeper. The shopkeeper upbeat personality cause Neya to hide behind Nesto back again.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to scare you," The upbeat shopkeeper said.


    "Don''t worry, my friend here is just a little uncomfortable with strangers," Nesto said.


    The shopkeeper back away slightly giving them both a little space before asking, "So what kind of cloth are you looking for?"


    "Something that easy to wear and comfortable for my friend here," Nesto said.


    "I got the perfect thing, follow me," The shopkeeper said.


    They both follow the shopkeeper through the store. Neya was in awe by the amazing and beautiful cloth collection that is available for buying.


    "You know, we just have a wonderful kind of new cloth that just arrive from Arbia if you are interested," The shopkeeper said.


    "Isn''t Arbia is ruled by Wolics? Arent those people a little bit hostile to do deal with?" Nesto ask.


    "I know someone from there. He helps me with the deals and I handle the shipping. Those fox people may seem like a battle-hungry folk, but they actually pretty nice when you get to know them," The shopkeeper said and stop on her tracks.


    "Okay, here we are," The shopkeeper said, she reaches for the cloth on the top shelves, and bring it down.


    The shopkeeper unfolds the cloth, revealing a dark green one-piece dress in her hands. Neya looks at the dress and completely smitten by the color of the dress.


    The shopkeeper pulls out a green hood, "It also comes with a hood," she said.


    "Do you want it?" Nesto ask Neya.


    "Yes!" She said excitedly.


    "We''ll take three set of it with black boots to go with it and do you have any leather glove?" Nesto said to the shopkeeper.


    "Leather glove?" Neya said.


    "Trust me," Nesto said.


    Neya nods her heads, and they all went to the back room to get Neya dresses. When Neya came out from the dressing room, Nesto was surprised to see the cloth fits perfectly with Neya. The black boots match with the dark green dress and the hood just goes perfectly with the dress.


    Neya looks at the leather glove she wears, then she looks back at Nesto with her eyebrow raised.


    "Try shaking the shopkeeper''s hands," Nesto said.


    "Okay..." Neya said hesitantly.


    The shopkeeper laid out her hand for a shake, Neya reaches for her hands and expecting the worst to happen, but it didn''t happen. There was no nausea or dizziness. Everything just went fine, Neya was surprised the glove actually work.


    "How did you know?" Neya asks Nesto.


    "A guess really," Nesto answer.


    "I have no idea what''s going on, but I''m glad it worked out," The shopkeeper as she releases Neya hands.


    "How much is for all of this?" Nesto ask.


    "Two gold pieces," The shopkeeper said.


    Nesto pays the shopkeeper, and she brought the extra cloth to the back to pack it. When she comes back, she gave the cloth wrapped in paper to Nesto and both of them say thank you before heading out of the boutique. Neya gazes at her leather gloves with so much joy that she doesn''t notice Nesto talking to her.


    "Miss Neya?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes?" Neya snapped back to reality.


    "You ready to go home?" Nesto ask.


    Neya looks around her at the bustling street with no fear for once in her life. She closes her eyes as the smell of delicious food from the stand linger under her nose. She opens her eyes and looks back at Nesto, he sports a smile of understanding on his face.


    "Do you want to get something to eat?" Nesto asks then Neya nods her head in response.


    Nesto offers his hand to his master, Neya grab hold of his hand, and they both start walking down the street. They both occasionally stop to buy snacks from the stands. With an abundance of food in Neya hands, they head to the central plaza again to find a bench, so they can enjoy the food.


    Neya and Nesto sat on an empty bench. Neya grabs one of the sticks of meat and devours it without remorse. Nesto let out a smile when the sauce that on the meat drip flow down Neya''s chin. He proceeds to take out a napkin and wipe the sauce away.


    Neya cheeks redden and her lip pursed after Nesto wipe her chins clean off the sauce. She took another stick of meat, but this time instead of devouring it, she took a small bite off it without getting herself dirty.


    "Today has been so much fun. I don''t want it to end," Neya said.


    "It should end because tomorrow we can have an even better day," Nesto said.


    "But today will always be the happiest day of my life," Neya let out the biggest smile on her face because for once in her life she has hope for tomorrow.


    Neya and Nesto enjoy the rest of their evening by sitting in the plaza while eating delicious food. When the sun begins to set, they both head home. On the way home, Nesto instinct flares up when they suddenly enter a suspiciously empty street.


    "Miss Neya, stop," Nesto said.


    "What''s wrong?" Neya stop on her tracks.


    "Something is not right here," Nesto said.


    "It''s just an empty street," Neya said as she looks around her.


    Nesto waits and examines every dark alley. Nesto looks back Neya, she has a worried face. Nesto thought maybe what Neya said was true, maybe he was just paranoid.


    "I just have a bad feeling about this, we should get going," Nesto said when suddenly a small sharp pain can be felt on his back.


    "Nesto!" Neya scream.


    Nesto turns his back. He was shocked to see a tall, lean, red leathery skin with no hair and a spiral horn on each side of its heads. Nesto examines the tribal tattoo covering most of her body.


    "A Xintari!" Nesto grunts.


    Nesto reaches for his back and felt the dagger in his back. He pulls the dagger out, dropping it to the ground then his head begins to feel dizzy and disorienting. He looks at the Xintari face with confusion. The Xintari blinks her fully black eyes while looking at Nesto with her head lean to the side. She was surprised to see the man in front of her still standing. Nesto notices the Xintari mutter something, then suddenly her entire body disappears into thin air.


    "Nesto?!" Neya let out a muffled scream.


    Nesto turns his back, seeing the elf inspector from the gate covering Neya nose and mouth with a small cloth. Nesto tries to reach for Neya with his hand, but fail when his entire body shut down, causing him to fall to the ground, knocking him unconscious.


    Everything went to black.

 Chapter 17: Calm.

    "Wake up," Eilna voiced called to Nesto.


    Nesto opens his eyes, he felt the stone-cold street under his cheeks. His entire body felt numb from toe to head. Nesto remembers the Xintari he met earlier, the dagger that stabs him is coated with poison. Thank the goddess for the military training he receives that his body was able to fight against the poison and wake up in a short time. Xintari usually coated their dagger with enough poison to kill a Wyvern.


    Nesto places his hand on the stone-cold street and push himself upward to stand again. Nesto calms himself, so he won''t lose control, he needs his mind to track down Neya. He then stumbles a couple steps before finally gaining his ability to walk again.


    There are two ways to get out of the city, the gate and the sewers. Nesto turns his head to the closest entrance to the sewer and starts running in the direction of where his head is facing.


    "I''m coming for you, Neya," Nesto mutters to himself.


    *


    In a dark alley near the canal, an elf inspector arrives at the sewers entrance with the Neya in his hands and a Xintari following him from behind. A large grin appears on his face, as he opens the gate to the sewers. ''He makes it'' The elf inspector thought, but his thought was interrupted by a man calling out to him from behind.


    "Let her go!" Nesto said.


    The elf inspector turns to face the annoying insect behind him.


    "I should have known someone close to the captain won''t go down that easily," The elf inspector said.


    "That''s why I hired her, " the elf inspector turn to the Xintari.


    Nesto looks at the Xintari woman standing at the elf inspector side, she readies the dagger in her hands. Nesto nod his head at the woman to show respect before speaking. The Xintari was amused by the man, she thought that this man kept surprising her with his action and if she would fight this man she would gamble her life because she knows he is not an ordinary man.


    "I don''t want to fight you, please if you go. It would the utmost kindness you can show me," Nesto plead.


    The Xintari woman stares at the man and then let out a smile before nodding her head to shows respect to the man. The Xintari woman mutters something then her entire body disappear. The elf inspector was confused by what happened.


    "What did you do?!" The elf inspector shout.


    "I plead to her and I will do the same thing to you. I''m pleading to you to let her go," Nesto said.


    "Do you think I would let her go that easily?!" The elf inspector said.


    "You don''t know how much she worth, do you!?" The elf inspector said.


    "If you do know, I bet even you would sell her to them," The elf inspector said.


    "Please let her go," Nesto plead again.


    "Didn''t you hear me? I won''t let her go!" The elf inspector said then he clicks his tongue.


    Nesto heard many footsteps coming toward him from every side. He glances behind him, he saw many amounts of elf clad in leather armor and holding wooden clubs in their hands, surrounding him. Nesto focuses his sight on the elf inspector with Neya unconscious body in his arms.


    "Please I don''t want this thing to get ugly, just leave her behind and go," Nesto said.


    "Stupid Human, do you think you alone can stand against us? You are beneath us and you will always be beneath us," The elf inspector mocked.


    The elf inspector signals his men to attack with a nod of his head. Nesto dodges the first incoming club that was aimed for his head. He dodges again when another club swing at his back. Nesto kept dodging every attack that was aimed at him.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Nesto saw an opening to land a punch, he took it but when his fist was about to close into the elf face. The elf inspector has taken out a dagger and point it under Neya chin. Nesto stops his oncoming fist, he looks at the inspector''s face, an arrogant grin crept on his face.


    One of the inspector men took the chance to land a hit on Nesto back causing him to stumble forward. Nesto raised both of his hand to stop the incoming wooden club, but another swing surprised Nesto by hitting the back of his head. Nesto fall to his knee on the ground, one of the elf kick Nesto back causing him to drop onto both of his hand.


    The elves surround Nesto and start kicking him while he''s on the ground. Nesto glances at Neya from afar, another kick hit the back of his head causing him to lay on the ground. Blood begins to drip down from Nesto head but his eyes still focus on Neya.


    "As I said, you are beneath us," The elf inspector mocked while all his men laugh.


    "Now, I''m going to take her with me and maybe have some fun along the way," The elf inspector said.


    "And you can''t do anything about it," The elf inspector said.


    The elf inspector dagger pokes Neya skin and a trickle of blood drip down the blade. At that moment something snaps in Nesto, rage begins to build up inside him, but it''s masked by the calmness outward appearance that Nesto project.


    "I open the first gate ''Firio''," Nesto mutters to himself.


    A hot burning liquid suddenly flows in Nesto vein, spreading through his body. He used his breath to counteract the pain of the burning liquid flowing through his veins. His push his upper body to stand while the elves kicking him. He raises the palm of his hand in front of himself and mutter.


    "Incernium."


    A small silver fireball ignites and hovers on top of his palm. The elves all back away when they saw the fireball float upward, their eyes filled with disbelief and shocked. Before they could warn each other, Nesto let the fireball explode.


    The elves scream as they were pushed back by the explosion, throwing them far away from Nesto. Even the elf inspector was caught by the blast, he accidentally drops Neya unconscious body to the ground before getting thrown back by the explosion.


    "What just happen!!" One of the elves shouted while he tries to get up.


    Smoke and dust rise above the alley, blocking the sight of everyone in there. One of the elves that are laying on the ground let out a grunt when Nesto reach for his head and turning it with force, breaking the elf neck.


    "Find and kill him!" The elf inspector shout.


    Another elf lets out a choking noise when Nesto blocks his incoming club and jab his neck with his hand. Nesto dash to another elf, uppercutting below his chest then he grabs the elf head and turns it with force causing his neck to break. He grabs the wooden club and hit the other elf beside him; breaking the club in half. The elf inspector looks into the smoke and debris trying to spot Nesto.


    Nesto mutters "Incernium."


    A silver fireball appears in the smoke and dust; casting Nesto shadow. The other elves saw the fireball and quickly back away.


    "Silver flame, I thought he was a myth," One of the elves said.


    "I''m not fighting him, let get out of here!" another elf said as he took off from the alley.


    The rest follow, leaving only the elf inspector behind. The inspector looks at Neya and clicks his tongue before he dashes to the sewer entrance, but before he could escape. Nesto throws the fireball toward the entrance. The entrance explodes and collapses after the fireball hit. The blast sent the inspector flying and crashing into one of the walls in the alley.


    Nesto steps out from smoke and dust; revealing himself. Blood dripping down his face. Not one emotion showed on his face, just absolute calmness. He let go of the broken club and walk toward the inspector. Nesto glances at Neya unconscious body, the feeling of guilt rise in his heart.


    "Wait!" The elf inspector pleads while Nesto grabs his collar, lifting him up.


    The elf inspector takes out his other dagger and stabs Nesto in his arm. Nesto pays no heed to the pain, he kept on staring into the elf inspector eyes. The elf inspector lets go of the dagger hilt and the look of terror appear on his face when he saw Nesto eyes.


    Nesto eyes were cold, there was no sympathy or compassion.


    "Pl-please let me go, I promise I won''t go after the girl anymore," The elf inspector plead.


    Nesto pulls out the dagger and throws it away. He pulls back his fist and hit the elf inspector in the face; breaking his nose. The elf inspector scream in pain as blood drip from his mouth and nose. Nesto hit again, forcing the elf to stop screaming.


    "Don''t, I can tell you who hired me!" Nesto didn''t care for his word. He kept punching the elf inspector face.


    "P-Please stop!" The elf inspector plead.


    There was no more mercy to give, Nesto kept on punching the elf inspector face even if his body stops moving. Nesto heard a hundred footstep and metal armor hitting each other. Nesto turns his head and saw the royal knight aiming their spears at me while surrounding him.


    He looks at the elf inspector face, the only thing that is left of what was once his face was no more, only a bloody mess of blood and muscle. Nesto let go of the collar, letting the dead elf in his hand fall to the ground.


    "Place your hand behind your head!" The knight orders.


    Nesto follows the order, he places both of his hand behind his head. The knight slowly walks up to Nesto and handcuff his wrist together.


    "You are coming with us!" The knight orders.


    "The elf girl still alive, Sir," another knight said.


    Nesto glances at Neya, the knight squats down beside her while checking her breath.


    "Bring her with us," the knight said.


    "The rest of you clean up this mess," the knight order.

 Chapter 18: Interrogation

    A small amount of water drip from the ceiling and fall onto the stone floor making a monotonous dripping sound. Neya woke up when a small mouse bites her fingers. She opens her eyes to a dark slimy cell and the pungent smell of death permeates the cell. She rises up from the floor and took a seat on the stone floor.


    Panic soon arise in Neya heart as she realizes that she is back in another hole. She looks around searching for Nesto whereabouts but didn''t find any sign of him. She is alone in the dark slimy cell with her leather glove gone. She is not going to experience the same thing that happens before.


    She notices a bowl of soup on the floor with a wooden spoon ready beside it. She grabs the spoon and hides it in her sleeves. Footsteps echoed down the hallways, Neya back away from the cell bar. She looks at the cell bar, seeing an elf in leather armor with a black military coat and a hand holding a dagger pin on the collar of his coat. The elf stops in front of the cell and turns to face Neya.


    The male elf had a pretty normal face, there is no unique or particular feature that stands out.


    "Good morning," The elf said.


    Neya stays quiet as she stands away from him and careful of the elf on the other side of the cell.


    "Do not worry, I''m not here to hurt you," The elf reassure her.


    "Do you think I never heard of that sentence before?" Neya said as she reaches into her sleeves.


    "You right, but using a spoon as a weapon, doesn''t help anyone," The elf said.


    The elf words surprised Neya, she takes out the spoon in her sleeves and holds it in her hand.


    "Who are you?" Neya ask.


    "I work for the Royal family," The elf said.


    "How did you know, I have a spoon in my sleeves?" Neya ask.


    "It''s my job to know," the elf said then he took a pair of leather gloves out from his coat.


    "I assume these belong to you?" The elf said.


    "Yes, that''s mine. Give it back!" Neya said.


    "Of course, if you come with me peacefully," The elf said.


    "Where are we going?" Neya ask.


    "To the interrogation room," the elf said, he unlocks the cell door and gestures her to come out.


    "You can bring the spoon if you want," the elf said.


    Neya walks to the elf, she grabs the leather gloves from his hand and wears it. The elf walks down the hallway while Neya follows him from behind. Neya grip tightens around the spoon handle, and she readies her heart for anything.


    "Where are we?" Neya ask.


    "The dungeon under the city," The elf answer.


    "W-Where is Nesto?" Neya ask.


    "He is in another cell, don''t you worry about him," The elf said.


    The elf stopped in front of a door, he opens it and Neya peeks inside. She saw a table with two chairs facing each other. The elf gestures her to enters, Neya enters the room and the elf follow behind her while closing the door behind.


    "Please take a seat," The elf gesture at Neya to takes a seat.


    Neya walks to one of the chairs in the room and sits on it. The elf took the seat that faces her. The elf begins to tap his fingers on the wooden table while looking at her. Neya looks around the small room, finding nothing that stands out in particular while waiting for the elf to speak again.


    Neya kept adjusting her uneven chair to find a comfortable spot that she can use. The elf still keeping his mouth tight and not letting a single sound out of his mouth. The silence is slowly becoming overwhelming to Neya so she speaks first.


    "Is Nesto okay?" Neya ask.


    "He is fine, well a few cuts and bruise," The elf said.


    "Cut and bruise? What happen?" Neya ask.


    "I don''t know, you tell me," The elf replied.


    "All I can remember is Nesto buying me a new cloth, and we had a fun day together. But after we head home... someone attacks us," Neya said.


    "There was a creature, red skin, two spiral horns, no hair, black eyes. She stabs Nesto in the back. Oh no... I need to see him!" Neya said.


    "Do not worry about Nesto, his fine. Continue with your story," the elf said.


    "Someone drugs me, I was unconscious. After that, I wake up here. My story is done, let me see him," Neya said.


    "What do you know about Nesto," the elf asks.


    "He is my friend," Neya answer, her gaze moves away.


    "Now, now don''t start lying, please," the elf said.


    Neya swallows her saliva before speaking, "He is a human, and he is my slave. He saves my life countless time."


    "That''s all?" The elf asks.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "That''s all, please let me see him," Neya answer.


    "You can stay in the room for a while, I''ll be back," The elf said and stand up from the chairs.


    "What?" The elf walks out of the room and closes the door behind him.


    Neya dash to the door when she tried to open the door, she found that the door is locked from the outside. She slams the door with her fist.


    "Let me see him!" Neya cried out.


    "Please!!" Neya cried out.


    She slides down the door and seat on the floor. She hugs her knees and was on the verge of crying when she thought of Nesto getting hurt, pains her heat.


    *


    A few moments before Neya wakes up.


    The chains rattle echoed a noise in the cell as Nesto move his hands behind him. The guards have cuffed every part of his body to make sure he couldn''t do anything dangerous and forced him on his knees.


    Nesto lowers his chins but the chain that connects to his slave collar prevents him to lower it even further. The mouth gag in Nesto mouth prevents him from calling out to the guards or anybody.


    An elf walk in leather armor and black military coat with a hand holding a dagger pin on his collar, enter the cell. There was nothing particular about this man look, but Nesto knows that he should never trust this elf.


    "I think the mouth gag is a bit excessive, don''t you think?" The elf said.


    The elf unlocks the mouth gag and Nesto spits it to the ground.


    "Where is her?" Nesto ask.


    "Who is her exactly?" the elf asks while pretending to not know.


    "Don''t play dumb, I know who you are. Third Hand, which number should I call you?" Nesto ask.


    "Now I know you not some normal human." The elf smirk before continues "My number is 167."


    "Where is her?" Nesto ask.


    "She is still unconscious," The elf said.


    "If you laid a single finger on her, I''m going to break your hand," Nesto threaten.


    "Don''t worry, I believe you," the elf said.


    "But, you do realize what you did right?" The elf said.


    "First, you use an offensive magic in the city. Second, you kill an elf but not just any elf. An elf that works for the army. The third is just plain manslaughter," The elf explain.


    "So what do you have to say for yourself?" The elf asks.


    "He deserved it," Nesto replied.


    The elf sigh, and smile after hearing the answers.


    "Yeah, you right. He does deserve it. Zati Hution, an inspector for the guard''s division and secretly one of the ringleaders of a gang in the city," The elf said.


    "But it was not your call to give, you are not the jury and the executioner," the elf said.


    "Still, all that is subsidiary compare to you using magic. The first human to ever use magic," the elf said.


    "I doubt that the cause of you using magic is natural. It must be got to do with the crystals in your back," the elf said.


    "So the myth of silver flame is true. I always thought it too far-fetched to be true, yet here I am," The elf said.


    "For a Third hand, you speak too much," Nesto said.


    "I thought we were having a conversation," The elf said.


    "Just tell me, what going to happen after this?" Nesto ask.


    "I don''t know," the elf replied.


    "Then what are we doing right now?" Nesto ask.


    "Talking," The elf replied.


    Nesto rolls his eyes and sigh.


    "There someone else wants to see you, but before I leave. Can you tell me, how did you manage to use magic?" The elf said.


    "Madeleine," Nesto said.


    "Madeleine, bless her soul. Well, that explains a lot," The elf said.


    "It''s time for me to go," The elf said as he turns his back to Nesto.


    "167, can you tell her that I''m fine and give her leather gloves back," Nesto ask.


    "What makes you think I have the gloves?" 167 ask.


    "I notice it in your coat," Nesto said.


    167 let out a short laugh before speaking, "you truly are one of a kind."


    "Of course, I will be sure to tell her and give the gloves back," The elf said before walking out of the cell.


    The elf walks past the cell, the moment Nesto lost sight of him, another elf came. But this time the elf is wearing an expensive metal armor with beautiful carving and red cape with Jackal emblem carve into the shoulder piece. Nesto smile when he walks into the room.


    "I always thought we would meet at a bar or somewhere else," Ariamnes joked.


    "Prince, I''m glad to see you," Nesto said.


    Ariamnes sigh before speaking "Still with the prince thing. How many times did I tell you to call me using my first name?"


    "Too many, but I just can''t simply call you by the first name," Nesto said.


    Ariamnes sigh.


    "I heard you kill an elf?" Ariamnes ask.


    "Are you angry at me?" Nesto asks while a feeling of guilt rise.


    "Of course I am. You kill an elf in my city, do you know what kind of trouble you caused for us?" Ariamnes ask.


    "I plead to them to let her go, but they won''t listen. Then he hurt her, my mind just snap right at that moment," Nesto said as he remembers that night.


    "Do you even know about her origin?" Ariamnes ask.


    "Yes, she is the daughter of the Greed King, who once was the enemy of Targia," Nesto answer.


    "Knowing full well what she was, you still choose to serve under her. Her father tried to conquer our land and the cause of death for most of my men and... Eilna..." Ariamnes said, crossing his arm.


    "She not like her father. She has been through so much pain in her life. She is a good kid, but she just doesn''t have the chance to prove it," Nesto said with conviction in his voice.


    "Is this some kind of your sick suicide fantasy? Are you raising that girl so one day she could kill you?" Ariamnes ask with a tinge of anger in his voice.


    "You do know who you are, right? You''re the silver flame, your the reason why his father army lost that day. You are her enemy," Ariamnes said.


    "Does she even know that?" Ariamnes ask.


    "No, I kept it a secret from her," Nesto answer.


    "Oh, Yana... After Eilna gone, you were broken to the point of no return, for the first few months after the war you tried to kill yourself. I can''t remember how many times we had to stop you and comfort you. We try to give you another purpose to live, and it works." Ariamnes said.


    "You were happy living a life of a slave, what happens?" Ariamnes ask.


    "You''re asking me? You know what happens!" Nesto suddenly burst out in anger.


    "That stupid law that you make, they had to cast me away. I was back in my empty life, living without Eilna is just not possible for me. You think I didn''t try to move on? I try goddammit! But living a life without purpose is the same as being dead, to me," Nesto explains.


    "But if you think a single moment that me serving under her is some kind of sick suicide fantasy or some other redemption bullshit then you are wrong," Nesto said.


    "I want to serve under her because she been through so much pain and manage to escape it, yet she still doesn''t lose hope, she doesn''t despair, she tries to live on, not like me. So serving under her is a huge honor to me," Nesto continues.


    Silence befalls on them both before Ariamnes speak again.


    "Guards remove his cuff," Ariamnes order.


    The guards in heavy armor enter the room and begin unlocking all of the chains and cuff. The cuff drop to the floor making a noise so do the chains rattle as it falls to the floor. Nesto rubs the bruise around his wrist that came from the cuff.


    Ariamnes offer his hand to Nesto. He grabs it and Ariamnes pull him up so he could stand.


    "Then you better get strong because her mother has put a huge bounty on her," Ariamnes said.


    "What, Why?" Nesto ask.


    "I don''t know why. On the day that Targia announces its new law, her mother suddenly puts a bounty on her daughter''s head," Ariamnes said.


    "That explains why the Third hand is here," Nesto said.


    "Don''t worry about them, you need to worry about the bounty," Ariamnes warn.


    "I can''t tell her about the bounty if she found out, it would difficult for her to live her lives," Nesto said.


    "Your call, but I''m sending her to Baxorth Academy," Ariamnes said.


    "Why the academy?" Nesto ask.


    "That place is on neutral ground, her mother men won''t reach her there. So you only have to encounter the bounty hunter," Ariamnes explain.


    "No, I mean why the academy? Why not protect her here?" Nesto ask.


    "I don''t want any murder in my city, beside things could get difficult if the queen of Weyshers found out that we are harboring her daughter," Ariamnes said.


    "I guess that makes sense," Nesto said.


    "Let''s go meet, your master," Ariamnes said as he walks out of the cell while Nesto walks beside him.

 Chapter 19: Offer.

    Neya let out a yelp when the door behind her hit the back of her head. The thud in the back of her head stops her from breaking out into tears. She back away from the door and turn to face it. Neya ready her wooden spoon to attack whatever on the other side of the door.


    "You need to fix the door, Ariamnes," Nesto complained at the other side of the door.


    "Nesto...?" Neya sniffled.


    "The door work just fine. Let me try," Ariamnes said as he opens the door easily.


    "See?" Ariamnes said.


    Neya rushes to hug, she slams her shoulder to his gut and wrapped her arm around him. Ariamness let out a grunt as Neya slam into him, mistaking him for Nesto.


    "Uhm, What''s the occasion?" Ariamnes said as he looks down at the elf girl who just hugs him.


    "You''re not Nesto..." Neya eyes widen when she looks up.


    "No, I''m not," Ariamnes said.


    Neya starts panting as she let go of Ariamnes body, she back away from him while her mind starts to panic. Dizziness and nausea begin to rose inside her. Her heart beating faster than normal almost if somebody trying to pull her heart out. She places her hands on her chest and then falls back.


    Nesto catches her before falling, and then everything went dark as Neya faint.


    *


    Neya heard a loud snapping sound close to her face. She opens her eyes and saw Nesto smiling face as he snaps his finger in front of her. Neya smiles back at him while leaning his head closer to Nesto chest, then she pukes the content of her stomach on Nesto cloth.


    "Oh my god, I''m going to puke too," Ariamnes said as he looks away.


    "You have been to war, you have seen worse than a child puke," Nesto said.


    "Oh no, blood, gore, and shit. I can deal but puke. Erhh, blame Caretena for that, she the one who makes me disgusted by puke. Oh no, Bad memories coming back, I''m staying out of the room until you clean up," Ariamness shiver as he walks out of the room.


    Nesto looks back at Neya, he pulls back her hair trying not to get her hair dirty by the puke. Neya finishes spewing her gut out and wipes her mouth.


    "I''m glad you are okay, I was worried," Neya buried her face in Nesto chest while wrapping her arms around Nesto.


    "Did they treat you okay?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes, they didn''t touch me or anything. They even gave my glove back," Neya said.


    "I''m glad to hear that. Come on, let''s get you seated and clean up," Nesto said.


    Nesto helps Neya walk back to her chairs, he then takes off his jacket and wipes Neya cloth clean out of the puke. He then combs her messy ginger hair with his finger, after throwing his stained jacket to the floor.


    "Are you sure, you okay? I saw you got stabs in the backs by a dagger," Neya ask.


    "Yeah, I''m okay. The healer tends to my wound after I was captured," Nesto said.


    Nesto looks at her hands and notices a wooden spoon in her grips.


    "Miss Neya, why are you holding a spoon?" Nesto ask.


    "It''s for protection," Neya said as her cheek blushes, she places the spoon on the table.


    "Protection?" Nesto let out.


    "Are you presentable because I''m about to come in," Ariamnes said as he enters the room.


    He quickly plugs his nose when the smell of puke linger in the air. He took a seat across Neya while still holding his nose. He closes his eyes, when he opens it again, he unplugs his nose and a visible shiver can be seen.


    "How are you, Princess Neya?" Ariamnes ask.


    "H-how do you know who I am?" Neya asks, her joy face turned into worried one.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Please do not be alarmed. My name Ariamnes, I''m the prince of Targia," Ariamnes introduced himself then nodding his head to show some respect to Neya.


    Neya turned to look at Nesto with a frown on her face. "It''s not like I was keeping it a secret from you but, I''m the former Princess of Weyshers. I''m sorry for not telling you, Nesto," Neya apologizes.


    "Do not worry, Miss Neya. It doesn''t matter to me whether you a princess in the past or a queen. It matters to me who you are right now, and right now, you are my Master, Miss Neya," Nesto said with a comforting smile on his face.


    Neya frown turns into a smile, then she turned to look at Ariamnes.


    "Are we in trouble?" Neya ask.


    "Not at all, but you did break a few laws," Ariamnes said.


    "Then what is going to happen to us?" Neya ask.


    "How old are you right now?" Ariamnes ask.


    "Uhm..." Neya look at Nesto wonders whether she should answer the question. Nesto nods his head, "sixteen years old."


    "That''s a perfect age then, I have an offer for you," Ariamnes said.


    "No, I don''t want to marry anyone!" Neya declined.


    Ariamnes let out a laugh while Nesto only slightly smiles, they both amused by Neya trains of thought.


    "I think you have mistaken my intention. It was not an offer of marriage, but still, it pains my heart that I was rejected so quickly" Ariamnes jest.


    "If that was not your intention then what is the offer?" Neya ask.


    "I''m offering you a scholarship to Baxorth Academy," Ariamnes answer.


    "What?" Neya said surprised.


    "Why? I was once your enemy, this must be a trick. I won''t be fool by your offer," Neya said.


    "It not a trick," Ariamnes take out an envelope from under his armor and place it on the table, "Here, open it."


    Neya grabs the envelope and opens it. She takes out the piece of paper inside of the envelope and read it.


    <table style="border-color: #9e4500; background-color: #8a3a01; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    I, the prince of Targia, Ariamnes Vignil.


    Hereby support this child to a full scholarship at the Baxorth Academy.


    This child will be educated by the elective that she would choose fully without any problems. She is under my protection and will always be.


    This support must be kept a secret between the person who receives this letter and the child.


    Sincerely, Ariamnes Vignil.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "But why would you do that?" Neya asks after placing the letter down.


    "Why offer me this?" Neya asks again.


    "I know about your current condition. It must be hard for you to trust anybody, but you do trust Nesto. So he will explain to you why," Ariamnes said as he looks at Nesto.


    "I told the prince about your current condition, and I ask him for a favor to let you live a life that you deserved," Nesto said.


    "I''m sorry for saying this but, you just a human. How can you ask a favor of a prince?" Neya ask.


    "He is not just any normal human, he is my stepbrother," Ariamnes said.


    "Stepbrother? What?" Neya said.


    "My mother adopted him when he was still a child. He has been raised by her and accepted into the family, but even after all that Nesto still considers himself an outsider," Ariamnes explain.


    "I am an outsider," Nesto said.


    "No, your not," Ariamnes replied.


    "I am," Nesto replied back.


    "Nope," Ariamnes replied again


    "Stop it!" Neya said stopping both of them.


    "I''m sorry for not telling you Miss Neya," Nesto said.


    "Like you said It doesn''t matter to me who you were in the past, but still I don''t know if I should take the offer, this is too much for me," Neya said.


    "It''s too one-sided," Neya said.


    "It''s not actually," Ariamnes said.


    "It is a one-sided offer, you don''t get anything in return," Neya argued.


    "I do get one thing, a chance to make a new ally," Ariamnes said.


    "Will you accept the offer?" Ariamnes ask.


    Neya turned to Nesto again for support on the decision, "You should take it Miss Neya, it''s a good opportunity." Nesto assures her.


    Neya turns back to look at Ariamnes, "I will take it."


    *


    In the Council room.


    Silences were the only thing left in the room after the meeting has been dismissed. The King of Targia overlooks the city through the window in front of him. He smiles when he saw at the entrance to the dungeon, Prince Ariamnes step out from the entrance with Nesto and the former princes behind him.


    A noble enter the room and stop when he is close enough to the king; bowing his head first before speaking.


    "Sire, may I speak freely?" The noble ask.


    "You may," King Orpheus permitted.


    "Are you sure about the new law?" The noble ask.


    "Why are you asking me this?" King Orpheus response.


    "Sire, the new law is spooking the other Elven kingdom. They are worried about their own slave revolting against them after they heard about a chance to be free," The noble said.


    "The new law is giving hope to the humans," The noble said.


    "To combat this new-found hope, the other Elven kingdom might start to band together and target us," The noble said.


    "I know full well of your worried, but sometimes the world needs a new change of direction," King Orpheus said.


    "But Sire, I''m worried about the survival of our kingdom," The noble said.


    "Have faith in me, I will make sure this kingdom survive as I rule it. In the meantime, why don''t you think of a way to combat the low number of job opportunity in the city," King Orpheus said.


    The noble sigh.


    "Don''t despair, here have a cupcake," King Orpheus said, grabbing one of the cupcakes from the table beside him and gave it to the nobles.


    "I made it myself," King Orpheus said.


    "It tastes wonderful my king," The noble said after taking a bite off the cupcake.


    "I''m glad you like, but it still not good enough," King Orpheus said.


    "You may dismiss yourself," King Orpheus said.


    The noble bow and leave the room, leaving the king alone in the room.


    "167," King Orpheus called.


    167 step out from the shadow in the room with a smile on his face.


    "Keep an eye on them please," King Orpheus order.


    "As you wish my king," 167 response.


    He bows his head then steps back into the shadow of the room and his presence disappears entirely.

 Chapter 20: New Journey.

    The strong cold wind outside shakes the tent structure, the night was colder than any other night. Nesto tuck in the blanket over Eilna beautiful naked body; she hugs her saber between Nesto and her while sleeping. The saber is in its sheath, Eilna has always slept with her saber since the beginning of the war.


    Nesto caress Eilna smooth golden hair while occasionally messing with her long ears. She twitches her nose every time Nesto rub her ear playfully.


    "Are you awake?" Nesto whispered.


    Eilna without opening her eyes, smile and whispered: "I am now."


    "I''m sorry for waking you up," Nesto apologize.


    Eilna places her hand over Nesto hand and said: "It''s okay."


    "Are you warm enough?" Nesto whispered.


    "I am, thanks to you," Eilna mutter.


    "About our mission tomorrow... I have a bad feeling about it," Nesto said.


    "Tell me what are you feeling right now?" Eilna ask.


    "Ariamnes said that tomorrow might be the most dangerous mission we had, I''m scared of losing you," Nesto said.


    "You''re not going to lose me. Remember, we promise each other after the war that we would get married and have kids," Eilna said.


    "Our promise sounds like a fairy tale ending," Nesto said, letting out a small smile.


    "Isn''t a fairy tale ending based on people desire to be happy. Don''t you want to be happy with me?" Eilna ask.


    "I do¡ªI don''t know how you can be so brave and wonderful," Nesto said.


    "It''s because I have you," Eilna said, biting her lower lips slightly.


    "I love you," Nesto said.


    "I love you too," Eilna said.


    Everything went like a blur. Eilna cold lifeless body on his arm. The sound of thunder shakes the very mountain they are on. Pain, regret, guilt, anger and most of all the overwhelming feeling of sorrow. After that, Nesto opens his five gates ''Expeluno'' and lashed out.


    Great silver fire burn his enemy, he chases all them down the mountain path and when he was about to head to the Weyshers castle on his own to burn it down. The thought of Eilna stopped him.


    He remembers the shaking hands and the coughing blood after he pushed himself over the limit. He places his hand on his head and tightly holds it together as his brain throb almost as if it was about to explode. He sobs furiously that day as he falls to his knee.


    Nesto screams his heart out while surrounded by the burning corpse of his enemy.


    He looks back at the path behind him. He realizes that he needs to head back, he needs to bring her body back home and buried her.


    *


    The sound of snapping finger snapped Nesto back to reality, He looks at Ariamnes hand, there it was Eilna saber. A single tear ran down his cheeks as he gazes at the beautiful sword.


    "Nesto?" Neya tugged down Nesto shirt to grab his attention.


    Nesto sniffs his nose and wipes the tear off his cheeks. He looks down at Neya standing beside him.


    "I''m fine. It''s nothing just a dust float into my eyes," Nesto reassure Neya that he is fine.


    "As I said before, we found girl clothes wrapped in paper at the site, It might belong to you," Ariamnes said and look at Nesto hands.


    Nesto looks down at his hand and saw Neya cloth wrapped in paper.


    "Nesto, I know it tough, but you need this saber now more than ever," Ariamnes said.


    "Nesto are you okay?" Neya asks again.


    Nesto gaze went to Neya face and remember the coming battle he might need to face. Ariamnes id right he needs a weapon, Nesto push aside his feeling and took the sabers off Ariamnes hands.


    "Your right," Nesto said to Ariamnes then he pats Neya heads; "Don''t worry, I just amazed by the beautiful saber."


    Neya was not convinced by Nesto words, she might need to investigate more into it, but for now, she needs to lay off the question. Neya smiles and nods her head to Nesto words.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "Do you need any coins? I can offer you some," Ariamnes offer.


    "We are good, you already did so much for us. Thank you," Nesto said, bowing his head slightly.


    "Thank you, Prince Ariamnes," Neya said.


    "No, thank you, Princess Neya. May our alliance last for a thousand years," Ariamnes said.


    Ariamnes took out something from his pocket. "And good luck to you, my brother," Ariamnes said, and he throws something to Nesto.


    Nesto catches it in mid-air and opens his hand; revealing a Vignil family crest.


    "You need it, the guards in this city can be a bit difficult. Use it to your heart content," Ariamnes said, then he turns his back and walks away while waving his hand slightly.


    The guard closed the metal gate to the castle as Ariamnes walk back inside and head toward the castle.


    "Where we should head first?" Nesto ask.


    "Home, I need to clean up," Neya said.


    "Home it is," Nesto said.


    They both head toward the city gates while walking side by side. Arriving at the gate, Nesto only need to show the guard the Vignil crest and easily the guard at the checkpoint let him and Neya through.


    It doesn''t take long for Nesto to guide Neya back to the house. After they both clean themselves separately. Nesto did offer Neya to help with washing her body, but Neya cheeks suddenly grow red and demanded that she bathe alone at the river.


    After they finish cleaning themselves, Nesto and Neya went back home. Nesto pack all the stuff he needs to travel, such as pan and pot. He also packs some cloth to wear and the ax that hehas been keeping.


    With a heavy pack on Nesto back, they both head to the city gate. After entering back to the city, Nesto and Neya went to merchants street trying to find a transport that can bring them to the Academy. Arriving at the merchants street, Nesto found caravan getting ready to move. Nesto walks to one of the merchants while Neya stays behind.


    "Afternoon, Sir," Nesto greets the elf Merchant.


    The merchant turned his head to look at Nesto with a smile, but when he saw who it was; his smile turned to a disappointed look.


    The merchant''s sigh, "it''s one of you people. Look, if you want to ride, you have to pay."


    "Excuse me?" Nesto said.


    "You are wasting my time. If you don''t have money, you can''t ride with us," The merchant said and turn his back on Nesto.


    Nesto walks back to Neya. She is staring at the caravan while her hand is shaking and a few sweats running down her forehead. Nesto taps her shoulder with his finger, snapping her back to reality.


    "Are you okay, Miss Neya?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m fine," Neya said then she gulped down her own saliva.


    "You don''t have to force yourself to ride with other strangers," Nesto said.


    "I can do it. I can ride with other people," Neya said with uncertainty clearly on her face.


    "May I speak my mind?" Nesto eyes.


    "You may," Neya permitted.


    "You know what, I don''t want to ride with other people, they are so disgusting and boring, and smelly. " Nesto said while making multiple gestures with his hand to amuse Neya.


    Neya smile when she looks at Nesto acting, but her smile turns into a small frown again.


    "But it''s the only way to get there," Neya said.


    "No, it''s not. We can buy our wagon!" Nesto said excitedly.


    "What?" Neya said confuse by Nesto words.


    "Wait here," Neya watch as Nesto went back to the merchant. He said something to him, the merchant''s face turn to a frown and show confusion. Then Nesto shows him a bag of coins and his face suddenly light up with joy. He gestures Nesto to follow him, then Nesto gesture to Neya to follow him.


    Neya follows Nesto to a warehouse when the merchant opens the big sliding door. Neya face light up in joy when she saw the medium size wagon with a curved green roof on top of it sitting inside on the warehouse, collecting dust.


    "This is one of my unused Wagon, I didn''t use it anymore because it was made for traveling not transporting stuff. It should fit about four people in it," The merchant said while dusting off the dust.


    Neya examines the wagon, it got a window on each side and a single door at the back. It also got two lantern holders, one at the front of the wagon for lighting up the way and another inside of the wagon.


    Neya took a seat at the front of the wagon when she looks back. She notices an archway that leads inside with green curtain hanging at the archway for privacy.


    "You only need one horse to pull the wagon," The merchant said.


    "Can you provide a horse for the wagon?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes I can, I have few spare horses in the back," The merchant said.


    Nesto smile when he saw Neya happy and joyful face as she checks the wagon. He then turns to look at the merchant with a determined face.


    "I''ll take it," Nesto said.


    "50 gold coins including the horse," the merchant said, Nesto easily paid the merchant.


    The merchant took the money. "I''ll go fetch the horse," He said then went to the back.


    "Miss Neya, we are riding to the Academy on this" Nesto said.


    "Are you sure?" Neya said poking her head out of the archway.


    "Yep, just us both and a horse," Nesto said.


    "Thank you, thank you, Thank you, Nesto!" Neya said excitedly.


    The merchants come back with a black horse and attached it to the wagon. Nesto went inside of the wagon begins unpacking the stuff and remove the dust. He hangs pot and pan at the small hook in the wagon and makes the place more comfortable.


    Nesto also buys a couple sleeping bag for the roads from the merchant. Then Neya and Nesto went around the street, buying stuff that they need for the road. Nesto mostly bought cooking equipment and ingredients.


    Nesto also gave Neya some coins, so she could buy the thing that she wants. She bought a fairy tale book and a few educational books. She also bought some kind of lace cloth.


    "Miss Neya, may I ask, what did you buy?" Nesto said while gesturing to the clothing that she bought.


    Neya cheeks and ears blush red of embarrassment while averting her gaze from Nesto. "It''s for my lady part... It''s PErsoNAL!!" Neya shouts before dashing toward the wagon.


    Confusion filled Nesto head then something click inside his head, "Ohh, I shouldn''t ask," Nesto said to himself.


    After a few moments of settling in, Nesto grabs the reins and flick it. The horse shakes his head and starts walking, pulling the wagon with it. The horse hoof clack on the stone road while the wheel turning. Nesto leads the horse toward the direction of the city gate.


    The wagon passed the city gate. The guard that recognize Nesto, nod his head in recognition. Neya looks through the archway and saw the open road. At moment, she realizes about the journey that she will be making and the freedom that she always wanted.


    She cheers her heart out at the open road, celebrating her freedom. Nesto smiles as he held the reins in his hand and looks toward the open road while Neya celebrates behind him.

 Chapter 21: Steaks.

    "Miss Neya, we are entering the border of Sezzopon," Nesto calling out to Neya in the back.


    Neya places down her book and walks to the front of the wagon. She peeks her head out between the green curtain hanging in the archway. Her eyes went wide when she saw the vast farm field around the path.


    "Wow, there are so many foods growing here," Neya mutter to herself.


    "Sezzopon actually has the largest farm field in the continent. The townsfolk grow many types of crops here, such as corn, rice, wheat, and many more. It''s also where Targia main city gets its main source of food from, well that''s just obvious really," Nesto explain.


    "I have never seen this massive amount of farm field before, How they even maintain this large farm field?" Neya ask.


    "From what I know, the main workforce here is the slave, but now since slaves are illegal. I don''t know who maintains it, maybe we can find out when we enter the town," Nesto answers.


    Neya steps out from the archway and sat right next to Nesto. She smiles as she gazes into the distance, taking in the beautiful view.


    "Miss Neya, do you know that the queen actually personally oversee this town," Nesto said.


    "Oversee?" Neya said aloud.


    "The Queen of Targia actually make this town even more prosperous by introducing many new farming practices. For example, four field crop rotation," Nesto said.


    "Oh, I just read about it in the books I buy. The rotation helps to keep the soil healthy and have more option on what to grow," Neya said.


    "That''s right. Hm, that''s what you been reading in the back," Nesto said.


    Neya turned to look at Nesto face with a pouted mouth, "I know, I shouldn''t be reading too much. Instead, I should focus on perfecting my etiquette. That''s what the head maid used to say to me when I was still living in the castle, so you don''t have to remind me" Neya said.


    "No, what I was about to say is. Miss Neya, I don''t mind if you want to spend time reading any kind of book, just make sure you don''t forget to eat or sleep," Nesto said.


    "Are you sure?" Neya asks excitedly.


    "Yes," Nesto replied.


    Neya lifts her hands up in the air with joyful intent.


    "You remind of Zelstine. A little girl that I once served, she is just like you. She loves reading books, one day I''m going to introduce you to her. Maybe you both would become friends," Nesto said.


    "Friend... I don''t know if I can make any," Neya murmur.


    "Be confidence, Miss Neya. Even you can find good friends in this world," Nesto reassure her.


    A smile crept on Neya faces when she heard Nesto words.


    "The Queen huh? Prince Ariamnes said you were adopted by the Queen when you were a child, do you know who your parents are?" Neya ask.


    "I don''t know who my parents are, I wasn''t raised by them," Nesto answers.


    "Who raised you?" Neya ask.


    "I was raised in a gladiator house by a woman name, Adosinda," Nesto answers.


    "Is Adosinda your master?" Neya ask.


    "No, she was a human gladiator," Nesto answers.


    "Where is she now?" Neya ask.


    "I have no idea, probably somewhere in a pub," Nesto said as a smile from with his lips while he reminisces about the rough woman.


    After Nesto answers Neya question, the atmosphere turns to silence again, well not completely silent. It''s a good silent with sounds of nature surrounding them both. Neya rock back and forth before stopping when she remembers something.


    "I have only heard stories about the late Queen Madeleine," Neya said.


    "Interesting, please continue," Nesto ask.


    "I heard that Queen Madeleine is one of the greatest magic users in Arorona, and she quite the powerful and smart elven woman," Neya said.


    "All that is true, but what you didn''t know was, she is a kind woman, a little eccentric and a bit goofy," Nesto said.


    "She is also one of most ambitious woman I know, always strive to make the world a better place," Nesto continues.


    "It sounds like, you really look up to her," Neya said.


    "I do, Miss Neya. She was more than a foster mother, she was my teacher and mentor," Nesto said.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    All that talk between Nesto and Neya help to past the time before they realized that they are entering the town. Nesto looks around the town and was surprised by the harmony between elves and humans living here. They look as if they have been living with each other for a long time, there are many happy faces here.


    Nesto waves as at one of the townsfolk after themselves greet both of them with waving their hand at him. Then another one wave at us, it not just human, elves too.


    Nesto leads the horse to somewhere he can stop. He then gets off the seats after the horse has fully stopped and tied it reins to a pole. Neya jumps off the wagon with a smile on her face.


    "Miss Neya, do you want to stay in the Inn tonight?" Nesto ask.


    "Hmm... Do we have another option?" Neya ask.


    "We do, we can sleep in the wagon tonight and I can cook us dinner," Nesto answers.


    "I want to sleep in the wagon tonight," Neya said.


    "As you wish, Miss Neya. Then we should head to a general store, so I can buy ingredients for tonight''s dinner," Nesto said.


    "Let''s go!" Neya said excitedly.


    Nesto and Neya walk to the nearest store after they saw the general store sign hanging outside of the doorway. Many citizens, elves and human greet them both when they walk pass by them. Nesto waves at the passerby, but Neya was wary of them, she keeps her distance close to Nesto while they walk to the store.


    They both enter the store and immediately greet by the store clerk.


    "Welcome to my store, how can I help you?" The clerk said.


    "I''m looking for these ingredients," Nesto said then he places the list of ingredients on the counter.


    "We have all the ingredients you want, let me fetch it," The clerk said then turning his back on Nesto.


    The clerk begins to search the cabinet for the ingredients Nesto requested. Neya steps closer to Nesto side then she bumps her elbow to Nesto arms. Nesto looks down at his side and sees Neya gestures her head toward the clerk.


    Nesto turns his head to the clerk. "May I ask since the new law has been established, why is this town seem unaffected by it," Nesto asks the clerk.


    "Oh, we do go get a lot of that kind of question from the folk who pass by here," The clerk said.


    "I''m sorry for asking," Nesto apologizes.


    "Don''t worry about it. I''m glad to answer that kind of question. It mainly thanks to the late queen Madeleine, she has been a great inspiration to us. When she brought the human here, the first advice she gave us is to treat them equally," The clerk explains while still searching for the ingredients.


    "Of course. At first, we had a few problems adjusting to it, but as the time went by. We manage to make it work and because of that nothing really changes after the new law was announced. The human and the elves still live here. In fact, we received a new huge amount of people who want to live here and help out the community," The clerk continues.


    "And you welcome them?" Nesto ask.


    "Everyone is welcome here, it would a disrespect to the late queen vision if we don''t," The clerk replied.


    "I can''t believe such harmony is possible," Neya let out.


    "In the end, people just want to live their life peacefully. Ok, I have packed all the ingredients you need in this paper wrap," The clerk said as he places the items on the counter.


    Nesto pays the clerk then he takes the items.


    "Thank you for coming by my store and feel free to come by anytime you want," The clerk said.


    Nesto and Neya wave their hand at the clerk as they both walk to the door with the items. When they reach the street, Neya stops walking and looks around her. Nesto also stops walking and turns to looks at Neya. She saw the smiling face of the people around her. She knows that if one them touch her, her body would react violently, but there is a feeling of wanting to be a part of them inside her heart.


    Wanting to be happy, and live without fear. Maybe one day she could be normal, but for now, she needs to overcome her fears first.


    "Miss Neya?" Nesto called to her.


    Neya smile when she looks at Nesto because she knows that she wouldn''t be alone when she confronts those fears.


    "I''m coming!" Neya skips to Nesto side and both of them continue walking to the wagon.


    *


    Nesto stops the wagon just outside of the town, nears the woods. Nesto begins to light the makeshift fireplace he made from earlier. The fire roar and Nesto begin cooking some water first. While he prepares the ingredients, Neya jumps down from the wagon and walk to the woods.


    "Where are you going, Miss Neya?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m going to, Mhm. Number one," Neya replied as she walks to the woods.


    "Please be careful, just shout when you need anything," Nesto said.


    Passing through the thick bushes in front of her, Neya finds a spot where she can relieve herself in peace. After relieving herself, she cleans herself up and pulls up her undergarments. In the dark woods in front of her, a glimmer of blue light catches Neya attention.


    Neya stands up and walks toward the blue light when she finally gets close to it. She was amazed to see a real-life fairy hovering in the air and circling around her. Its just likes what the fairy tale book describes it, a tiny elf with a pair of see-through butterflies wings while emitting a blue light around its body.


    She hovers her open hand in the air, letting the fairy to land on it. Neya smile when the fairy happily rolls on her hands. The fairy flew away when a loud rustle can be heard from one of the bushes near Neya. She turns her head toward the direction of the noise.


    A snout pop out from the bushes and on the snouts, two pointed tusks. Neya slowly backs away from the animal. When the animal finally revealed itself, a black boar with a high Mohawk running down from its head to its tail. It''s lower it snout and growl toward Neya.


    Neya quickly took off toward the direction of the wagon, while the boar charge after her.


    "Nesto helps!!" Neya screams with her heart out.


    Seemingly out of nowhere, Nesto appears with an ax on his hand, his swing the ax downward. The blade touches the boar neck, wedging the skin apart and cutting the head off from the body.


    The boar crashed its body on the ground, stopping its charge. The boar heads roll forward until it stops when the momentum is gone. Neya stop her run and try to catch her breath.


    "Guess we having steak tonight," Nesto said.


    It took Nesto time to prepare the dead boar back at the wagon, but after cutting the meat apart and removing the fat. He got a nice chunk of meat that he can use. He grills the meat, putting a few grains of salt and black pepper on the meat.


    The smell of the grilled meat begins to hover in the air and linger under Neya nose. Neya almost drools when the smell hit her nose, her stomach growl loudly. Nesto let out a short laugh when he heard the stomach growl coming from Neya.


    "Dinner is served, are you ready to eat?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes!!" Neya cheers.


    Nesto served the grilled meat with a fresh cabbage leaf on the side on a plate and a cup of tea. Neya sniffs the delicious smell before eating it.


    "It''s hot, you should blow on it before eating," Nesto advice.


    She stuck her tongue out when the hot meat burns the tip of her tongue.


    "I told you," Nesto said.


    Neya fans her burn tongue with her free hand, Nesto stands up and grab a sprinkle of sugar from one of the ingredients bags.


    "Stuck your tongue out even more," Nesto order, Neya stuck her tongue.


    Nesto sprinkles the grain of sugar on the burnt tongue. Neya felt the pain slowly dissipate as the sugar melt on her tongue. They both enjoy the dinner together and slept in the wagon for the night.

 Chapter 22: Sandwich.

    The wagon trembles and stir causing Neya to wake up. She wipes her eyes gently with her right hand and yawn before opening her eyelids. When she opened her eyes, Nesto was nowhere to be seen, but there is a plate of sandwich just across where she laid.


    She looks toward the archway curtains, and saw Nesto between the small gap, sitting at the front while holding the reins. Neya crawl to the sandwich, she wipes her eyes for the final time before grabbing the sandwich and starts to nibble on it.


    Neya stumbles to the front while nibbling on the sandwich, she divides the curtain as she passed through it, and sit beside Nesto. Her gaze went to Nesto; she found that Nesto is staring into space with a blank expression. She waited for Nesto to notice her, but he kept on staring at the roads.


    Neya looks at the road wondering what it is that grabs Nesto attention so much, but she couldn''t see anything in the fog surrounding them. Neya thought that maybe he just focusing on the path that the horse walk.


    She then lowers her sandwich and called out to him.


    "Nesto?"


    Nesto blinks his eyes in rapid succession then his gaze went to Neya.


    "Morning, Miss Neya," Nesto greets as if nothing had happened.


    "Nesto, are you okay?" Neya ask.


    "I''m fine, my mind was occupied earlier," Nesto assure her.


    "If you say so. Where are we?" Neya ask.


    A town sign reveals itself in the fog as the wagon as the wagon getting close to their destination.


    "We are near Tinevic. The village located near the mountain range," Nesto answers.


    "Why is there so much fog around us?" Neya ask.


    "It has always been like this. Every dawn, the path to the village is enclosed by a fog," Nesto explain.


    "Nesto, are you sure you''re okay?" Neya asks again while her worried gaze went to him.


    "I''m..." Nesto let out a short sigh.


    "It just this place bring back memories," Nesto said.


    "Is it bad memories?" Neya ask.


    There are a few moments of silence before Nesto answer the question. In that few moments of silence, Nesto gaze was restless as he thinks about Eilna.


    "Not quite," Nesto answers.


    "Do you want to talk about it?" Neya ask.


    "No... I mean, I don''t know," Nesto answers.


    "It''s okay if you don''t want to talk about it," Neya said then she places one of her free hand gently on Nesto arms.


    Nesto gaze went to the small hand on top of his arm, "thank you, Miss Neya."


    Neya has never seen Nesto like these before, the other time that she saw him like this is back in the city when the prince gave that beautiful saber to him. Maybe the saber has something to do with this town, Neya thought, but she wouldn''t dare to ask, she was afraid Nesto would hate her if she invades his privacy.


    Neya continues nibbling on the delicious sandwich. The ride to the Tinevic was in complete silence, Nesto was completely distracted by his thought.


    The village was smaller than Neya has thought, there is only a few small wooden houses scatter and one general store. There is barely any elf or human walking around. An elf holding a bouquet of flowers waves at them both with one of his hand as he stands beside the roads.


    Nesto stops the wagon beside the elf; the elf tips his hat before speaking.


    "Sir Nesto, I didn''t realize you were coming today. Isn''t the anniversary another couple of months from now?" The elf said.


    "It is. It just I need to see her now because in the next few months I will be busy with something else, that prevents me from visiting her," Nesto said.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ''Her?'' Neya trying to figure out who is Nesto talking about.


    "Do you still want me to take care of her?" The elf asks.


    "Yes, I will send coins like always every month. Thank you for taking care of her," Nesto said as he bows his head.


    "No need to bow your head to me, sir. If it weren''t for you and your friends, this town would probably be gone," The elf said.


    "It at least I can do to repay you after what you been through for us," The elf said.


    "Since you will be visiting her. Here you will need these," The elf give the bouquet of flower to Nesto.


    Neya examines the bouquet and was surprised to see the same blue flower that Nesto pick back at his home.


    "Claryfair," Nesto mutters under his breath. Neya heard Nesto words.


    "It''s her favorite, just like you told me," The elf said.


    "Thank you again," Nesto said.


    "No problem, sir," The elf said.


    "Good day sir," The elf says before leaving the wagon side.


    Nesto wiggles the reins slightly and the horse walks again pulling the wagon with it. Neya kept on staring at the flower, she remembers crushing the flower under a table back at Nesto house. A feeling of guilt rises in her heart as she stares at the flowers.


    "Nesto... I''m sorry," Neya apologizes.


    "Why are you apologizing?" Nesto ask.


    "I didn''t know that the flower means a lot to you, I accidentally crushed it from my outburst back at the house," Neya explains.


    "It''s not your fault," Nesto said.


    "But still..." Neya was surprised when Nesto places a hand on top of her heads and pat her.


    "It''s fine, Miss Neya. Stop thinking about it, okay?" Nesto said.


    Neya nod her head while feeling the warm hand on top of her heads.


    The fog has slowly disappeared, revealing a massive cemetery on both sides of the roads. Nesto moves his hand away from Neya head and grabs the reins again. Neya was surprised to see the massive amount of grave in the cemetery.


    She looks closely on the tombstone and realizes that it''s not a regular cemetery. It''s a military cemetery because of the sword shape tombstone on the grave. Neya also realizes that all of the graves are marked by a sword shape tombstone.


    "Nesto, who is the people that are buried here?" Neya ask.


    "Soldiers, generals, military personnel that die in the war," Nesto answers.


    Does that mean ''her'' was once a soldier? Neya thought. Neya heart droops down deeper into her guts when she realizes that her father is the cause of death for many that who is buried here including the one that Nesto cared.


    "My father..." Neya was interrupted.


    "Your father mistake is his, not yours. Don''t make it become yours," Nesto said.


    "But still all this people death. I could have tried to change it. I could have pleaded my father to stop," Neya said as she lowers her heads.


    "You were a kid, you didn''t know better and even if you know; there is nothing you can do to change it," Nesto said.


    Neya looks away from Nesto. She knows that Nesto is trying to comfort her, but the guilt of these people death still cling to her heart because while all of these people died fighting. She was leisurely spending her time in the castle without any care of the world.


    The ride was showered by guilt and regret for both of them.


    Nesto stops the pull the reins stopping the horse and wagon near a small hill with a single tree on it. Neya looks at the hill, she felt calm and refresh as if the guilt from before has disappeared. When she looks at Nesto, she also sees a gentle smile on his face while he gazes at the hill.


    "Are we here?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, come on. She would be glad to meet you," Nesto said as he climbs down the wagon while carrying the bouquet in his hands.


    Neya also climbs down and follow Nesto to the hill. They both walk up the small hill, side by side. When Neya arrives at the tree, It was what Neya expected; a grave with a name on it.


    ''Eilna Liatris''


    "Hello. I know It''s has been a long time since I came to visit, but here I am and I bring someone else with me, you are going to love her," Nesto said.


    Neya looks at the well maintain tombstone, "My name is Neya Nimmith, Nesto is currently taking care of me, It nice to meet you," Neya said.


    Nesto gently places the bouquet of flower in front of the tombstone.


    "Eilna was a part of my soul. We had promised each other that we will get married after the war, but she passed away before we could," Nesto said.


    "She loves kids, she couldn''t wait to have her own. If she was here she would probably spoil you so much," Nesto said while smiling.


    "How did she died?" Neya ask.


    "In a battle, while trying to save my life," Nesto said.


    Nesto drops to his knee, and place his hand on his forehead while trying to hold back the tears behind his eyes.


    "It should have been me," Nesto mutter.


    Neya looks at the broken man on his knee beside her. This man has comfort her so many times, it now her time to do it. She digs her fingers into her palms before speaking.


    "I-I don''t think that she would want you to be sad. I think that she would want you to live a happy life," Neya said.


    Nesto lifted his chin up when she hears Neya words, "But how could I live a happy life without her?"


    "You have too because that is my order. As you master, I want you to live a happy fulfilling life," Neya said.


    "I don''t..." Nesto sighs then a smile form on his lips.


    "As you wish my master," Nesto said.


    Then suddenly, he felt her master arms wrapped around on top of his collarbone. Neya was hugging Nesto from behind, she wanted to ease the pain of the only person she cared about.


    A single tear flow down Nesto cheek.


    "Please don''t be sad Nesto," Neya plead.


    "If you weren''t alive today, I would have never met you and I wouldn''t have somebody that save me. If that happens, I would have died in that smelly dark alley alone and cold," Neya said.


    "I need you Nesto," Neya said.


    "Miss Neya?" Nesto said.


    "Yes?"


    "I''m yours till death do us part," Nesto said.


    Neya embrace became tighter when she heard Nesto words.


    Neya was happy to hear those words, She had someone that she could trust again and would never betray her. He was something that couldn''t be replaced if he was gone she would be lost and probably died somewhere in a ditch.


    Nesto resolve planted even deeper, he would serve this girl forever and won''t let anything to hurt her because she is the reason on why he lives now. He would lay his life for her if it means to save her.


    The tree rustles as the breeze brush against the leaves. They would continue their journey to the Baxorth Academy.

 Chapter 23: Lilia.

    Lilia woke up to an unfamiliar extravagant room. A bed so expensive she only has seen it in a castle and the wooden furniture with a carving of beautiful flowers. She looks down to her ample chest and found that she is wearing what looks like a white nightgown.


    She took a couple steps backward and slip off the balcony behind her. She screams as she falls from the balcony. Her green curly hair is all over her face because of the wind pushing it from below.


    Lilia quickly closes her eyes waiting for the inevitable to happen. When she suddenly landed on someone else arms.


    "I have never seen someone fall for me this hard," Lilia heard the gentle voice of a man.


    She opens her eyes to a handsome man with short hair and a gold crown sat on his head. Lilia''s cheeks blush when the handsome man smile at her while gazing into her eyes. She looks away and notices that they both are on top of a white horse.


    "Is this a dream?" Lilia ask.


    "It can be whatever you want, my beautiful flower," The man said.


    He then leans in for a kiss, Lilia begins to panic and blush even harder. Her arms flail in front of the man face and causing him to drop her. Her head hit the ground hard that cause her to open her eyes again. When she opened her eyes, she was back in her dorm bedroom and everything else that happened earlier was just a dream.


    She looks up at the wooden ceiling above her then her eyes went to the empty top bunk of her bed and grunts. Her legs are still on the bed while the entire upper part of her body is on the floor. She really hit the floor hard this time. It''s not the first time she had this kind of dream, but it is rare. Especially since she been studying at Baxorth Academy.


    A sudden flash of the handsome man lips in her mind causes her cheeks to blush again. She shakes her lustful thought away and raised her upper body, so she could stand. Lilia looks at Digia''s empty bed and didn''t see any sign of her sleeping on it last night.


    Digia must have slept at the club room again; Lilia thought. She let out a sigh and walk to the three small potted plants sitting on the window stool that she been growing in her room.


    "Good mornings, you three," she said to her potted plants.


    With a smile on her face, she went to her bathroom and clean her self up. When she comes out from her bathroom, her attires change from a nightgown to her academy uniform. Lilia left her dorm room and head down the hallways. The beautiful hallways with windows lining up on the opposite side of the rooms. She walks toward the cafeteria with her notebook in her hands.


    While she was walking down the hallways, she was met by a few stares from the other elf. They whispered to each other and giggling while glancing at Lilia. She hunched her head forward a bit, trying to avoid the stare of the other elf.


    The stare and giggle are common things that happen to Lilia occasionally. It is because of her history in the past, the event that shaped her life and gives her quite of reputation among the other young elf in the academy. Lilia couldn''t help but hear the whispered from the two elves.


    "I don''t know how she slept at night after what she did."


    "She is the one that kills her own parents right?"


    "Yep, my father said she burned her manor down because she didn''t get what she wants."


    The rumor is obviously blown out of proportion from the truth, her parents did die in a fire, but it was not her fault. Despite the anger rise in her heart, she remembers her foster mother words.


    ''They are just words, it has no power as long as you ignore it''


    Lilia took in a long breath and straighten her torso. She kept on walking to the cafeteria with her pride in her heart. Upon arriving at the cafeteria, her eyes were greeted by the massive amount of elf and satyr students. The cafeteria is a familiar scene to her, the table that is long and can be fit by six people.


    The beautiful hanging chandelier at the ceiling and the well-kept plants that always fill Lilia heart with joy when she looks at it.


    The academy students are mainly filled by these two race, but not just any commoner elf of satyr can attend the academy. You need a massive amount of wealth and reputation to be able to attend here. So the students here is mainly the sons and daughter of a wealthy merchant or nobles.


    Lilia walk passes the elf butler and a couple elf maid to reach the cafeteria serving counters to grab a tray of breakfast to start the day off. She brings the tray of food to an empty table and sat alone while enjoying her breakfast. While she was enjoying her food, her eyes glance at the other elf student with servants serving them their foods.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Lilia has blur memory of her butler, but what she remembers is he always served her the same cake when she was alone back when she still lives in the manor. But that was memories that exist before the fire. Her butler is gone now, she breathes in the air to and shakes the depressing thought away.


    She finishes her breakfast and went to her apothecary class. She sat in her chairs and listen to the lecture with focus.


    "Today, we are discussing the use of poison, you first row on the right, tell me what is poison used for?" The professor asks.


    "Killing people?" the student that was called answer the professor question.


    "Yes, that right. One of the uses of poison is to do harm to other living beings, but that is a crude way of using poison. Poison in some way is medicine if used properly and in a correct way. It has a wide variety of advantage and disadvantage to the body of living beings when used." the professor explains.


    "Poison is medicine? But medicine doesn''t kill people," one of the students said.


    "You are actually wrong, medicine, if used in a higher dose, can kill a living being. Anything that is used in excess dose can kill for example food, water, mana and many more," The professor explained.


    The students begin to write down what the professor has explained. The lecture continues and the banter between the student and the professor grow until the class end. Lilia had fun listening to the banter between the students and professor, it''s where she truly learns about the subject.


    "Okay students, remember to study for the test that''s coming in next week and please be careful during the one moon dance that is happening in the ballroom in two days," the professor said before leaving the classroom.


    Lilia packs up her notebook and heads out of the classroom. She takes a couple moment on where she should head to next. Whether it''s her garden or the club room, she let out a smile and head to the club room to see Digia.


    She walks to her club room which located on the third floor of the building just above the classroom. Lilia knocks on the door before opening, the first thing she sees is the short brown hair satyr resting her head on the table.


    "Digia?" She calls to the satyr.


    Digia moans while her heads turn to look at Lilia; turning her head cause the blueprints on the table to fall on the floors.


    "Mornings, Lilia" Digia yawn.


    Lilia smiles and walks past by the machine and contraption laying on the floor to her plants on the window stool. Arriving at the window, she opens it; letting in fresh morning air into the room.


    "Lilia....?" Digia calls out to her.


    Lilia turns her head to look at Digia with her eyebrow raised.


    "I finally did it!" Digia shouts excitedly which cause Lilia body to tense out.


    "I did it! I manage to turn the three sentence rune into one sentence," Digia said while showing the scroll in her hands.


    "Isn''t that a magic scroll?" Lilia ask.


    "It''s not just any magic scroll, it''s a one sentence magic scroll rather than three sentences long," Digia explains.


    "You keep on telling me that it''s one sentence, but I still don''t get it," Lilia said then she grabs the water sprayer on the floor; right next to her feet and start watering her plants.


    "Okay, okay, let me explain so you common folk can understand it," Digia said but immediately apologize when Lilia glare at her.


    "Geez... I was just joking." Digia said while Lilia continues to water her plants.


    "We learn in class that rune magic is still barely new, right?" Digia asks, Lilia replied by nodding her heads.


    "The rule of rune magic is the rune must be written with mana flowing into them and it must be written with three logic sentences. Which takes a lot of times to make, but what I did is shortened the process to make a more efficient way of creating a magic scroll," Digia explain.


    "The professor said that we shouldn''t carelessly change the fundamental because it could lead to a disaster effect," Lilia warned.


    "She said, he said. Look, Lilia, you have to understand if we don''t push the limit of the fundamental, we can''t change or make new progress in the study of magic," Digia explain.


    Lilia rolls her eyes, it not the first time that Digia went mad when it comes to a breakthrough in magic.


    "Ha ha ha, judge me now, will ya? Wait and see when my name is carved into history as the genius inventor!" Digia said after she stands up from the chair underneath her.


    Lilia still has a look that lacks confidence while looking at her friend. Digia pouted her lips and hold the scroll tighter in her hands.


    "I will prove it to you! This scroll contains simple wind magic, watch as I change the law of magic!" Digia claim.


    Digia holds the scroll up in the air and reveals its content. She then let the mana flows from her hand and into the scroll to activate it. Lilia watches the scroll closely and spots a small jumping electrical energy between the runes that shouldn''t happen.


    "Digia, throw the scroll!" Lilia warned.


    Digia has a worried look when her friend warned her, she throws the scroll up into the ceiling and the scroll explode with a blast of strong wind. The wind blast Digia and the stuff around it to the wall.


    Unfortunately for Lilia, the wind was too strong that it pushed her off the window. She was shocked when it happens that cause her entire body to freeze. Lilia heard her friend screaming her name from across the room.


    Lilia is falling to her death, but the realization hasn''t sunk in yet. Her life flashes before her eyes when it''s finally sunk in, she screams her heart out.


    She was about to die.


    When someone catches her in his arms, she looks at her savior and saw a handsome human with long silver hair tied in a ponytail. His green eyes gaze upon her face, her heart skips a beat when their gaze met. He wasn''t like the prince in her dream, but somehow she doesn''t care.


    The man let out a gentle smile.


    "I have never seen someone fall for me this hard," Nesto jest.


    That words cause Lilia cheeks to redden like a beet, she closes her eyes and waits for the kiss. She was snapped back to reality when Digia screams for her from the third-floor window.


    "Lilia are you okay?!" Digia shout.


    Lilia opens her eyes and saw Nesto eyebrow raised when he looks at her. Lilia faces change to embarrassment when she realizes that this is not the dreams.


    "Put her down, Nesto" A girl right next to Nesto order.


    Nesto gently lowers the girl down, so she could stand on her legs. Lilia looks at the ginger-haired girl with a scar running on left eyes standing beside her savior. The girl frowns while slightly glaring at Lilia.


    Then she pouted as she starts to walk away from her, her savior follows the girl after nodding his head in a gesture of goodbye to Lilia. She gazes at her savior as he walks away from her, she then places a hand on her chest and felt her heart pumping so hard that it might explode.


    "Nesto," Lilia mutter his savior name.

 Chapter 24: Rope.

    Nesto keeps on grinning at the event transpires earlier. He is amused at the circumstance of the accident. If he was not there at that precise moment, that elf girl could have died of the third stories fall. That green hair girl certainly has Yana bless on her side.


    Neya notice Nesto grin, annoyance rise in her heart causing her to elbow Nesto''s stomach. He glances at Neya with a look of surprise, noticing her pouting lips and furrow eyebrows on her forehead. Nesto is trying to figure out why is Neya in a bad mood.


    Nesto fastens his pace so he could reach Neya side.


    "May I ask, what is bothering you, Miss Neya. Is it the surrounding people around us?" Nesto ask.


    "Are you feeling uncomfortable?" Nesto worried.


    "No... It''s not the surrounding people that''s bothering me," Neya still pouting.


    "May I know, what is bothering you?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m not really sure, but there is something about the way that girl look at you that rubs me the wrong way," Neya answer.


    They both walk in the beautiful carve stone hallways, they pass by many doors on their left side. While on the right side a gorgeous glass windows that''s span the entire hallways. They could see the courtyard below from where they traverse. They both navigate the corridor by following the direction; that''s been given by the guards back at the academy gate.


    "Isn''t it beautiful here. The hallways, the students, and the well-maintained buildings," Nesto said.


    Nesto tries to distract Neya from her paranoid thoughts. He smiles when Neya starts to glance around her, admiring the well-made carving on the ceiling.


    "Aren''t you glad that you got to study here? If it were me, I would be excited about it," Nesto said in a cheery voice.


    "I guess..." Neya said in a gloomy manner.


    "What is wrongs?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m grateful that the prince is giving me the chance to study here, but I think it''s a waste of everybody time. I don''t see the point of me studying here," Neya said.


    "The point is to make you smarter by gathering knowledge here," Nesto said.


    "I could do that with just reading a book. Even if I gather all the knowledge here, what''s the point if I don''t have any goals or ambition to achieve," Neya said.


    "There is more than gathering knowledge here. You can make lifelong friends or even find someone to spend your life with. Don''t you worry about goals or ambitions because I have confidence that you will find something that you really want." Nesto said.


    "What if I want something bad?" Neya ask,


    "You won''t. Even if you do, I will steer you to the right path, but if you find something that is noble and make you happy. I will support you with all my heart." Nesto gently raises his fist to his chest to show his commitment to Neya.


    "You''re putting a lot of pressure on me," she looks up into the ceiling and looks back down.


    "I''m sorry, but I mean well," Nesto said.


    "I know," Neya said.


    The talk has helped to dismiss some of Neya bad mood, but while they are walking. Neya notices many stares coming only from the elf students, she examines the stare and found out that it''s not directed at her. She looks closely at the line of sight and realizes that they all are looking at Nesto.


    The stare was not malicious of any sort, but the stare is somewhat filled with curiosity and disbelief. It''s as if they have never seen a human before. Neya glance at Nesto, she notices that Nesto knows about the stare, but he simply ignoring it.


    "Nesto, why are they staring at you like that? It''s as if they never seen a human before," Neya ask.


    "Oh, that old thing. The answer is simple really," Nesto said.


    "I''m sorry for asking this, back when you still live in the castle, did you have ever seen a human as a maid or butler before?" Nesto ask.


    "Hmm, I never did any see human maid or butler in the castle," Neya answers.


    "That''s because humans have never given any position except for being a slave. A butler or maid position, especially in royals and nobles family, is usually given to an elf. Mostly because many elves believe that humans are inferior and a lower being similar to a cockroach," Nesto explains.


    "What? I don''t believe that." Neya answer quickly, denying Nesto explanation.


    "I know you don''t. I know there are people that don''t think that way, but there are people that think that way. I accept it because that is the truth of the world, nothing is truly good or truly bad," Nesto said.


    Neya mood change from annoyance, to gloomy, to nervous, and finally guilty. She knows what Nesto saying is true because she personally has seen the horrible treatment that the human receives. Neya also knows what it''s like to be treated like an insect.


    They both arrive at the administration office after a long walk. Before they enter the office, Neya knocks on the doors in which a male voice responds after hearing the knocks.


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


    Nesto opens the door, letting his master enter first and close the door behind him after he enters the rooms. Neya sees a young male elf with short black hair and a round glasses rest on the bridge of his nose. The elf stands across the room and overlooking the courtyard from the window. His black scholar robe flutters slightly when he walked to the chair and took a seat on it.


    "Who might you be?"


    Neya turns to look at Nesto then he nods his head at Neya; giving her courage. Neya looks back at the elf and walks closer to him until she reaches the desk that separates them.


    "Neya Nimmith," Neya said then took out a letter from her pocket and place it on the desk.


    "Nimmith... Interesting," The elf said.


    "I''m sorry for saying this, but aren''t you a little young to be a headmaster," Neya said with skepticism in her tone.


    The elf stands up from his chair and walks to the windows; he then proceeds to open it.


    "Looks can be deceiving," The elf said before looking down at the courtyard.


    The door behind Neya and Nesto opens, revealing an old bearded satyr wearing the same robe as the elf. He walks in and surprised to see the people in the office. The satyr''s eyes glance at the elf near the windows, his eyes immediately furrow in anger.


    "Kinnith, how many times do I tell you to stop wearing my robe and pretending to be me!" The satyr yell at the elf.


    Kinnith smile before grabbing what it seems to be a hidden rope outside of the windows.


    "I couldn''t help myself, I''m curious to meet the new student," Kinnith said while winking his left eye at Neya.


    "Get your ass back to your class, immediately!" The satyr orders.


    "See you later," Kinnith said after grabbing the rope and jump out the window.


    Kinnith rappels down to the courtyard; Neya eyes widened to see Kinnith jump out the window without no fear at all. The old satyr sigh and shake his head while walking toward his chair. The satyr sat on his chair and turn to look at the elf girl in front of him.


    "My name is Grok. I''m the headmaster here, what you just saw earlier is one of my students and adopted son, Kinnith. I apologize in advance if he bothers you in any way," Grok said.


    "Um, My name is Neya Nimmith. I''m here to attend the school," Neya introduced herself again.


    "Nimmith? Isn''t that the queen of Weyshers family name?" Grok ask.


    "Yes," Neya answer.


    "But isn''t her daughter been dead for several years now?" Grok said.


    "It''s complicated, I don''t want to talk about it. If you may please read the letter on the desk," Neya said.


    Nesto notices Neya fingers digging into her palms, and visibly shaking. Nesto was about to help her calm down by placing his hand on her shoulder, but he saw that Neya herself calm herself by breathing in the air into her lung.


    Grok took the letter on his desk, he opens it and proceeds to read it. A few moments of silence befall in the room before Grok place down the letter and spoke.


    "I understand the bare bone of it, but you do know that Baxorth academy is on neutral ground. We take no side here, and we don''t instigate any form of war or take part in it," Grok said.


    "For a prince of Targia to sent you here, I don''t know if it is an act of kindness or something else," Grok continue.


    "Do I get to attend here?" Neya ask.


    "If you be willing to follow the condition," Grok said.


    "What is the condition?" Neya ask.


    "First off, don''t use your family name, change it. I don''t want any trouble to rise in my students," Grok explain.


    "Second, you will be given three strikes, that''s mean if you cause any sort of trouble, a strike will be given. And if you collect all three, you will be expelled from the academy," Grok said.


    "Three is while you attend the class here, your past and also your ties to any kingdoms must be kept a secret from the other students," Grok said.


    "But I did tell my full name to that boy earlier," Neya said.


    "Don''t worry about Kinnith, he won''t tell anyone," Grok said.


    "Do you accept the condition?" Grok ask.


    Neya looks at Nesto for confirmation, Nesto gives her in a form of a nod. Neya looks back at Grok and nods her head; accepting the condition.


    "I know it''s hard to hide your past," Grok said while glancing at Nesto.


    "As long as you have your allies, you will be fine here," Grok said.


    Neya glance at Nesto and lay out a smile, she knows who is her ally here. She then turns her heads to look back at the satyr.


    "Come on then, let''s go. I will give you both a tour of the academy," Grok said after standing up from his chairs.


    *


    Targia Royal Castle.


    A bloated elf merchant enters the room with a frown on his face. He stomps his feet to the beautiful female elf sitting on the sofa while sipping the tea in the cup that''s in her hand. The beautiful, white, extravagant dress snug perfectly around the female elf waist and body.


    Her long dark purple is tied into a bun and gold crown rested on her head.


    "How dare you stole my cargo! Do you know how many coins you cost me!" The merchant said in anger.


    "I do in fact know how many coins that it cost you," The female elf said in a calm manner.


    "I don''t care if you are the princess of Targia. If you think for a single moment that what you did has no consequence, then you are wrong. I know about the other Elven kingdom is banding together against this kingdom. I will make sure this kingdom economy will go down the drain," the merchant threaten.


    The princess sigh then gently place her teacup on the table in front of her.


    "What arrogant man you are. I warn you to release the slaves that you been keeping in secret, but you still didn''t heed my warning," the Princess said.


    "And yet here we are, your the one that didn''t realize the consequence of your action," the Princess continued.


    "You have no proof that I have been keeping slaves in secret," the merchant said.


    "That''s where you are wrong. At this very moment, one of your secret warehouses is being ransacked by my guards," the princess said.


    "What secret warehouse?" The merchant pretends to have no idea what the princess is talking about.


    "The one by the docks, you think I didn''t know, I have been keeping my eye on your operation for a long time. Once my guards find the slaves you have been keeping, off to the dungeon you go," the princess


    "Let me remind you, I''m not some pampered princess that live in the castle," the princess stands up from the sofa and turn her body to face the merchant.


    She then looks down on the bloated merchant and grin, "I''m the freaking dragon, now bow before your princess."


    The merchant''s eyes widen in fear at the sight of the beast in front of him, his knee gives up causing him to fall to the floor on his knee. Then he lowers his head until it touches the floor in defeat.


    "Please don''t throw me to the dungeon, Princess Caretena. I will not cross you again," the merchant beg.


    "Oh, I know you won''t. If you ever cross me, I make sure there will be consequences that beyond your imagination. Now leave, you are bothering my tea time," Princess Caretena order in a calm voice.


    "Thank you, Princess," The merchants said then he leaves the room with sweats on his forehead.


    The close open and close after the merchant leave the room. Princess Caretena continues to sip on her tea then a small frown form on her lips after taking a seat on the sofa again.


    "It''s just not the same as the one he makes," Princess Caretena mutter.


    A maid barged into the room, bowing her head first then Princess Caretena raises her hand to the maid ordering her to speak up. The maid notices her hand raise and raises her head again.


    "Nesto was here princess, but Prince Ariamness has sent him to the academy with a girl," the maid convey the news.


    "What!? A girl!?" Princess Caretena broke the cup handle after she tightens the grip on it, causing the tea to spill on the floor.


    "Princess, your hand," The maid worried.


    "Pay no heed to it," Princess Caretena said then she takes out a napkin and wipe her hands.


    "Stupid Ariamness. Pack my bags, we are going to the Baxorth academy!" The princess ordered her maid.


    The maid quickly left the room, leaving the princess alone.


    "After three years of waiting, I will not let you escaped my grasp!" Princess Caretena exclaims and suddenly laugh maniacally.

 Chapter 25: Roommate.

    Out of nowhere, Nesto''s body shivers in his mind. He felt something really bad is coming for him that causes him to momentarily paused in the hallways. Neya notices and turns to look at Nesto, her left eyebrow raised in confusion. Grok also did the same thing by looking at him.


    "What is wrong, Nesto?" Neya ask.


    "Hm... I think I forgot something in the wagon," Nesto lies as to not worried his master.


    "Huh, that''s odd. I never thought you could forget something, what did you forget?" Neya ask.


    "I can''t seem to remember, it''s probably nothing. I''m getting old, I guess," Nesto said while shrugging his shoulder.


    "Oh, It happens to me twice a day. You can''t run from times, she will catch up to you no matter what," Grok said while stroking his beard.


    Neya looks at the old men that are standing around her with a smile on her face. She understands what they are saying, but she can''t relate to what they are feeling. Grok let out a laugh, so do Nesto after they look at the young elf girl between them.


    "Shall I continue then?" Grok ask.


    "You may," Neya answers.


    "As I was saying before, this academy is surrounded by mountain and the only way to reach this academy is the three valleys. The three valleys lead to the Halsworthy town located southeast from the academy, while Hardersfield town is at the west. And lastly, Tinevic village located northeast." Grok explain while they continue walking in the hallway.


    "We came from Tinevic village," Neya said.


    "Oh that path is safe to use, so do from the Halsworthy. The only path that I advised you do not use is the one that leads to Hardersfield," Grok warn.


    "Why? Is it dangerous?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, actually that path there always been covered by a thick fog, making visibility limited. And also we have a Wyvern infestation there," Grok explain.


    "Noted," Neya said.


    "Let''s continue on, as you can see the academy is surrounded by a wall and the only way to enter it is through the gate. We also have guards that patrol the wall from morning to night, making safety our top priority. Since our student mainly composes of many that are from a nobility family," Grok said.


    Nesto glances out of the window to the wall that surrounds the academy while they are walking. In his head, he is taking note of the vulnerability of the security here.


    "We also have a small town outside of the wall that accommodates certain needs of the student. I would advise you both to be careful when you are in the town, just in case, but there is nothing to be afraid of the town. It is rather safe, we have never had an accident in the past when the students are roaming around it," Grok said.


    "Now on the subject that you will be studying in the first semester," Grok said.


    Grok take out a schedule out of his pocket and hand it to Neya. Neya takes the schedule sheet and was a bit surprised by the amount of free time between class.


    "You will be studying all the basic subject for the first semester, such as magic study, history, self-defense course and many more. The subject is not overwhelming for me student and it''s not that hard to follow," Grok explain.


    "After the first semester, you will be able to pick on the subject that you wish to study," Grok continue.


    "Self-defence? I don''t see any place that can accommodate that kind activity," Neya ask.


    "We do indeed have that kind of area, it is located in the underground area. The academy consists of a large underground area that which we can accommodate any kind of sports activity. In the underground floor, we also have many other rooms such as extra lab, an archive, it is also where we store your wagon and kept our supplies," Grok explain.


    "Oh, can student access that area?" Neya ask.


    "Of course, but not all though, some is limited to the staff" Grok answers.


    "Classroom, club room, lectures office, dorm room, servant quarter and many more are located above ground. Just ask any student or lecturers if you ever get lost, they will show you the way," Grok advice.


    "And finally we also have several gardens above ground in which you can relax in or grow your own plant for research," Grok said.


    "I am a bit overwhelmed about the accommodation here," Neya said.


    "It is common for any new student to that way at first, you will get used to it sooner or later," Grok said.


    "Here you are," Grok said after stopping in front of a door.


    "Where are we?" Neya asks while glancing at the door.


    "Your dorm room," Grok answers.


    "Is this room where I and Nesto will be staying at?" Neya ask.


    "Nesto and you will be staying in a different room, Nesto will be staying in at the servants quarter on the first floor. You will be sharing with the two other students," Grok answer.


    "No, I can''t. I need to stay with Nesto," Neya stressed.


    "Miss Neya it''s okay. You need this, you need to fight your fear," Nesto said.


    "Nesto, you can''t leave me. You promise me," Neya said, her hand grabs Nesto sleeves.


    "I won''t leave you, Miss Neya. I will be here, whenever you need me, but you need to face your fear. It''s for your own good," Nesto said then he gently removes Neya hand and grab hold of it with both of his.


    "If you think that it''s good for me to do these then I believe you," Neya said, letting go of Nesto hand.


    Neya knock on the dorm room door first, she hears someone on the other side rushing to the door. The door opens and reveals a short Satyr with short brown hair. Her eyes widen when she saw the three people standing on the other side when her eyes wander to Grok.


    "Headmaster! I''m so sorry about the club room!" Digia apologize.


    "What happens to the club room?" Grok ask.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "You don''t know? Hm... Nothing happens," Digia answers, a grin form on her lips.


    Grok shake his head slowly while sighing. "Never mind, I''m here to introduce the new roommate you will be receiving," Grok said the gesture to Neya with his hand.


    "Oh, welcome my name is Digia," Digia said while offering her hand for a handshake.


    Neya looks at Digia hand then she looks back at Nesto.


    "Well Digia, my master name is Neya Fasheir, you can call her Neya. Miss Neya has a certain condition that won''t allow her to touch anyone. So I apologize in advance for declining your handshake," Nesto said with a smile on his face.


    Neya look at Nesto wide eyes, she remembers that she shouldn''t use her family name, but using Nesto family name, isn''t it rude for her to use it. Nesto nods his head giving permission to Neya to use it, Neya smile and gulp before looking back at the Digia.


    "Okay..." Digia said then she withdraws her hand.


    "Why don''t you show my master around," Nesto offers.


    "Sure, come in," Digia said before entering the room.


    Neya follows inside, she was surprised by the cleanness of the room and the beautiful plant that lay on the window stools. Her eyes wander and notice the green elf girl standing beside the plant. She remembers what Netso said, she needs to do this.


    She gulps her saliva before speaking. "Hello, my name is Neya," Neya said.


    The elf girl look at her then she looks away after saying her name, "Lilia."


    Neya smile flattened by the sudden coldness that is shown by the elf girl. Neya glare at Lilia in response. Digia step in between them with her hand both raised.


    "Lilia! I''m sorry for her behavior, she just thinks that if you don''t want your popularity to plummet then you shouldn''t befriend us," Digia said.


    "Why is that?" Neya ask.


    "We are the outcast, the weird kids, the mad inventor and... " Digia glance at Lilia.


    "Unpopular with other students, well she is right though. I don''t mind if you want to avoid us," Digia said.


    The atmosphere of the room turn gloomy, before Lilia spoke, "Where is your butler?"


    "He is outside of the room," Neya answers.


    "What?!" Lilia quickly makes her bed and start to clean the rooms.


    Digia and Neya look at Lilia, confused by the sudden burst of energy, Neya turns her head to Digia, ignoring Lilia. "Where should I sleep?" Neya ask.


    "Top bunk," Digia gesture to the top bunk of Lilia beds.


    *


    Grok turn his head to Nesto with a frown on his face after Neya enters the room and close the door behind her.


    "Nesto, tell me the truth why is she really here?" Grok ask.


    "It''s complicated," Nesto answers, Grok sigh in annoyance.


    "I don''t want my students to be in danger, please promise me that," Grok said.


    "I promise," Nesto answers.


    "How is your body, Nesto. Does it''s still hurt?" Grok ask, stroking his beard.


    "Every time I open the gates, but I have grown accustomed to it," Nesto said after popping a bone in his shoulder.


    "We shouldn''t give you these curse in the first place," Grok said.


    "You and Madeleine view it as a curse, but I view it as a gift. Besides, I accept the curse willingly," Nesto said.


    "Madeline and I were young at the time, we were playing god. We shouldn''t deform your body to the extent of monstrosity," Grok said with a simmer of regret in his voice.


    "You always worry too much, just like Madeleine always said. It''s okay Grok, I have made my peace with it. You should too," Nesto said.


    "Maybe I should, but the memories of seeing you in so much pain during the procedure still burn in the back of my mind," Grok said.


    Kinnith slowly rappels down the rope when he heard what those two men are saying. He wonders what kind of relationship that these two have, Kinnith also wondering what the heck are they are discussing about.


    The door opens revealing Neya on the other side, she looks at Nesto. Nesto notices the same green hair elf girl that he saved earlier in the room, cleaning furiously.


    "How was it?" Nesto ask.


    "Okay, I guess. Digia seems nice," Neya answers with uncertainty in her tone.


    "Where should we go next?" Neya ask.


    "The tours end here," Grok said while stroking his beard.


    "Then we should grab our staff from the wagon and settle in," Nesto suggests after patting Neya on top of her head.


    "Okay," Neya answers with a new smile on her face.


    *


    Weyshers Castle.


    The dark room illuminated by two glowing orbs in each chair surrounding the roundtable. The only person in that room is an elf woman with long ginger hair and a gold crown on her head while wearing a red dress that hugs her body showing an hourglass figure.


    "Queen Lucilla, are you sure about this? You will be putting your own kingdom on the front line," King Ninleyn from the Rochia Kingdom speak through the orbs.


    "It''s maybe a bold move for me, but it will sure my place in the elven alliance. Won''t it?" Queen Lucilla said.


    "It will if the plan work then we will give a chance to Weyshers even after what it has done to others." King Usunaar from the Pignaria Kingdom speaks through the orbs.


    "Then we all agree? That Targia should retract the new law," Queen Lucilla ask.


    "Yes, Targia new law has risen a new type of problem in our kingdom. Many of the slaves are running and escaping to Targia after finding hope of release in that kingdom. Our kingdom is in a predicament if we lose our entire workforce," King Ninleyn said.


    "I already proceed with the plan, if it doesn''t work we will use another method to force Targia to change its law," Queen Lucilla said.


    "May Yana bless your soul," Both of king said before the orbs finally disappear.

 Chapter 26: Magic.

    The morning light shines through the glass window, filling the bedroom and dismissing the darkness that once in the room. The ray rest on top of Neya face, warming up her skin and cheeks. Neya scrunches up her face, trying to avoid the ray, but to no avail.


    She opens her eyelids and once again her sight is met with an unfamiliar ceiling. She wiped her right eye with the back of her hand, a freshly baked bread scent linger under her nose. Neya turns her head and sees the tray of baked bread, several teacups, and teapot on the end table with steam linger out of the spout.


    Neya attention was immediately grabbed by the sudden snort coming from the short satyr with a brown hair sleeping on the other bed. Her eyes glance at the hook on the door and saw her school uniform; ready and pressed.


    She lifts her chest up and let out a small yawn. Lilia sleeping on the lower bunk let out a moan before waking up. Neya climbs down her bunk and walks to the bathroom.


    Lilia looks at the tray of teas and bread. One of her eyebrow when she saw the tray.


    "Digia, wake up," Lilia called out to Digia.


    "No...!" Digia moan.


    "Come on, wake up," Lilia said.


    "What?..." Digia asks with one her eyelids open and her eye glance at Lilia.


    "Did you bring us breakfast?" Lilia ask.


    "No, wait... no, I did not," Digia answers.


    "Then why is there a tray of teacup and bread here?" Lilia ask.


    "It''s from Nesto, he must have left it here while we are still sleeping," Neya said after walking out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her chest.


    "But the door is locked?" Digia said.


    Neya shrugs her shoulders then casually walk to the tray and pour herself a tea. After taking a sip out of it, she moans as the delicious strawberry flavor tea brush her taste bud. She put down the teacup and walks to her uniform and start putting it on.


    "He was here, while I was still sleeping?" Lilia mutters under her breath then her cheeks turn to red as the thought of Nesto seeing her while she is still sleeping; make her heart beat faster.


    "Can we have some?" Digia ask.


    "Sure," Neya said opening the door and reveal Nesto standing behind the door.


    Neya let out a yelp of surprise and jump away when she saw Nesto.


    "Don''t do that!" Neya said.


    Nesto smile when he saw Neya jump away in surprise because of him. The yelp of surprise cause the other two girls in the room to turn and look. Lilia quickly jumps to her bed and hide the rest of her body under her blanket.


    "I''m sorry, Miss Neya. I didn''t mean to surprise you," Nesto apologize.


    "It''s fine," Neya sigh.


    "Should I do your braid?" Nesto offers.


    "Yes, you may," Neya said turning around to give Nesto access to her ginger hair.


    Nesto gently gathers her hairs to tie it into a double braid. As Nesto was working with Neya hair, Digia ask him, "How did you enter the room? The door was locked."


    "It''s a secret," Nesto said.


    "Come on. Just tell me, how did you do it?" Digia said.


    "It''s a secret," Nesto said.


    Digia rolled her eyes and continue to sip on her tea after munching a piece of bread.


    "Thank you for the tea and bread by the way. It''s delicious," Digia said.


    "It''s my way of showing my gratitude for taking care of my master," Nesto said and finally finish tying Neya hairs into a double braid.


    After hearing Nesto words, she also feels the need to do the same thing, "Thank you for letting me sleep here," Neya said to both of the girls.


    Digia scratches the back of her head with a smile on her face, "It''s okay, it not like you got a choice to pick where you sleep at."


    "But, still you didn''t make it difficult for her instead you welcome her," Nesto said.


    "Neya is a nice girl, I can tell, but it our ways of showing gratitude after you save one of my friends here. That is hiding under her blanket for some unknown reason," Digia said while glancing at Lilia.


    "She must be uncomfortable by me. I should stand in the hallway, I understand her need of privacy," Nesto said and left to stand in the hallways.


    "You don''t need to do that Nesto beside my class is about to start, we should go," Neya said.


    Neya and Nesto start walking down the hallways leaving Digia and Lilia in their rooms. Digia turns to look at her friends.


    "Lilia, why are you so rude to Nesto?" Digia ask.


    "I didn''t mean to do it, I wasn''t ready," Lilia cries out.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "You better apologize to him, if you see him again," Digia said.


    "I should get ready, my class is also about to start!" Digia hops out of her bed and head to the bathroom.


    Lilia gets off her bed and walks to her plant. She then starts to water her plants while her head is lower in regret. Lilia looks at the tray and grab a piece of bread and start to nibble on it.


    *


    In The Hallway.


    Nesto smile when he saw Neya happy face as they both stroll in the hallways. Neya keeps on walking and occasionally change side with Nesto to avoid contact with incoming students.


    "I''m glad that you are getting along with those girls," Nesto said.


    "What do you mean?" Neya ask.


    "I rarely see you this happy before," Nesto said.


    "Am I? Hmm, maybe it''s because of Digia friendliness, she made me feel welcome, and she talks a lot, but she respects my privacy. Also, she seems to be very smart with magic stuff and a bit eccentric about it... I don''t know if what I just say is a good compliment to give someone," Neya said.


    "You know what, Digia is overall a nice girl," Neya said.


    Nesto let out a muffled laugh after he places a hand in front of his mouth. Neya notice Nesto hidden laugh, she scrunches up her nose while glaring at Nesto. Nesto stops laughing and keeps his lip flattens to appease her.


    "How about the green haired elf girl?" Nesto ask.


    "Lilia seems distant and cold at first, but I know deep down she is a good girl," Neya said.


    "What makes you say that?" Nesto ask.


    "She like helping people. Last night was really cold and I only brought one blanket to cover myself. It wasn''t enough to stay warm, she notices me shiver then she offers me some of her blanket and pillows to help me stay warm," Neya said.


    "It seems that we have arrived at your classroom," Nesto said after stopping in front of a door.


    Neya saw a few other students enter the classroom with their friends while their butler and maid stay outside. Neya looks at Nesto with a worried look.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll be here, waiting for you," Nesto said after placing a hand on his heart and letting out a reassuring smile.


    Neya breathe in and breath out tor release her nervous, then he turns to face the door and walk through it. She looks at the normal classroom and it is not what she expected. It is more like a theater with row upon row of seats that climb higher until it reaches the back of the room.


    Neya looks at the back and notices an empty seat where it''s far enough from other students. She walks and avoids other students as she climbs the steps. When she arrived at her desire seat, she took a seat on it.


    The moment that Neya seated, that''s the moment the lecturer enter the room with a giant leather book in her hands. The lecturer places the book on the desk and starts speaking.


    "Please be seated, we are about to start Basic Magic 101," The lecturer said.


    When the last student finally seated, only then the class start. The lecturer glances her eyes across the room, meeting with each of her student''s gazes.


    "I''m sorry to burst your bubble, but magic is not your friend, remember this. Magic is chaos, it disrupts the natural law of the world by using mana," the lecturer points out.


    "But mana, on the other hand, is an unseen force in the air, a flow of energy, a controllable factor that can reshape the law of the world to your whim. Yet it takes no side, anyone can use it even beast except for humans," the lecturer explained.


    "Because human is unworthy, a mistake in this world. That''s why they are the lowest of the lowest, a shit race," One of the students jest.


    Neya could hear a few giggles coming from the other students. Neya couldn''t help but think about Nesto. How those other students mock the human race make her feel angry.


    She wants to stand up and yell at the student, but Neya knows that''s not what Nesto wanted, so she tightens her lip and digs her finger into her palm.


    After the other students simmer down, that''s when the lecturer continues her class.


    "This class is not about to teach you on how to use offensive magic, in the matter fact, only the military can use offensive magic. If you somehow learn an offensive spell and used it, you will be thrown to the dungeon if you get caught," the lecturer warned.


    "I''m sorry to disappoint you because this class is about magic theory. We study magic, research it, find new ways to use it and find ways so magic can benefit every race not just by using it as a weapon," the lecturer said with passion on the last few words.


    Neya can see a few faces express a bit of disappointment especially the male elf students. She ignored the other student''s expression and focus on the lecturer.


    "A bit of history about mana, mana was first discovered by an elf about a few hundred years ago. His name is.... you the girl in the back with ginger double braid," The lecturer point to Neya.


    Neya look around her at first then she points her finger to herself, "Me?"


    "Yes, what is the name of the elf that discovered mana?" the lecturer ask.


    "Uhm, His name is Mana Extesius," Neya answers as she remembers from one of the books she read and bought from the Targia Kingdom.


    "Correct, I see a bright future ahead of you, keep it up," the lecturer compliment Neya.


    "His name is Mana Extesius, his first name was used to name the discovery he made. That''s why we call it Mana. but the Wolics called it Prana (Life-energy) and Xintari called it... Who knows what they called it, the Xintari haven''t been much of sharer," the lecturer said.


    "Wolics theory on Prana is that it came from the sun, but as research went on. We actually found out that Mana or Prana came from the deep underground itself, maybe at the core of the world," The lecturer explains.


    "Okay, let move on to the theory of spell activation. I''m going to show a simple light spell that you can learn," the lecturer said.


    These caught the attention of the classroom, causing a murmur of excitement among students. Neya also interested to learn the spell as shown by her body leaning forward, closer to the lecturer so she could hear her better.


    "Calm down, you need excellent focus before I teach you the spell. I need to tell you how to activate it. First, you need an absolute focus on imagining the effect, then feel the mana coursing through your veins and just like that said the words," the lecturer said as she raised her hand above her desk.


    "Moric," the lecturer said and her hand light up in bright white light then it disappears instantly.


    All the students including Neya were in awe of the beautiful light and spell that was performed by the lecturer.


    "You can practice this spell at your own free time, in the matter of in fact. This will be your first assignment for this week. I want to see each student able to cast the spell," the lecturer said.


    "If you have any problem on how to cast it, you can read on how to cast it in the library or directly ask me for advice or guidance," the lecturer said.


    "Everyone still able to follows my lecture?" the lecturer ask.


    "Yes," all the students answer including Neya.


    "Moving on, difference culture affects the type of spell exist and way to activate. For example, the Wolics use howl to cast their spell, and their spell mainly consists of body enhancement spells, such as maximize their strength, speed, reflexes and many more," the lecturer said.


    "Xintari on the other hands has a unique spell to become invisible, and the way they activate their spell is unknown." the lecturer continues.


    "Satyr used the same way to activate their spells like us, but they have a different way of using Mana to make magic weapons or items," the lecturer continues.


    The lunch bell suddenly rings, causing the lecturer to stop her lecture.


    "We will continue our lecture in the next class, and also tomorrow night is the one-moon dance so make sure to bring your dance partner with you, that''s all," The lecturer said before taking her book and left the room.


    Neya also left the room with a satisfied look on face. When her eyes met with Nesto, she smiles and Nesto smiles back at her.


    "It seems someone was having a fun class today," Nesto said.


    They both continue walking toward the cafeteria together,


    "It was more fun than I ever thought. The lecturer shows us a spell, and she said it will be my first assignment, I can''t wait to cast it," Neya said excitedly then she starts to hum a tune of joy.

 Chapter 27: Friends In High Places.

    The delicious smell that lingers in the cafeteria always cause the people who enter it, to feel hungry.


    That''s what Neya is feeling right now, a sudden urge of wanting to stuff her mouth with the delicious food that is served in the cafeteria. Nesto could see the hunger in her master eyes.


    "Miss Neya, why don''t you take a seat while I go fetch my hungry master some food?" Nesto said with a jest grin on his faces.


    Neya smiles while looking at him, but Nesto could tell that she is annoyed by his words. She jabs Nesto gut with her elbows before walking to an empty table. Nesto recoils his stomach pretending to feel pain while a huge smile form on his face.


    Nesto then went to the serving table, to fetch his master some food to eat. While Neya is sitting alone at the table, she was confronted by a female student. Neya recognizes her from Magic Basic 101 class.


    "Hey, you that girl that answer the lecturer question, right?" the student asks.


    Before she could answer, the student took upon herself to seat at the table without permission. This cause Neya to feel uncomfortable by her sudden action.


    "Yes?" Neya said as she scoots away slightly.


    "Cool, where did you learn it?" The student asks.


    "Cool?" Neya said confuse.


    "Yeah ''cool'' it means awesome," the student said.


    Then a couple more student came and start asking a question.


    "What happens to your eye?" the student asks.


    After a short while, a dozen of her classmate surround her at the table and start asking personal questions. Neya eyes keep glancing at each student, her head begins to throb painfully, her breath begins to suffer and in the back of her mind, that same fears from the alley is clawing out of her.


    One of the male elf students with an arrogant grin on his face tried to reach and touch her. Neya body froze up before she could back away. Nesto grabs the young boy arm with a smile on his face before he could touch Neya.


    "Everyone, could you give some space to my master. She currently not feeling so well," Nesto said.


    "Let me go, you trash!" The student order as he pulls his hand away.


    "How dare you touch me! You filth!" The student said in anger.


    "I''m sorry for my sudden behavior," Nesto apologizes.


    "No, you won''t get away, I demand you to be punished for laying your hand on me," the student said.


    "That will teach you to know your place among the trash!" the student said.


    Nesto lower his head, letting the mockery continue. The student raises his hand and about to slap Nesto on the face. The student stops his hand when Neya suddenly stood up from her chair and shout.


    "Don''t you dare lay your hand on my slave!"


    "Miss Neya, it''s okay," Nesto said, trying to calm her down.


    "No, it''s not okay. You all think that you can come to me with your fake smile and try to be my friend. I don''t know what it is you want from me and I don''t care," Neya said with seething rage.


    "I don''t want your fake friendship. Just leave me and Nesto alone!" Neya yells out in anger.


    The student begins to back away slowly from Neya, they had a look of shock on their face. Neya look around her and notice behind the look of shock; she can see the terror in their eyes. She then closes her eyes and rushes out away from the group.


    Neya kept on running, exiting the cafeteria with teary eyes. The students in the hallway turn to look at the running girl that pass by them. She doesn''t know where she is heading, but she felt like running away.


    Unbeknownst to her, she had climbed the stairs and reach the rooftop. She stops her run and looks up at the sky. Neya then screams in anger, wanting to let the rage out of her.


    "Neya..." Neya heard Nesto voice coming from behind her.


    "Why did you let that shit talk to you like that?" Neya asks then she turns while on the verge of tears to look at Nesto.


    Nesto stands in the doorway with a comforting smile.


    "Because I don''t want your reputation to be tarnished, you need allies in this world," Nesto answers as he walks closer to Neya.


    "I don''t want people to mock you and I don''t need allies like him, I got you," Neya said.


    "I alone can''t always be there to protect you, that''s why you need friends," Nesto said.


    "Don''t say that, I can''t think of a world without you beside me," Neya said as tears drop one by one from her cheeks to the floors.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Nesto takes a short breath, then he took a seat with both feet under his butt. He pats his thigh and gesture Neya to rest her head on his lap. Neya walks slowly with her head down and drops down to her knees then she rests the side of her head on top Nesto lap.


    "I''m sorry for making you cry. I maybe seem wise and strong on the outside, but inside I''m just a human," Nesto said as he ran her fingers through her ginger hair.


    "I don''t understand," Neya said as she sniffs her nose.


    "One day your will," Nesto said then he starts to hum a slow and beautiful melody.


    The melody soothes Neya mind while removing the anger and fears that latch on to her heart. Neya felt Nesto gentle hand as he brushes the side of her head. When Neya sees the blue sky in front of her, she knows that she will never forget this moment.


    "That was quite an outburst, I have mad respect at you for telling them off."


    Neya raises her head slightly and sees Kinnith leaning on the wall beside the entrance to the roof. Kinnie saw the look of confusion on Neya face. For example, the raised eyebrow is an indicator of confusion.


    "Most of the students here is like that, they like to latch on to the most talented and smart student to use them as a stepping tool for their success, That''s why I like to fly solo," Kinnith said.


    Digia and Lilia burst through the door with a worried look on the face while holding a paper bag containing something.


    "We heard what happens, are you okay?!" Lilia the first to ask the questions.


    "Those little turds will pay for what they did. I''m so going to light their bed on fire, let me get my magic scroll first." Digia said.


    "Stop, Digia. You will be making it worst for Neya," Lilia scold.


    They both look at Neya and notice the ginger hair elf is resting her head on Nesto lap; they look at each other, then they both look back at Neya.


    "Are we interrupting something?" Digia ask.


    "Not at all," Neya said lifting her head up and wiping her eyes with her hand.


    "Why are you girls here?" Neya ask.


    "We heard your classmate terrorize you in the cafeteria, so we came to check on you and bring some lunch for you in case you get hungry," Lilia answers.


    "Why?" Neya asks again.


    "Isn''t it obvious, you are our roommate and roommate take care of each other," Digia answers then she let out a big smile on her face while Lilia let out a small smile.


    Neya was surprised by the genuine answer from her roommates. She sees that her roommate isn''t faking it, they had the eyes that Nesto has when he first help her. Before she can thank them for coming to check on her, her stomach growls loudly. It''s because she never had any lunch from earlier.


    Digia laughs after hearing the growl while Lilia giggles, but Kinnith only smiles after he hears it.


    "I guess we are right to bring foods with us," Digia said.


    Neya cheeks turn rose-red as she felt embarrassment over her loud stomach growl. Lilia and Digia walk closer to Neya and sat on the floor in front of her. Digia opens the paper bag and reveals many sandwiches inside of it. Neya was about to drool by the sight of it then her eyes glance to Kinnith.


    "I can''t eat them all, why don''t you come and join us," Neya said to Kinnith.


    "Thank for the offer, but I''m not hungry," Kinnith replied.


    "How about you both?" Neya asks Lilia and Digia sitting in front of her.


    "Sure, I can still munch on a couple more," Digia answer.


    "Me too," Lilia answer.


    Lilia glances at Nesto, biting her lower lips and pulling the lock of hair back to its place.


    "I''m sorry for being rude earlier morning," Lilia apologizes to Nesto.


    Neya glances back at Nesto, seeing him nodding his head in response to Lilia apology. The nod shows that Nesto is accepting her apology, Lilia had a huge smile on her face because she is happy that Nesto accepts her apology.


    "Nesto, maybe I can try harder to find allies in the world," Neya whisper to Nesto.


    "There is no need, it seems that they already find you," Nesto said as he looks at both of the girls sitting in front of Neya.


    *


    Administration Office.


    Grok enter the room while whistling happily and holding a couple books in his hand. He closes the door behind him when he turns around, Princess Caretena standing near one of his window gazing outside of it. Grok eyes glance to the maid standing close to her then back at her.


    "It''s has been a long time since I last saw you, Uncle Grok," Caretena greet the old Satyr.


    "Caretena, why are you here?" Grok said,


    "You know why I''m here," Caretena said casually while her eyes glance at Grok behind her.


    "Nesto..." Grok said.


    "Correct, that''s why I want to enroll here," Caretena said.


    "I don''t have a choice in the matter, do I?" Grok ask, letting out a short sigh.


    "Correct again, no wonder you were mom assistant back then," Caretena said.


    "Nesto, I wish you good luck," Grok mutters under his breath.


    Caretena eyes went back at the window, she gazed down at the courtyard then her eyes went to the roof. She let out a grin as Nesto face flash before her eyes.


    *


    Night.


    Hallways.


    Nesto walking down the empty, dim-lit hallway with Neya fresh cloth that been wash and pressed. His steps were silent as he walks down the hallways until he reaches his room door.


    There is a red X paint over it and underneath it, the word ''Filth'' is written. Nesto ignored the freshly made graffiti and reach for his doorknobs. He stops when his hair at the back of his neck stood up.


    "Do you want to know who did it?" A familiar voice came from somewhere that Nesto couldn''t pinpoint.


    But he knows whose voice is it. "167, I thought we would never meet again."


    "You thought wrong then," 167 replied as he walks out of the shadow to reveal himself.


    "So do you want to know?" 167 ask again.


    "There is no need to tell me, I already know who did it. The butler and maid here," Nesto answers.


    "It wasn''t that hard to guess, they sure had your existence," 167 said.


    "They are afraid of me, I can''t blame them," Nesto said.


    "What are they afraid of?" 167 ask.


    "A human able to do their job, they feel threatened by it. If a measly human can do their job, what stops the royal or noble to just hired humans to do their job with less pay. That''s why they are afraid of me," Nesto answers.


    "I inadvertently threaten their livelihood by doing my job," Nesto said.


    "And you are fine with it?" 167 ask.


    "I have been through worse than this," Nesto answer.


    "What a strange man you are," 167 said.


    "Why are you here?" Nesto ask.


    "The king wanted me to keep an eye on you," 167 said.


    "Then why reveal yourself to me?" Nesto ask.


    "A little heads-up for you. Tomorrow night, a group of bounty hunters is coming for your girl," 167 said then he walked closer to Nesto placing a full face party mask on top of Neya cloth.


    "You call me strange, but you are stranger. A third hand giving me a heads-up," Nesto said.


    "What can I say, I''m a big softie. I will be taking my leave now," 167 said backing away from Nesto.


    "But you still haven''t answered my question," Nesto said.


    "I do it because I thought we were friends. Friends look out for each other, right?" 167 smiles then his entire body slowly disappear after he mutters something that Nesto could hear clearly.


    Nesto felt the elf entire existence suddenly disappear behind him then he looks at the mask that 167 gave him. His lips flatten and his eyes turned cold and indifference. He knows what he needs to do next.


    It''s for his master even if he will be damning his own soul.


    He can feel his heart harden and beating slowly.

 Chapter 28: One Moon.

    A small sneeze can be heard from a young ginger-haired girl inside of the dusty messy room in which Lilia and Digia use for club activities. Her butler with a slave collar around his neck hand her a napkin, Neya use the napkin to wipe her nose.


    "You said you want to see the club room. Here we are, the pioneer clubroom, ta-dah!" Digia said while both of her hands spread out.


    "It''s quite dusty in here?" Neya said with uncertainty.


    "I''m sorry, but I couldn''t find the time to clean this room," Lilia said as she walks to the window and opens it to let the dusty air out.


    The light from the sun enters and warm the inhabitant inside. The smell of fresh air mixing with the smell of old parchment is somehow refreshing for Neya. For Neya this room looks like a normal messy room filled with metal contraption and hanging blueprints, but for Nesto, it is much more than that.


    He was surprised to see many new ideas that are beyond its time, it can even rival the great Madeleine or far exceed her own invention and discovery. But most of the idea or discovery is somehow flawed and not yet completed.


    Nesto recognizes the few mistakes in blueprints, mistake that for common folk can''t notice easily. It''s only thanks to Madeleine teaching that Nesto could notice it.


    "May I ask, what is this club purpose?" Neya ask.


    Lilia turns her head and looks at Digia; she had a huge grin on her face.


    "The pioneers club true purpose is to make new discoveries and found new ways in any area of expertise. Me as the expert in magic invention while Lilia expertise in apothecary and biology," Digia explain.


    "For example, I currently found a new method to turn three rune sentences in magic scroll into one, short and comprise sentence," Digia said.


    "It''s actually a failure, which causes me to get thrown out of the windows," Lilia let out snarky comment.


    "We all can agree that It''s a work of progress," Digia shrug her shoulders.


    Neya walks to one of the blueprints on the wall, then he examines the blueprint quite closely. The design is really foreign to Nesto, but he seems to know how the contraption works.


    She used a magic crystal to move the pistons forward and backward, but using mana directly can damage the contraption mechanism since it too unstable and powerful.


    "You should change the output of magic crystal into a safer form of energy, such as steam," Nesto suggest.


    Neya walks to his side and looks at the blueprint together with Nesto. Then her eyes widen in surprise by the great suggestion.


    "Your right! You are absolutely right, that''s what I have been looking for. You are a genius Nesto!" Digia wraps her arms around him into a hug.


    Lilia his eyes widen when she saw her friend hugging her savior. A tinge of jealousy rise inside her heart, she the one that wanted to do that. Nesto smiles while patting the short satyr head, that causes even more jealousy in Lilia''s heart.


    "Hmm even if you invent something new, how do you suppose to spread and create the invention for other people used. By my calculation, this type of project requires a lot of material, a place of work, a good deal of workforce, and coins to get the funding ready. If you want coins you will need an investor with a place where you can use to produce the product and coins to patent the invention so nobody could steal your ideas," Neya explain.


    Both Digia and Lilia eyes widen including Nesto by the sudden insightful suggestion from Neya.


    "Where did you learn that?" Digia ask.


    "Business and economy book have been mine all time favorite, they had very insightful knowledge in them," Neya answers.


    "I have another Idea, why don''t you join our small club? If you want too, I really don''t want to force you. I mean it will be great to have you, but if you don''t want too..." Digia said after letting Nesto go.


    "Sure, I will be glad to join the club," Neya said.


    "Yes, finally we had three members to officially form the club!" Digia exclaim.


    "Wait, before this, it''s not actually a club?"


    "Well, you actually need three people... to form a club," Lilia answers.


    Digia cheers in joy for the celebration of the club rebirth as an official one. Lilia smiles and turns her head to face Neya. Nesto joins the cheers in a polite manner, not like the exaggerated one like Digia.


    "In another subject, do you have a date for the one moon dance tonight?" Lilia ask.


    "I don''t have one... I have never been to the one moon dance celebration before," Neya answers.


    "How about Kinnith?" Lilia ask.


    "No, what makes you suggest him?" Neya ask.


    "Well for starters, you''re the first one he ever tries to talk to. He rarely talks to other students except for the headmaster or lecturer, I think he''s taken a liking to you," Lilia said.


    "Pftt... I don''t think so. How about you? Do you have someone to go with?" Neya ask.


    "I always go with Digia, but for this dance, I have someone in mind. But again, I don''t have the courage to ask him anyway," Lilia said.


    "Oh... Can I go with you girls then?" Neya ask.


    "Of course, but we will need to get you a dress first," Lilia said.


    *


    Night.


    In The Hallway.


    The Hallways are illuminated by two rows of lanterns on each side that light up the way to the ballroom. The fully green gown with see-through sleeves snugs perfectly around Neya body as she walks down the hallways with her roommates and Nesto beside her.


    "Thank you for the dress, Lilia," Neya smile as she thanks her friends.


    "No problem, the dress was too tight for me anyway," she said gloomily.


    Lilia''s gown has a trumpet design with the dress hugging her bust without any strap over the shoulder and hugs the entire body until reaching her thigh. From her thighs to her feet the dress spread giving her some room to move her leg. The purple dress beautifully compliments her green curly hair that tied into a bun.


    "Don''t worry about it, Lilia. Men like a little meat on their woman anyway, isn''t that right, Nesto?" Digia bumps her elbow playfully to his arm.


    Digia picks a simple short dress that stops at her knee and loose from her waist to her knee as to not restrict her goat leg from moving. But what grabs people attention was not her blue simple dress but the beautiful flower decoration that laid around her short brown hair. She certainly looks beautiful with nature decorating her looks.


    Nesto places a hand on his chin and answers, "I do know some men that love a more busty and plump woman." He reminisces the head chef from the Amberdall manor as he answers the question.


    "I don''t want to know what other men like in women. I want to know what you like," Digia jest.


    "I do prefer a more busty woman... But if one truly love each other, it doesn''t matter what she or her appearance may be," Nesto answers after giving some thought.


    Lilia turns her head to the side while biting her lower lips and her hand clasp together as she walks.


    "Thank you, Nesto. For adjusting the dress for me," Neya said.


    "It wasn''t a big deal, I only adjust a bit to help you fit in the dress," Nesto said then he let out a loud unsettling cough.


    "What''s wrong, Nesto?" Neya said while her worried eyes look at him.


    "I''m feeling a bit of under the weather lately. The fatigue must be catching up to me," Nesto said.


    Before Neya could ask for more detail about her butler well-being, they had to stop walking when they reach the large wooden door in the hallways. The door opens; revealing a large ballroom with quite a numerous number of people in beautiful suits and dress inside. Some of them are hanging out near the edge of the room while others are dancing in the middle.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Neya looks at the decoration above and saw floating lanterns in the ceiling held up by a magic crystal. She was truly amazed by the beautiful ballroom that causes her to forget about Nesto well-being.


    "How is it possible for the lantern to be floating up there?" Neya ask.


    "The answers are magic, they used the magic crystal with a magic circuit that flows into rune word that produces the effect. I want to explain more about the detail, but for now let go have fun," Digia said as she rushes to the dance floor and joins the dancing.


    Neya looks far into the ballroom, and she found the source of music coming from the concerto playing their instruments in the background and living up the room.


    "I''m sorry for telling you this right now, Miss Neya. But I seem to need to lie down in my room, I''m afraid a cold is coming," Nesto said.


    Her master finally remembers that Nesto is currently under the weather. She bites her lower lips in frustration, she is a bit afraid of being alone in a crowded room.


    "Lilia?" Nesto call.


    Lilia turns her head in full attention to the man calling her.


    "Yes?" Lilia ask.


    "Could you keep an eye on my wonderful master, I don''t think I''m up to the task," Nesto ask.


    "Of course... But will you be returning to the ball later, I thought that we could... Never mind," Lilia said.


    "Nesto, I''m scared," Neya said.


    "Everything will be okay. If you worry that much, I will come after I gain my strength," Nesto assure her.


    "If you say so... But make sure you get enough rest, I don''t want you to be sick," Neya said.


    "You are so kind, Master," Nesto said before bowing his head and heading out of the room.


    Neya eyebrow scrunches together as she looks at her butler leaving the room with worried. Lilia waves her hand in front of her face, catching her attention. She turns her head to look at her friend that was waving her hand in front of her face.


    "Come on, let''s have fun. I''m sure Nesto would want you to have fun tonight," Lilia said.


    "You right... What should we do first?" Neya ask.


    "How about dancing?" Lilia suggest.


    "But I don''t know how to..." Neya replied.


    "Just follow my lead," Lilia gestures her to follow.


    Neya follows her friends to the dance floor, she stops when she was close enough to the crowd so that her fear doesn''t act up. Lilia starts dancing moving her entire body to the rhythm of the melody, Neya also tries to follow her friend. At first, her movement was a bit awkward but later on, she manages to grasp how to dance to the music.


    As time went on, Neya was having fun dancing and conversing with her friends. Talking with Digia about magic expertise, while about apothecary with Lilia. Once they move on from the first subject, the group of friends starts to grow closer and start making each other laugh with jokes.


    Neya never thought she could have this so much fun in her entire life, coming to this academy was truly worth it, but there is one thing that is missing from her perfect moment right now, Nesto.


    She wishes that he would be here at her side and having fun just like her right now. Neya grimaces a bit causing her friends to worried about here.


    "He must be tired that''s all, it''s not like he''s dying or something," Digia joke trying to subside Neya worry.


    "Digia?! You shouldn''t say that" Lilia scold.


    "It''s okay. I need some air, I''ll be back," Neya said.


    "Are you sure?" Lilia ask.


    "Yeah, don''t worry, I will be back shortly," Neya said.


    Neya left the group and head to one of the balconies in the room. She was alone in the balcony, the silence helps her to calm her restless mind. When she looked up, she saw the two moon cross path, turning into one singular moon.


    That was the reason why the people of Arorona celebrate it every year because of the magnificent natural occurrence that happens in this world, but there is more to it. It was once thought that Yana pulls the moon closer in the sky to show us that she exists and also give us the chance to witness her powers.


    "Beautiful isn''t it?" an unfamiliar voice grab her attention.


    She looked to her side and sees a beautiful young elf woman leaning on the balcony with an elf maid by her side standing and waiting for the woman orders.


    "Excuse me?" Neya said.


    "I guess you a little slow, aren''t you? Neya Nimmith," The young woman said.


    Neya was shocked as she back away from the woman. How could this woman know her family name?


    "Don''t worry, I''m not here for you. My name is Caretena Vignil," the young woman introduced herself with a grin on her face.


    "Princess Caretena? Prince Ariamnes younger sister? Why are you here?" Neya ask.


    "I''m here for Nesto, where is he?" Princess Caretena said.


    "He is in his room, resting. He told me that he is feeling a bit under the weather," Neya replied.


    "And you are having fun while he is sick? I was right you don''t deserve him," Princess Caretena scoff.


    "What do you mean I don''t deserve him?" Neya said while anger begins to rise in her tone.


    "Hey, how about an offer? I will give you anything you want for Nesto, just name your price" Princess Caretena said.


    "No, his mine. Nothing in this world can separate him from me!" Neya denied her offers.


    Princess Caretena eyebrows almost touch together as she glares at the young girl beside her.


    "Listen here you little shit, you don''t know who is Nesto, you don''t know the burden he is carrying, you don''t know shit! The only thing you are currently causing him are more pain than he ever wanted, Just gave him to me!" Princess Caretena order.


    "I won''t! I know Nesto, he is kind, a gentle soul who love to help others and supportive. I know his pain and I have seen her love one grave," Neya said.


    Princess Caretena laughs at Neya words as if it was a joke to her, she stops then focus her deadly gaze on the young elf girl.


    "You barely scratch the surface."


    "I saw his darkest hours and his monstrous eyes. I have seen his happiest face that he ever has. I have seen him soaked in the blood of his enemy. You probably thought that Nesto is a regular human, but he is more than that. He is not normal, he is a monster that in so much pain over the grief of losing his other half," Princess Caretena said.


    "He is a normal human, he''s not a monster! I don''t care who you are, just leave him alone!" Neya demand.


    "Listen, little girl. Just gave me, Nesto." Princess Caretena demand again.


    "Why do you want Nesto so much?" Neya said.


    "Because I love him!" Princess Caretena confess.


    The direct confession almost causes Neya to stagger and lost focus. But when she gains her focus again, she now knows that she won''t give up Nesto to some woman who claims to love him.


    "I don''t care if you love him, his mine."


    Neya turns her back on the girl and was about to exit the balcony when the princess said something to stop her.


    "You really trust him, do you? Even, after he kept secrets from you."


    "What? He never kept secrets from me!" Neya arguing with her words.


    "He did keep secrets, he kept a lot of them from you. About the real reason, why he brings you here and the truth about who he really is," Princess Caretena has a wicked smile on her face as she said those words, taunting the girl.


    "Tell me, what secret he kept from me?" Neya asks even though she doesn''t want to know.


    Princess Caretena has a huge smile on her face when she knows that she has grabbed the young elf girl full attention.

 Chapter 29: Indifference

    "Meow"


    The small black kitten purr as it brushes its small body around Nesto leg. He looks down at the kitten, letting out a gentle smile. He places the mask on top of the crate while still holding the saber in his other hand. He reaches the kitten then running his finger through its fur; playing with the small kitten in the dark alley.


    "Meow!!"


    "You''re not afraid of me, do you?" He said to the kitten.


    The kitten rolls its body on the ground; exposing its belly to the man with a gentle smile. The kitten wanted to play with him, the man also wanted to play with the kitten, but the sound of fast footsteps getting closer to them cause the kitten to run away as it feels the danger coming.


    Nesto then grabs the mask on top of the crate and wears it on her face; keeping his identity a secret. When he turned around, he saw five men in black cloaks and varying weapon on each of them.


    The five men stop and carefully walk toward him. They look at each other and back at the man wearing the mask standing in front of them. Nesto reaches for something inside his jacket this cause the five men to ready themselves by taking out their weapons.


    Nesto examines each weapon, a crossbow, a halberd, a steel sword, a pair of daggers and a vial of liquid. They seem to be regular weapons rather than an enchanted one. He knows that this is not going to be an easy fight, not like the one he had in the Targia.


    He takes out a bag of coins and throws it on the ground.


    "What''s this?" the elf male holding the sword said.


    The elf with the sword must be the leader.


    "Gold coins, take it and leave," Nesto said.


    "What happens if we refuse?" The elf asks.


    "Then you have to go through me," Nesto said as he raises the saber in his hand.


    "I''m afraid we have to refuse," the elf said.


    The elf with the sword gesture to his friend with the crossbow causing him to quickly aim his weapon at Nesto. Before the elf could fire his weapon, Nesto dash toward him. The elf fire his crossbow and the arrow launch itself from it toward the man charging at them.


    Nesto slightly adjusts his body and manage to dodge the arrow from hitting his shoulder. The elf with the halberd brings down his weapon stopping Nesto from charging toward his friend. Nesto steps on the wooden handle and used it as a launch pad to jump onto the roof.


    The other elf with the vial throw his flask and the vial hit the roof causing smoke to appear around it. While the elf with the dagger chase after Nesto by also using his friend halberd as a launch pad to get to the roof.


    Inside the smoke, Nesto sight is hugely affected by it, but instead of using his eyes to track the enemy movement, he uses his hearing. Light footsteps coming closer can be heard from behind him, he quickly ducks down barely missing the incoming dagger. Nesto leans forward and uses his leg to kick the elf to the other roofs.


    The elf drops and rolls onto the other roofs when he finally gains his footing. He looks up and sees the man with the mask jumping toward him with the saber pointing at him. The elf raises both daggers, grazing the saber and redirect its course away from him.


    A sound of crossbow fired cause Nesto to dash toward the left, avoiding the incoming arrow. The elf with the dagger uses the chance to attack by throwing a couple slash toward his opponent. Nesto focus was split between the incoming arrow and the elf wielding a pair of daggers.


    This time one of the arrows coming toward Nesto was ding upward and Nesto catches it mid-air; then planting it on the elf wield the dagger chest. The elf was shocked to see the arrow planted in his chest, Nesto uses the shock to grab his body and use it as a meat shield. The arrow kept on planting on the elf until Nesto kicks the body toward the crossbow-wielding elf below.


    The group of bounty hunters below split up to avoid the incoming body, but the crossbow elf was too far from his friends. Nesto manages to throw the dagger toward him, stabbing the elf in the head; killing him. Blood splatters on the wall as the elf fall to the ground.


    Nesto examines the other three, a halberd wielder, a sword wielder, and a potion slinger. The potion slinger throws a liquid vial at him, he avoids the vial by jumping down when he looks at the area where the vial landed. Nesto could see the liquid is melting the rooftop.


    The potion slinger kept on throwing vial after vial at him as Nesto charges toward the halberd wielder. The potion slinger stop as his line sight come across his ally. Nesto tries to land an attack on the halberd wielder, but he manages to block his every attack.


    Nesto once again uses the halberd as a launch pad and dash toward the potion slinger when he got closer to the slinger he kicks the man waist. Figuring that''s where he kept his potion vial, he was correct when the man screams in pain as the vial broke and start to melt his waist. Nesto uses his saber to cut the screaming elf throat, muting his scream.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Nesto rolls away from the potion slinger while his team also took a step back because the potion slinger explodes into many chunks of meats and blood; splatter around him.


    Some of the blood splatter on Nesto''s mask and cloth. The halberd wielder screams in anger as he charges toward the man who just killed three of his friend with his leader by his side. The halberd wielder and his leader combine their move into a relentless attack that pushed back Nesto into a defense position.


    Nesto accidentally loses his footing when an incoming sword coming for him. He had no choice but to grab the blade using his hand. He doesn''t want to stop the blade because he doesn''t want his hand to get cut off instead he redirects the sword away from him.


    The halberd wielder raises his weapon up in the air for a downward slash but Nesto was faster than him. Nesto stabs his saber through under the halberd wielder jaw and pierces into the elf brain. Blood drips down the hilt soaking his hand, the elf eyes roll to the back of his head showing only white.


    He unsheathes the saber from the elf head, letting the body fall backward. Nesto then takes a couple step back from the last enemy, Nesto took a couple breath in so do the sword wielder. He then felt the pain in his left arm as the blade left a two long cut on his palm.


    "Vesstan Hercan."


    "Nesto Fasheir."


    The two men exchange name as they stare into each other eyes.


    "I never have seen someone who mixes two different swordsmanships before, the elegant Royal technique and the crude gladiator technique" Vesstan comment.


    "You are way out of our league," Vesstan said.


    "Do you hate me?" Nesto ask.


    "No, I''m angry, sad and tired but not hate. We all know the risk of a job that comes from a huge reward," Vesstan said as he let out a saddened smile.


    "Do you want to run away?" Nesto ask.


    "No, I have someone back home depending on me getting that huge reward," Vesstan said.


    "I understand," Nesto said then raising his saber and aim for the elf.


    The ray from the moon reflects on the blood-soaked saber, casting a red eerie light in the alley. The elf points his sword toward the man in front of him, his heart beating fast. They both charge toward each other with weapons ready in their hand.


    The blades clash together, but since the elf sword is even thicker than the saber. Nesto only redirects the sword blade leaving spark as the metal meet metal. He uses his fist to land a punch on the elf, but the elf blocks it with his arm and the elf tries to land a kick on his enemy stomach.


    Nesto dodges the kick by stepping away from the elf and ready his saber for a forward thrust while aiming it for his heart. He thrust the saber blade at the elf, but the elf blocks it with his sword. He manages to land a kick on Nesto forcing him to back away; the elf reaches something inside his cloak.


    While the elf is distracted, Nesto charges at him again. Unbeknownst to Nesto, the elf took out a scroll, he unfolds it and points it at his enemy. Nesto eyes widen, he was slow to realize that it''s a magic scroll.


    A ball of fire appears and hover in front of the scroll and shot toward Nesto.


    "I open the first gate ''Firio''!"


    "Inceri¡ª" the ball of fire explode in impact.


    Nesto was thrown backward into the wall leaving a trail of smoke behind. Silence befalls on the alley, the elf smile when he realizes he did it. He defeats his enemy and won, now he just needs to grab the girl and deliver her to...


    He looks down and sees the dagger in his stomach.


    "When?"


    "The blast throw me far enough that I can reach your friend''s dagger," Nesto answer the elf dumbfounds question.


    The man with the chipped off and crack mask on his face stand in the midst of the smoke. He walks out from the smoke and snaps his dislocated shoulder back in place. The elf sees the burn marks on his enemy jacket.


    "How did you survive?" Vesstan ask.


    "I cheated, I use magic," Nesto answers.


    "But you are a human, how?... It''s doesn''t matter anyway, I lose," Vesstan said let out a smile, blood drip out his lips and a tear flow down his cheek.


    Nesto stands in front of him, Vesstan fall to his knee while looking up at the man in front of him. He notices the locket dangle underneath the elf cloak.


    "The locket," Nesto said.


    "Oh yeah..." Vesstan lifts his locket and opens it up; revealing a picture of an elf woman and elf girl.


    "My wife... She died a long time, leaving me and my daughter with a large amount of debt. My daughter falls sick a few seasons ago, she hasn''t recovered yet. The coins were to pay her medicine cost and the debt, but I fail her... I''m a terrible father," Vesstan let out a small laugh.


    "Is she the one that''s waiting for you?"


    "Yes... I can''t fail this mission, even if I return now without coins, the debt collector would sell her off to slavery," Vesstan said.


    "I''m sorry," Nesto said.


    "No, no, it''s not your fault. I''m grateful that you are lending an ear to my story, you are a good man..." Vesstan said.


    "I''m not," Nesto said.


    "I love my family and I wish to meet them in the great beyond," Vesstan request.


    The saber blade touches the skin of the elf neck, with a swift movement the blade cut through his throat causing him to choke, and die. The locket detaches and fall, but Nesto manages to catch it before it falls to the ground. The elf falls backward and lay on his back giving him the view of the one moon above.


    Nesto kept the locket safe in his jacket, out of nowhere the same kitten came near him and start to purr at his leg. Nesto reaches for the kitten and was about to touch it, but he remembers that his hand is soaked with blood. The kitten shows no sign of fear toward Nesto.


    "Meow!"


    Nesto felt the pain in his heart, it doesn''t come from killing the man earlier but it comes because he realizes how indifferent that he felt before taking the elf life. He felt no sympathy or compassion at all, how twisted is his heart.


    He looks back at the cat, the black kitten purr near his leg. The kitten somehow helps to calm his mind but not removing it fully.


    "Thank you."


    "Meow!!"


    He let out a cough and spit out the blood mix tar out from his mouth to the ground.


    "I close the gate," he mutters.


    *


    Balcony.


    Neya eyes widen in shock at Caretena statement, the princess has a wicked smile on her face and walk away from the shock elf girl. Neya digs all of her fingers into her palms while the anger and the feeling of betrayal storming inside her mind and heart.


    "Silver flame,"


    "Mother..."


    "Nesto... How could you,"


    Her anger was enormous, she wanted to scream aloud but that only draw attention to her, that not what she wanted. Instead, she punches the stone balcony, grazing her hand and leaving several small shallow cuts on her knuckles.

 Chapter 30: Disappointment.

    Putting on the white glove cause a striking pain in Nesto left hand because it keeps bothering the bandage inside. He looks at his room, the morning sun fill his room with light and particle dust can be seen floating in the ray. After he readies the tray of fresh baked bread and teas, Nesto carries it with both of his hand and walk out of the room.


    After closing the door with his leg, Nesto walks down the hallway and are heading to Neya dorm room. While walking down the hallways, Nesto past a familiar student from Neya class, the one who almost hit him in the cafeteria. The student had a large number of maid and butler following him from behind,


    They both exchange glances at each other before walking away from each other. While exchanging a glance with each other, Nesto notices that the student had a look of disdain and bitter in his eyes. The only thing that Nesto could do is to ignore the look and continue walking.


    After a couple more hallways and stair that Nesto used; he finally arrived at the Neya room door. Before he enters the room, Nesto took a couple more breath to calm his mind and form a smile with his lips.


    He opens the doors without making any sound when he looks at Neya''s top bunk, his mind immediately panic. Neya is not in her bed; he placed the tray on the floor then rushes to the top bunk and lifts her blanket to make sure.


    He drops down to Lilia''s bottom bunk then he shakes her shoulder before speaking.


    "Lilia! Wake up!" Nesto said.


    "W-what...?" Lilia asks while blinking her eyes many times.


    "Where is Neya?" Nesto ask.


    "She is laying... the top bunk," Lilia answers.


    "No, she not. Did you come back with her last night?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes... of course, but she seems a little bit off when we head back... She became so quiet on the way back," Lilia said as she wipes her eyes.


    "What happen?" Nesto ask.


    "I saw her speak to Princess Caretena during the ball, I was surprised that she was there last night," Lilia answers.


    Digia grunt as she rolls around her bed, trying to sleep with the noise around her. Nesto turns his head to glance at the satyr before looking back at the elf girl.


    "What''s going on?" Lilia ask.


    "Nothing, everything is okay, enjoy the bread and tea. Sorry to bother you," Nesto said as he back away.


    "Nesto?" Lilia said.


    "And by the way, you had a little bit drool on your lips," Nesto said before leaving the room.


    Lilia sucks her lips in and hides her self under the blanket in embarrassment. After Nesto leaves the room, she let out a grunt for her unkempt appearance. The satyr on the other bed throws her pillow at her friend to silence her.


    "Shhhh..." The satyr girl hiss then she goes back to sleep.


    *


    Princess Caretena takes a sip of tea while in her own room, the maid beside her serve her freshly baked bread with strawberry jam spread on it. She brings the bread closer to her lips and takes a small bite with her teeth. She chews on the food in her mouth while looking out the window and sees the rising sun overlap by the mountain range.


    "It''s a beautiful rising sun, isn''t it?" Caretena said.


    "It is, my princess," the maid replied.


    The doors open and a human wearing a butler uniform walk into the room with a calm face, but his eyes show otherwise.


    "Nesto, it''s good to see you again," Caretena greet the man with joy in her tone.


    "What did you say to her?" Nesto ask.


    Caretena look at her maid then wave her hand, dismissing her from the room. The maid walks out of the room and closes the door behind her.


    "You know, living in that castle when I was still a kid was the most suffocating things that I have ever experience. I was constant surround by people that always put on a fake face, most of the times, they didn''t even realize that I notice it,"


    "Always watching out what I say, what I do, and not to be trick by their agenda. I always thought that people are untrustworthy except for my own family. Then mom brought you in, you were emotion were raw and your kindness has no agenda. I felt like I can be myself around you," Caretena said as she looks out the window.


    "What did you tell her?" Nesto ask.


    Caretena let out a short sight before standing up from her chair and turn to face the man.


    "I tell her everything, about her mother putting a bounty on her own daughter head, about you being her father enemy; the legendary silver flame," Caretena smile as she remembers the girl shocked expression.


    "Why?" Nesto ask.


    "I wanted to test her loyalty, to see if she deserves you," Caretena said.


    "She just a kid," Nesto said.


    "A kid needs to know before she causes more harm than good," Caretena said. After hearing those word, Nesto''s fingers begin to dig into his palm.


    "Nesto, can I tell you something?" Caretena asks while clasping her hand together.


    "I love you Nesto, I don''t care if you are my stepbrother. I lost you once and I''m not going to lose you again," Caretena confess as she gazes into Nesto eyes.


    Nesto was dumbfounded by her little sister delusion. He is not even angry at her by now, he just felt pity for her own little sister.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "Caretena..."


    "Yes..."


    "I don''t love you like that because you''re my sister," Nesto said.


    "What? But I''m pouring my heart over here and you reject me. I love you since we were a child, I waited for you to return my love but you went with that slut Eilna!" Nearing the end of her word, Caretena begins to shout.


    Nesto lifts his left hand and slaps her own little sister face. The slap produces an echo that bounces around the room, Caretena faces turn to shock and disbelief. Her eyes begin to water, and she sniffed her nose while placing a hand on the reddened cheek.


    She never once had her father or brother or even mother slap her on the face.


    "Listen to yourself, Caretena. Wake up, you''re my little sister. Haven''t you realize that yet," Nesto said.


    The cut begins to open and the bandage inside begins to soak up the blood. He felt a sharp pain when the cut open again, he then clenches his teeth to withstand the pain.


    "What''s wrong with me being your little sister?!" Caretena seethes in white anger.


    "Everything is wrong with it!" Nesto shouts in anger.


    Caretena lips quiver, her hand dig to her fabric while she looks down at the floor and trying not to cry.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Nesto ask.


    "I don''t want you to leave me! Like Mom did. Every time you go out of the castle, I worried that you won''t come back or worst came back in a coffin," Caretena said.


    A sense of guilt weighs Nesto''s heart. "You were in pain and I didn''t realize it."


    "I''m sorry for what I did, please forgive me, please don''t hate me," Caretena said.


    "No, it''s my fault, I have been occupied by my own pain and other strangers that I forgot my own family. You have been there when I was in pain, but I fail to do the same to you," Nesto said.


    Caretena wail as droplets of water starts pouring out of her eyes and flow down her cheek. Nesto quickly rushes to her and pull her closer into a hug. Her little sister grabs the Nesto''s jacket tightly as she cries.


    "I''m never going to hate you, you''re my little sister," Nesto said.


    "I''ve been trying to be strong for you after mom gone. It was painful, but when you left the castle to fight the war, I was alone and scared. The only thing that I can do was pray for your safety, and it works. You came back, but you lost yourself."


    "Then when I heard you were going to endanger your own life again and I just snap, I couldn''t go through that again, I don''t want to lose you like mom," Caretena said.


    "Mom never left, she has always been here in our heart. I know it painful to lose someone, but they won''t truly be gone. They will always be here with us, so will I because I know that one day. It will be my time to leave," Nesto said.


    "And when that time came, I will always by your side, in your memories and mind," Nesto continues.


    "You right... Mom never did truly leave, she is here with me," Caretena said letting Nesto go.


    "I''m sorry, but I need to find her," Nesto said.


    "I know, she is in the underground garden, one of my maids is keeping an eye on her," Caretena said.


    Caretena wipes her eyes as she saw her brother walk out of the room in a hurry. One of the maid enter, she also wipes her eyes. Her maid must hear everything that just happens.


    "Princess, what should we do now?" The maid asks.


    "I think, it''s times that we go back home," Caretena said her tone flatten then she turns and looks out of the window.


    *


    Underground garden.


    The elf girl with un-braided ginger hair lay on the center of the flower garden. Her body is surrounded by beautiful white flowers, while she looks up at the light above her dangling from the ceiling. The light is warm and strong.


    The shallow cut on her knuckle has begun to heal and leaving a light scar. It doesn''t make difference, it''s a small scar just like the rest that''s on her body.


    "Neya..." Nesto left glove has been soaking a lot of blood until it begins to drip from his glove to the white flower below.


    "The flower here is just like me, they believe that the light above them is the sun, but it not true. It''s an artificial light meaning that it''s a fake light that was made to imitate the sun," Neya said.


    "I know you would be like this if I told you the truth," Nesto said.


    "Your wrong, Nesto. I have been thinking, it wasn''t the bounty that put on my head by my shitty mother or about you being the silver flame, it was the lie. I''m sick and tired of all this freaking lie that kept coming from the people around me," Neya clench her teeth as she held back the tears.


    "I don''t want you to know about my terrible past and about your mother. I don''t want you to live a life burden with fear because of the bounty, because of me," Nesto said


    "Well! How noble of you to think that for me?" She says in a sarcastic tone.


    "You remember... when you said that you don''t care about my past, and I said the same thing to you. I believe your words, I truly do but I guess you didn''t believe mine. Because you lie to me," The words are like pouring a bunch of salt on an open wound for Nesto.


    "YOU LIE TO ME!" Neya shouts as she raises her upper body to look at Nesto.


    "YOU. LIE. TO. ME!" she slams her fist on the flower beside her.


    Nesto felt his entire heart shatter into a million piece when he saw his master, looking at him with teary eyes and trembling lips. When he looked into her eyes, he can see it wasn''t the anger that hides behind it. It was the disappointment, the feeling of betrayal again, a broken heart, and shattered trust.


    The feeling of regret and guilt overwhelm Nesto, he wanted to make it up for her. He broke her trust in him, he then tries to reach her with his hand.


    "STOP! Just stop, maybe it''s my fault, I thought I could trust again. How hopeful of me, but I know the truth. That this is the world is shit, it''s full of deceiver and liar and cheaters, when will I ever learn that?" Neya said with seething white-hot anger.


    "I did it to protect you," Nesto tries to salvage what trust she had in her heart.


    Neya proceeds to stand from her sitting position, she clenches the underside of her dress.


    "I didn''t want a protector! You said you know me then answer me! What do I want from you!?" Neya ask.


    Nesto thought of a million answer but none of them are the true answers. To make it clear, he doesn''t know the answers, so his flatten as he looks at her master.


    "I want you to be my family, someone who I could trust again and someone I could depend," Neya said.


    "You succeed, for a long moment when we were together, I thought of you as my family, not just any family member. I thought of you as my dad," Neya said the sniff her snort away.


    Those words pierce Nesto heart, he didn''t realize it before, it was the same feeling he had. Deep down, Neya was like a daughter that he wanted. A daughter that he would have if Eilna was still alive.


    "Neya, please forgive me. We can turn back time, we can become the same as before," Nesto plead.


    "You said that, but how could I trust you?" Neya said as she hugs herself.


    "You can trust me," Nesto tries to reach her with his hand.


    "I order you to stay away from me!" Neya order.


    The moment Nesto tires to reach her, the collar shock his entire body causing him to fall to his knees and grunt in pain. Neya looks away from the painful expression that Nesto let out. She couldn''t bear to see the person she cared about in pain, so she walks away.


    "Neya, please... I''m sorry!" Nesto said but she ignored his word and walk away. He looks down in regret at his very own choice. He''s the one who picks this choice, it was his fault.


    Neya left the room without looking back. Her hand over her mouth, she tries to muffle the cries escaping her throat. Tears drop down from her chin to the floor one by one.


    While she was walking, she saw two butlers walking toward her from the other hallway. Neya tries to gain composure by sniffing the snort and wiping her tear away. She straightens her posture and kept walking.


    When she was close to the two butlers, they suddenly block her way by standing in front of her. She was confused when she looked behind her, she sees two maids that are heading her way.


    Neya turns around and tries to walk to the other side but now the maids are blocking her path.


    "Neya Nimmith, the queen order me to bring you back home."


    Neya looks for the source of the voice and sees the student behind the butler. She recognizes him as the student that mock Nesto in the cafeteria the one that she yelled at.


    "You will pay for humiliating me in the cafeteria," The student said.


    Before Neya could scream for help, one of the butlers gag her mouth with a rag and grab hold of her arms. The fear is kicking in and her mind becomes cloudy; she wanted to scream, but couldn''t. Nesto faces flash before her mind, a tear flow down as she felt being useless again.


    Nobody is coming to save her because she orders him to stay away, Nesto couldn''t come to save her even if he wanted to.

 Chapter 31: Shock.

    The fear and nausea rush to her head as the elf hold both of her hands, preventing her from escape. She struggles to escape, but it pointless, the elf only tightens his grips around her hands. The moment she blinks her eyes, one of the maid let out a scream when she opens her eyes, she sees that one of the maids is thrown back into the wall.


    Neya looks to the person who threw the maid and saw Nesto standing with his eyes glare at the others while clenching his teeth together.


    "Let her go!" Nesto demand.


    "Get him!" The student order.


    The other maid run and kick Nesto in the chest, he was thrown back by the kick, but he uses his feet to recover and start charging toward the maid. The maid raises her hands waiting for Nesto attack.


    Nesto launches a couple punch, but the maid blocks it all using her hand. The maid returns a few punches at Nesto, and he did the same thing by blocking the punch. They both exchange punches until Nesto tries to roundhouse kick the maid, but she catches his leg before it comes in contact with her head.


    Nesto was distracted by the stinging pain around his neck that he forget about the other maid. He let out a groan when a dagger suddenly stabs him on his back. Nesto turns his head to see the other maid, he took out the dagger and wanted to use it on the maid.


    But he was kicked by the maid from behind forcing him to stumble forward. Nesto uses that momentum to dash toward the maid in front of him and lunge on top her. The maid was surprised and didn''t manage to block the dagger that was heading straight toward her jaw. Nesto jams the knife through the maid''s jaw and into her skull, killing her.


    He was kicked by the other butler causing him to roll off the maid. Nesto clenches his teeth tight as the pain around his neck intensifies causing his mind to lose focus and to drop the dagger. His body is raised off the ground by the butler and held in place while the maid lay out a couple punch to his gut and face.


    Nesto let out haunting screams as the pain around his neck became unbearable, this cause confusion for both of the attacker.


    Neya looks closely and realizes it the slave collar that is hurting him. It is shocking his neck because he disobeys the order. She tries to yell out a new order to cancel the old one, but only a muffled noise come outs from her gag mouth.


    Smoke began to rise coming from the collar as it starts to burn Nesto neck. The other two attackers are still stunned by the scream, giving Nesto a chance to free one of his hand.


    "What is going on!?" The maid asked.


    "I open the first gate ''Firio''," Nesto mutters.


    "Incernium."


    A silver ball of fire appears and hover on Nesto''s palms that surprised everyone in the hallways even Neya. She looks at the ball of fire and was tantalized by it, she has never seen a spell like this before. It so beautiful thought Neya before Nesto free his hand used it to blast the maid''s face with a stream of fire.


    The maid screams in pain as the stream of fire begin to burn her face alive. The fat under her skin boils while her hairs burn into crisp letting out a terrible smell in the hallways.


    Neya eyes widen in horror while she remembers her lecturer words.


    ''Magic is not your friend''.


    The maid fell to the floor, rolling and screaming in agony while trying to put out the fire. The butler that was holding Nesto was shocked that he accidentally let Nesto go. He uses that chance to turn his body and lunge on to the butler, taking him down while he is on top of him.


    The elf butler falls backward on the floor with Nesto on top of him. Nesto then plunges both of his thumbs into the elf eyes. The elf screams and wails his arm trying to get Nesto off, but Nesto grip was too strong. The elf begs Nesto let him go, but he couldn''t hear anything as a loud ringing in his ears block any sound from coming in.


    Nesto turns the elf head with force, breaking his neck and killing him. He then took out both of his thumbs and raise his own head to find the next enemy, but he found none. The student and the butler that was holding Neya has fled the scene.


    Neya was so horrified that she didn''t realize that nobody is holding her hands and preventing her from running away. Nesto stands up from the dead elf body and turns to face Neya, both of his glove soaked in blood.


    She was scared when she saw his eyes, it''s the same uncaring, cold eyes that her father, mother, and her torture had. This was not the man that save and took care of her. This was the monster that Nesto wanted to hide from her.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Nesto tries to reach her with his blood-soaked hand, but Neya back away. Scared and terrified of him. Her slave scream in pain as electricity can be seen jumping out from the collar while burning his neck. Nesto fell to his knee while trying to pry the collar off his neck


    Neya shakes her fear away and removes the gags out of her mouth.


    "I retract my order from before!" Neya command.


    And the shocking stops, Nesto let go of the collar and both hands fall to his lap while a wheezing noise escapes his mouth. His eyes widen as he looks down at his trembling blood-soaked hands. Some of the smoke rise up into the ceiling and the smell of awful acrid odor linger.


    "I''m... Sorry..." Every long pause is accompanied by a wheezing noise.


    Then a sudden silence falls in the hallways, Neya carefully crawls to Nesto. She sees that his eyes are still wide open, but when she waves her hand in front of them. There was no response.


    "Nesto!? Wake up!!" Neya said aloud, but still not respond.


    "Help!! SOMEBODY!! HELP!!!!" She screams for help.


    *


    The dry blood stains the elf girl hands, it was not the first time Neya had seen blood, but it the first she ever saw someone else blood. She doesn''t even know if the blood comes from the one who tried to hurt her or it comes from Nesto.


    She was terrified, not because of the blood, but because she saw Nesto other self. It scares her, and her mind wanders what if Nesto doesn''t return back to normal. She shakes the thought away and looks up to see the mirror in front of her.


    Neya sees the stool underneath her butt and the bowl of clean water on the floor with a clean towel on the side. She also sees her messy hairs, the few blood stains on her cheek, and the swollen eyes from crying earlier.


    "You know it''s your fault," Her reflection suddenly spoke to her.


    "No, it''s not," Neya denied.


    "It''s because you are weak and useless. You always fail to protect the one you love, and you turn to a child the moment someone starts to take care of you," her reflection mock.


    "No," Neya said.


    "The Princess was right, you are doing more harm than good!" Her reflection said.


    "I''m not harming anyone," Neya argued.


    "Oh yeah? How many time does Nesto get hurt just because he tries to save you?" Her reflection asks.


    Neya tongue is tied when she remembers the time that Nesto gets hurt because of her. Her reflection let out a laugh at Neya inability to answer the question.


    "You''re weak!" Her reflection said.


    "I''m not!" Neya response.


    "You are! Nesto lied to you because he knows you are too weak to handle the truth, and it was your fault, but you blame it on him. Poor Nesto, he only wanted to help you, but now because of you. He is in the other room and on his deathbed," her reflection said.


    Neya ears are filled with a loud ringing noise that begins to hurt her. She stands up and uses the stool to smash the mirror in front of her. With no strength left Neya fall to her knees on the floor and start to sob.


    The door to the room open.


    "Neya?!" Neya glance to see Caretena standing in the doorway.


    "It''s my fault that Nesto is dying, I didn''t listen to you," Neya said then continue sobbing.


    Caretena rushes to Neya and slaps her on the face. The slap was out of nowhere and it manages to stop the elf girl from crying.


    "He''s not dying! He''s hurt, he''s very hurt right now, but my brother is strong, and he will get through this," Caretena said as she glares at the pathetic girls on her knees.


    "What should I do?" Neya asks as she sniffs her nose.


    "Stand up, wipe your tears, and become strong for him," Caretena said then she left the room.


    Neya turns her head to look at the bowl of clean water, she wipes her tear away with her arms and walks toward it to clean her self.


    *


    Underneath the academy.


    The young elf runs toward a secret entrance that leads to the sewer with his butler following behind him. Someone whistled to the student causing him to stop on his track, but his butler continues on running toward the bar sewer entrance.


    A light reflects something in the hallway, but it''s too small to notice. The moment the butler reach a certain point in the hallway, his head suddenly separate from his neck and fall to the floor. The head rolls to the student''s feet causing him to scream when he sees the surprised expression etched into his butler''s head.


    The blood drips down to the floor from a line of metallic string that hangs in the air above where the butler''s headless body lay. Then the metallic string unlatches itself from the wall and slides on the floor toward something.


    The students look at where strings went and see the metallic string gathers back to a glove with a spool on the center. The one who wears the glove is an elf that''s is wearing a black military coat with a hand holding a dagger pin on his collar.


    The student tries to run, but before he knows it, his entire body suddenly wraps by a metallic string. Then his body is raised up into the air like a chandelier. He stops struggling when the strings begin to dig into his skin


    "Let me go!" the student shouts.


    "I have a few questions for you," 167 said.


    "I won''t tell you anything," the student raise his voice.


    "I''m not a big fan of torture, too gory for me, but if push comes to shove," 167 let out a smile as he tightens his grip.


    The strings wrap around the student body begins to move, tightening it coils like a snake until it broke the skin and letting out blood drip down. The student realizes the more his struggle the more the string start to tighten.


    "Okay! I''ll tell you everything!" The student yells.


    "I like the change of attitude there, my first question why Neya?" 167 ask.


    "I don''t know, I swear, the queen just wanted her alive," the student said.


    "Not good enough, tell me more," 167 said.


    The student feels the string dig around his leg into his muscle mass. He screams as he felt something like a dagger slowly stabbing his leg.


    "I heard a rumor about an artifact name ''The Lock'', and it somehow connected to Neya because she is the key to open it, but it just a rumor. I don''t know if it true or not," the student said.


    "How do you know who Neya was?" 167 ask.


    "I overhead a conversation between the princess and her during the dance, I was lucky," the student said.


    "I didn''t know that she had a monster on a leash, I thought it was going to be a simple job. I just wanted to raise my family reputation with the queen, please I don''t want to die," the student pleads.


    "No one does," 167 said calmly.


    "Wait!" The student yells.


    He gestures his glove and the metallic string dig into his body, cutting it apart easily while the young elf still alive and screams in horror. A massive amount of blood drops down to the floors, making a huge mess.


    The body piece falls to the floor one by one, and 167 just smile while he watches it happens.

 Chapter 32: Confession.

    Neya opens the door slowly, then she peeks through and sees Nesto laying on the medical bed with bandages covering his chest, hand, and neck. Neya fears were blown away when she saw her servant smiling face while he took a couple sip from the cup that Caretena currently hold for him.


    Caretena notices Neya standing at the doorway, causing her to put down the cup on end table then stand up and proceed to walk out of the door.


    "I don''t want to be rude, but the tea here is horrendous," Nesto jest.


    "Are you okay?" Neya ask.


    "I''m still alive, even though my whole body feels numb, they said it''s temporary so that''s another good news," Nesto said.


    Neya''s feet and hands fidget as she stands in the doorway, she then places a hand on her upper arms as she looks down at the floor. Nesto notices her nervous behavior causing him to feel guilty and depressed.


    "Will you forgive me?" Nesto ask.


    "I don''t know, but what I do know is thing won''t be the same as before," Neya said.


    "It won''t, but it doesn''t mean it won''t get better," Nesto tries to think on the positive side.


    Neya looks away while still un-moving from her position.


    "Are you scared of me?" Nesto ask.


    She quickly looks back at him causing their gazes to meet with each other.


    "No..." She took a pause and look away.


    "I''m sorry, I lied... I am scared of you," Neya said.


    "I don''t blame you. I understand fully where that fear is coming from," Nesto said while a tinge of sadness coated his words.


    "How can you kill those people while having those eyes?" Neya asks while her heart tighten up.


    "Eyes?" Nesto said.


    "Those uncaring eyes, the same one my father had when he beat his own people, and the same one that mother had before she throws me to the wolf. How could you feel nothing while you hurt those people?" Neya asks then she took a step forward.


    "During the war, the only way to keep my insanity is to just don''t give any thought to it and follow your order. After a few more battle and killing, It becomes something normal to me and I hated it," Nesto answers.


    "Normal?¡ªWhat if your order is to kill me, will you have that same eyes?" Neya ask.


    "I don''t know how to answer that..." Nesto reply.


    She notices that deep in his eye show that he is contemplating about the question that she asks. At that moment Neya knows that the man laying on the bed was not the same as before. Beside the contemplating nature of his eyes, she can feel that Nesto is trying to understand her fear because he cares for her.


    He was not the monster like Caretena claimed because she realizes that he is just a man with a broken part in him just like her.


    Neya inhale the air into her lung while closing both her eyes when she opened it again, she let out the air in her lungs escaped her mouth. Then she starts walking toward the stool that Caretena sat, and took a seat on it.


    "I''m not angry at you anymore. To tell you the truth, I''m angry at myself," Neya said.


    "Why are you angry at yourself?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m angry because I''m weak. I let you fight for me and get hurt for me," Neya answers.


    "It''s my duty to protect you because I promised you that," Nesto said.


    "Yes, I know that, but I don''t want you to get hurt, and I don''t want you to fight. I know what I''m asking of you is selfish of me," Neya said.


    Nesto let out a gentle smile, "I was right to choose you as my master."


    "How about we reach a compromise?" Nesto ask.


    "What kind of compromise?" Neya ask.


    "I''ll protect you with all my might, but when you get strong enough. You will do the same for me, and then I won''t have to fight as much as I do right now," Nesto suggest.


    "How do I even get strong? I don''t know how to fight or cast a spell," Neya mumble.


    "I know you will find a way," Nesto said.


    "Why do you have so much faith in me?" Neya said while couldn''t help herself letting out a smile.


    "It''s because you are a good kid and a good master," Nesto said.


    Neya took his hand and held it tightly while she feels her heart is warming up with gratitude. This man beside her will always believe in her, that faith makes her believe that she can become the girl that this man admire.


    The door open to a group of people familiar to Nesto and Neya. Digia and Lilia had a worried expression on their face as they saw Nesto laying on the bed after they enter the room. Caretena brought a fresh towel with her as she enters the room, and places it on the wooden drawer in the corner of the room.


    "What happens?" Digia ask.


    Kinnith also enters the room and lean on the wall beside the door. Grok the headmaster enters the room with a serious look as he walks to the end of the bed.


    "Before we start asking questions, I have bad news for you both," Grok said.


    "What is it?" Nesto ask.


    "Neya is expelled from the academy," Grok said.


    "What?" Lilia let out while everyone in the room had a confused look on their face except for Kinnith.


    "Nesto you broke too many rules, I can''t defend you anymore. All the lecturer agreed to expel Neya, so we can keep our neutral status. The student that attack you was found dead, and he is not just any student. He is the son of the noble family that reside in Weyshers," Grok explain.


    "We don''t want the Academy to be mix up with Elven politics," Grok said.


    "I''m sorry," Grok apologizes.


    "You can''t throw them out, they have only been here for three days," Digia said.


    "Yeah, you will be throwing them to the wolf, if you kick them out," Lilia said.


    "Girls... It''s fine, I think it''s time for me and Nesto to leave," Neya said.


    Nesto turns to look at her master confused, but he sees now that she has determination in her expression.


    "What? Why?" Lilia ask.


    "We-No, I haven''t been telling you the whole truth," Neya said while her grip tightens around Nesto hand.


    "Stop... We don''t care about your past, you are our friends, and we don''t want you to leave," Digia said.


    "I have to leave, this place has given me so much happiness and make feel like a kid again, but it also makes me forget who I am. I need to leave, I need to get strong and protect the one I love," Neya said.


    "Are you sure about this?" Lilia ask.


    "I am," Neya said with determination coating her answers.


    "Well you don''t have to leave right now, you got until tomorrow to pack your stuff and be ready. I''m sorry again, but there is nothing I can do," Grok said the nodding his head to both of them and walk out of the room.


    "If that your answers then at least we can do is pack your stuff," Lilia said to Neya.


    "Thank you," Neya said.


    "We''ll start right now," Lilia walks out of the room while Digia following her from behind, leaving Caretena and Kinnith with Nesto and Neya.


    "I''m going to leave too, I''m sorry for what I said at the dance," Caretena apologizes.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "You are right and wrong at the same time. I was weak and Nesto is just a regular human," Neya said.


    "Just make sure you took care of him," Caretena said to Neya.


    "Nesto, come by for a visit once a while, we all miss you back home," Caretena said to Nesto before leaving the room.


    After Caretena leaves the room, Neya looks at the elf leaning on the wall. He looks back at her with a smile on his face, then he leans forward and took a couple step toward the bed. Kinnith rests his hand on the bed rail then he ran his fingers through his hair.


    "Hmm... I try to defend you back when Grok was discussing with the other lecturer on what to do with you," Kinnith said.


    "Thank you... But may I ask, why did you do that? We barely know each other," Neya said.


    "What I''m going to say may come out of nowhere and sound delusional, but I think I like you," Kinnith said.


    "You like me? You mean as a friend?" Neya said while letting out a smile.


    Nesto eyes widen when he realizes what is going on, he wishes he can walk away and give them both some privacy, but he can''t. So he pretends to be asleep by closing his eyes.


    "Well not exactly," Kinnith let out an awkward small laugh as he glances away.


    "I think, I fell in love you," Kinnith said.


    Kinnith confession shock Neya, it was unexpected because she barely spent time with him. Neya''s mind was confused and her heart was beating fast, she glances at Nesto; finding him fast asleep. She can feel her cheek getting warm and her mind throbbing.


    "How?" Neya ask.


    "I actually don''t know myself, but I been having feelings for you when we first met, there was something about you that makes my heart throb. I''m sorry for putting you on the spot, but I think this is probably the only time I can tell you how I feel before you leave," Kinnith said.


    "I don''t know what to say, I never had... anyone confesses to me before," Neya said.


    "It''s okay, I don''t expect an answer. I just want to tell how I feel," Kinnith said.


    "Why me? I''m not beautiful like other girls, my body is full of scars and I''m a damaged good. How could someone fall in love with me?" Neya said in disbelief.


    "Your scars are who you are and it''s beautiful. I have met many people that always put on faces, but you are different. Your emotion is raw and the truth, your kindness come from your understanding of pain and loss. Everything about you is mesmerizing, I just couldn''t focus on anything else when I''m near you," Kinnith said.


    "I don''t know how I feel about you," Neya said.


    "Don''t worry, you didn''t have to answer or replied to my feeling," Kinnith said.


    "I''m sorry," Neya apologizes.


    "Can you tell me, what are you going to do after leaving the academy," Kinnith said.


    "Find a way to become strong, and maybe travel the world. I always wanted to go on adventures," Neya answers.


    "Adventure... Sound nice," Kinnith said.


    "Kinnith, I feel bad for barely know about you," Neya said.


    "There is nothing interesting about me to know about, I''m an orphan who been living with Grok for all my entire life. That''s it," Kinnith said.


    "That can''t be true, you presence ooze mystery, there must be something about you that I would like to know," Neya ask.


    "I love to prank Grok in my spare time, you should have seen his face," Kinnith said while letting out a smile.


    "Tell me more," Neya said with enthusiasm in her voice.


    From that moment on, Kinnith and Neya keep on talking to each other about their life while ignoring the pretend asleep Nesto laying on the bed. Nesto kept on being under the pressure of awkwardness, he could hear the giggle and banter coming from the two of them.


    During the chatter between the two of them, Nesto actually fall asleep for real.


    *


    Early Morning.


    Nesto stretches his arms up in the air after lifting the supplies box into the back of the wagon. He still feels a little bit of sore around the joint area of his body, it''s more of a nuisance than a problem. He looks for his master and found that she is talking to her friends.


    "I''m sorry again, to leave like this," Neya said.


    "It''s okay, but we''ll be sad though without our newest club member around," Digia said.


    "Just remember to write to us if you not too busy," Lilia said.


    "Of course," Neya said.


    "I want to give you a hug, but I know you have a problem with touching other people," Digia said.


    "It''s okay," Neya said.


    "Here, take this," Lilia lifts up a Claryfair flower in a small pot with both of her hands to Neya.


    "For me?" Neya said while taking the potted plant off Lilia''s hands.


    "Yes, please remember to water it," Lilia said.


    "I will," Neya said.


    Digia sniffs her nose and wipes the tear off the corner of her eyes. Lilia then pulls her closer causing their shoulders to bump each other. Neya eyes also start to water as she realizes that she maybe won''t see them again in a long time.


    "Pioneers club!" Neya cheers.


    "Pioneers club!!" Both of her friend''s cheers.


    Neya let out a saddened smile, "See you later?"


    "See you later," Lilia let out a smile as she replied.


    Digia suddenly starts crying and hugs her green hair friend. Neya then starts to walk away from them and head to the wagon. Neya waves her hand at her friends before turning to face Nesto.


    "Where is Kinnith?" Nesto ask.


    "He said his goodbye last night," Neya answers as she pulls back a lock of hair behind her ears.


    "Oouu, late night secret meeting?" Nesto joked.


    "It''s not like that," Neya cheek redden and she elbows Nesto stomach causing him to grunt.


    "Oh, that still painful," Nesto let out.


    "I''m sorry," Neya laugh.


    "It''s fine, I can shake it off," Nesto said as he waves his hand around.


    Neya climbs the back of the wagon while Nesto climbs the front of the wagon. He grabs the reign and wiggles it to signal the horse, so they would start walking while pulling the wagon behind it. Inside the wagon, Neya places the flower pot on the box in front of her and stares at it as she feels the vibration of the wagon.


    "You know, it''s a tiny world out there, maybe you could meet them again one day," Nesto said aloud.


    Neya hugs both her leg as she sits on the carpet covered floor, "I''m sure, I will."


    From the distance, Nesto spot Caretena carriages moving toward the other direction that''s lead to Targia. Nesto steers the horse toward the other route that leads to Hardersfield town.


    "Miss Neya, are you sure about going to Harderfields?" Nesto ask aloud.


    "Yeah, I''m sure," Neya said then after taking a long breath, she stands up and walks to the front of the wagon.


    She took a seat next to Nesto and lean her head against his arms. Neya felt saddened to leave her friends but excited for the new journey that they about to embark.


    A journey to find her strength.

 Chapter 33: The Vagrant.

    The stone gate cast a shadow on the wagon that Nesto is riding. He pulls the reign when he saw an elf wearing a guard armor, and gesture at him with his hand, so Nesto would stop the horse. When the horse stops so do the wagon, the guards walk closer to the front seat of the wagon.


    "Morning, where are you folk heading?" The guard asks.


    "Morning Sir, We are heading to Hardersfield," Nesto answers.


    "We?" The guard asks.


    Neya slips through the curtain revealing herself to the guard, "Me and my master," Nesto answers.


    "I''m sorry to tell you, but this mountain pass is closed on the account of a Wyvern infestation that''s been going on," The guard said.


    "Are we forbidden to use the mountain pass?" Neya ask.


    "Well technically, no. But who would want to use a pass that infested by Wyvern," the guard said.


    "We would like to use the mountain pass, please," Neya said.


    "If you insist, but before you leave. Here," The guard toss a small sack to Nesto.


    Nesto catches it with his hand and feels the content of the sack, it feels like marbles inside.


    "May I ask, what is this for?" Nesto asks as he looks at the sack in his hand.


    "It''s for the Vagrant, as an offer for protection. The Vagrant will guide you through the mountain pass safely," the guard said.


    "The Vagrant?" Neya asks while her butler stores the sack in his jacket.


    "Trust me, you can go now," The guard said then he back away to give some room for the wagon to move.


    Nesto whips his reign, the horse neigh before walking again and pull the wagon with it. Neya climbs up to the front seat when she looks in front of her, she found that the mountain pass is enclosed by a thick fog. The wagon keeps on moving into the fog, Neya looks behind her and the gate was nowhere to be seen.


    As the wagon travels down the pass, not a single animal noise can be heard in the fog, and only dead trees can be seen on both side of the road. The silence causes the hair in the back of Neya neck to stand, so she starts to practice with the spell she learns in the Academy.


    She focuses her mind and mutter, "Moric" and nothing happens.


    She tries again by making hands gesture, but nothing happens.


    Nesto look at her with his eyebrow raised before asking her "Miss Neya, what are you doing?"


    "I want to practice the magic skill that I learn at the academy, but I just can''t do it for whatever reason," Neya answers.


    She tries again, but still fail. Frustrated, she turns to Nesto before saying "I''ve been meaning to ask, how did you cast a spell? The last time I checked, human incapable of using magic."


    Nesto turns his back to give Neyaa look. He then lifts the underside of his jacket revealing a glimpse of the magic crystal embedded in his back.


    "Humans can''t use magic, but I''m an exception," Nesto said before lowering his jacket.


    "I request Madeleine to give me the power to protect the royal family, and she grants it," Nesto said.


    "What does it do?" Neya ask.


    "The magic crystal acts as an input for me to gather Mana into my body, so I can use it," Nesto reply.


    "Still just putting Mana into one body doesn''t give him the ability to control it," Neya said.


    "It doesn''t, that''s why my entire body has been modified to do that. I want to explain it to you, but even myself don''t know the detail," Nesto said.


    "You must know a lot of spells," Neya amazed.


    "I actually only know one spell, I can''t use any other," Nesto said.


    "What?" Neya said confused.


    "I don''t know why maybe it''s because I''m human that there are certain limitations to my magic. I can only use one spell, a basic fire spell," Nesto said as he shrugs his shoulders.


    "Does that mean, you can''t teach me any spell?" Neya asks with a tinge of disappointment in her voice.


    "Even if I know any spell, that spell will surely be an offensive spell, and I won''t teach you that because it is too dangerous. But based on my experience, I can help you, but only if the spell is harmless," Nesto said.


    "Yes, it is. It''s a spell that conjures light," Neya said excitedly.


    "Okay then, first you need to know what I''m going to teach you are not the standard ways of casting a spell. It''s not entirely different from the usual way, but the fundamental is a bit different," Nesto explains while his master focuses on his every word.


    "The standard fundamental is, mind, words, and effect. First, you focus the effect in your mind then mutter the words and the end result will come out. And in the middle of the three is Mana control, but I will get to it later." Nesto explain.


    "What Madeleine taught me is when focusing the effect in your mind, there is no need to be stuck on one particular effect. Because there are multiple possibilities, that can come out from the spell. A basic fire spells the one I used can change into many types different spell. I can turn the fire into a sword or a shield or make it narrow like an arrow and many more." Nesto explain.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "It depends on the caster mind," when he looked at his master face, he noticed that he had lost her while explaining.


    "You know what, let''s stick to the standard method," Nesto said.


    "First focus your mind, see the effect of the spell in your mind and visualize it happening in front of you," Nesto said.


    Neya looks at her hands, and she visualizes the light spell happening on her hands. "I can see it," she said.


    "Now feel the Mana coursing in your vein," Nesto said.


    She can feel something warm flowing from her entire body to her hands. She took a long breath to calm her excitement then she keeps on focusing on her hands while waiting for the next steps.


    "Mutter the words," Nesto said.


    "Mor-" She was interrupted by the wagon suddenly stopping causing her body to jerk. Neya looks up wondering what is going on, then her jaw drop down when she sees a humanoid with a tattered cloak covering its head and its entire body.


    The humanoid stands in front of the horse, and it was tall as the Xintari that stab Nesto in Targia. Under the humanoid cloak, Neya notices some kind of bone with sharp edge dangling underneath its cloak. Neya glance at Nesto, and she saw his eyes kept on glancing at the saber behind him.


    "Hello there," Nesto greets.


    "My name Nesto, we''re just passing through," Nesto said.


    "Do you have candy?" A woman voice came out from the humanoid.


    "Candy?" Nesto said confused.


    "Nesto, the small sack that the guard gave!" Neya reminds.


    Nesto reaches into his jacket and takes out the small sack. The tall presumably woman and start to walk closer toward Nesto. While walking, Nesto can see the muscular abs with claw marks underneath her cloaks. She then presents her open hands, waiting for Nesto to give her the items.


    He then places items on the woman palm, she took it and open it. Then the woman reaches in and takes out a small piece of candy. Underneath her hoods, Nesto notices a smile with sharp teeth form with her mouth. She opens her mouth and tosses one of the candy in.


    She immediately let out a moan as she savors the flavor.


    "Are you the Vagrant?" Nesto ask.


    She let out a groan, "Apparently that''s what the folk are calling me now."


    "If the name displeases you, may I ask what is your real name?" Nesto ask.


    "Hmm, call me Vizrez," the woman answers.


    "Vizrez, are you here to help us cross the mountain pass?" Nesto ask.


    "Indeed, I am," Vizrez answers.


    The journey felt long as Vizrez help guide the horse while Nesto tries to keep track of the sun through the fog, but fail to do so. The fog seems to be getting thicker and shows no sign of slowing down. After giving up trying to see what times it was, Nesto just leans back and enjoy the journey.


    He could hear Neya frustrated groan in the back as she tries to practice her magic spell. Neya just couldn''t understand on why she can''t cast the spell now, she felt pretty sure she could do it earlier. After a few more tires she finally gives up and lay on the soft cushions behind her.


    Vizrez stop the wagon as she notices that the fog is getting darker, she looks behind at Nesto.


    "Night is coming, I will bring you to one of the resting places," She said aloud.


    It doesn''t take long as they come across a cave that enough to fit the wagon inside. Vizrez ties the horse reign to one of the cave pillars, and she proceeds to take a seat on the rock close to her. She then takes out her candy and enjoys it by herself.


    Nesto jumps down then his stretch his body, snapping his bone back to place, and then he begins to look around the cave. He smiles when he found a spot where he can set up a fireplace and his cooking equipment.


    While Nesto setting up his stuff, Neya jumps down the wagon and walk to the hooded woman. The hooded woman notices a ginger elf girl approaching her, she glances at her before storing the sack of candy inside her cloak.


    "What do you want?" The woman asks.


    "I just want to have a friendly conversation with you," Neya said.


    The woman groaned in annoyance accompany by a sigh before saying, "Ask away."


    "How long have you been living here?" Neya ask.


    "My entire life, next question," The woman answers.


    "Are you alone?" Neya ask.


    "As far I know, yes. I''m alone," the woman replied.


    "What do you do here?" Neya ask.


    "I hunt Wyvern and been helping traveler safely pass the mountain," The woman answers.


    "I''m sorry if I cause you any annoyance. I just wanted to have a conversation," Neya apologize.


    The woman sigh, "Look, I''ve been helping people cross this mountain pass for my entire life, and they all ask me the same question over and over. It gets repetitive to me, so don''t blame yourself, I just get tired of answering the same question." Vizrez said.


    "Wait here," Neya went back to the wagon after leaving her seat.


    "Sure, like I have another place to go too," Vizrez said.


    When Neya return, she had an excited expression on her face while hiding something behind her back. Vizrez looks at the elf girl with her eyebrow raised, the girl then brings forth the cupcake that she was hiding behind her back to the hooded woman.


    "A cupcake?" Vizrez said.


    "Try it, it has a chocolate filling inside," Neya said.


    Vizrez took the cupcake and took a bite off it. Out of nowhere, she let out a moan of pleasure as she tastes the melted chocolate inside of the cupcake. She kept on munching on the cupcake while letting out many moans. Neya smile as she feels pleased that the hooded woman in front of her enjoys the cupcake that she gave.


    "Where do you even get this?" Vizrez ask.


    "Nesto always make them for me, just in case I get hungry," Neya reply.


    "Do you have some more?" Vizrez asks excitedly.


    "I have a couple more, I know you would like them. I''ll be glad to share them with you," Neya said.


    "Thank you, it''s hard to find something sweet to eat around here," Vizrez said.


    "Why are you living alone in the mountain pass?" Neya ask.


    "I actually don''t know the reason, it is kind of blurry to me. All I can remember is waking up with a wounded head," Vizrez answers.


    "You can''t remember?" Neya ask.


    "Yep, not a single thing, but for some reason, I had a tremendous rage when I see a Wyvern," Vizrez reply.


    "I think you suffered from a memory loss. It must be hard losing your memory," Neya said.


    "Not really, I made do with what memory I got left. I don''t really care for the past, only the present," Vizrez said as she let out a smile showing her sharp teeth.


    "Dinner''s ready!" Nesto said aloud as he wipes his with a clean cloth.


    "Would you want to join us for dinner?" Neya ask.


    "I would love too," Vizrez said.


    Both of them, stand up from their rock and walk to the campfire. Upon arriving at the campfire, a scent of chicken stock lingers around the fireplace. Vizrez notices the smell is coming from the boiling pot that stood above the campfire, she also notices her stomach grumble.


    Neya took a seat at one of the rock near the campfire, then she starts to warm her hands near the fire. Vizrez follows and took a seat, she kept on staring hungrily at the pot.


    "Before I start serving, lets introduced our self first. As you may as know my name is Nesto, but my full name is Nesto Fasheir, and I''m Miss Neya butler," Nesto introduce himself.


    "My name is Neya Nimmith, you can call me, Neya." The elf girl introduced herself to the hooded woman.


    "I''m Vizrez, I don''t have a long name. So can we eat now?" Vizrez said.


    Neya let out a giggle at Vizrez eagerness, Nesto smiles as he serves the food to both of them. When Vizrez looks into the bowl, she can see chicken meat floating on the soup and some kind of long slimy worm-shaped thing.


    "What is this worm shape thing?" Vizrez ask.


    "It is called a noodle, and it''s are made from wheat," Nesto said.


    "Try it, it''s delicious," Neya said then with a fork in her hand, she sucks the noodle into her mouth.


    Vizrez took a fork and follow Neya ways of eating it. The moment it enters her mouth, she was amazed by the delicious taste of the soup and the noodle texture. She then starts to gulp down all of her noodle soup in a flash then show Nesto the empty bowl.


    "Can I have more please?" Vizrez ask.


    "Of course," Nesto served her another bowl.

 Chapter 34: Pack.

    After a long night of rest, the morning sun comes, and illuminate the fog once again, while the fog still not showing any progress of it dispersing or fading. There a small disappointment that Nesto feels when he realizes that the fog is showing no sign of improvement. He shakes that small feeling away and begins his regular morning stretch at the maw of the cave.


    Alongside him, Vizrez stood and join him in morning stretch. As she stretches her body, Nesto finally sees the muscled bodied woman with a few claw mark on her tan skin.


    Her muscle was hard just from the sight and glistening with the dim morning light reflected on it. Even though her body is filled with muscle, she still has her femininity shaped body accompany that strong muscled body. Nesto couldn''t help himself but look away because of her attire underneath¡ªLeathery beast skin loincloth, and a long stretch of that beast skin covering her breasts.


    Nesto just realized that Vizrez doesn''t realize the skimpy clothing that she wears is not the norm of Arorona. Why Nesto think that is because she doesn''t show any slight of embarrassment when he glances at her body.


    But something else catches Nesto''s attention, the glimpse of her bone weapon hiding behind her cloak. He really wanted to the see the weapon, it interests him on what kind of weapon it actually is, maybe he could ask Vizrez to show it to him.


    Some other time maybe.


    The cute groan coming from the wagon behind Nesto, tell him that his master is beginning to wake up from her sleep, and they could finally continue on with their journey. After his last stretch of the day, Nesto jogs to the wagon and begin to prepare his master for the journey.


    After a moderate time of preparing his master, they all are set for the rest of their journey. With his saber in a sheath beside him while he held the reign and Vizrez is standing beside the horse. He wiggles the reign, signaling the horse to move while the tall hooded woman beside it is guiding the horse.


    Neya let out a yawn as the wagon finally move.


    "Did you have a great sleep, last night?" Nesto ask.


    "I did..." Neya said while her eyelids on the border of closing.


    "What kind of dream you had?" Nesto ask.


    "It was a dream of¡ª"


    Just a few steps out of the cave, the horse comes to an abrupt stop just outside of the cave, interrupting Neya from answering her butler questions. Neya was confused, so she wipes her eyes and looks at her butler''s face.


    Nesto shows a look of concern as he kept on looking around him, its like he is searching for something. She then looks at Vizrez, and the hooded woman also shows the same behaviors Nesto had. Neya begins to worry when she sees her butler hand going for his saber.


    And there was terrifying, hissing roar that echoed in the unseen sky above them. The sound of it scared Neya but what change from just being simply scared to terrify was many of the same roars that came with it. The monster that above was not alone, and it had many friends with it.


    "Miss Neya, go inside!" Nesto order.


    Despite her terror-stricken mind, she stays beside her butler, "No, I won''t run or hide anymore."


    "That many roars don''t sound good at all," Vizrez said as she guards her self.


    Something shift in the air that causes Vizrez to turn her head toward the source. Nesto also turns his attention to where the hooded woman is looking. Neya was stunned when she saw a snake head appear out of the fog, followed by a lizard body with wings for arms, it stands on two legs, and spikes running down its back.


    It was a Wyvern just like the book describe it and its size as big as the wagon itself maybe even bigger.


    The Wyvern open its mouth, showing its fangs, and snake tongue while letting out a hissing roar. Vizrez removes her cloak revealing herself, Neya was surprised again that the hooded woman was not an elf or a human.


    Vizrez had one large blue eye, a small horn poking out her forehead and messy blond hair¡ªVizrez is a cyclops. She let out a roar by opening her mouth, a yellow light covers her body before disappearing inside her. Nesto felt the Mana change in the air, Vizrez was using magic.


    The Wyvern charges toward the wagon at that moment Vizrez rush toward the Wyvern while taking out her bone-made sword with a long handle. The two of them clash, but only one of them stood still while the other flew back¡ªVizrez stood still unaffected by the Wyvern charge.


    The Wyvern shakes its head before standing up again and charge toward Vizrez. She smiles the moment the beast get closer to her, taking a few steps to the left, she brought the weapon at its belly. The blade breaks through the Wyvern skin and causes a huge cut, in which, it spills the Wyvern gut to the ground; killing it with a single slash.


    Nesto was certainly impressed by her strength, but it was not the time to lose focus. While another Wyvern dives from the sky and leaves a claw mark on the wagon before flying up again. He was torn on the situation that he is in right now, he kept glancing around while searching for an escape route.


    "Nesto, go back to the cave. I have a plan," Neya said while pulling on his jacket.


    He was distracted by the sudden strong wind from above that cause the entire fog around them to vanish. The cause of that strong winds is the Wyvern that even bigger than the rest of them, hovering in the sky with four wings. Its wings cause the fog to disappear around the wagon just by flapping it.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "It''s the queen!" Vizrez yell.


    "Vizrez climb on!" Neya shout, Vizrez runs to the wagon and climbs on its side. Neya took the reign off her butler''s hands.


    She whips the horse causing it to gallop and steer it toward the cave behind them. One of the Wyvern begins to circle and follow the wagon. Nesto shakes his head and notices her master is steering the horse. After gathering his own focus, he let Neya handle the horse while he climbs on top of the wagon.


    He took out his saber and mutter "I open the second gate ''Lagior''."


    "Incernium," the saber blade was engulfed in a silver fire. He points it at the Wyvern chasing after them and whips it. The slash turn into a ranged attack as the fire slash flew toward the Wyvern and exploded in impact. Bit and pieces of the Wyvern decorate around the impact area.


    Out of nowhere, Nesto could hear Vizrez laughing her ass off as she clings to the wagon side. The wagon enters the cave again and keeps on diving deeper into the cave before stopping. The pack of Wyvern was cautious as its stops following the wagon.


    "This peace won''t last," Neya said as she steers the wagon slowly back facing the cave entrance.


    "Your right, Miss Neya," Nesto agrees.


    "What we do now?" Vizrez ask.


    "We won''t last in this fight if we face them straight on, I have my limit," Nesto said.


    "I once try before, even I can''t fight through that pack of Wyvern," Vizrez comment.


    "I have a plan, but both of you won''t like it," Neya said as she stares at the cave entrance with intense focus.


    "Since when do I ever dislike anything you do?" Nesto jest, his master only roll her eyes at her butler comment with a smile.


    "I''ll do it if you gave me all of your cupcakes," Vizrez said as she licks her lips thinking about those delicious cupcakes.


    "It''s a deal," Neya agree.


    "What''s the plan, chief?" Vizrez ask.


    "It''s a simple plan, both of you will bait the pack Wyvern inside the cave, then when all of them are in the cave. I will ride the wagon picking you both on the way and escape the cave. That''s when Nesto blew up the entrance and trap them in there," Neya said.


    "How do you plan on riding the wagon pass the pack of Wyvern on the way out?" Vizrez ask.


    "You guys will after I pick you up, well I hope so, besides they will sure to have a hard time turning their body in the cave," Neya said.


    Nesto let out a laugh, then he jumps down the wagon with his saber sheath. "That sound crazy, but somehow I believe the plan will work."


    Vizrez let out a groan while she jumps off the wagon, "for the cupcakes."


    She rests the weapon on her shoulder and starts walking toward the cave entrance. With a smile on his face, Nesto starts walking alongside Vizrez while unbuttoning his jacket and cracking his knuckles.


    "This will be the first time I fought alongside someone," Vizrez comment.


    "That''s mean I''ll be the one to pop your cherry," Nesto joke.


    "What does ''popping cherry'' mean? I haven''t heard of that joke before, can you explain it to me?" Vizrez asks with a straight face.


    "Uhm... You know what, its complicated or better yet forget what I say," Nesto try to deflect her question.


    "Tell me before I pop your cherry. Is that how you use it in a sentence?" Vizrez ask.


    "What? Uhmm, what, no don''t use it like that. It a bad slang to use, I shouldn''t make jokes like that, I''m sorry" Vizrez question cause Nesto to flusters.


    Vizrez starts laughing when she sees the small man beside her starts to panic, "I know what it means, I''m just teasing you."


    "I blame myself for that," Nesto comment as he places a hand on his face.


    "Enough joking around, you ready?" Vizrez ask.


    "As much I can be," Nesto said.


    Vizrez takes a long inhale breath into her mouth, then she lets out a roar which causes the same yellow light to appear around her body, and disappear back into her body. The road traveled to the cave mouth and one by one, the Wyvern start to pile into the cave.


    The first to get close to Vizrez got slash by her weapons while Nesto aims for the other Wyvern beside it. He dodges the gaping mouth of the beast and uses his saber to land a shallow cut at it leg joints, belly and eyes. After they land an attack on the beasts, they both start to step backward causing more and more Wyvern to enter the cave.


    Vizrez charges and slams her body to the Wyvern closest to her, sending it flying to the left side of the cave wall. Nesto also baits the Wyvern to move to the left by jabbing his saber into the Wyvern and making it angry. Nesto was surprised when a tail came out of nowhere and send him flying.


    But before he crashes into the wall, Vizrez catches him mid-air and set him down in a few swift movements. Nesto nods his head to thank the cyclops woman and continue on baiting the Wyvern to come closer to them.


    The cave tremble as the Wyvern queen finally enter and let out a loud hissing roar. The roar echoed through the cave, giving the signal to Neya. She whips the reign and the horse launch into a gallop while pulling the wagon with it.


    Neya whistle to them when the wagon almost closing on them.


    "Here comes our ride!" Vizrez said aloud as she stabs her weapon through the Wyvern jaw.


    "Let''s go!" Nesto shouts as he dashes toward the running wagon. After taking her blade out, Vizrez also joins in the run.


    Nesto jumps and grabs on to the wagon side then he pulls up on the roof while Vizrez just holds on to the side. Neya kept steering the horse while avoiding the Wyvern.


    "Incernium" He mutter and Nesto''s blade is engulfed in a silver fire again.


    He uses his fiery blade to cut the incoming tail of the Wyvern from hitting the wagon. Vizrez swung her weapon to keep the tail attack at bay. While the wagon speed past the middle section of the Wyvern pack, the front of the pack has begun to turn and chase after them from behind.


    When the wagon closing on the cave entrance, the tighter the route is getting because the Wyvern pack has begun to close in on them from the side. The wagon shook and almost topple over when the queen tail slams into the wagon. Vizrez manages to avoid the spiky tail by climbing on the roof.


    "Incernium!" Nesto shout and three silver fireballs appear around Nesto.


    With a gesture of his hand, the fireballs flew toward the Wyvern queen and hitting it. The fireballs manage to distract the queen, but soon another tail flew in and hit the wagon. The tail hit almost manage to take out the wagon wheel, leaving the wheel to wobble.


    Behind the wagon, large numbers of Wyvern are getting closer to the wagon. The moment they pass through the entrance, Nesto shouts "Incernium!"


    And a large fireball appears above him, it flew at the cave upper maw causing destruction and burying the cave entrance in heaps of massive rubble. The wagons slow down as Neya pull the reign when the horse finally stops, so do the wagon. She looks behind at the buried cave entrance and exhales out the air from her lungs.


    Vizrez looks at the buried entrance and starts laughing because the plan actually works; then she lay on top of the wagon with her hands behind her head. Nesto drops down from the wagon and whips his saber to throw the blood off the blade before sheathing it. He walks closer to the rubble, inspect it and let out a smile while Neya let out an abrupt cheer after getting down the wagon.


    "My plans work!!" She yells out her happiness.


    Nesto turns to face his master with a proud smile on his face. The rubble suddenly shakes and tremble before Nesto could found what happens behind him. The Wyvern queen smashes through the rubble, and keep on charging toward Nesto while it opens its mouth with the intention of killing the human in front of it.


    He tries to reach for his saber, but it was too late the Wyvern queen was too fast for him. In his mind, he can imagine himself going to get eaten by the Wyvern queen. Neya''s mind begins to panic while she screams her heart out, and trying to reach her butler with her hand.


    "NESTO! NO!!"

 Chapter 35: Cards.

    A single word appears in her mind.


    "Moric!"


    Neya scream aloud, her hairs begin to glow an orange hue same as her eyes, and hand that is trying to reach her butler. Nesto notices the bright orange light is covering his master hand. The orange light causes the Wyvern queen to be distracted and giving time for Nesto to evade. He lay down to the ground as fast as he can, missing the beast mouth.


    Instead of a regular spell that conjures light, what happens was the orange light that''s covering Neya hand brighten to the point of turning the light into a stream of burning ray, that pierce through the Wyvern''s mouth like a blade. Her hands tremble as she felt the light begin to heat up her own, she panics, and redirects the ray upward; cutting the Wyvern queen in half.


    Destroying the rock formation above the cave entrance, causing rock slides, and burying the cave maw again. Nesto coughs out a tar black substance out of his mouth as he laid down on the ground. Neya felt the burning pain in her glowing hand, she wanted to stop, but have no idea of stopping it.


    "Neya! Calm your mind!" Nesto yell.


    "I can''t!!" She screams while her hand trembles and smoke begin to rise as her glove catch on fire.


    "Nesto help me! Please, It''s painful!" She screams.


    Nesto rolls away from under the ray of burning light and lifts himself up into a run toward his master. There was a terrified expression on her face as she looks at her butler that is trying to get to her, then a sudden head pain crawls over her brain, and knocking her unconscious.


    There was darkness.


    *


    She opens her eyes, seeing her butler worried face above her and the familiar wagon wooden ceiling behind him. Underneath her head, she felt the firm yet soft feel of her butler lap. Her head feels fuzzy and throbbing, she notices Nesto is holding one of her hand, but the other hand felt something wrap around it.


    Neya raises her other hand and found that it is covered by bandages. She gazes at her butler''s face, "What happen?", and lower her hand back down.


    "You overuse your magic, and fainted as a result of it," Nesto answers while his grip tighten.


    "What''s wrong, Nesto?" Neya ask.


    "You were screaming for my help, and I fail you. Your hand is proof of my failure," Nesto voice shaken as he felt guilt overwhelm his heart.


    She lifts her bandaged hand, "Can I see it?" Neya ask.


    "Are you sure, Miss Neya?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes, I''m sure," Neya reply.


    Nesto let go of her hand, and begin to unwrapped her bandaged hand. The bandage rotates around her hand, loosening the cotton when it finally undone. There it was, her skin has thickened with a red color covering it, and a few numbers of small blisters on her palm.


    Neya notices her butler looking away shameful of his failure to protect her. Despite the moderate damage looking hand that will eventually leave a burn mark, there was no pain, her hand feels numb. She looks closely and sees a cream of mix herbs is rubbed over her hands.


    Her butler must have rubbed the medicine on her hand to keep her pain at bay, she looks down at the floor and notices the small mortar beside him. Her guess was proven, she let out a smiling sigh, and place her other hand on her butler''s cheek.


    "Thank you for treating my injured hand," Neya said.


    "It''s going to leave a mark, I''m sorry," Nesto apologizes.


    "One more scar among the collection I had, It doesn''t make any difference except learning from its mistake," Neya said as she let go of her butler''s cheek.


    The wagon shakes as it a small rock on the rock, Neya notice while her butler is covering her injured hand again.


    "Is the wagon moving?" Neya ask.


    "It is," Nesto reply.


    "Who is steering it?" Neya ask.


    The wagon slowly stops, then Vizrez head pops out between the curtain with a giant smile and said: "We have arrived."This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Vizrez pulls back her head and jumps off the wagon causing the wagon to wobble. After finish covering Neya hand with bandages, Nesto helps his master get off the wagon. Sunlight once again laid rest upon her face, She looks back at the path they took, and see the thick fog covering it with the dead trees around it.


    "Thank you for guiding us through the mountain pass," Neya said to the cyclops woman.


    "No, thank you for saving my ass," Vizrez reply.


    "What are going to do now?" Neya ask.


    "I have no idea, the Wyvern queen is dead. The infestation will surely be gone in a few months unless it finds another queen to reproduce their number. The Wyvern species will go extinct or migrate to other places to find other queens," Vizrez said.


    Neya let out a smile when a brilliant idea pops into her heads, "What about you come with us?"


    "Follow the Queen killer? Tempting..." Vizrez comment as she laid her hand on her chin.


    "Queen killer?" Neya ask.


    "A title I gave you for killing the Wyvern queen, a feat that even I can''t achieve," Vizrez said.


    Neya let out a giggle after hearing the ridiculous title that bestows upon her, "What about this, you follow me and Nesto will provide you with every kind of delicious food you want."


    "That''s certainly sound good since we have tons of Wyvern meat that I can use to prepare a feast," Nesto comment.


    "A feast?" That word alone makes her stomach grumble with anticipation.


    "I''m all in for the feast!" Vizrez said excitedly.


    "Okay then, our next stop is Hardersfield," Neya said.


    *


    A day has passed.


    Somewhere in the small town of Hardersfield, a tavern is filled to the brim with jolly cheers by the town residents after a long day of work and despite the heavy rain pouring outside. In that small tavern with all the cheers and merry drunken townspeople; a table is holding a card game in the corner of the room.


    A large number of coins laid on the center.


    People gather at the table to witness the intense battle of cards that''s been happening from the earlier evening. The battle consist of four people, a Satyr from Materna, an elf from Rochia, a local elf, and a hooded young girl with gloves on her hand.


    The hooded girl doesn''t come alone though, with her a tall woman with hooded cloak is enjoying her meal with a mead in her hands while singing songs with others drunken patron. The other one is a hooded male vigilantly stand beside the young girl.


    "As I was saying from before, the queen is certainly better than the greed king. She cares for her people despite her strict nature, her people love her," The elf from Rochia said.


    "Her people love her? Even though there is a rumor about the queen throwing out her only daughter," the Satyr ask from Materna,


    "It''s not a rumor, it did happen," the local elf said.


    "How do you know that?" The Satyr ask.


    "Haven''t you heard about the bounty that she placed on her daughter''s head?" The local elf said.


    "What bounty?" The Satyr ask.


    "10,000 gold coins for her to be brought to the kingdom alive," the local elf said.


    The elf from Rochia whistle, "that''s a lot of coins."


    "It certainly is," the Satyr comment.


    "Speaking of Elven kingdom, have you heard of the new law enforced by Targia," the elf from Rochia said.


    "I heard, the new law is absurd, I tell you," the local elf scoff.


    "Too many problems already rise from that law. Slaves are starting to run away, thinking they could be free," the local elf said while shaking his head in a disapproving manner.


    "I could agree the new law has put the realm in a bind spot, losing our slave mean losing almost our entire workforce," the elf from Rochia agrees.


    "I disagree with you on that. This new law, I could certainly see an advantage in it," The Satyr said.


    "Advantage?" The elf from Rochia said.


    "New business will rise from the free slave and improvement in our economy, but I will say that it won''t be easy to make it work in a short time," the Satyr said.


    The hooded girl pushes all of her coins to the center of the table, "all in."


    "Bold move, I call," the elf from Rochia said as he pushes his coins to the center.


    "So do I," the Satyr said.


    "I fold, my wife is going to kill me if I lose any more coins," the local elf said.


    "Straight! Lass, better pay up," the elf from Rochia reveals his cards.


    "It will be you that will pay me, Straight flush," the Satyr reveal his cards.


    "Royal flush," the hooded girl said, revealing her cards with a small grin under her hood.


    The crowd cheers, the mysterious girl has just won 100 gold coins. The local elf laughs his ass off, while the elf from Rochia facepalm himself, and the Satyr also join in the laugh while impress by the hooded girl skill.


    "You got skill kid, but this is it. My last game, better head soon or my wife will murder me," the local elf leave a couple coins for his drink and walk away from the table.


    The crowd around them begins to disperse, each heading to their own table, and continue to enjoy their drinks.


    "I''m heading out too, got a delivery tomorrow straight to Sanestria," The elf from Rochia said.


    "Wolics kingdom, the land that bleeds. Good luck old friend," the Satyr said.


    "I don''t need any luck, but thanks anyway," the elf from Rochia said as he walks away from the table after leaving coins for his drink.


    "I''m heading out too, I have a business errand at Rochia," the Satyr said.


    "Wait, sir. Do you know where I can sell Wyvern skin for a good amount of coins?" the hooded girl ask.


    "Wyvern skin, Hmm... You certainly won''t find other places that offer as good as The Kingdom of Iron," the Satyr said.


    "Materna?" The hooded girl let out.


    "Yep, I may sound a bit like I''m bragging about the place, but I''m sure that you will certainly find a price you want at Materna," The Satyr said leaving coins for his drinks before walking away.


    The other hooded woman sits at the table, her body sways from left to right because of the mead she drank earlier, "Did you found what you''re looking for, Chief?" Vizrez ask.


    "Materna is a good place to head, If mom put a bounty on my head then we need to be as far away from the elven kingdom," Neya said.


    "Materna, I have never been there before," Nesto said.


    Neya let out a smile, before saying "Materna is our next destination then."


    Vizrez continues to sing, joining the other merry bands of drunks in their inappropriate song about a beautiful Strumpet. Neya let out a laugh knowing full well that Vizrez knows what the meaning of the song is. Nesto let out a grin as he stays beside his master.

 Chapter 36: Impulse.

    The entire wagon shakes as it hit one of the small rock on the dirt road, the tremble causes the Cyclops body to shakes while she asleep in the back, causing her to let out a snort while snoring. Nesto tightens his grip around the reign making sure it doesn''t slip his hand, while Neya is sitting beside him and gazes deeply into the book in her hands.


    Nesto turns his head to check on the Vizrez, and he finds that the cyclops woman still asleep after scratching her belly with her fingers. He turns his head back to the road then he wipes the sweat off his forehead, he looks up, and notices the afternoon sun proves to be causing the heat he is feeling right now.


    He glances at his master beside him, unfazed by the heat because of her immersion reading the book she held. Nesto took out a napkin out of his jacket and laid it gently above Neya''s head. She notices the napkin and turns to look at her butler with one of her eyebrow raised.


    "What''s this?" Neya ask,


    "It should keep the heat and the sun ray away from your head," Nesto said.


    "Why? The sun doesn''t bother me that much," Neya said.


    "I don''t want you to get sick, my cute master health is important to me," Nesto said.


    He notices her master smile before she gazes back at her book. He looks at the open grass plain beside the wagon, at the edge of plain there is foliage of trees that is preventing him from seeing even further. He looks back at the road with something bothering his mind.


    "Sorry to bother you again, Miss Neya. But I have a few questions I want to ask," Nesto said.


    Neya raises her head back up, then she places the book at her side before answering, "Sure, go ahead."


    "Why did you offer Vizrez to come with us, aren''t you uncomfortable with people?" Nesto ask.


    "I am uncomfortable with people, I know that. That''s why I need to overcome it if I want to become strong, and another reason why I want her to joins us is because of you," Neya answers.


    "Me?" Nesto said.


    "I''m sure you need another helping hand to protect me," Neya said with a smile on her face.


    "Do you doubt my ability to protect you?" Nesto ask.


    "I really want to believe that you alone can protect me, but I just can''t, even though I know how strong you are," Neya answers.


    "That''s depressing to think that my master doesn''t trust me fully," Nesto said with an exaggerated gloomy face.


    Neya let out a giggle before saying, "Well, you did lie to me."


    "I''m sorry, I did," Nesto apologies, but this time his face show guilt.


    Neya look away suddenly feeling depressed, "No, I''m sorry I brought it up."


    "This conversation turns depressed fast, let''s change the subject, shall we?" Nesto said in an upbeat manner.


    "Okay, what do you want to talk about?" Neya agree,


    "Did you receive any letter from your friends?" Nesto ask.


    "I did! They told me that they are studying new things at the Academy, and they also tell me that they miss me greatly," Neya reply with an excited tone while swinging both of her feet back and forth.


    "Did you heard anything from the boy you like?" Nesto asks, but that question seems to cause his master to fall into silence while she pulls her legs closer to her chest with her hands.


    "Neya...?" Nesto let out.


    "He never replied... Lets... talk about something else," Neya said then she let go of her legs.


    "Can we talk about the magic incident that happens in the mountain because after we left, you never once speak of it," Nesto ask.


    "Do we have to?" Neya asks while her butler gently nods his head.


    She let out a sigh before saying, "The lecturer back at the Academy once warn us that magic is not our friend, and the incident proves it. I understand why you don''t want to teach me any magic spell. The spells are dangerous just like you say, and every time somebody used it, the user or somebody else wind-up hurt," she raises her burned right hand, and gazes on it.


    "Is the incident, the reason why you are having a new set of nightmares?" Nesto ask.


    "In my nightmare, I dream that I was the strongest magic user in the world, but when I look down at my path of destruction, I saw you laying on the ground, lifeless," Neya said.


    "I don''t want to be that strong if it means I would hurt you," Neya continue.


    "You know, I was wrong to tell you that magic is dangerous because I know someone who used magic to heal others," Nesto said.


    "Still, I think I''m going to stay away from magic for a while until I can learn more about it," Neya said.


    "As you wish, my master," Nesto said while gently placing a hand on her master head to comfort her.


    After moving his hand away, Nesto notices a caravan stopping on the side of the road when he looks closer, he sees there are many caged wagons lining up at the sides of the road, inside of it contains human slaves. It seems that the caravan is transporting slaves, the owner must be a slave trader.


    When the wagon that Nesto in on finally gets closes to the caged wagon, he can see the humans inside it more closely. The condition they are in is horrible, Nesto can smell the putrid stench coming from the caged wagon. The humans were not in great conditions, skinny because of starvation, multiple bruises on their body, dirty as if they never shower before, and seem lifeless as they lay on the cage floor.


    One of them sees Nesto, a small girl. She rushes to the cage bar and yells out, "Please help us, sir!"


    Her scream caught one of the guard attention, he then takes out his leather whip and smacks the cage. The sound of the whip shock the girl, her eyes begins to water as she back away from the cage bar. Nesto can only look, he has no way of helping that girl without endangering his master.


    Nesto''s wagon is about to pass the end of the caravan when he sees the slave trader, an elf with a sadistic smile, and wearing extravagant cloth. The elf stand, his chest puff out while overlooking his goods from afar. The elf''s eyes alone show Nesto that this man doesn''t view his kind like the same as any other living being.


    Just a few feet away from the caravan, Neya calls calmly while her face looking down "Nesto..."


    "Yes?" Nesto ask.


    "That elf earlier... He..." Neya fingers start to dig into her palms.


    She grinds her teeth, "He did bad things to me before... I met you."


    Her butler notice a tear flow down her cheeks, that tear was not out of sadness, but pure hatred and rage. "I want you to kill him!"


    "Slowly and painfully... I want him to feel it!" Neya said.


    "Are you sure?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m not asking, I''m ordering you!" She looks at her slave with bloodshot eyes.


    "As you wish, my master," Nesto stops the wagon and drop down with his saber beside his waist.


    He takes off his jacket and hangs it on one of the hooks outside the wagon wall. Nesto walk calmly toward the caravan, his eyes slowly turn cold and uncaring. One of the guards notices him and walk closer to him, "Stop right there!"


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The guard''s words caught his other friends attention including one that holding a crossbow. Nesto dash, grabbing the guard collar, then taking out his own dagger, and stab it through his jaw. The guard face was shocked as he gurgles from his own blood.


    The other guards face turn to fear, the one with the crossbow quickly aim and fire his crossbow. Nesto used the guard his holding as a shield and let the arrow pierce the guard''s body. While the one with the crossbow tries to reload his next shot, Nesto drops the body and run to the other guard while taking out his saber.


    He slit the other guard throat before he could take out his own sword. He makes his way to the other and did the same thing before heading to the one with the crossbow. When he finally reloads his crossbow, Nesto already close to him with his hand on the crossbow.


    The elf screams as Nesto pierce his saber through the guard''s heart. He looks behind the dying guard, and see his target running to the front of the caravan. A loud crash can be heard behind him, Nesto glances behind him, and see Vizrez slam one of the guard body with her shoulder to the side of the wagon. The wagon almost topples before swaying back to its original position.


    "A fight just after a nap, I thought this journey was going to be boring," She let out a roar, and the guards near her back away.


    "What the hell is that?!" The guard shouted.


    "I''m not a thing, I''m a woman!" She charges at the guard with his bone sword at her side.


    Vizrez slams the guard she targets earlier, and he was thrown far away from his original spot. She then swings her sword, cutting a few guards in half while she let out a laugh.


    "Run! Run!!" The guards near Vizrez shout after dropping his weapon and start to run away.


    Nesto pulls out his saber out the elf chest and takes the crossbow from the guard''s hand before the elf drop to the ground. The slave trader used all of his energy to run as fast he can away from the caravan. Nesto aims the crossbow at the slave trader, he raises the front part of the crossbow a bit higher, and pull the trigger.


    The arrow flies upward before coming back down and pierce through the slave trader on his calf. The elf let out a scream of pain from afar, as he lay on the ground. It doesn''t take long for Nesto to catch up to the elf crawling on the ground.


    Nesto stands atop the injured elf, he squats down and grabs the elf''s hair with his hand. He then dragged the elf by the hair back to the caravan, the elf let out an agonizing scream. After a quick trip back to the caravan with the slave trader in tow, Nesto leans the elf''s body to the wagon, and take out a dagger he got from the dead guards.


    He stabs the dagger through his shoulder and making sure the dagger stuck to the wagon wall behind him. Nesto back away and let the elf entire body hang from the dagger inside his shoulder.


    "Why are doing this!!" He whimpers.


    Nesto looks at his side and sees his master walks closer to him accompanied by Vizrez. The cyclops woman let out a smile showing her sharp teeth while her weapons resting on her shoulder covers with blood.


    Neya turns to face her torturer, "You violate me, humiliate me, torture me, and break me," She said with seething rage.


    "You are... the slave... the queen daughter! You escaped?!" The slave trader said surprise.


    "Suffer!" Neya said and nod to her head to Nesto.


    Nesto brought the elf pant down, then he takes out another dagger he got from the dead guards, Vizrez looks away when Nesto reach down, and grab it.


    "Wait! WAIT!!" The slave trader scream as Nesto cut it from his body. He let the man pride fall down to the ground while blood pouring out from where the thing used to be.


    Neya frown turn to a grin while he sees the man suffers in front of her, all those years of pain he did to her flash before her eyes. Then she remembers what her father looks like, she suddenly realizes the horror of what she just did. She turns her head away, and say.


    "End it, I don''t want to see anymore," then she starts to walk away from the horror.


    Nesto jabs the dagger through the man skull and took out the dagger from the elf shoulder. He let the body fall to the ground, then he sees that his hands become bloody again.


    "Erhh, What a show, almost ruin my appetite," Vizrez comment as she walks away from the dead body.


    "What are we going to do with all this human in the cage?" Vizrez ask.


    Neya turns her heads to look at the humans in the caged wagon, she wanted to forget, "Which one of you can steer a wagon?"


    They all look at each other, then a few of them raised their hands, "Okay, if you want to be free listen to me, I need five people to steer the wagon into the forest so we can escape, can you do that?" Neya ask.


    They nod their head at the same time, "Vizrez, free them," Neya order.


    "Okay chief," Vizrez walk to the caged wagons and begins to break the cage locks.


    Nesto stands still while staring his bloody hands, "Nesto?" His master call, snapping him back to reality.


    "Yes?" Nesto said.


    "I''m..." She looks away and back at him, "I need you to cover our tracks."


    "No problem." Nesto let out a small smile.


    After a short while of getting prepared, All wagon head inside of the forest leaving Nesto behind. He watches them leave after they were gone from his sight, he starts to bury the blood stain ground with dirt, then he uses a large tree branch to cover the wagon tracks, and footprints.


    After a long while of retracing the wagon tracks while covering it up, he arrives at the caravan park near a lake. He looks at them and sees a few numbers of new people among the humans that he didn''t see earlier, two elf, and one wolics. Nesto walk closer causing his master to spots him, she waves her hand slightly and turns to face the other three people that are talking to her. He walks to her side while she is talking to the male human and male wolics.


    "You three were going to be sold at black market, right?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, but thanks to you, we are free," the male human thanks.


    The three of them dress in dirty rags, he notices one of the elf eyes fill with despair. There something familiar about the elf girl despite the despair in her eyes, Nesto shakes his thought away and took out another napkin. While he takes out a napkin, a locket accidentally dangles out of his pocket.


    The short elf girl walks closer to Nesto, she then stabs him in the gut with a makeshift knife. Nesto was shocked, then he looks down at the elf girl face, he sees her tears are running down her cheeks while she clenches her teeth together with animosity, and glare at the man she just stabs.


    A name appears in his mind¡ªVesstan the bounty hunter.

 Chapter 37: Soup.

    "Tell me, what happens to my father or else!" The black-haired elf girl pushes the makeshift knife deeper into the man in front of her.


    Nesto notices the elf girl had the same resemblance to the bounty hunter he had killed. Her black, silky, smooth hair almost covers her raging face as she tries to jab the knife deeper into Nesto gut. He let out a painful grunt as he feels the knife went deeper into his gut.


    "You''re his daughter."


    "Tell me!" She yells out.


    "Nesto!" Neya screams, and she was about to rush the elf girl when her butler raised his hand, stopping her from doing so.


    "I kill your father," Nesto confess.


    The black-haired elf girl screams her anger out when she about to jam the knife deeper, but Nesto grabs her hands before she could do it. Her strength was no match for the man holding her hands, but that didn''t stop her from struggling to push the knife even deeper.


    "I''m sorry, I had too," Nesto said calmly.


    "You murder my father!!" The elf girl screams as tears flow down her cheeks, she felt useless and rage. She wanted to kill the man that murder her father.


    The expression on her face, remind him of someone. He shakes that thought away and focuses on the knife in his gut.


    "I don''t know who you are, but listen to me!" Neya calls out to the black-haired elf girl.


    "It won''t change what you feel inside, it won''t disappear after you kill him. Believe me, the pain, the anger, and despair will still be there, and killing him won''t make it gone," Neya said while both of her hands turn into fists.


    Nesto notices his master words seem to catch the black-haired elf girl attention because her struggle begins to calm down while she listens to Neya words.


    "What do you know about my pain!!?" The black-haired elf girl screams.


    "I know because I been where you are right now, the reason why I order him to kill the slave trader, was because that man used to torture me, and he enjoys it. I watch him smile while he makes me suffer for a long time. And when he died, the pain he caused me won''t go away," Neya said while tears begin to appear on her eyelids.


    "So, believe me when I say, It''s not worth it!" Neya yell.


    "Shut up! SHUT UP!" The black-haired elf girl screams as Neya words tug the string of her heart.


    She screams again, then let go of the knife, and make a run toward the forest. Vizrez was about to catch her when Nesto stops her by raising his hands. Neya was about to rush to her butler to check on his wound when he stops her too. He watches as the black-haired elf girl disappears into the forest.


    "I''m sorry, but can I have some alone time... Just a couple moment to myself, please," Nesto said with a painful look then he starts walking toward the lake.


    Neya places her right hand on the upper half of her left arm as she looks at her butler walking away and take a seat near the lake, alone. What has she done, she wanted her butler to live a life without violence, but the moment she loses control, she did the opposite thing.


    "Uhm, excuse me... Miss?" A man voice calls out to her from behind.


    She let out a breath, calming herself before turning around. She turns around, her eyes meet a male wolics and a male human standing side by side. Neya examines the human male¡ªThe man had a chestnut, short hair, wild face, and blues eyes.


    Then she looks at the wolics, she had to admit that this is the first time she ever met one¡ª Some would say to describe a wolics is try to imagine a fox standing two legs like an elf, yet their body is cover with fur. Its face has a snout and the only thing that the wolics had a common characteristic with other race is their humanoid body shape while the other part of their body closely resembles a fox.


    This one had an orange color fur mix with white in a certain area on his body. He had yellow animalistic eyes, and a few whiskers poking out from his snout.


    "Yes?" Neya ask.


    "We wanted to thank you on the behalf of the slaves you free," the human male bows his head in thanks.


    "I didn''t... Let me tell you the truth, I didn''t try to release you people at first, I only wanted to kill... The slave trader," Neya sigh.


    "And yet, you did free us when you had a choice to leave us behind," the wolics comment.


    "Fine, I accept your thanks," Neya said.


    "What''s your name?" Neya asks the two of them.


    "Za Nua, you call me, Za," the wolics answer.


    "My name is Grie. Grie Dawnorb, a pleasure to meet you," the human nod his head to show his respects toward the elf girl.


    "My name is Neya... Just Neya," she introduces herself to both of them.


    "We have a request for you, Miss Neya," Grie said.


    "What request?" Neya ask.


    "All the humans wish to stay with you, including me," Grie said.


    "I''m the same with him including the elf boy back there, and I rather not go back home right now," Za gestures his head to the shy looking elf boys behind him with short blonde hair, and thick bangs that are covering his eyes.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    The elf boy notice Neya is looking straight at him, he looks away and walks in a circle to hide from her sight. As he gets more nervous the faster he walks in a circle until he accidentally causes himself to dizzy out of control and fall face first on the grass ground. Neya raises her eyebrows in disbelief on what just happen, and let out a smile then look back at the two people in front of her.


    "Why you don''t want to go back home?" Neya asks the wolics.


    "I''m from Sanestria you see, and that kingdom is currently on the verge of civil war," Za answers.


    "What about you?" Neya asks the human.


    "We humans have no place to call home, to begin with. So, we have no place to go back too, we rather stay here with you than survive out there by our self," Grie answers.


    "Me?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, we can tell that you are a kind master, and we wish to serve under you," Grie said as he lowers himself to his knee.


    "Look, I''m not going to make you humans my slave," Neya said.


    "May I ask why not, Miss Neya?" Grie ask.


    "I don''t take people as my slave, I just don''t," Neya points out.


    "What about him?" Grie looks at Nesto that is sitting near the lake by himself.


    "His... Different," Neya said.


    "Please, Miss Neya. Please let us stay under your wings," Grie plead.


    "Fine! I can lead you or whatever, just stand up," Neya said then Grie stands up from the ground with a smile on his face.


    "But anytime you people want to leave, just leave," Neya said and both of them nod their head.


    "What now, Chief?" Za ask.


    "Now, find me a map. I need to know where we are," Neya said.


    "Alright, Chief," Za said as he walks toward the caravan in search for the map.


    Vizrez let out a yawn as the conversation between Neya and the others bored her, so she laid down on the grass plain to take a short nap. Za came back with a roll-up piece of parchment paper, he gave the map to Neya, and she unrolls it. She examines the map and found out that they are at the lake in the forest¡ª east from the town of Grimsby.


    Za takes a peek at the map, "Oh shit... We are in the Woodfolk area, that''s not good."


    "Woodfolk?" Neya ask.


    "They are bad people, Chief. From what I heard from the guards, Woodfolks are barbaric people, they ate people, attack anything in sight, and it is useless to speak to them because they don''t talk in common tongue. No offense, Grie," Za explains.


    "It''s okay. Woodfolk is actually humans that live in the wild, but don''t mistake them with us, they are more aggressive just like Za explain," Grie said.


    Neya look at the map again, "That''s good, we can use this place to set up camp because they won''t dare enter the forest to find you guys, but we do need to set up a defense around the camp just in case the Woodfolk start attacking us or wild animal or even worse beast," Neya said.


    "So, what''s is your plan, Chief?" Za ask.


    "Check the rations, checks the tools, count how many people that can build, build a wooden spike wall surrounding half of the lake, and clean the wagons to use as temporary sleeping quarters," Neya laid out the plans.


    "All this today?" Za ask.


    "No," she looks at the gathering humans, they look tired and restless.


    "Give them some time to rest first, I will try to find a way to prepare some foods for them to eat, and you both need some rest too," Neya said.


    "Thank you, Miss Neya," Grie bow his head and walks away toward the gathering humans.


    "Thank you, Chief," Za said as he follows Grie from behind.


    After both of them gone, Vizrez comment while taking a nap, "Are you going to talk to him?"


    "No, not right now, later," Neya said, then she placed her butt on the grass plain while staring at her butler from afar.


    *


    His eyes closed, the sound of wind bushing against the tree, the water ripples from the slightest touch, and the warm sun above his head. His mind calm and empty from the extreme, confusing emotions. There was a time when he doesn''t care who died by his blade, but recently, there is something rising inside of him, something long and forgotten.


    A memories flash in front of his eyes like a moving painting, Vesstan the bounty hunter on his knees in front of him, then Nesto jabs his sword through the elf heart.


    "My daughter is waiting for me," Vesstan said as blood drips from his mouth.


    In his mind, Nesto closes his eyes, and when he opens it again. Vesstan was replaced by Eilna, she looks at him with disappointment in her eyes. Neya let go of the saber and took a step backward as his head begins to throb painfully.


    "You promise we will be together... What happens Nesto, why did you left me to die?" Eilna tries to reach him with her hands.


    Eilna was replaced again by Vesstan daughter, "MURDERER! MONSTER!!"


    She glares daggers at him with her hatred fill eyes. The same eyes¡ª Vesstan daughter change again into Neya, his own master. She had the same eyes when she orders him to kill that slave trader.


    ''Am I the same as that evil elf?''


    Nesto was snap back at reality when someone pokes his shoulder, he opens his eyes and saw the beautiful lake in front of him. He turns his head to find the same little girl that ask him for help from earlier, but he chooses to ignore her instead of helping her.


    She had a smile on her face while she hides something behind her back. The human girl that way younger than his master had a black, frizzy hair clumsily hangs over a round, happy face.


    "For you," the girl shows him a crown made from Claryfair flowers.


    "Me?..." Nesto ask.


    "It''s... It''s for freeing us," The girl said while her smile shows no sign of calming down.


    "I kill people... People that are somebody else fathers, brothers, sisters, mother. Aren''t you scared of me?" Nesto whispers as he raises his blood-soaked hands, the girl seems to be unable to hear his word clearly.


    A sudden growl came from the girl''s stomach in front of him, causing her cheeks to blush red in embarrassment. "How long has it been since you ate something?" Nesto ask.


    "Three days..." The girl answers as her face turns to gloomy.


    "After I wash my hands, Let''s get something to eat," Nesto said.


    "What about the crown?" The girl looks at the crown in her hands.


    Nesto also looks at the flower crowns, and once again, he could hear Eilna voice, instead of words of disappointments, this time she is cheering for him to keep living. The man hearing the cheers usually lift his spirit up, but this time, it just won''t do anymore. He let out a sigh.


    He takes the crown and places it on the girls head, "You wear it. The crown doesn''t look good on me," Nesto said with a smile.


    He washes his hand in the river, cleaning his hands from blood and dirt. Then he took the girl hand that is waiting for him and walk toward the caravan.


    "What is your name?" Nesto ask.


    "Nel Binirsk," The girl answers.


    Neya looks at him from afar, sadness and guilt flow inside of her heart, but there is also joy when she sees him walking back here.


    Nesto went straight to the ration''s supplies, he looks at the ingredient and thinks of a good meal for all of them. Something easily digestible after long days of starvation.


    "A soup sounds good right about now. What do you think?" He asks Nel.


    "I like soup!" Nel said while licking her lips with anticipations.


    And just like that Nesto decide the food will be soups for tonight, he alone prepares the meals in a short time. His hands were quick as the wind while he chops the vegetable, and grinds the herbs. Many of the humans gather to watch Nesto prepare the meals, then all of them begins to drool when the delicious smell of the soup escape when Nesto lifts the lids up.


    He serves them the soups and after that, everyone took a long sleep while Vizrez and Nesto take turns to stand guards. It was a cold night but luckily everyone managed to get the heat from the campfire and there was a good amount of blanket for all of them.


    During that night, Nesto buried the dead bodies of the slave trader and guards with the help of Vizrez.

 Chapter 38: Sound fun.

    "It only takes us three days to build the spike wall. It wasn''t hard, but it does take time to move the tree logs. What do you think chief?" Za looks at the wall from afar while standing beside Neya.


    "It looks good, but we can do better," Neya reply.


    "Better?" Za ask.


    "I''m thinking we could build a slope up to the wall from our side to strengthen it," Neya suggest.


    "We can do that, but it will take time," Za said while his fox ears twitch a little bit.


    "Later. For now, focus on the house first," Neya said.


    "Okay, chief. I will join my group with Grie group and fasten the house construction," Za said.


    "I''m going to check on our rations, see you later, Za," Neya said.


    "See you later, chief," Za said, and he heads toward Grie while his bushy tail swing behind him.


    Neya stretches her arms up in the air while letting out a long yawn; her late night has begun to catch up on her. She probably needs to spend more time sleeping rather than checking on the plan for this place. Her heads turn to the wagon in which we store our food and begin to head toward it.


    While walking, people in the camp begin to greet her as she walks past them.


    "Afternoon, chief!" A woman waves her hand while carrying a basket full of clean cloth.


    "Afternoon," Neya reply while waving her own hand.


    "Afternoon, chief!" A group of girls greets Neya while walk passes by her.


    "Afternoon," Neya reply while letting out a smile at the girls.


    "Chief! Thank you again for giving me some extra food." A man thanks her.


    "You need it more because of your cold besides we can spare a few rations," Neya said.


    "May Yana bless your kindness, chief," The man bowed his head.


    "Don''t bow please, I''m just doing my job," Neya raise her hand, and the man raises his head.


    "I have to go, have a nice day," Neya said then continue on walking.


    While walking, Neya wonders why is everyone calling her a chief. There are many other names that they can call her, but they pick ''chief'' for some reason. The title doesn''t bother her, but she does want to know how it started. She let out a sigh as she walks toward the wagon.


    "Morning chief!" A familiar voice greets her.


    Neya turn her head to the left, seeing Vizrez catching up to her, and continue walking by her side. The cyclops woman let out a long yawn while covering her mouth with a hand. From her messy hair, Neya concludes that the cyclops woman just wakes up from her sleep.


    "It''s early afternoon, did you just wake up?" Neya ask.


    "Morning, afternoon, night, what''s the difference?" Vizrez said.


    Neya raises her eyebrows in perplex at Vizrez response. "For starter, morning and night are totally different."


    "Come on, Chief. You know why I wake up late, who do you think stands guard in the middle of the night?" Vizrez let out a smirk showing her sharp teeth.


    The elf girl rolls her eyes while a smile form with her mouth, "Yeah, yeah, and thanks for keeping us safe."


    While both of them walking, a woman walks up to Vizrez and offer her some food. With a smile, Vizrez accepts the offers and took the food off the woman hands. The woman bows her head before walking away from the cyclops woman. Vizrez munch on the food with a toothy smile and let out a moan as she tastes the pleasure of delicious food simmering in her mouth.


    "I see someone getting familiar with the humans," Neya comment.


    "What can I say? They love a strong woman keeping them safe at night," Vizrez speak with food still in her mouth while flexing her large bicep.


    "Anyway, there is a topic I wish to discuss with you," Vizrez said then she finishes up whatever food left in her hand.


    "I''m all ears," Neya reply.


    "It''s about Nesto... I think he''s slipping," Vizrez said while her smile long gone and replaced by a worried frown.


    "Slipping?" Neya said confuse.


    "What I mean is, he is on the verge of breaking his own mind," Vizrez said.


    "What made you say that?" Neya ask.


    "When you live alone in the mountain for a long time, there is bound to be some mental breakdown up there. I experience it before and I saw the signs happening again on Nesto. We rarely speak during out watch together, he barely eats anything, and I haven''t seen him sleep once for the past three days," Vizrez laid out what she noticed.


    "Have you speak to him yet during the past three days?" Vizrez ask.


    "I have, but he seems normal to me," Neya reply.


    "He must be hiding it from you," Vizrez said.


    Neya pinches the bridge of her nose with her two fingers while she said, "Damn it, Nesto..."


    "He''s doing it again," Neya grumbled.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Again?" Vizrez ask.


    "He likes to keep secret from me because he doesn''t want to worry me. We had this talk before," Neya said with a slight anger escaping her own words.


    "I don''t think you getting angry at him is going to solve anything," Vizrez advice.


    "I know... But, he just makes me feel frustrated from time to time," Neya said as she scratches the back of her head.


    "Hey, chins up, chief... I know you cherish Nesto very much, but I think this time he got a very good reason on why he did it," Vizrez said.


    "That''s the problem, Vizrez. He always has a very good reason, I don''t know if I should feel angry or grateful at him, but I will try to talk to him in a ''non-angry'' manner," Neya said.


    When they finally arrive at the storage wagon, Neya notices her butler already inside the wagon and checking on the rations. Vizrez salutes her in an encouraging manner and walks toward the lake beside the wagon to give both of them some privacy. Neya climbs the back of the wagon then leans on the wall, and watch as her butler counts the rations.


    "What''s going on?" She said then cross her arms together.


    "The usual stuff Miss Neya, checking the rations," Nesto replies while his eyes still focus on the rations in the barrel.


    "Nesto... Please, Nesto... If you, in some sort of trouble, please share it with me. I could help you," Neya said.


    "Vizrez told you about my inept behavior lately?" Nesto ask.


    "She mentions... A lot of worrying things," Neya reply.


    Nesto closes both his eyes while placing both of his hand on the edge of the barrel and lean on it; then he let out a short sigh. He opens his eyes back again and turns to look at his master. His gazes met with his master worrying expression shows on her face.


    "It''s about the elf girl who stabs me," Nesto admits.


    "Are you worry about her coming back?" Neya ask.


    "It''s not that. I... I once told you that I didn''t care when I end somebody else life, but recently, I know now why I couldn''t care. It''s because I was ignorant about the consequence of my actions," Nesto said.


    "When I see those waves of anger and hatred in that girl''s eyes, It reminds me of your pains, then I realized what I did," Nesto continues.


    "I was putting that girl through the same pain you felt. With that full realization, how could I end somebody else life?" Nesto gloom while his grips tighten around the edge of the barrel.


    There was a short silence between them both. The silence was not alone, it was accompanied by a feeling of solemn and grim. Neya feels the uneasiness, but before she could talk to lift the mood, his butler continues.


    "There was one more thing, I kept thinking. If I was the source of that girl pain, the same pain you once felt. Then, what''s the difference between me and that slave trader?" Nesto said.


    "You''re not him!" Neya raises her voice.


    "Not through your eyes, but through that girl''s eyes, it''s the same," Nesto said.


    "I promise you won''t have to fight. And I found a way here! I''ve been thinking if I could build this place as a haven for good people, then you won''t have to fight, we could live here and spent time farming," Neya said while a smile of hope form with her lips.


    "Farming?" Nesto asks while feeling amuses at his master words.


    "Yes! This place needs to be self-sustainable, that''s why we need to grow crops, and we have the space to do so," Neya said with an intention of trying to convince him.


    "You said you believe in me, so I''m just asking you to believe in me even longer. I''m sure I can turn this place to a home," Neya said.


    "It isn''t about me lacking faith in you, I will always have faith in you, but this is different. When you are building this place, people are going to come and harm what you build. People like the bounty hunter that your mother sent or the army of Materna when they found what happens to the slave trader or even Woodfolk that is living in this area," Nesto said.


    "And when they do, I will have to fight and take their life away, so I can protect you," Nesto said.


    "I know you have to fight, but you don''t have to take their life if you don''t want too," Neya said.


    "If I don''t take their life, they won''t stop," Nesto said.


    "Nesto, even if you kill them, many other wills took their place, so it won''t make any difference. So why not you choose to let them live, isn''t it better for you?" Neya said.


    "It''s..." Nesto was cut off.


    "Please give it some thought," Neya said.


    "I really do want to give it some thought, but I just can''t see any other way besides killing. I''m sorry Neya, but not everything you can change," Nesto said.


    Neya is stunted by her failure to change her butler, she felt guilty and useless. She wanted to make him happy because he is the only person she cared so much and grateful toward. And yet she wasn''t able to, and the reason why is her.


    Za climbs the back of the wagon with Grie behind him and a serious look on his face. "I''m sorry to bother you chief, but I smell something really bad coming from here," Za said while his snout twitches a bit.


    "Definitely from here," Za said.


    Nesto looks around in the back of the wagon and his gaze catches something off in the barrel. At the bottom of the barrel, it looks normal and yet it''s not. The bottom was not supposed to be there, the size of the barrel suggests that there is still some space left for the barrel. That''s mean there is a hidden compartment at the bottom of the barrel, Nesto takes out all the rations, and examines it closely.


    Neya steps away when Nesto pours out all the rations onto the floor. Za and Grie back away giving the man some space.


    It was true when Nesto able to open the bottom like a lid, and found the hidden space. He was shocked and terrified when he saw what lies underneath¡ª a large number of Magic crystal connected to a crystal orb by a magic circuit.


    He has seen this kind of thing before, and it isn''t good news. He quickly places his arm around Neya waist, pulling her closer to him, and carry her out of the wagon.


    "GET AWAY! IT''S A BOMB!!" Nesto shouts while jumping out of the wagon with Neya in his arms.


    Za and Grie quickly took off into a run; away from the wagon as fast they can. Vizrez was confused, but she sees the fears on Nesto''s face, so she did the same thing by jumping into the lake, and swim away as fast as she can. The people that are close to wagon also run away.


    With Neya in his arms, Nesto jump, and land on his back while hugging his master tightly and cover her head with his hands. Za and Grie jump onto the ground and cover their heads. Neya was so confused about what happens, but the fears on her butler''s face tell her that it is something serious. So she closes her eyes and waits for anything horrible to happens.


    But nothing happens. They wait a few moments longer, and yet nothing happens.


    After a long time of waiting, Nesto decides to check on the bomb and found out the bomb hasn''t been activated yet. So he took the chance to defuse it by separating the orb from the circuit, and then he counts the barrels. Out of the dozen barrels, only four of them contain a bomb.


    When all the bomb has been defused, Neya walks closer to Nesto and check on the situation.


    "What is going on?" She asks.


    "I don''t know why, but four of the rations barrels contain a bomb in it," Nesto said.


    "What is a bomb?" Neya ask.


    "A bomb is a destructive weapon that is capable of destroying fortress wall, castle, and anything you can think of. But making just one cost a great wealth because they used tons of magic crystal," Nesto explains.


    "Prana bomb - I have seen its destructive power before, back at Sanestria," Za comments while he combs his messy furs with his fingers.


    "I''m wet! Can somebody explain to me what just happens?" Vizrez said aloud as she walks out from the lake with her cloth and hair drench in water.


    "It seems there was a bomb inside the rations barrel. From my knowledge, I didn''t know the slave trader was transporting bombs, and I doubt the slave trader even know what items he is currently transporting, judging by how his men handle the barrel in the past," Grie said as he wipes the grass leave off his shoulders.


    "I don''t even know what a bomb is," Vizrez said.


    "What bomb do is explode and destroy anything close to it," Za explain.


    "Sounds fun," Vizrez said excitedly.


    Neya let out a smile and roll her eyes after hearing the cyclops woman comments. Za heads suddenly turn toward the spike wall, he raises his snout in the air and starts sniffing vigorously. Grie looks at the fox man and begins to worry when he sees the fox man eyebrows furrow.


    "We are being watched," Nesto comments.


    "I feel it," Vizrez said.


    "Humans, a lot of them, outside the wall," Za said.


    "Woodfolk, Vizrez grab your weapons. Za and Grie get everyone to safety," Nesto said and the three of them disperse except for Neya.

 Chapter 39: Novuz Clan.

    The camp was in a state of panic, while Za and Grie try to gather everyone inside the caravans, so they can be far away from the danger. Nesto climbs out from his own wagons with Eilna saber in his hand. His eyes focus beyond the spike wall with anger and fear. He has to kill again, the thought of that cause him to tighten the grip around his saber.


    He needs to fight to protect his master.


    When he was about to head toward the wall, Neya grabs the bottom of his jacket stopping him. He turns his head to her with a confused look, Neya with a determined expression on her face while both of her boots planted on the ground to stop her butler.


    "You don''t need to fight," Neya said.


    "Don''t, Miss Neya. You and the people here are in danger. Let me fight, there is no other way," Nesto said.


    "No, Nesto. I order you to stop fighting and stay here," Neya order.


    "What?! What are you doing?" Nesto ask.


    She closes her eyes and opens it again. Then she starts walking toward the spiked wall while her fingers dig into her palm. Her heart beat out of fear, nervous, and uncertainty. She needs to show him that there is a peaceful way to resolve things.


    "Neya!!" Nesto call to her while his feet stick to the ground.


    "I will you show that there are always other ways," Neya said.


    Vizrez came back with her huge bone weapon on her back, she looks at Nesto and back at Neya.


    "What''s going on?" She asks.


    "She orders me to stay. Go to her make sure she doesn''t come to harm," Nesto said to Vizrez.


    With a nod, Vizrez jog toward Neya. The ginger-haired elf girl stops when she felt close enough to the wall, she takes a long breath of air into her lung, and let it all out.


    "We know you are there! Come out, so we can speak!" Neya yells out and hoping one of them speak the common tongue.


    When Vizrez finally close to her, Neya turns her heads to the woman and raised her hand to tell the cyclops woman that she is fine. Vizrez nods her head, but stay beside the small elf girl. The cyclops woman tries to search for them in the trees, but couldn''t spot one of them.


    "Are you sure about this?" Vizrez leans closer to Neya and ask.


    "I''m sure," Neya reply.


    Out of nowhere, an arrow land in front of Neya feet, this prompt Vizrez to take her weapons out. The elf girl raised her hand to the agitated cyclops woman to calm her down.


    "I''m just here to talk! Please, if you can understand me, I want you to know that we don''t want to fight," Neya said again.


    A rustle of leaves can be heard from the top of the tree, a shadow of a boy probably the same age as her, step into the light, and revealing himself. The boy was wearing some kind of leaves cover wooden armor along with a bark-skin wooden mask on his face. Between his gauntlet and chest armor, Neya spotted a line of body art on the boy skins.


    "I. Speak. A few." the boy tried to say.


    "My name is Neya, may I ask what is your name?" Neya ask.


    "Vel. Novuz clan." The boy answers.


    "Can I ask why are you here?" Neya ask.


    "You came. Trespass. Bad." Vel answers.


    "But we are seeking a place to live and to hide from the world. We mean you no harm," Neya said.


    "NO! Elf. Liar. Slave. Everyone," Vel raise his voice.


    "I''m not lying. Please, believe me. I''m trying to give these people a place they can live and be free," Neya plead.


    "Liar! Elf. Bad. Evil. You. Same," Vel said again, his manner shows no sign of believing any words Neya said.


    "If you don''t believe me then let me show you, that I''m... the same as the others slave," Neya begin to take her leather glove off, one by one.


    Vizrez raised her eyebrow, "What are you doing?"


    "Don''t worry, Vizrez. I know what I''m doing," Neya said.


    Her hands reach the bottom of her dress, her heart thuds heavily from the nervous and the embarrassment she about to face. She pulls her dress up, taking it off in one swift movement, and throw it on the ground leaving only her black bottom undergarment on.


    Both of her hair braids manage to cover the most important part of her small breast. She takes a long breath in, puffing her chest upward, and release it to calm her nerve. Then she rotates her body to show them the full view of her body.


    "Look at me, this scar was done by my own kind. I was a slave just like them, torture just like them, and suffer just like them. Until a human saves me from that life," Neya said aloud while extending her arms outward, showing them the scars that she collected over the years of suffering.


    Nesto was confused by his master sudden actions, he wanted to go to her and be by her side, but her order prevents him. He can''t disobey her; his grips tighten around the handle out of frustrations.


    "Please... I don''t want us to fight," Neya plead.


    In the trees line, a murmur can be heard between the Woodfolk. A foreign language that Neya never heard of before, it sounded gibberish to her, but the tone of their words shows seriousness. Vel heads glance to his left and right while the murmurs travel between the Woodfolk around him. The boy is trying to follow the discussions.


    Neya crosses her arms over her breast, trying to cover her chest.


    The murmur stops and Vel can be seen visibly nodding his head, "You. Elf. Cloth, Wear. We. Decide. Already."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Neya goes to her green dress, grabbing it off the ground, and starts to wear them like usual.


    "A Chance. Prove. Me. Here. Watch." Vel said.


    "Are you letting us live here?" Neya ask.


    "Yes. But. Me. Watch. You. All. Guard," Vel said.


    "Thank you," Neya said a smile form with her lips.


    "I didn''t believe it, your plan actually works," Vizrez said in disbelief.


    From afar, Nesto can feel the presence of the Woodfolk slowly diminish. He was proved wrong by his master, it''s just like she said, there is no need to fight with each other. Maybe she''s right, killing is not the answers, why is it so good to feel wrong.


    Nesto let out a manic laugh as he falls to his knees. Then he nods his head agreeing with her words. Maybe it''s time for him to find others way to fight without killing.


    Za sense the Woodfolk numbers are diminishing, and then he let out a loud cheer, so everybody can hear it, "Chief Neya did it!"


    "Long life, Chief Neya," All the humans cheer her name.


    Vizrez let out a small cheer, "Good work, Chief Neya."


    "It was you, I should have known. It''s you the one who starts calling me Chief. Now everyone is calling me that," Neya said as she let out a sigh accompanied by a smile.


    "What''s wrong with ''Chief''? It''s a good title, do you want me to call you ''Queen Killer the slayer of Wyvern''?" Vizrez jest.


    "Please don''t," Neya reply.


    "Only if you gave me your portion of the cupcake," Vizrez let out an evil grin.


    "Wait, doesn''t Nesto cook you a dozen cupcake just a few days ago?" Neya ask.


    "Yes... but I already finish it," Vizrez shrug her shoulders while answering the elf girl question.


    "How do you even finish a dozen cupcake in two days?" Neya asks while she looks at the woman with her left eyebrow raise.


    "I got hungry while guarding the camp at night," Vizrez reply while rubbing her stomach.


    "You can''t keep using that as an excuse for everything, but fine... you can have mine," Neya said then start to let out a giggle.


    The cyclops woman also joins in with a laugh before asking, "You know what we need?"


    "What?" Neya ask.


    "A feast!!" Vizrez cheer her answer out.


    "More food?" Neya said.


    "YEAH!! I''M HUNGRY!!" Vizrez yells out her hunger, so everyone can hear it.


    "Sure... Why not," Neya gave in.


    *


    Later that night.


    The cold and desolate night was combat by the cheers and joys of the people in the camp. They celebrate their young leader for taking care of a dangerous situation without any violence or any fight occurs. A few humans manage to make a makeshift instrument to accompany the lonely night with a good music.


    The music was not just people playing instruments, there is also vocal sound accompany along with the melody provided by Za deep voice and Grie ability to reach a high note with his voice. The two duos almost look like brothers, singing side by side despite the fact they look nothing like each other. With the music surrounds the camps, and the people in it; Vizrez and a couple other young humans dance to the beats.


    Their joyous face was inspiring other people to feel safe and fun while they enjoy the meatloaves Nesto prepared; something that they haven''t experience for a long time. The realization of hope exists for them, that what hovering in their mind.


    Neya notices the look the relieved and joy on their face, she sympathizes with them because she also had that same look after Nesto saves her.


    In the midst of the people dancing, she could see the two kids ''Nel and Om'' an upbeat young human girl and a shy young elf boy, dancing with each other. Inside Neya mind, she could imagine them growing up to be a cute couple.


    "Enjoying the feast?" Nesto takes a seat beside his master with a plate of meatloaf in his hand.


    "Looking at their joyous face make me feel happy and scared at the same time," Neya said.


    "That''s a given since they all put their hope and safety on your hand," Nesto explains.


    She let out a laugh, "I was going to ask you whether I could do this or not, but since I know you and you will probably say that you support me fully," Neya said with a smile on her face.


    "You know me too well, Master," Nesto said.


    There was a short moment of silence between both of them before Nesto speaks again.


    "You were right about earlier, I was surprised, but I shouldn''t be. My master is the most amazing person I know," Nesto said.


    "That came out of nowhere," Neya said as her cheeks slowly turn a pinkish hue.


    "If you were right about earlier, then maybe you are right about me, I will try to find a way to fight without killing. It''s not easy, but I think I can do it," Nesto said.


    "You will?" Nesto word took her by surprise and cause a spark of joy to rise in her heart.


    She leans closer to Nesto and hugs him from the side. The man was surprised, he had to raise his plate of food before his master leans in closer for a hug. With one of his free hand, he pats the elf girl head. Neya body turn to soft as she felt comfort from his warm hand, it has been a while since he pats her head like this, she absolutely misses it.


    "This makes me want to have tea," Neya let out as she pulls away from her butler.


    "Let me get some for you, and here, enjoy the food," He gave the plate of meatloaf to his master.


    With a plate of meatloaf in Neya hands, Nesto stood up and head to the kitchen area. When he was about to arrive, Vizrez hugs him tightly and carry him for a ride as she dances to the music. Neya could see Nesto trying to struggle out from Vizrez hug. She let out a small laugh when seeing her butler frustrated face against Vizrez huge breasts.


    She let out a sigh and look away toward the spike wall. Then she remembers about the Woodfolk boy watching us. Her eyes went to the plate of meatloaf, then with a smile, she stood up and head toward the spike wall. The cold night causes her body to shiver as she walks away from the warm campfire.


    After arriving at the spike wall, she looks up at the tree line and tries to spot the Woodfolk, but fail as it was too dark for her to see.


    "Hello? I know you are out there¡ª Can you come down, I have some food for you," Neya called out.


    The leaves rustle and with a leap, the Woodfolk appear in the air while the moonlight shines behind him. He lands perfectly in front of the elf girl, surprising her.


    "That quite an entrance," Neya comment with a soft tone.


    "Tree. Close. Wall. Bad. Easy. Intrude... Questions?" The Woodfolk comment.


    "I have some food for you, I think you will like it," Neya said while showing him the plate of meatloaf.


    The Woodfolk look at the plate then look back at her. He pinches a small piece of meatloaf with his fingers, he brings it forward to the girl''s face and gesturing her to eat it.


    "What?" She said surprised.


    "Poison. Make sure." The boy said.


    With blushing cheeks, she eats the small piece of meatloaf off the Woodfolk''s hand. The boy watched her slowly chew the meatloaf and swallow it. After making sure the food is not poisonous, the Woodfolk walk to the spike wall and take a seat on the ground with his back leaning on the wall.


    He looks at the food and said, "Thanks."


    Neya took a seat a bit further from the Woodfolk, but just close enough for the boy to hear her voice.


    "I heard a lot of rumor about Woodfolk, but you seem different from what they say," Neya said.


    "Rumor. More lies. Normal." Vel said.


    "I don''t want to be called a liar, so I''m telling you that I do have one slave, his name is Nesto. He is right over there, currently being hug to death by the big woman," Neya points out.


    "Hmm..." Vel let out. To Neya it sounds like a judging tone, it annoys her for some reason.


    "Just to be clear, if Nesto wants to leave, he can leave anytime. Even though, I don''t want him to... But if he chose to, then I will let him go," Neya said.


    "I see..." Vel said then he took off his bark skin mask.


    Neya was surprised to see a handsome, dark-skin, chiseled face with a short blond hair underneath the mask. The moonlight shines on his face and reveals something else. Neya leans forward to see half his face disfigured. From her conclusions, it seems to be burn marks. It looks painful, there is a visible hole in his cheek revealing the teeth inside.


    "What happen...?" Neya accidentally ask.


    Vel turns his head to look at the surprise girl, "Elf. Fire... Family. Mine. Died."


    "I''m sorry to hear that¡ª Is that''s why you hate elf?" Neya ask.


    "No hate. Novuz clan. Live. Peaceful. Sad. Yes. But. No hate." Vel reply.


    Neya bites her bottom lips as the conversation turned to awkward silence. "I should head back... They are probably waiting for me," Neya said.


    "Wait. Conversations. Fun. Food delicious. Good company. More talk?" Vel ask.


    "Sure," Neya said.


    "Elf girl. From?" Vel ask.


    Two of them spent time talking to each other about their life. Without her knowing, she had bridged the first peaceful contact with the Woodfolk and made friend with one of them. The night continued with the celebration, people were happy, new friends are being made, old friends grow closer, and newfound goals appear.

 Chapter 40: Grimsby.

    The warm bright sun gently caresses his skin, and the strong breeze blows away the wood shaving around Nesto shoes. He shakes his leg to get the rest of the wood shaving off his pants. Nesto twirls his newly made wooden staff without any effort at all then he stops, and laid the middle of the staff on the tip of his finger. The balance is perfect because the staff didn''t tilt to the right or left.


    Satisfy by how the wooden staff turns out, he begins checking it elasticity by bending it. It not heavy like his metal staff used to be, but it gave enough weight that it''s comfortable to use. The Wolics in front of him kept looking at him with a confused face.


    "Excuse me, but why am I here for?" Za ask.


    "I''m trying to change my fighting style to a more non-lethal one, so I need someone to test my staff with," Nesto answers.


    "Yeah, but why me? Why not Virzez or the others?" Za ask.


    "Vizrez is too big to use on, I will probably break the staff if I used it on her, and I don''t want to accidentally kill Grie," Nesto said.


    "Wait! Kill?" Za said worriedly.


    There are several young humans gather around Nesto, and one of them is Vizrez. She let out a cough, causing Nesto turns to look at the cyclops woman face, he sees her annoyed face because of his comment on her size. "Sorry" Nesto apologizes.


    "You will be fine, Wolics can take more hit than a normal human... Probably, I think." Nesto said.


    "Even if I do can take more hit, it won''t be less painful," Za said.


    "I''m going to knock you out, nothing more," Nesto assure him.


    Za let out a sigh, "At least you are using a wooden staff, it not like you can kill me with staff," he comments.


    "I''m not going to lie, but I kill more people using a staff than the sword," Nesto said.


    "Wait, how?" Za ask.


    "Standard stuff, jab it through somebody faces or break his neck, break his spine and many more. I more skill on a wooden staff than a sword," Nesto said.


    "If you are more lethal using the staff then why are you using it?" Za said as he starts to get scared of the man in front of him.


    "As I said before, I have more skill on a wooden staff. So I have more control over it than any other weapons," Nesto said while letting out a smile.


    "Do I have a choice in this matter?" Za ask.


    "I want to tell you yes, but no. Come on, brave up. You''ll be fine," Nesto said.


    Za slaps the side of his face with both hands, to kick his fear away and strengthen his bravery. "Let''s do this!!" Za said and the crowd cheers.


    "Okay, knee, stomach, head," Nesto said to himself as he targets the vital points.


    With ease, Nesto twirls the wooden staff again with his hands while focusing on Za vital points. Za closes his eyes and clenches his teeth while waiting for the coming strike. Like the wind, the staff hit Za on the knee first causing him to lower to his knee, then it hit his stomach which causes him to bend forward, and lastly, it hit his head; knocking him out.


    It only takes one movement to do all that and using the same momentum for each strike. The crowd jaw drops down while they look at Za laying face first on the grass ground. While unconscious, Za let out a surprisingly amount of gas out from his butt which causes Vizrez to laugh aloud. The crowd let out a smile and some giggle, while Nesto waves the bad stench away from his nose.


    "I should cook something more digestible," Nesto comments.


    A few young humans walk up to Nesto with sparkly eyes that show admiration.


    "Sir Nesto, can you teach us how to fight?" One of the humans with long brown hair, striking green eyes, and fresh hopeful face ask.


    "Your name is ''Melud'' right?" Nesto ask.


    "Yes, that''s me!" Melud said with excitement in his voice.


    "Why do you all want to learn to fight?" Nesto ask.


    "I answer for the rest of the group that we want to protect this place. This place is like a home to us, and when the Woodfolk, we were useless to protect our self... We don''t want the same thing to happens, we want to be strong for our friend and family," Melud answers, his eyes and the other shows determinations.


    "Young and brave, sure I''ll teach you all how to fight, but I won''t teach you how to kill," Nesto said.


    "Yes!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!" Melud cheers, his friends all hug each other in excitement while Nesto let out a smile.


    "When do we start?" Melud ask.


    "Right now, seem okay," Nesto said.


    "Stop! Sorry to bother you all, but Nesto is occupied right now," Neya step in.


    "I need him to escort me to the town," Neya said.


    "I''m sorry, but we''ll start tomorrow then. For now, make yourself a wooden staff for practice," Nesto said then the young humans let out a disappointed sigh as they walk away from him.


    Nesto turn to face his masters "Town?"


    "Yeah, I need to buy seeds for the crop, fabric for their cloth, sewing kit and sell a few of the Wyvern skin," Neya said.


    "Sure. Excuse me, While I ready the wagon first," Nesto said and walk toward the wagon with the wooden staff in his hand.


    Za still unconscious on the ground let out a final burst of gas, Neya''s head recoils away from the smell. She walks away and heads to Vizrez while pinching her nose, to keep the smell away. The cyclops woman is talking to the other humans when Neya taps her back to grab her attention.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    She turns her body to face the elf girl, "Morning chief."


    "Morning Vizrez, Nesto and me are going to the town to buy some stuff, can you stay here and guard the camp while I''m gone," Neya said.


    "Sure, no problem chief," Vizrez said while she let out a yawn.


    Neya waves goodbye to the woman and walks toward the wall with an intention to talk to Vel. Arriving at the spike wall, she tries to search for a trace of the Woodfolk boy on the branches, but she found none.


    "Vel? Are you there?" Neya calls out.


    Vel head pops out from the leaves, "Present."


    "Can you watch the camp for me while I''m gone?" Neya ask.


    "Me?" The boy said, Neya response by nodding her heads.


    "Ok. From Afar. Destination?" Vel ask.


    "I''m going to Grimsby with Nesto," Neya answers.


    "Outside. Careful. Elf near the road." Vel warn.


    "I didn''t know you care about me," Neya joke.


    "No. Forget what I said. Bye," Vel said in disagreement then disappear into the tree.


    Neya amuses by Vel cute flutters response, she couldn''t help, but let out a smile. She starts to walk back toward the camp. At the camp, the wagon is ready by Nesto and are waiting for her. She climbs the wagon with ease; Nesto wiggles the reins and off they go toward the path they used to get into the forest.


    It was an uneventful ride, they manage to get out of the forest without anyone notices them. It doesn''t take long for them to arrive at Grimsby; a small normal town with more Satyr walking around than any other races. The wagon stopped in front of a clothing store, Nesto gets off the wagon and tied the horse rein at a post.


    Nesto grabs one of the sacks containing the Wyvern skin, and with Neya by his side, both of them enter the store. The door open, the bell ring and behind the counter reveals an old Satyr with a welcoming smile.


    "May I help you, Miss?" The Satyr asks.


    "I have something that might interest you," Neya said, she walks to the counter and places the sack on it.


    The Satyr opens the sack revealing the Wyvern skin inside, his jaw drop opens, "How did you manage to get a very high-quality material?"


    "It''s a trade secret," Neya said with a smile.


    The Satyr let out a laugh, "I understand, but may I ask, what do you want me to do with it?"


    "Nothing, I want to it sell to you," Neya answers.


    "Hmm, I don''t think I can''t afford to pay for it," The Satyr said.


    "How about a deal, pay which amount you can in coins and the rest with your fabrics and sewing kit," Neya offers.


    "Tempting offers, tempting indeed, I''ll take it. Go ahead, pick whichever fabric you wish from my storage," The Satyr said.


    The deal went smooth as it can be, Neya went ahead to pick several colors of fabric from the storage then Nesto brought the fabrics and the sewing kit into the wagon in which he stores it. Then they went to the general store to buy a few bags of different crop of seeds, suitable for growing in four seasons.


    Nesto took an opportunity to buy a large number of ingredients for the camps while Neya sent a letter to her friends at the academy. They also shop for a few other stuff that can benefit the camps and the humans living in the camps.


    The sun was beginning to slumber when they head back to the wagon with all the items in their hand. Nesto stops when he felt an aura of bloodlust coming from around the corner; where their wagons are located. He stops Neya on her tracks, then sneakily peeks out of the corner, and examine their wagons.


    "What''s the matter, Nesto?" Neya asks worriedly.


    "I sense danger, be careful," Nesto peek out the corner and see someone he hasn''t seen for a while.


    "Hello friend, long time no see," 167 greet him with a smile on his face while waving his hand.


    Nesto steps out from the corner while Neya pokes her heads out from the corner, "It''s you."


    "Hey, kid. I see you have grown," 167 said.


    "I''m sorry about letting out the bloodlust, I''m just messing with you," 167 continue.


    Nesto let out a frown, letting the elf know that the joke was not amusing. "You look horrible."


    The elf sitting in the wagon doorway does look horrible from their last encounter, there are visible bags under his eyes and a few scars on his face that were not there before. There is also something off about his left leg, Nesto tries to peek underneath, but couldn''t see what is it.


    "What happens to you?" Nesto ask.


    "Ah, same old story, trying to stop a war, but only delaying it," 167 shrug his shoulders.


    "War?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, and you inadvertently are also a part of it," 167 said while pointing his fingers at the elf girls.


    Neya steps out from the corner, "But I didn''t do anything! Except for the slave trader?"


    "No, it''s not something as meager as that," 167 said.


    "Then what?" Neya ask.


    "It got something to do with your mom and your dead father," 167 said.


    "I don''t understand," Neya said.


    "Why are you here?" Nesto ask.


    "To tell you what''s coming" 167 faces became darken as he smiles went away.


    Nesto drops the items and pulls his master closer to him, "There is an artifact in which you father discover earlier in his life, and what I gather from people mouth is that the artifact is some sort of weapons."


    "A weapon capable of destroying an island, but that what people said. No one actually knows what this artifact does though. However, all of them agrees that it is some kind of weapons." 167 explains.


    "What is that artifact has to do with me?" Neya ask.


    "Well for starters, your mother wants to use that artifact on Targia, so the king would abolish the new law," 167 said.


    "I still don''t see why it has to do with me," Neya said.


    "Your father is the reason why it has to do with you," 167 said.


    "Father?" Neya said while her open palms closed in.


    "Dear old daddy, have tons of magister working on the artifact and the only thing they can crack is the lock in which to activate it. So your dad, order his magister to change the lock and make himself into the key. He then orders his knights, to kill every one of his magisters, so no one can change the key. But your dad died before he can''t use the damn thing," 167 said.


    "And here the fun part, to open the lock, the key need to have the same blood as your father flowing in them and must be alive to do it. Since your father has no living relatives, it all comes down to you, hence the bounty on your head," 167 said while a darken grin appears on his face.


    "Me? The key? That''s what my mother after?" Neya said while her heart fills with anger and annoyance.


    "Yes... That''s why your mother wants you," 167 said.


    "I know sometimes life can be... terrible," 167 said.


    "Neya, stay behind me..." Nesto orders with a look of concern on his face while he glares at the elf sitting in the wagon back door.


    Neya gaze when up to her butler''s face, fears begin to replace her anger when she saw the same look her butter had when he about to get into a fight.


    "A friend after my own, always know what I''m about to do," 167 closed his hands.


    The visible metal string appears and surrounds both of them; blocking any way to escape. 167 raise his hand and show the metal string all originate from his gauntlet.


    "You were sent here to kill her, tell me who orders it."


    "It''s not the king or anyone you know, it''s the Third-hand decisions," 167 said.


    Nesto eyes went to the wagon in which contains his staff and saber. He was a fool to leave them in the wagons, he should have known. He can''t use his magic, in fear of getting Neya hurt from his own magic. Damn it, he fails his master, he turns around and embraces Neya into a protective cocoon; hoping the string doesn''t kill her.


    "I''m sorry Neya," Nesto apologizes.


    "It''s not your fault," Neya said.


    "Wait! 167, please you don''t have to do this," Neya plead.


    "I care for Targia and the King so much that I willing to sacrifice my own leg for them," 167 stand up, and a glimpse of his fake metal leg show itself to them.


    "But I know the king doesn''t want it to be like this, don''t despair he said," 167 let out a smile and whips his hands.


    The metal strings begin to move and fall to the ground then it retracts itself into his gauntlet. 167 release them, he simply walks a few feet away from the wagon and stretches his arms.


    "I won''t do it, the third-hand serves under the king, not our self. We will follow the king until the very end," 167 said.


    "You are letting us go?" Neya ask.


    "Yes... I won''t kill a friend of mine, besides there is always another way to fight," 167 said.


    "You are letting us go, just like that?" Nesto said skeptically about 167 choices.


    "Just like that," 167 answers then let out a grin.


    "Protect her... It has been a long day, never have I thought that I would gamble, always thought of myself a man of certainty," 167 said.


    "Thank you... Friend," Nesto said.


    "Don''t make me regret it¡ª Friend," 167 said and his entire body disappears into thin air, Nesto notices the magic he used is similar to what a Xintari used.

 Chapter 41: First Tinder.

    The wagon went through the gate of their camp, and stop near the caravans. Nesto jumps down from the wagon, he and a few other humans head to the back to unload the stuff. Neya jumps down and notices there is a small enclosed wooden fence near the dorm that is being built, inside of it contains two wild boars.


    She walks toward Za while he is sawing off a piece of log, "Za, how are you doing?"


    "Ohh, chief! You''re back. I''m fine... The weirdest thing happens, my stomach ache seems to be gone," Za said as he places the saw on the log.


    "What''s that?" Neya gestures her head toward the boar pen.


    "Oh, Vizrez manages to catch two boars in the wild. Since it''s a female and male, we thought we could turn them into livestock," Za explains.


    "Wild boars?" Neya said.


    "We have to start somewhere," Za said.


    "How is the construction of the house is progressing?" Neya ask.


    "The frame of the dorm is almost done, then we just need to cover the roof first, then we can start on the wall and floor. After that, we can finish it by decorating the room and filling it with furniture," Za explain.


    "Everything seems to be in an order before I leave you to your work. Can you gather the humans that can sew? I have the material," Neya said.


    "I knew a few people that can sew, but what are they making?" Za ask.


    "Cloth for yourself and the others. I can''t bear seeing you people wearing rags all the time," Neya said.


    "I can''t believe we struck gold on getting a kind and wise leader, such as yourself, chief," Za said while showing a toothy smile.


    "Complimenting me don''t get you anywhere, Za. And also, the sun is almost out, your group should stop building and get some rest," Neya said.


    "Will do, chief," Za said as he wipes his hand on the cloth to get the wood dust off and walk toward the unfinished dorm.


    Neya let out a smile when she starts to walk toward the wall to speak to the Woodfolk boy. Arriving at the wall, she took out a small bag of cookie that she bought from the town.


    "Vel? Are you there?"


    She tries to spot the Vel, but as always, she finds no trace of him on the tree line. After a while of waiting, there is still no response, Neya starts to worry.


    "Vel?"


    Vel pop behind a large branch while panting for air, "Elf. A dozen. Armored. Approaching!"


    Neya drops the cookie on the ground and runs back to Nesto. She waves her arms up in the air, trying to grab his attention. Nesto raises his left eyebrow as he notices his master wailing both of her arms up in the air.


    "Armored elf coming!!" Neya shouts at him.


    "Vizrez, grab your weapons!!" Nesto shouts as he climbs the back of the wagon, grabbing his saber and wooden staff.


    The cyclops women drop the wooden log and dash toward her weapon. Then out of nowhere, a large hole appears in the sky above, Nesto fears begin to creep in when he saw the hole.


    "Spatial magic," He said then looking underneath it, he spots two kids, ''Nel and Om'' froze in fear while both of them stare at the hole above them.


    "MOVE!!" Nesto yell.


    Grie the one who is close to them took off into a dash toward the two kids. The elf man manages to grab both of the kids in time and when he looks up at the hole a massive chunk of dirt starts to fall through the hole. Grie took off again hoping he can outrun the massive falling chunk of dirt.


    But Grie couldn''t outrun it while holding two kids in his arms. The elf heard a howl then as fast the wind, he felt his back being pushed before the chunk of dirt crash into the ground and shake the entire earth near it.


    The cloud of dust begins to dissipate, Grie looks back and saw he almost gets crushed under the dirt. He let the two kids go, then suddenly his heart drop and his chests begin to feel heavy. An orange fur arm escapes the dirt, but only the arm is visible while the entire body is hidden under the dirt.


    The hand twitches.


    And start to wail as it tries to grab on to something.


    Grie screams his heart out as he rushes to his hand and grabs hold of it, "I''m here, I''m going to get you out here, you hear me?!" Gries said then with his other hand, he starts to claw the dirt away.


    Za''s hand stop moving, it went limp then coldness grew and spread throughout the Wolics hand; Grie felt it while his hand held on to his brother.


    "No... No! Brother!! ZA!!!!!!" Grie scream as tears run down his cheeks, and fall to the grounds.


    From afar, Nesto grip on his wooden staff tightens after he witnesses what happens. Vizrez turns her heads, her face darkens as she also saw what happens. Neya falls to her knees on the ground, she felt her breath are becoming short and quick. Her heart begins to tighten as if something is gripping it very tightly. Then she places her hand on her chest while she bends forward.


    She screams while both of her eyes closed.


    She hasn''t had the time to mourn when she hears an announcement, "This is the Royal army of Weyshers. Under the orders of Queen Lucilla, you are to hand the princess of Weyshers ''Neya Nimmith'' to us or face death by our hands!"


    "Lucilla!" Words seethe through her clench teeth. At that moment, she remembers her father face, she calms herself with one breath, and with teary eyes; she stood up.


    "Everyone gets to safety. Nesto and Vizrez get ready to fight!!" Neya orders.


    The humans are still shocked by Za death that causes them all to froze into place and ignoring Neya orders.


    "Move, NOW!!" Neya yells again and finally, everyone starts moving again except for Grie.


    Vizrez and Nesto rush to the gate together, "Vizrez, stay in front. You target the knights, and leave the magic caster to me."


    "No problem," Vizrez reply as she stays in front of Nesto, acting as a shield for Nesto.


    Nesto put on the scabbard belt across his body, sheathing his own saber in it while holding on to the wooden staff. "I open the first gate, ''Firio''." He mutters to himself, and he could feel the burning lava flowing into his own veins.


    Vizrez let out a roar causing her body to light up then disappear back into her body. A loud thunderous noise can be heard before the wooden gate explode into smithereens, the debris flew toward Vizrez, however with her arm, every flying debris that is coming for her is blocked by her tough skin.


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    Neya directs the human far away from the battlefield by hiding them behind the unfinished building. She could see their terrified face, she blames herself for this, Neya knows that sooner or later her mother would send her own men to grab her. She shakes her thought away and focuses on the humans.


    "Anyone hurt?" Neya ask.


    "I''m," a woman raises her hands, "I think I sprained my own ankle."


    "Us too, few of the rock from the falling dirt cut us," A man said.


    "I''m going back to get bandages and herbs, I need someone to keep an eye on the people here," Neya said.


    "I can do it," Melud said.


    "Makes sure keep them safe for me," Neya said then she quickly dashes to the wagon that contains the medical supplies.


    Nesto peeks his head and saw his opponents; nine knights and three magic casters; one of them must be a healer. Vizrez charges toward the closest knight to her while Nesto is riding on her back. The two of them clash and the knight was thrown back. Nesto climbs Vizrez back and throws himself to the magic casters.


    "Incernium!" A silver ball flew from his own hand and toward the magic casters.


    "Sanciato!" One of the magic caster''s mutters. A blue barrier erupts in front of the magic caster blocking the fireball.


    Smoke appears after the explosion, Nesto charge through and once he is out. He swings his staff and hit one of them in the head; knocking him unconscious.


    "Immi!" The magic caster cast and lighting bolt shoot out from his hand toward Nesto.


    Nesto dodges to the left and the bolt hit the tree behind him causing to break and fell to the ground. The magic caster keeps on casting ''Immi'' at Nesto to keep him far away. It worked as Nesto keep on dodging back and beginning to distance himself from the caster.


    Vizrez swings his weapons and hit one of the knights, crushing his armor and throwing him back. One the knight managed to slash his sword on Vizrez back, she let out a grown and grab the knight helmet. Then she lifts him upward and throws him at one of his friends. A knight ready his crossbow to fire at the cyclops woman when suddenly an arrow pierces through his helmet.


    Vizrez lookup at the tree and see the Woodfolk boy perch on the branch with his longbow in his hands and arrows in another. Vizrez let out a toothy smile and roar causing her body to light up again. One of the knights was about to slash the woman when his own sword suddenly bounces back on contact, it feels like the sword is hitting a piece metal.


    The knight to a step back shocked by what just happens. Vizrez turns his body to face the knight, grabbing his helmet then lifting him up, and toss him to another knight.


    Frustrated begins to rise in Nesto''s head as he keeps on dodging the bolt, "Incernium" Nesto cast, but it is blocked by the magic caster.


    "Mobiactus Celestelio!" The other magic caster mutter and the same large hole appear on top of Nesto.


    A huge chunk of dirt seep through the hole, Nesto calms his mind and while dodging the lightning bolt that keeping him underneath the hole. "I open the fourth gate ''Clariem''," Nesto mutters to himself.


    His body shakes as the tremendous pain of feeling like a huge volume of burning metal flowing in his veins. "Incernium!" Nesto raises his hand up and cast.


    A massive silver fireball the size of a wagon appears on top of him, Nesto slowly closes his hand and the fireball compress itself into a small tiny fireball then he shoots it upward. The tiny fireball hit the dirt above him, turning into a huge explosion that burns the dirt away into nothingness while the noise from the explosion shake the forest itself, and send a blast of wind to anyone close to it.


    Neya jaw drops when she saw the explosion, her braided hair is blown away and undo itself from the blast of wind that came after the explosion. She shakes her heads and continues to carry the medicinal item to her people.


    While both of them is distracted by the huge explosions, an arrow pierces through the lightning bolt caster head, and he fell limply to the ground. Nesto took the chance and rush to the other casters. The magic caster shouted "Mobiactus!" as Nesto staff meet his head, but the spell worked and both of them disappear into thin air.


    "Nesto!!" Vizrez shout then slam the last knight into a tree.


    The Cyclops woman rush to the spot where Nesto disappears, she stabs her weapons to the grounds and wails her arms around the spot trying to feel him, but she felt nothing.


    "What happens?" Vizrez asks Vel.


    "Gone. Dead?" Vel said.


    Nesto is gone.


    Before they could think of a way to find him, something interrupts their attention. From far away, a noise echoed in the forest, a noise of metal boots hitting the ground like they are marching toward their spot. Trees fell as it begins to near them when the last tree is fell, it reveals hundreds of armed and armored, dark-skin, elf knight marching toward them.


    Their armor is different, it''s not like the Weyshers one. Vel knows this armor well because he has seen it countless time.


    It''s from Materna, their army is here.


    "Go back!" Vizrez warns the boy and he immediately took off.


    Vizrez quickly goes back to the camp, Neya spot from the distance that hundreds of armed, dark-skin, elf knight are approaching them from the forest. Her gaze went to the Cyclops woman running toward her, she stands up and goes to the woman.


    "Nesto is gone!" Vizrez said.


    "What do you mean he''s gone?" Neya ask.


    "I don''t know, we were fighting and the magic caster cast a spell, suddenly both of them disappear into thin air. I think he''s dead," Vizrez said.


    "No... He''s not," Neya said confidently.


    "How do you know?" Vizrez ask.


    "I just do... I just do, don''t despair," Neya said.


    "What we are going to do with the army?" Vizrez said.


    "I don''t know," Neya said as hundreds of knight march into the camp, heavily armed to the teeth.


    Nesto, I need you.

 Chapter 42: Seeping.

    The sound of metal hitting metal overwhelmed the serene sound of the forest and lake.


    Hundreds of dark-skin elves wearing heavy armor march into the camp with weapon equip in their hands. Then the knights encircle Neya and her people to close off any escape route.


    Neya stands further in front of her people while facing the knights, besides her ''Vizrez'' the Cyclops woman with weapons ready in her hands while she glared at the knights.


    For Neya everything seems to be slowing down, the knights marching, Vizrez growl, and breathing. Even her own breathing and heartbeat is slowing down as if time itself is turning into a crawl.


    Her own gaze went to Grie, he''s still on his knee, and mourns the death of his brother. Neya could feel the aching pain in her own heart, no it''s her soul that''s in pain as the death of Za sink into her head. She was supposed to protect them from harm, but she''s the one that brings harm to them. The men that came, they came for her.


    It''s all her fault again, she always brings pain to the surrounding people around her.


    ''Nesto, where are you?''


    She needs her butler to be here, to tell her that''s everything going to be fine, and save her from this situation right now. No, she needs to buy times for Nesto to come, she needs to handle this, and she needs to put her people in harm''s way.


    She needs to be strong, just like what she promised to Nesto.


    "Neya?" Vizrez called, causing her mind to snap back to reality.


    "Are you listening?" Vizrez said.


    "Yes, I am," Neya said.


    "What are we going to do? I can''t fight all these soldiers alone. I could try, but it won''t be pretty both me and the soldiers," Vizrez said.


    "I''m searching..." Neya said.


    "Searching for what?" Vizrez ask.


    Three beautiful, well-made carriages enter the camp and stop behind the wall of knights. The door to the carriage opens, revealing a handsome, dark-skin elf, wearing a butler uniform. He steps out of the carriage and stands by the door. Then a satyr with slick black hair and quite a tan skin while wearing beautiful, well-made clothes steps out from the carriage.


    The Knights split their formations into half to make room for the Satyr to use. He walks forward to the front of the line then stops while staring directly at Neya.


    "Are you Neya?" The Satyr ask.


    "Opportunity," Neya whisper to herself. "Yes, I am her. May I ask who are you, Sir?"


    "Viria, King of Materna," The Satyr answers.


    "The king? May I ask, why is such as yourself has come to our humble camp?" Neya said after she curtsies to show her respect to the king.


    Vizrez notices Neya curtsy, she lowers her weapons, but still ready herself for anything.


    "Cut the formals talk, I''m here because of your mother. She wants you back, So either we did this the hard way or the easy way," Viria said.


    She looks around her; the terrified humans, a grieving brother, the loss of a close friend, the broken home, and the gaze of terrified kids. Neya know what she must do, it''s the only way and the only way she doesn''t want to take.


    "I will come with you," Neya said.


    Vizrez turn her gaze to the elf girl, surprised by her answer, "Chief! If you go, I don''t know what''s going to happen to you."


    Neya ignores Vizrez words, "But under one condition, let my people live in peace."


    There was a moment of silence as the king takes a look around the camp, then turn his gaze back at the elf girl, "You wish is granted, now come. We have a long day ride."


    "Let me say my goodbye first," Neya said.


    "Fine," Viria says and walk back to his carriage to wait for the elf girl.


    "Neya, chief, please if you go. I can''t protect you," Vizrez said.


    "I have to do this Vizrez, guard the camp for me, and help them rebuild," Neya said.


    Neya walks away from Vizrez and towards Grie. Arriving at the grieving man, she braves her heart and places a hand on his shoulders, Grie turns his head to look at the elf girl. Neya saw the pain on his face, the swollen eyes, and the tears that still flowing down.


    "Za is... dead," Grie whimper.


    "You need to stay strong Grie, there are still people counting on you. I''m leaving and I need you to lead them," Neya said while putting on a brave face.


    "Me... I can''t..." Grie said her lips tremble.


    "You have too, everything is here, the material, the people and the plan. Za would want you too," Neya said retracting her hand and walk toward the carriages.


    "Chief..." Grie called.


    The humans watch as their leader walk to the carriage, "Chief? Please don''t go," some of the humans called.


    Neya stops on her tracks, she turns to face her people and said these few words with confidence.


    "Stay strong."


    Then she continues walking, she boards the carriage and the door close. The carriages begin to move and head toward the broken gate. After the carriage left, the knights continue to march out of the camps leaving the humans alone.


    The human look at each other, confuse and scared.


    *


    Everything was dark.


    Then there was light again.


    Nesto saw the orange horizon and bright night sky above him. He turns his head, seeing nothing around him except for the vast ocean far below him and the large green patch of land far away from him. Then he finally realizes it that he is in the sky and currently is falling.


    The wind begins to fasten and brushing heavily against his body. He turns his body around searching for something, something that can help him right now, and there was nothing except for the wooden staff in his hand.


    Then he spots just a few feet away from him, the magic caster, unconscious, and falling just like him. He moves his arms, so his own body would gravitate toward the magic casters. Nesto grabs the caster chest plate and pulls him closer.


    He shakes the caster body while yelling "Wake up!"


    However, the sound of the wind was too loud that it might have overwhelmed his own voice. He looks behind the elf and saw the approaching body of water below him. He clenches his teeth and closes both of his eyes while hoping for the best.


    His left shoulder made a contact with the water first then the rest of his body plunge into it and causing a massive splash of water around him. Nesto let out a grunt when he felt the stinging pain in his shoulder joint as he tried to move his left arm. He held his breath and fights through the pain as he searches for the caster body in the water.


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    He sees the caster body slowly descent into the depth, Nesto swims toward him, and grab the caster chest plate to pull him closer to him. He tries to swim upward with the caster, but his armor is weighing him down and the pain in his shoulder doesn''t help one bit. Nesto sees a dagger sheathed in the caster belt with his hand he pulled it out and cut the strap on the caster armor.


    One by one, the armor piece descent deeper into the depth. After all the armor piece have been taken off, Nesto pulls the caster with him until they reach above water where he could take in large air into his lungs.


    He looks around him and sees the shore in the distance and with his strength, he drags the caster toward the shore. Upon reaching the shore, a tremendous exhaustion showers him. He spits the salty water onto the sand as he pulls the caster up to the sandy beach then letting him go, he lay on the sand to catch his breath.


    However, the aching pain in his left shoulder still bothers him, so he crawls to a large rock and leans his shoulder on the rock then he slams his shoulder on to the rock, pushing the joint in his shoulder back to place. He let out a scream that turns into a grunt, then he leans back on the rock, and closes his eyes.


    *


    Vel jump from branch to branch as he tries to follow the carriage where Neya is in. Then he stops when he reached the edge of the forest, he looks below and the carriages keep on going toward the direction of the bridge.


    Vel kept trying to think of a way to follow Neya without leaving the forest, but he couldn''t find any solutions.


    He knows what would happen if he leaves the forest.


    He looks back into the forest then look back at the carriages. Vel couldn''t just leave Neya, she is in danger, and he couldn''t live with himself if he let her get hurt. He places his palm on his lips, giving it a kiss then press his palm against the tree branch beside him while closing his eyes.


    "Home. My heart."


    His eyebrows furrow with determination then he jumps off the branches, and onto the ground below; where he exits the border of the forest, and chase after the carriages with stealth.


    *


    The campfire warms Nesto''s body while keeping the darkness that comes from the night away from him. He pokes the campfire with a wooden stick as he sits near it. The fire let out a crackling sound as the wood burns beautifully. Nesto glances at the tied up caster that is leaning on a large boulder. The caster let out a groans noise as he begins to wake up from his long slumber.


    Nesto a cough out the last bit of black tar out of his throat and spit it onto the sand.


    The caster let out a grunt, "My... head... hurts."


    "Sorry about that," Nesto apologizes as he brings both his hand closer to the fire.


    "W-What? Where am I?" The caster said.


    "I don''t know, you tell me since you the one who brought us here," Nesto said.


    "Wait, I know you..." The caster said while staring directly at Nesto with half-open eyes.


    "The infamous Silver flame, right before my eyes," The caster laugh.


    Nesto dint responds to the caster comments rather he focuses his gaze on the fire in front of him. The caster looks around him, trying to find a way to get out from his binds. The elf looks back at the man sitting near the fire, he eyebrows furrow, and he spits the salty taste out his mouth onto the sand beside him.


    "What are you waiting for? End me," The caster said.


    "I don''t do that anymore," Nesto said.


    "Do what? Fighting?" The caster asks.


    "Killing, I don''t do it anymore," Nesto reply.


    "What a world we are living right now, the infamous Silver flame just said to me that he won''t kill people anymore," The caster joke.


    "You know, my brother died in your hand. The one thousand soldiers you slaughter, one of them is my brother, the only family I had left," The caster said.


    "Do you hate me?" Nesto ask.


    The wave of water crash into the beach causing a noise so serene that it fit perfectly with the long silence that falls on them both after Nesto ask the questions. The caster looks up to the night sky and lets out a sigh.


    "When I was young, yes. But nowadays, I understand that war breed death, it doesn''t matter which side you on, there will always be death," the caster said.


    "I don''t blame you for my brother losing his life. He chooses to sacrifice his life for the kingdom that he loves," The caster said.


    The answers catch Nesto off guard, he didn''t expect an answer like that because he witnesses how his killing affect people life. The look of pure hatred on Vesstan daughter''s face, he still can recall it in his mind as clear as day.


    "But I doubt you tied me up just to know about my past," The caster said.


    "Your right, I want to know where are you taking Neya to," Nesto asks as his gazes went to the elf.


    "You think I will just tell you, I''m loyal to Queen Lucilla, besides you will probably kill me if I told you where we are taking her," The caster said.


    "I told you, I won''t take away anybody life anymore," Nesto said as he stands up.


    He pulls out the wooden staff that is stabbed into the sand and grabs his other stuff. He looks deep into the forest and looks up at the night sky. After he finds a star that shows him where the north is, he starts to walk.


    "Wait? Where are you going?" The caster asks.


    Nesto stops his tracks and turns his head slightly, "Finding my master, she is probably in danger," Nesto said.


    "So are you going to leave me here just like that?" The caster asks.


    "Yes, you were trained in the military before, so I know you can get out from those binds on your own," Nesto said.


    "You really are telling the truth¡ª Wait, I will tell you where I''m supposed to bring her. If you promised me that you won''t lay a single finger on the queen," The caster offers.


    "I accept," Nesto said then he drops his stuff onto the sandy beach.

 Chapter 43: Queen Lucilla.

    The carriage never once stops or slow down, Neya could see the knights riding a horse while escorting the carriage through the window. The Satyr king in front of never once engaging in conversation with her instead he always seems to be busy with writing, reading, and signing piece of parchment that his own butler provides.


    Uncomfortable with the long silence, Neya ask a question to the King "How did my mother get you to do this?"


    The king raised his gaze from the parchment his holding onto the elf girl seating in front of him, he places the parchment back on his butler''s hand beside him and put down his quill.


    "She threatened my entire city," Viria said.


    "What? How?" Neya ask.


    "She has been importing bomb disguise as food ration into my city without me or my knights noticing it," Viria said.


    Neya remembers the bomb that Nesto found in the caravans, so that''s what it is used for.


    "Just a few months after my coronations, my kingdom got threatened by another kingdom, and I have no way of fighting it. I can imagine the other three family''s heads are talking about my ruling right now," Viria said as he massages the bridge of his nose.


    "I heard about how unique Materna ruling system is, the king changes every fourteen seasons between the great four Satyr families living there," Neya comments.


    "The Laerrebru family, Shuden Family, Xollurr family, and my own the Thunastex family," Viria said.


    "I''ve never been to Materna before, they said it''s beautiful," Neya said.


    "It is, the surface industrialize area is hard to look at, but the underground city underneath it. It''s magnificent, beautiful light that illuminates the city, the people, the bustling market underneath, we even have an underground port that leads to the sea," Viria said as he reminisces the beauty of his home.


    "The way you said it shows that you really love Materna," Neya comments.


    "I can''t help it, I do love my birthplace, besides there is no other kingdom similar to it," Viria said.


    "I''m sorry that my mother threatens your kingdom," Neya apologizes.


    Viria let out a small laugh, "I am angry that she put my entire people live in dangers, but as a fellow leader, I know why she did it. So I don''t blame her."


    "It either you or war," Viria said.


    "What do you mean either me or war?" Neya ask.


    "It''s not my place to said anything, but you should ask your mother why she did it," Viria said.


    Neya''s face sullen as she looks down, speaking to her mother is the last thing she ever wanted to do or see her face. Viria notices Neya expression change drastically.


    "Back at the camp, are they your people?" Viria ask.


    Neya looks back up at the Satyr king with a smile, "Yes, they are, but one of them... just passed away."


    "Losing people is not uncommon for a leader to be facing, but I can see that your people are loyal and admire you. I also see that you have worked hard to build that place," Viria said.


    "I admire that, even though your people built a camp on my land," Viria jest.


    A smile form with Neya''s lips, "Sorry about that, my King."


    "You''re not my subject, don''t call me ''My king''," Viria said.


    Neya notices the glance given by his dark elf butler beside him when Viria said those words. She ignores the glance and focuses on the Satyr


    "How about ''Sir''?" Neya ask.


    "You may call me ''Sir''," Viria said.


    "Sir, sorry for my rudeness, but are you interested in a partnership?" Neya ask.


    A grin appeared on Viria''s face, "What do you have in mind?"


    "My camp, I believe I can turn my camp into a town that can benefit your kingdom. I also believe that a friend of mine is coming to my camp to develop a new magic tech that nobody has ever seen before. I could give you the research after we perfect it," Neya said.


    "And what do you want from me?" Viria ask.


    "I want that land, and to be left alone without any kingdom meddle in how I lead it," Neya ask.


    "I couldn''t just give you a land unless you accept a title of Baroness, but you will be under my rule," Viria said.


    "I don''t think Sir would like me to be associated with your kingdom. How about I form a company. In exchange for the land, I would trade you with everything I can give, and the research I spoke of," Neya said.


    "You really do want to be free from anybody ruling," Viria comments.


    "But as I said before, I admire you, and this deal seems to be one in a lifetime event. So how could I say no," Viria said.


    "Thank you," Neya slightly bow her heads.


    "But only if you get out from your mother grasp alive though. If you do, I will send one of my men to your camp with the necessary paperwork. But for now, I wish you good luck," Viria said then the carriage stops.


    "We have arrived at the exchange place," The dark elf butler said and the door opens. Letting the bright warm rays from the sun to enter the interior.


    "If you may," Viria gesture Neya for to go out.


    She swallows the saliva in her throat and steps out from the wagons. The moment she steps out, she sees another line of carriages waiting for her just a few feet from the doorway in she in. She goes down the steps while watching the knights guarding her mother carriages watching her from the distance.


    A light skin elf with perfectly comb hair walk toward her with a crystal ball, Viria walk pass Neya, and toward the elf.


    "Here is the trigger for all the explosive as the queen agrees," The elf said to the king.


    Viria snaps his finger, and his butler walks to the crystal ball to inspect it. After inspecting it, the dark elf nods his head to confirm the authenticity of the trigger.


    "Now the girls please?" The light skin elf asks.


    Viria knight walks toward her to escort her, but Neya stops them by saying "I can walk myself."


    The knights look at the Satyr King for confirmations "it''s okay, let her walk," Viria said.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Neya took a long breath and walk toward to the middle carriages. Her fingers dig into her palm while her eyebrow furrow, the door opens, and reveal a glimpse of the bottom part of a black gown with both feet wearing black heels visible at the end.


    Neya feel the shiver behind her neck when she saw those.


    It''s her.


    Queen Lucilla.


    *


    Somewhere south-east from Halsworthy.


    Nesto walks through the treacherous path with overgrown roots and mossy slippery rock toward the place the caster mentions. He remembers the talk he had with the caster as clear as day.


    ''I''m supposed to bring her to a fortress hidden in the forest northwest from the town of Halsworthy.''


    ''A hidden fortress?''


    ''Yes, a hidden fortress, it used to be a research facility for the greed king, it''s where I''m supposed to bring her.''


    ''What are they going to her there?''


    ''I don''t know.''


    ''I lost someone back at the camp, his name was Za. You kill him.''


    ''So what you want me to do, apologizes?'' The sarcastic tone annoys Nesto.


    ''I just want you to know, that there is always another way without shedding blood.''


    ''Yes, there are other ways, but killing is the most effective of them all.''


    ''Bye.''


    ''Before you go, I want to say that we will probably meet again and when that happens, I won''t hold back. I will fight for my Queen.''


    ''I hope it doesn''t happen'' Those were the last word Nesto said to caster before he left him.


    A quiet soft giggle snaps Nesto back to reality, he looks around him and sees a glowing blue light visible in a hole inside the tree trunk beside him. A smile form on Nesto face as he realizes what is it; a Fairy.


    Because he can notice the tiny butterfly wings poking out from the hole, Nesto takes out a bread and break a tiny part of it. He laid a napkin on a rock, and place the tiny piece of bread on the napkin.


    After placing the tiny bread on the napkin, Nesto kept on walking toward his destinations. It is believed that if you offer some of your food to the fairy, it will grant you a hundred years of good luck. Well, it''s only a legend, no one had proved that it actually happens, but Nesto had a few foods to spare. So, he gave some to the fairy and continues his journey.


    After another long journey in the forest, Nesto had arrived at an outskirt of a cattle farm. A sweet smell catches Nesto attention, when he looks behind him, he can see the fairy hovering toward him while strenuously carrying the napkin with bloated cheeks, and furrowed eyebrows.


    He raises his palm toward the fairy and it lands on his hand with the napkin underneath her. She lay sprawl on his hand and panting for air. Nesto took out his leather water flask, opening the cork, he raised it closes to the fairy, she raises her torso upward and took a sip of water from the flask.


    Nesto pulls the water flask away from the fairy after she finishes drinking it, "How long have you been following me?"


    She spread out her arm as far as possible to show Nesto how long she been following him.


    "Why are you here?" Nesto ask.


    The fairy pointed to the napkin, "You fly all the way here just to give my napkin back?"


    The fairy smiled, then she flew into Nesto''s torso pocket and rest inside it. Nesto was confused, but he let her rest in his pocket, it''s not like she can do any harm to him. He looks back at the cattle farm, he can see a large old fabric is drying under the sun beside other cloth on the clotheslines. He walks toward it, taking the old fabric, and continues heading north-west.


    *


    Neya has no idea where she should look at, she couldn''t gaze on her mother face, if she did, she would... Only Yana knows what she would do if she saw her face. The anger, the hatred, and fear. It''s all coming back to her, swirling and mixing inside her. The throbbing pain she felt right now in her had mix with nausea.


    Her father death flash before her eyes again, and the day that she cast her aside with no sympathy or love in her eyes. She kept wanting to get out here and be with Nesto because she couldn''t stand it anymore. Her restlessness has affected her feet causing her leg to involuntary tap the floor repeatedly.


    "Child, stop tapping your feet," her mother distant and cold voice reminds her of the day when she lives in the castle.


    She stops her feet, suddenly becoming afraid of her mother words. She was on the verge of tears, but she held on because she is not the same little girl back in the castle.


    "Why are you doing this, what do you want from me?" Neya asks her eye still gaze on her mother feet.


    "If you want to talk to people, look up at their face, have I not taught you that?" Her mother nag, just like she always did.


    "I can''t..." Neya mutters.


    "Speak up! Child!!" Her mother scolds.


    She looks at her mother face with anger and shouts, "I can''t! Can''t you hear me because I hate you, you''re the worst mother that anyone ever had and I wish you would die in a ditch, dirty and cover in maggots!"


    A loud pop echoed inside the carriages, Neya felt the stabbing on her cheeks then her eyes went to her mother open hand, just a few lengths from her cheeks. Her mothers had slapped her so hard that it shock Neya down to her spine.


    "All those years I teach you how to become a lady, and you flush all it down the drain. What a waste," Lucilla said as she massages the pain out of her palms from hitting her own child.


    Neya right hand begin to tremble, she quickly grabs her right wrist to calm her shaking hand while her eyes begin to water. She sniffs her nose, the pain was somehow worse than it seems, she wanted to cry but can''t. She kept on looking down at the floor while the carriage ride through the day.


    An eerie silence befalls in the carriage, the queen watches her child sniff her tears away, and there was no shred of pity to be given to her own daughter.

 Chapter 44: Anticipation.

    The carriages stop after a long day ride, between the ride Neya hasn''t even once spoken to her mother after the slap despite the fact that they''re riding in the same carriages. The door to carriage opens revealing the darkness of night outside the carriage, and the knight that''s opening the door.


    "My queen, we have arrived," The knight bows his heads.


    Queen Lucilla, steps out from the carriage with elegant and great posture. The way she moves, it gave her an air of superiority above others.


    "My queen the artifact is ready to test," Another elf wearing a long jacket and slick black hair walk toward them.


    "Magister Virkian, prep the child for the test run," Lucilla said then start to head the fortress gate.


    Neya steps out the carriage, and the first thing she saw is the large stone fortress in front of her hidden by the thick trees that encircle it. There are tons of knights heavily armed at the front gate and on the wall. They''re patrolling and checking the perimeter to guard the fortress from enemies.


    While her eyes are gazing at the fortress, a sudden hand grab both of her arms, and force her to walk forward. Their touch causes a sudden fear of being touch coming back to her, making her feel nausea and headache.


    "Let me go!!" She screams as her heart panic.


    "Let me go!!" She screams again.


    "Someone silences her, please," Lucilla order.


    A knight hit the hilt of his sword on her forehead, knocking Neya unconscious. Everything is a blur just before she loses consciousness, but before she truly falls to darkness.


    She whispers his name, "Nesto..."


    *


    From a distance, Nesto could see the light from the hidden fortress that''s the caster mentions, he sneaks toward it in the cover of darkness. When he arrived at the edge of the forest between the fortress and the trees line. Nesto examines the stone fortress itself to find a way in, but there were too many knights patrolling it the fortress wall and gate.


    He sees two dim light approaching from both side of his position, and the sound of armor clashing together determine that it is the knights that are patrolling the ground. Just before he could find a way to avoid the patrol, a hand sneak on to his shoulder causing him to swing his wooden staff to the source. But he stops when he sees the Woodfolk boy with a finger on his lips with an intention to tell Nesto to stay quiet.


    He points upward at the tree branch and starts to climb up the trees. Nesto follows him and climbs after him. When both of them reach up to a strong branch to hide in, Nesto looks down at the patrol. He watches the knights walk past the tree that both of them are in.


    It was dark, but Nesto notice the terrible burn scar on the half of the boy''s face because he never saw him without a wooden mask, yet he chooses to ignore it because it wasn''t a good time to bring it up.


    After the knights walk past the tree, Nesto asks the questions first. "Why are you here?"


    "See her. Taken. Follow." Vel answers.


    "Is there anyone with you?" Nesto ask.


    "Alone. Neya. Not allowed. Anyone." Vel answers.


    "Do you know where they''re taking her?" Nesto ask.


    "Up. Large tower. The middle one. Can''t reach. Many elves." Vel answers.


    "We need to get up there before they start hurting her," Nesto said.


    "Questions. How?" Vel asks as he looks toward the knight that''s guarding the front gate and the knights patrolling the fortress wall.


    "We need to cause a distraction to pull the Knights attention over here, then we climb the wall on the other side to get in," Nesto said.


    "Me. Distraction. You, bring Neya home," Vel said as he took out a small sack from his back pocket.


    "Are you sure? If they find you, they won''t show mercy," Nesto ask.


    "Yes. Neya wants to go home. You. The one needs to do it." Vel said as he shows a toothy smile.


    "Go," he said.


    The butler was surprised by boy decisions, he had nothing to gain from rescuing Neya, but he willing to put himself in danger to get her home. This boy shows bravery and kindness. A human like him is rare even in this world despite the fact he probably gains that horrible burn scar from an elf, yet he still willing to save an elf.


    Nesto places a hand on the boy''s shoulder, Vel''s body perks up, but slowly calm down. "Just be careful. When you''re done distracting them, just get back home. I don''t want to lose anyone anymore."


    "No problem. See you back home." Vel said.


    Nesto drops down to the ground and makes his way to the opposite side of the stone fortress without giving himself away. Vel watches the man quickly made his way to the other side of the fortress wall. His gaze went to the small sack, then it turns into sadden gaze floating around the forest, what he''s about to do is going to hurt the forest, and he wanted to apologize to it.


    *


    Neya''s eyes slowly blink as she begins to wake up from the ominous chanting around her, she moves her arms and heard a rattling sound. She lifts her arms up to see, there was a metal cuff around her wrists. She sees the source of the rattling noise, a metal chain connected to cuff and the floor.


    She looks around her and saw that she is surrounded by Magisters dressed in robes while chanting something. There is also a gold cube on a stone pedestal in front of her, the cube looks like a puzzle box made from interlocking gears and small parts of a machine.


    Her gaze went to her mother that is standing on the balcony attached to the wall; her mother overlooks her own daughter from above. Her gaze is still the same as before, cold and distant.


    "Why are you doing this?" Neya said aloud.


    Her mother looks at her, still and quiet.


    "Why won''t you answer me?" Neya said aloud again, but this time she almost sounds like she is pleading to her mother.


    "Why did you kill dad?!!" She said as her eyes begin to water up again.


    "Why did you throw me away? I did nothing wrong, I always follow your rule, your words, your order, why cast me aside?" Neya said then a tear falls to the stone floor.


    "Why won''t you come back for me? The man you throw me to did so many terrible things to me, but I always believe that you will come back for me. Yet you didn''t, why?" Neya said aloud while almost screaming.


    "You''re supposed to be my mother, why won''t you love me? I-I... always love you even after you throw me away," Neya said again.


    "Why won''t you answer me?!!" This time she screams.


    The cube glows a gold hue then the interlocking gears and small metal part start to move like it came alive on its own. Something is surfacing on top of the cube, it looks like a hand shape slot. The gears stop and reveal a glowing marble deep inside of it.


    One of the Magisters speaks up. "The cube is ready."


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


    "Magister¡ª" A loud explosion can be heard outside of the fortress then it shakes the entire fortress wall, dust was falling down from the ceiling. Then the trembling stops and followed by a sound of a bell ringing loudly outside the room.


    A knight barge into the room, "There is a fire at the front gate, we don''t know where it comes from!!"


    "Everybody, please evacuate¡ª" The knight suddenly falls face first to the floor.


    Behind the falling knight, stood a human with silver hair tied into a ponytail and wearing a cloak while holding a wooden staff in his hand. The magister all were shocked to see the infamous silver flame that''s standing in the doorway and glaring at each one of them. The man gaze went to chains and metal cuff on his master wrist.


    Anger almost consumed the man, but he simmers it down with a breath.


    "Nesto..." Neya let out a smile of relieved when she saw the man.


    Nesto twirls his wooden staff in his hand and dashes toward the close Magister to him. He knocks the elf out with a swing of his wooden staff to the magister head. The Magister beside the elf is starting to cast a spell, but Nesto took out a dagger and throw it at the elf thigh. Interrupting the elf chants, the Magister drops to the floor while screaming in pain.


    Some of the Magisters run toward the other door in panic while a few of them weren''t that lucky as Nesto knock them out by hitting them in the head. With just a couple hit the room is clear from the Magisters.


    "Nesto, you came! I know you weren''t dead," Neya said with excitement when she saw her butler, alive and well.


    "Of course, I came," Nesto drops to his knee close to his master and embraces her with his arm.


    "I-I know you will," Neya felt the warm embrace of her savior. It felt good to feel warm again, the last few days have been nothing but fear and numbness.


    "Let get you home," Nesto said.


    "I can''t wait," Neya let out a smile of anticipation.


    "Folmon, deal with the intruder," The queen order echoes in the room.


    Nesto turns his head to the door and sees the same magic caster that murder Za. Well-armed and armor, he is ready to fight with a grin on his face. The elf takes out three daggers in his hand, and stare at the man near the elf girl.


    "I told you that we will meet again, you had your chance and you won''t get a second time," Folmon said.


    "Don''t worry Master, I will surely take you home," Nesto said as he stood up and take a few steps away from his master.


    The elf opens a quick small hole in the air in front of him by whispering something into the air and throws all the dagger inside the hole. Three small holes appear around Nesto then came out three daggers that are heading for him. Nesto ducks down avoiding the three daggers that are coming for him, the daggers hit each other and fall to the floor.


    He grabs the daggers and throws it toward the elf, but a hole appears in front of him and swallowing the three daggers. A hole appears above Nesto and came out the same three daggers that he throws earlier. Nesto rolls forward, avoiding the dagger, but another hole appears in front of where the daggers are heading.


    The elf keeps on opening hole around Nesto, causing the dagger to target him non-stop. Nesto dashes away to avoid the non-stop incoming attack, but occasionally some of them tore through his cloak.


    A dagger stuck on the cloak and piece the stone floor; Nesto breaks away from the cloak before another incoming dagger flies toward him. Frustration latches on to his heart because he can''t use his full power if he uses it the elf would be dead.


    "The only way to stop me is to kill me, and I know you won''t" Folmon taunt.


    He still has Eilna saber on his back, but he promises Neya that he won''t kill anyone else. He looks at her master distress by watching the fight that is going on. He needs to do this.


    I''m sorry Neya.


    "I open the fourth gate, Clariem!" Nesto mutter the words, and he feels the boiling Mana that is coursing through his veins.


    "Incernium!" Nesto said.


    Small silver explosions appear around Nesto, stopping the incoming dagger momentum. Nesto took drop his wooden staff on the floor and took out his saber. Silver fire starts to envelop the blade while he glares at the elf.


    "No, Nesto..." Neya whisper, she wanted to scream that he didn''t have to do this, but deep down she knows that he had to or none of them is going out of here.


    "Now we''re talking. Let do this!" Folmon shout in excitement.


    Nesto can see his mouth moving, slowly black mist rise from the elf feet up to his body, enveloping the elf while he took out two daggers with his hand. A hole appears on the floor, he steps into it with a grin and disappears into the hole.


    A hole appears above him so sudden that''s Nesto didn''t manage to step away, but manage to block any attack from coming toward him with his blade. Surely enough, Folmon came out from the hole and his dagger meets with Nesto''s blade. Nesto pushes the elf away with his saber and casts ''Incernium'' at him.


    The elf opens a hole redirecting the fireball away from him in a nick of time, then the same hole appears beside Nesto, causing him to take a step back. Near miss the fireball, the fireball hit the wall beside them and explode. Tossing both of them to the side; the explosion opens up a wall, revealing the two moon and the night sky on the other side.


    Nesto stop rolling, and then he flings the fire on his blade toward the elf, the incoming fire was too fast for the elf, so he dodges it before he manages to open up a hole.


    While he avoids the slash of fire, Nesto dash toward him with the blade pointed at the elf eye, the elf didn''t notice it or even manage to avoid it before it was too late. Nesto slams his arm on the elf throat and pushes him up to the wall behind him.


    Nesto felt the stinging pain as the black mist come to contact with his arm. He sees the fear on the elf eyes then he pulls back the sword to stab it through the elf eyes. He screams his anger out as he was about to stab the caster with the saber, but stop when he heard Neya screaming.


    "Put down the saber and step away!!" A voice sounds like one of the panics Magisters.


    Nesto drops his saber to the floor and steps away.


    The caster let out a grin as he sees the man in front of him back away, he grabs both of the man shoulders and knees him in the gut. Nesto let out a grunt of pain while he drops to his knee. The caster then kicks him on the chin, forcing him to lay on his back. The caster presses his foot on the man neck, Nesto felt the black mist cause a stinging pain on his throat.


    Nesto eyes fall to Neya; her cheek is bruised from a hit, her eyes begin to water as a sword point to her neck, and the fear with false bravery mix with guilt can be seen in her eyes.


    "I''m sorry..." Neya whimper.

 Chapter 45: Go back.

    Folmon push his foot harder on Nesto neck, he can feel his throat breaking apart under pressure, he places both hands around his ankle and tries to lower the pressure that''s the elf is putting on his neck. The black mist begins to sting Nesto''s hands, but he kept on holding on to Folmon''s ankle.


    It was a battle of endurance, Nesto couldn''t fight the elf or Neya would get hurt, but he needs to buy time for himself, so he could find a way to escape with his master.


    "You know, I think I change my mind, I do blame you for killing my brother," Folmon said as he took a dagger out from his belt.


    "Folmon, behave. We can still use him," The queen said as she enters the room while the bottom of her gown drags a few stone dust on the floor.


    "Yes, my queen," Folmon said as his attitude change from manic to calm and well-mannered.


    Neya''s sight went to her mother, elegantly enter the room with ease and unfazed by the fighting earlier. The way Lucilla enters the room, she emits a sense of calm and un-threatened by the danger that Nesto could have direct to her. It''s like she almost has a hidden thing that can give her an advantage over anyone.


    She stops and set her gaze through the hole at the mountain range that is visible under the moonlight.


    "The answer to your questions is already given to you if you pay more attention to your birthplace, but since you''re a spoiled, and ignorant child. You choose to abandon your home the moment you were cast out. You didn''t come back when you had the chance, because you were too afraid."


    "So I''m not going to indulge you with the answers you seek," Lucilla said as her voice remains calm, but to Neya''s ears, her mother sounds like she is mocking her.


    Every word like a jab to her soul, "Let Nesto go, it''s me you want, just let him go."


    "No, Neya. I won''t leave you," Nesto said through his clench teeth.


    "Only if you be a good girl and follow what I say," Lucilla said.


    "I will, whatever you want," Neya said.


    "Magister, unlock her cuff and proceed with the test," Lucilla said.


    The Magister follows the queen order without trouble; he unlocks the cuff around Neya''s wrist. The cuffs and the chain fall to the floor cause a rattling noise to echo in the room.


    "My queen, please choose a target," The Magister said.


    "That mountain next to the path that''s lead to Targia," Queen Lucilla said.


    "Yes, my queen," The Magisters said, and he aims the cube toward the mountain that she picks.


    "Now, girl, place your hand in the slot," The Magister said as he shoves Neya toward the cube.


    Neya swallows the saliva in her throat and slowly bring her hand toward the slot on top of the cube. Her breath begins to shorten and fasten. There is a doubt in her mind that the cube might hurt her or even worse, kill her, but she has to do it, or Nesto will get hurt in her place.


    "No, Neya. Don''t do it!" Nesto grunt.


    Folmon use his other feet to kick Nesto on the side of his waist, he let out a groan as the pain travels through his body. Neya stop her hands after she sees her butler get hurt, she looks at her mother.


    "You promise," Neya said.


    "Folmon," Lucilla warn.


    "Forgive me, My Queen." Folmon bows his head in shame.


    Neya toughens her resolve and slides her hand into the slot. The slot closes itself and traps Neya''s hand in it. A small prick can be felt on her finger inside the slot, Neya wince as she felt a small trickle of blood escape her skin. The cube vibrates, and the gears start to rotate again while the marble in the cube begins to glow a golden light.


    Neya waits, and the cube shot a stream of bright golden light toward the mountain that the Magister picks as a target. The Magister was amazed by the beautiful light, Folmon loosens her feet as his focus was grabbed by the light, Lucilla watch, and wait for the result.


    Neya closes both of her eyes while waiting for something horrible to happen while Nesto worried gaze went to his master.


    They all expect something to happen, but in truth it did nothing.


    The stream of golden light stops as suddenly as it begins and the cube immediately falls apart and turn to dust after the light was gone. The mountain remains there and undisturbed just like before.


    The weapons they expect was nothing more than a glorified lantern.


    "I don''t know, this thing was supposed to be a weapon," The Magister said.


    There is a snippet of disappointment on Lucilla face, but it immediately went away as she walks out of the room. Folmon was confused by what happens.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "My queen, how about the human and your daughter?" Folmon ask.


    "Do what you must," Lucilla said as she walks toward the door.


    "My queen, I''m sorry, I have failed you." The Magister drop to his knee while facing the queen.


    "Magister, prepare the people for war," Queen Lucilla walk out of the room while she said in a grave manner.


    After the queen gone out of the room, the Magister follows her from behind and the other three in the room. Neya saw her mother left the room, then turn to the caster with a dagger aim at Nesto throat. She turns to the door and shout.


    "You promise!?" Neya called out, but there were no answers.


    "Goodbye, Silver flame!" Folmon said as he raises the dagger for a downward thrust.


    "Nesto!!" She runs toward Nesto.


    Suddenly a small adorable head popped out from Nesto''s front pocket, it wiggles out from the pocket and flew in front of Folmon''s eyes. The small fairy glows a bright blue light that overwhelms the entire room. Folmon was temporarily blind by the light and Nesto could feel his footing loosen.


    He pushes the elf leg off his throat causing the caster to fall on his back while Nesto rolls out underneath him. Neya blocks the light from her eyes with her arms, her butler grabs the saber and dash toward her.


    He sheathes the saber on his back and lifts his master into his arms. He saw the knights enter the room with weapons ready, Nesto grimaces as the knights block their escape route. The Fairy stopped her light and Nesto saw the large hole in the wall that he made earlier while fighting Folmon.


    Folmon scream as his eyes is unable to see anything after the light was gone.


    Nesto dash toward the edge with Neya in his arms. He looks down the edge, and there was nothing that can soften their landing. Nesto glances back and saw the knights approaching them; Neya looks at her butler distress face.


    Nesto looks down at his master face with a smile, "Do you have faith in me?"


    "Always," Neya said as she wraps both arms around his neck and brings her face closer to his chest.


    Nesto jumps off the edge, his back facing the fall.


    "Incernium!"


    Time slows down for Neya as she hears a multiplies explosion behind Nesto. Her gaze went to her butler''s face as he shows the excruciating pain off having multiple explosion set off behind his back. The blast from the explosion manages to slow down their fall; Neya hugs Nesto closely, wishing that some of the pain that he felt was shared with her.


    Time turns to normal when Nesto back touches the ground, Neya quickly gets off Nesto and help him get up. When she saw what happen to his back, her heart drop, the explosion had left a terrible mark on his back.


    The muscle underneath was visible, blood drip down to his leg, his skin was blackened and burned. Neya strengthens her heart and helps Nesto get out from there, but when they were about to walk away, a single knight manages to found them.


    Nesto was unable to fight due to his injury, Neya looks around her, but there was nothing that can help them.


    The knight unsheathes his sword and rushes toward them with an intent of killing them both, but an arrow pierces through elf helmet. The knight then falls face first on the ground. She turns her head to the source of the arrow and saw Vel on top of the wall with a bow in his hand.


    "Here. Hurry." Vel said as he drops a vine rope down the wall.


    Neya rushes to the rope with Nesto leaning on her. She then helps Nesto get up the wall along with herself. She and Nesto went into the dark forest while the human boy in front of her guide them both.


    She could see the fortress behind her getting further and further away from her.


    *


    The journey back to the camp was longer than they were expected due to Nesto constants need of rest, but Neya didn''t feel distressed by the time it took them to get back home. Instead, she wanted her butler to take a rest even more, despite Nesto stubbornness to keep going.


    It was late evening when the three of them stop for the night.


    "Last. Arrive Late afternoon tomorrow. Me. Gather food. Tonight." Vel said before he heads into the forest leaving Neya and Nesto alone with the campfire.


    Neya fell to her knees behind her butler and face her butler back. He leans forward while taking off his torn clothes, and wince at the pain. She unwraps the bandage around her butler''s chest to check on his wound. Every single time she looks at the horrible wounds on his back, she can''t help herself but feel guilty at what happens.


    "Stop it, Neya," Nesto said.


    "What?" She said surprised.


    "It''s not your fault, so don''t beat yourself too hard," Nesto jests in somewhat painful manner.


    Neya let out a gloomy laugh, "You know me too well, but what you say goes both ways."


    She takes out leather water bag and a clean cloth from the leather bag beside her. Neya pours the water on his butler back to clean off the old remedies and wipe the residue off with a clean cloth.


    "Ouch, ouch, ouch," Nesto let out as the water run down his back.


    With his back clean, she could see the five crystals embedded to his back and what looks like a small crack on one of them.


    "Miss Neya?" Nesto call.


    "Hmm? Ahh, nothing, I think I saw a small crack on the crystal," Neya said.


    "It''s probably nothing," Nesto said.


    "Are you sure?" Neya ask.


    "I''m sure, it''s nothing," Nesto said.


    She ignores the crack and took out a newly made remedies wrapped in leaves that Vel made from the leather bag. She opens it and scoops up the medicine with her hands then rub it on her butler wound.


    Nesto let out a groan of pain "I hate this, I hate being useless. I should be the one who takes care of you, not the other way around."


    "Now you feel what I usually feel," Neya said as she cleans her hand off with water.


    She then took out another clean bandage from the bag and wrap it around his body. Neya makes sure the bandage is warp snugly and tight around her butler''s chest. After the bandage is wrapped around his body, Nesto wears his torn shirt and jacket back.


    Vel came back with berry and dead rabbit that he hunts in the forest. The boy prepares the foods with the help of Neya. Nesto wanted to help but was decline heavily by his own master. So he just watches as the two kids prepare his meal for him.


    After the food is cooked and eaten by the three of them. Nesto went ahead and sleep first as the pain is soothed after the remedies took effect on his wounds.


    Neya pulls back a lock of her hair back behind her ear while she looks at the fire with her cheeks rosy up. "I forgot to thank you for helping me escape."


    Vel looks away as he saw the beautiful elf girl cutely pull the lock of her hair back into place, "No. Trouble."


    "You know, I hate seeing people get into danger because of me," Neya said.


    Vel clears his throat and said clearly for the first time, "Many people cared about you, that''s why they''re willing to get in front of the danger to protect you."


    "Doesn''t that mean you cared about me?" Neya asks as she bites her lower lips.


    "Yes," Vel said still looking away as he scratched the back of his neck.


    Neya let out a happy and joyous smile as her cheeks redden even more "You are getting good at talking in common tongue."


    "Learn. From you and others." Vel said.


    Nesto with his eyes close, but still can hear clearly was awkwardly trying to sleep with what he just heard. There is a sense of joy that knowing Neya is growing up, but a sense of fatherly anger when he knows that she likes the boy.


    Somewhere deep inside Nesto mind, something just embedded in his soul.


    If he wants his blessing, he will need to beat him in combat first. Nesto ain''t going to let her go easily, that''s for sure.

 Chapter 46: Home.

    <hr>


    The beam of sunlight rests upon a messy blond hair woman with a single horn on her forehead. Vizrez removes the sweat off her forehead with her hand after letting out a long yawn. She stretches her body on top of the wall while guarding the newly build wooden gate. The cyclops woman takes a seat on a reinforced wooden chair beside her then leans back on the chair to take a nap.


    "Viz, I brought you some lunch," Grie said as he brings a bowl of cooked rice with steam meat on it.


    He climbs the wooden ladder with the bowl in his hand; the women half-open eye glance at the man that''s trying to climb the ladder with a single hand. Grie reaches the top of the ladder and proceeds to lift himself up onto the walkway with the food in his hand.


    Vizrez looks at him with a tired smile on her face.


    "Thank you for your hard work," Grie said as he passes the bowl to the cyclops woman.


    Vizrez takes the bowl and places it on the end table next to her, "I should be thanking you, you''re the one that has been keeping us together."


    "I''m only following the chief plan, nothing more," Grie said as he rests both hands on the battlement.


    "Following a plan is easy, but bringing people together after what happened, that''s all you," Vizrez comments.


    Grie ignore the cyclops woman words when he saw an outline of three familiar people on the path toward here. Something familiar lingers under Vizrez''s nose, causing her to stand up and looks toward where Grie is looking.


    "It''s them," Vizrez said as a broad smile appears on her face.


    "They are back," Grie said to himself at first.


    Then he turns to face the camp, and shout out "The chief is back!!"


    The word was passed around one by one throughout the camp as the people cheer while excitement rise in them. They all drop what they were doing and rush to the wooden gate with newfound relieved in their hearts. The large wooden gate creak as two of the males drag it open to reveal Neya, Nesto, and Vel on the other side.


    "Chief, Welcome home!!" All the human greets the elf girl in unison.


    Neya was surprised by the greeting that she let out a smile after hearing it. She raises her chin up while her eyes are looking up into the sky then she yells out.


    "I''m home!!"


    The humans cheer their heart out after hearing Neya response.


    Time passed as she answers all the human questions such as: where have you been, are you okay, did they hurt you and many more. However, Grie steps in to scoot the human back to work before the conversation drags on into the night. They are disappointed to not able to talk to their chief, but Neya promised them that she will tell them everything during the feast tonight.


    After the humans left, Neya turn to Grie and ask a question that darkens the mood, "Where is he?"


    Grie expression sorrow, "Follow me."


    The group follows Grie except for Vel. After a short walk, they arrive behind the finished dorm, where a single tombstone stood lonely on a field of beautiful orange flowers. Neya saw the flowers and it reminds her of the orange fur that Za had and the smile he had.


    She sniffs her tears away, "Did you have time to mourn?"


    "We all had," Grie answers.


    "How about you? You''re the closest to him," Neya said.


    "I wish I had all the time in the world just to remember the memories we had, but he wouldn''t want me to waste my time like that," Grie said.


    "I was surprised to see you all so happy seeing me back because I thought you all hated me for the horrible thing that happens," Neya said.


    Nesto places a hand on his master shoulder to comfort her. Neya felt her butler warm hand on her shoulder.


    "Nobody hates you because you sacrifice yourself to save us when everyone would have abandoned us. You''re our Chief, and we will never hate you," Grie said.


    "And we''re glad that you came back home safely," Grie continue.


    "It''s the first time I felt happy that I got home or have a home to go back to," Neya said as she let out a small smile.


    Neya walks toward the grave with her heart throbbing slowly, she drops to one knee and places her hand on the tombstone.


    With a saddened heart, she said: "I''m sorry, I couldn''t protect you."


    A moment of silence was given by them to mourn for the death of a hero, a hero that save two child life from death by sacrificing his own. After Neya was done praying for Za, Nesto takes over by giving his respect to the Wolics. Grie left the tombstone with Neya while Nesto stays behind and wanted to spend more time with Za.


    As both of them walk around the camp, she can see the beautiful dorm has been built and the others are starting to work on the wall slope and farm fields.


    They both stop at one of the wagons, inside it contains a few humans sewing a nicely made clothes. Neya finally realized that the humans are wearing regular clothes instead of the rag that was given to them.


    "You make new clothes? That''s great! Good job," Neya said excitedly.


    "Thank you chief," The group of tailors reply happily with a toothy smile on their face.


    Afterward, they took out a dark green overcoat with a black color eyepatch on top of it.


    "We made this for you," One of the humans said.


    "For me?" Neya asks and the human nod their head.


    Neya glance at Grie beside her, he gestures his head to tell that she should accept it. With a small smile on her face, she took the overcoat and eyepatch, she then wears the overcoat and it was a perfect fit. After that, she finishes the set by wearing the eyepatch on her left eyes.


    "How do I look?" Neya ask.


    "Strong!"


    "Beautiful!"


    "You look fierce, Chief" This was the answer that was given by the tailors.


    "Thank you very much, I loved it," Neya said.


    Afterward, they continue walking, Neya waves goodbye to the group just before they left.


    "So what''s our next course, chief?" Grie ask.


    Just before Neya could answer, Vizrez calls out to them. "Chief, there is someone at the gate who wish to meet you."


    Neya turns her focus to the gate and starts jogging toward it with Grie by his side. Arriving at the gate she was joyful to see the short Satyr girl with short brown hair and the green curly-haired elf girl. But she didn''t recognize the gentlemen Satyr standing beside the elf girl.


    "Is him with you?" Neya asks Digia.


    "Nope, I don''t know him," Digia said as she shakes her head.


    "Actually, I''m with the king. I brought the paperwork you need to sign," The gentlemen said.


    "Ohh, King Viria. Yes, I almost forgot," Neya said finally remember the deal she made with the king.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "Grie, do we have a meeting room that we can use?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, back at the dorm," Grie answers.


    "Can you show us the meeting room and afterward can you show both of my friends to an empty bedroom that they can use?" Neya ask.


    "Of course, It''s my pleasure, Chief," Grie said with a smile on his face.


    *


    The soft wind brushes against the field of the orange color flowers as Nesto sits on the ground while facing the tombstone. In his mind, he can still remember how Za died as clear as day and the feeling of not being able to do anything.


    "You feel it too, right?" Vizrez voice echo behind him.


    The man glances behind him and sees the cyclops woman with a glass bottle in her hand. He let out a sullen smile so do the women, she walks to his side and takes a seat right next to him.


    "Guilt," Nesto said.


    "Yep, you want some?" Vizrez asks as she gestures to the bottle.


    "What is it?" Nesto ask.


    "The human said it''s a spirit that the elf made, they found it in one of the wagons," Vizrez said.


    The cyclops women pull the cork out and start chugging the spirit down her throat, then she stops and let out a cough. Nesto was certainly impressed by the way that Vizrez chug the spirit down. She passed on the bottle to the man, Nesto took it and wash down the guilt away with the spirit.


    He passed back the bottle to Vizrez and ask "Aren''t you supposed to be on the lookout?"


    "I ask Melud to take over for me," Vizrez reply.


    She down a few more before passing the bottle back to Nesto, and ask "I thought you were dead."


    "So did I, but here we are alive and well," Nesto said.


    "Not exactly well, judging by your injury," Vizrez said as she glances at Nesto''s back.


    "I had to fight a lot of knights... I met Za killer, I had the chance to kill him, but I didn''t," Nesto said.


    "Why didn''t you take it?" Vizrez ask.


    "I wanted to change, no more killing," Nesto said.


    "You serious about that... Well it doesn''t matter if you kill him or not, Za probably wouldn''t care about it," Vizrez said.


    "Maybe..." Nesto said as he down the spirit into his throat.


    He passed the bottle to Vizrez, she took it and chug the whole thing until it''s empty and ask "Do you want to... Hmm, you know."


    Nesto glances at the cyclops women and saw the perverted grin on her face, "Thank you for the offer, but no."


    "Aww, you are no fun," Vizrez said as she leans her side to the man beside her.


    *


    Night came, the campfire lights up the camp while warming the residents. People were enjoying themselves on the feast and drowning themselves in spirit to loosen up their inhibitions. The young ones were dancing to the music that Grie provide.


    Nesto took his time to make teas for the camp as he always does. Vizrez flirts with the women in the camps while Digia and Lilia introduce themselves to the residents.


    Neya was at the outskirt of the feast when she saw Vel longingly looking at the forest outside the wall. She walks up to him and taps him on the shoulder, this cause Vel body to perk up.


    "What''s wrong?" Neya ask.


    "Home. Can''t go back." Vel said.


    "Why you can''t go back home?" Neya asks surprised.


    "Novuz clan rule. Outside once. Cannot go back home anymore." Vel said.


    "For how long?" Neya ask.


    "Forever," Vel said.


    "You sacrifice your home to save me, why?" Neya ask.


    "Care too much. Couldn''t see you get hurt," Vel said letting out a small smile.


    "If you can''t go home then you are welcome here, this is your new home," Neya said as she gestures to the feast behind her.


    "New home?" Vel ask.


    "Yes, let''s go, your new family is waiting," Neya grab Vel hands without giving it much thought and pull him toward the feast.


    With Vel by her side, she pulls him toward the center and let him stand beside her. She turns to face everyone in the feast and gesture Grie to stop the music.


    "I have a few things to say. First, let''s welcome our new members to the sanctuary, Vel, Lilia, and Digia." Neya gesture to the people she spoke of, the people''s clap their hands and cheers toward them as a sign of welcome.


    "Second, I have made a deal with King Viria that this land is ours, and we are free to live here without any interference from others... We are free," Neya said.


    The humans were surprised to hear what Neya just said; did she just said that all the humans here are free, that there is no slavery, and they can live in peace. It was almost a dreamed to hear those word that causes one of them to ask.


    "You''re joking right, Chief?"


    "No, I''m not. You all are free," Neya said.


    The cheers went even louder, some of them even cry in happiness after hearing those words. They thought the day that they live in peace wouldn''t come, but here they are.


    "Long live, Chief Neya, Slayer of the Wyvern Queen!!" They cheer repeatedly.


    The night went on full blast as the news has certainly lifted their morale, they party and eat until they pass out drunk or was too tired to go on. Leaving only Nesto, Neya and Vel awake as everyone went back to their room to sleep or pass out near the campfire.


    With the help of Vel and Neya, Nesto places a blanket on each one of the people that pass out drunk near the campfire. Out from the darkness, they heard a slow clap, someone familiar walk toward the light revealing himself.


    "That was quite a party," 167 said.


    "167?" Nesto said surprised to see him, this elf spook Vel that it causes him to take out his dagger.


    "What are you doing here?" Neya ask.


    "I want to say my thanks, you gave us more time than we need to prepare," 167 said as he slightly bows his head.


    "What do you mean?" Neya ask.


    "In three months, there will be a war that will change the entire Arorona and gave Targia time to prepare its army to fight," 167 said.


    "Is that all, are you here just to say your thanks?" Nesto ask.


    "That''s all, I''m here to say my thanks and give you this," 167 said as he unsheathed Nesto''s wooden staff that he left back at the fortress.


    "You were there?" Nesto ask.


    "No, I''m not, but I heard what happens and I thought, I should bring your wooden staff back to you," 167 said then he stabs the staff into the dirt and let it stand.


    He put both hands into his pocket and say "Well, I''m going to leave now, have a good life."


    "Wait! ¡ª" Neya stops the elf from leaving, "I want to know why my mom is doing this and I want to know what happens to the Weyshers after I left."


    "It''s a long story, are you sure that you want to know about it?" 167 ask.


    "I''m sure," Neya reply.

 Chapter 47: Future.

    [Once upon a time, there was an elf king like no other. A horrible king that none had expected when he first receives the crown. At first, his own people praise him and worship him as the new king, but as times went on, his true color starts to show.


    It started with his own kingdom, the tax was raised for no reason other than his whim, kingdom resources come and go on his desire. People especially women, they were taken from their homes and was not return. It doesn''t matter if you are old or young or married or human or elf or devoted to the goddess; he didn''t care. Everything before him, he saw as his toys, and in his mind, he owns them.


    Until one day, he took a liking to a beautiful commoner elf that is married and have a single child. However, the king doesn''t care about any of that, he took the beautiful elf woman away from her family and make her watch as the king orders his own men to slaughter her family before her own eyes.


    He was so amused by the beautiful elf woman that he makes her into his queen, and he violated her every night until she gives birth to a daughter.


    That daughter became a princess that he named: Neya.


    The king loved his daughter, and there was no denying it. The queen wanted to love her own daughter because she was her own flesh and blood. But the innocent smile on her daughter''s face every time she sees her father make the queen blood boils. She wanted to keep her daughter safe from the truth. So she lied to her, and forbid her to go to places that can show her father true color.


    Unbeknownst to the queen, she doesn''t know how easy it is to change love into hatred.


    The more she protected her, the more her hatred grew to the king and her own self. Every night the King beat his own wife, she suffers, and the next morning when she had to meet her own daughter; she had to put on a fake smile.


    She buried that pain in her heart.


    But one day, that smile snap, and she couldn''t take it any longer. It was torture for her to continue living like this, so she makes deals with the nobles behind the King back.


    It was easy.


    The King was so arrogant that he never views his own queen as a threat. While the king wage war with Targia and the rest of Arorona. The queen gets to work on the last day of defeat when the king just lost a regiment of knights to one human.


    She murders him in the throne room and took his place as ruler. She cast out the daughter that she had once loved because to her, her daughter is a painful reminder of the man who once causes her so much grief and pain.


    People rejoice when the Greed King die.


    Despite the king died a long time ago, the damage to the kingdom was unrepairable, a plague struck the people, famine gloom over the kingdom, people were hungry, none would trade with a kingdom that once tried to conquer them, and even if they do, the kingdom had no wealth to trade with.


    But the queen saw an opportunity, the Greed king had left tons of weapons for the army. When Targia announced its new law, she knows that the other elven kingdoms would oppose it. So she begins her work, making deals with others kings to become the front line for the war, in return, her kingdom would receive support that comes in a form of foods to feed her hungry people and medicine to heal her sick people.


    She doesn''t want to wage a war, that''s where the artifact come in. But the artifact is a bust, and she had no choice, but to fulfill her end of the agreement with the other kingdoms.


    War is the only choice now.]


    "That''s how the story goes, you wanted to know, and I deliver," 167 said as he takes a sip of the tea with a smile on his face while warming himself near the fire.


    "Nothing is truly evil or truly good," Nesto said.


    "I love that, where did it come from?" 167 ask.


    "Just a saying that I live by," Nesto said as he smiles at 167 compliments.


    Neya was stunted by the story, she never knows what her mother went through. She feels sympathy for her mother, yet she still feels anger and hatred toward her mother. No matter what happened, she not supposed to throw her own daughter out like that. If her father was the cause of her mother pain, then her mother is the cause of her own pain.


    "Neya?" Vel call as he sits beside her, worried at the anger showing on Neya''s face.


    "How do you even know about this?" Neya ask.


    "I know because I was there, I was in disguise while gathering information for my king. You actually have met me, but I guess you didn''t remember," 167 said.


    "I need to be alone," Neya stands up and walk toward the dorm. Nesto watch as his master walks away from the campfire, disturbed by the story.


    "May we see each other again," 167 said.


    When Nesto turns his head to look at the elf, he certainly wasn''t surprised when 167 disappeared again into thin air and just like that, the night came to an end.


    Morning rise, the sound of groaning men and women can be heard across the camp as people wake up from their deep slumber and continue their work. Nesto walks down the hallways with a tray of teapot and cup on his hands. There is something nice about being able to follow a routine once again, Nesto thought.


    As he walks down the hallway, a door open, revealing a half-naked woman with beet red cheeks and a satisfied grin on her face. The women saw Nesto walking toward her, she let out an embarrassed smile and ran her finger through her hair.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    She nods her head as a greeting.


    Nesto replied her greeting with a gesture of his own head, then he was surprised to see Vizrez popping her head out from the doorway and laid a kiss on the women cheeks. She didn''t realize Nesto was walking toward them.


    When Vizrez finally saw Nesto, she let out a toothy smile, and her cheeks blush red then she said "Morning."


    "Morning," Nesto said as he walks past the room.


    After Nesto left them alone, he can hear a happy, surprise, yelp, and giggles coming from behind him, he ignores it and keeps on walking. Until he arrives in front of a door, that leads to Neya''s personal bedroom. He wipes the dust off his new linen jacket and knocks on the door two times.


    "Come in," Nesto could hear Neya''s voice coming from inside the room.


    He opens the door slowly, and see the ginger-haired elf girl sitting on the bed while hugging her legs, and planting her face between her knee. Nesto places the tray of tea at the foot of the bed and sit right next to her. He brushes the top of her head with one hand and pulls her closer, so she would lean on his side.


    "Did you have a good night sleep?" Nesto ask.


    "I did, but as soon as I wake up. The story from last night kept on clinging to my mind," Neya said.


    "You know, even if you knew about the story, things don''t change. She still a horrible mother, no matter what happened in the past," Nesto tries to comfort her.


    "I guess... but there is still something else bothering me," Neya said as she raises her head with a sulky lip.


    "What is it that bothering you? My precious master," Nesto said with a smile on his face.


    "The war... and the people here," Neya said while a small frown form with her lips.


    "The war? And the people here? I don''t see the connection between them," Nesto said.


    "If Targia is defeated and the new law abolished, sooner or later they will target us because of the way we live here. The humans here are free, but for how long and even if we can sustain the way we live here, how about their kids? They are stuck here for life, and the moment they got out from Materna, somebody is going to take them and sold them to slavery," Neya rant her heart out.


    "My head is aching while I try to think of a way to give them a future," Neya said as she planted her face back between her knee.


    "Isn''t what we''re building here the future?" Nesto ask.


    "It''s not, it''s just surviving, it''s not the future, I want a world without slavery, and I know what I must do," Neya said.


    "No, I know what you are thinking, and I won''t allow it," Nesto oppose fully with his heart.


    "We have too, Nesto... or at least I have too," Neya said.


    Nesto stands up from the bed. "We just escaped from danger, and you want to go back into it. No, this is different, you haven''t seen what I have seen. The horror of the battlefield is much worse than your average fight," Nesto said while looking at his master with his eyebrow furrow, and his arms cross each other on his chest.


    With a serious look in her eyes, she said while looking at Nesto, "I know you don''t want me too, but I don''t need your permission. I want to give them a future, and that''s my final decision."


    "Please Neya, don''t do this," Nesto plead.


    She ignores Nesto plead, "Nesto, gather everyone. I need to make an announcement," Neya looks away from her butler while she orders him.


    Nesto looks down in defeat and said, "Yes, master."


    He walks out the door and closes the door behind him slowly while peeking through the gap. Nesto can see the pain on her face, he looks away and starts walking.


    *


    A few moments have passed, Neya stood on a small makeshift wooden stage, in front of her are all the humans in the camp, staring at her with confusion, and anticipation. She clears her throats and took a deep breath, then stare at the center of the crowd.


    "I have good news and bad news," Neya said.


    She let out a smile, "The good news is we are a company now. To make this clearer, we are some sort of organization with a name: Outcast Company. This camp is a property of that company, and you all are working under it."


    The human glance at each other with a confused look on their face while trying to understand what Neya just said.


    "Ohh ok, the group name is the Outcast company, that''s our group name now, and what we are calling our self," Neya explain.


    "Ohh, wow."


    "I like the name."


    "So do I."


    "We sound dangerous and mysterious... Wooo."


    Some of the humans said while nodding their head in agreement, at least Neya knows that the people are in love with the name.


    "You all probably heard about the coming war between the elven kingdom, right?" Neya asks, and the humans nod their head.


    "You may think that this war has nothing to do with us, and you are wrong. Who wins the war will decide the future for Arorona. You are human, and forgive me for saying this, but you all are the weakest of all race. The human has been oppressed for a long time, your freedom is taken from you, and you all have suffered throughout your life," Neya said, there''s a clear gloom on their face from hearing those words.


    "But you know what I see through all those suffering you endure, a will, a will like no other that I have seen. Each one of you has come out from that adversity, and turn into a stronger person," Neya said, and her words begin to lift their spirit up.


    "I''m proud to be your leader and your friends. That''s why I want to see my friends and my friend kids have a future bigger than this place," Neya said with a sad smile on her face while her right eye begins to tear up.


    She wipes the little tear away and with a radiant smile, she said, "That''s why I will be joining the war and helping Targia in any way I can. I won''t ask you to join me, but I will make arrangement for Grie to take over the company," Neya said, and the crowd gasps in disbelief.


    "What? I didn''t know about this," Grie standing beside her, surprised by the statements.


    "Sorry for my outburst, but I disapprove. Truth to be told, only you can lead us," Grie said.


    "Grie you had no choice, in case I died. You will have to take over, I trust you," Neya said.


    "Thank you for believing in me, but I will not stay here while you fight for our future. I will come with you, and fight alongside you," Grie drops to one knee while facing her.


    "What... You don''t have too," Neya said.


    "Don''t have too? It''s our future, my future, and I will fight for it," Grie said.


    A murmur travel between the human in the crowd, then one of them shout "I agree with Grie, we will fight alongside you," He drops to one knee.


    "Me too," a woman shouts from behind the crowd then drop to one knee.


    "Me too," another one said.


    Then soon all of them drop to their knee, and all of them facing Neya with their heads bow before her. Neya looks to Vizrez, "This war you spoke of, sound like fun," she lowers herself to one knee.


    Neya looks at her friends; Digia and Lilia.


    "Well, if you have this army, you surely need a vehicle that can transport them, and I have an idea on what to build," Digia said, as she lowers herself to one knee.


    "You''re our friend and the pioneers club member, that is enough reason for me to help you," Lilia said, as she lowers herself to one knee.


    Neya turns her gaze at the Woodfolk boy, he places one clench hand on his chest and said "Forever."


    Then he lowers himself to one knee.


    From behind her, Nesto voice grabs her attention, "I guess, we all want to fight alongside you."


    She turns her body to face Nesto, the man smiles, and nods. He then slowly lowers himself to one knee.


    "Long live, Chief Neya!" Nesto said aloud.


    Then the word echoes as the human said in perfect harmony.


    "Long live, our Chief!!!"


    "Neya Nimmith!!!"


    "The slayer of Wyvern Queen!!"


    She looks at the people around, they bow their head at her, putting their faith onto her, and wishing to fight alongside her. There is happiness in her heart, a happiness that comes from knowing that all these people are her family, and they won''t let her face danger alone.


    Her eyes begin to tear up from happiness again, "You all are crazy, you know right?" She let out a small chuckle.


    Her tears and smile gone, replaced by a look of determination, "Fine, let''s go to war."

 Chapter 48: Windcutter.

    Three months have passed in a blink of an eye.


    Nesto and the people he chooses mainly young humans but old enough to swing a sword that he trains personally with everything he knows about wars, strategy, tactics, and fighting technique. People still couldn''t believe how the people that Nesto trained have changed so much just after three months of training in the woods.


    Still, people wonder what kind of training that they went through because when they came back, there are scars on their body that wasn''t there before. Even without the scars, their changes are also visible by their attitude because they seem more discipline and acting like soldiers.


    But there is one good thing that came out from the training, the bond between the trainee is stronger than a bond between a brother and sisters. While the people that were chosen to train under Nesto went to the woods, the rest of the humans help by making armor and weapons for them. A few others also help Digia and Lilia with their projects of their own, but mostly they help Digia build something big near the lake.


    On how they gather the material to make their stuff is thanks to Neya, she makes all necessary deal to get her people the funds and material for it. During the three months, Vizrez and Vel prefer helping out at the farm fields, getting ready for the trade between Materna and Outcast company instead of training for the war.


    Some of the humans, that is too old and too young is left behind at the camp like the two kids; Om and Nel. They also left someone to be in charge while Neya and the other were going away, that someone is Grie most trusted person; Jil Grud. She was Grie assistant while he runs the camp after Neya was gone for a couple days.


    After, Za death, Nel and Om have been working hard for the camp, instead of playing around as they do. For Neya it''s sad to see that they completely stop being a kid, but what she can do, she not exactly the same after her traumatic experience.


    She also has to stop being a kid.


    She let out a long sigh and continue to wear the dark green overcoat as a cape on top of the black suit that she is wearing. The suit actually compliments her slender figure and surround her with an air of authority.


    "Are you and your squad ready?" Neya asks Nesto just a few feet from her.


    Nesto put on the only armor; a metal chest piece, that the company can prepare in a short time over the full leather armor that he is wearing. He tightens the leather straps of the chest piece and grabs the dark green overcoat that is laying on the crate next to him. Nesto wears the dark green overcoat then he saddles his saber on his back along with his wooden staff.


    The squad behind him did the same things by wearing their metal chest piece, overcoats, and saddling their own wooden staff that they make on their back.


    "I like the menacing embroider on the back of our overcoat. It looks similar to a dragon," one of the younglings in squad comments.


    "It''s not, it''s a Wyvern," Melud comment.


    "Oh, I get it now, the chief and the Wyvern," one of Melud teammates said.


    "The tailor groups really did a great job with the overcoat," Melud compliment.


    "Form up!" Nesto order and the squads position them self into a line then straighten their body.


    "Ready as they can be," Nesto replies to Neya earlier questions.


    "Why do I have to wear the same things similar to you people again? It''s uncomfortable for me to fight in this," Vizrez said, as she walks to them with her large weapon on top of her left shoulder while a few buttons of her shirt let loose revealing a cleavage underneath it.


    "Agreed. Why?" Vel shows up after her.


    Neya almost drool when she saw how striking the Woodfolk man... she means the boy look. The dark skin that the boy had complimented the leather armor he is wearing, and show the outline of his muscular, yet slender body.


    This is the first time that she ever saw how beautiful his blonde short hair really is. Neya gulps her saliva and shakes her thought away when she saw the wooden bow on Vel back. It''s not the time to be checking out the merchandise, wait... she means examining her own people.


    "It''s because we want to look like formal organizations rather than a ragtag group," Neya replied.


    "Digia, where are you? We are going to be late," Neya call out.


    "Just helping Lilia loading up some of her potions on board my magnificent creation, yet to date," Digia said as she slowly places the crate next to Nesto.


    "Is this it? I''m not impressed," Vizrez asks, as she looks at the crate.


    "What? No! It''s the ship behind me!" Digia said as she outstretches her arms toward the brigantine behind her.


    "I call it the Windcutter," Digia exclaim.


    "How are we even supposed to use that ship? We are in a closed lake and the ship has no sail on it," Melud said with skepticism.


    Nesto notice there is also no mast on the ship and there is a large contraption fixed to both side of the brigantine. He looks closely at it, and he swears that he has seen this machine before, but he can''t remember it.


    "Comes aboard and I will show it to you," Digia said with a grin on her face as she walks backward.


    After Lilia the last one to come aboard with her potion''s supplies, the people from Digia group raised the walkways and untie the knot. Digia grabs the wheels and turns her head to look at her first mate; Grie.


    "Grie, ready the men!" Digia said.


    "All brace for takeoff!!" Grie shout outs and his men hold on to whatever close to them.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Nesto, Neya, Vizrez, Vel and their squads did the same things after seeing what Digia''s crew just did. Digia pulls the lever next to her, and the ship entire body starts to tremble. Nesto sees the source of the shaking; it''s coming from the two devices attached to both side of the ship.


    Nesto finally realized what it is, but before he could complete his thought process, the ship suddenly took off from the lake at medium speed and climbs toward the sky. The face shown on Nesto''s squad was priceless as they see the ship actually flying toward the sky.


    After the ship takes off from the lake, it slowly sails across the sky like a normal ship.


    "Your crazy girl, I love you!" Neya shouts.


    "Please don''t fall, please don''t fall," Lilia prays as she held on to Nesto while he let out a chuckle.


    "Now this is impressive!" Vizrez compliments.


    "Beautiful," Vel said, as he never has been this close to the sky before.


    Melud pokes fun at his friend for being scared of height, his friend shakes his head vigorously while holding on to the railing near him. Digia laughs maniacally, as she steers the ship toward Targia.


    *


    The Gate of Targia.


    Where a large fortress stood at the border between Targia and Rochia. Two guards overlook the market below them from the tower connected to the wall that encloses the entire fortress. People from all over Arorona line up at the gate to get in Targia through the checkpoint.


    The guard said to his friend, "I think, I found a perfect soulmate down at the marketplace, do you think I should ask her out?"


    His friend ignores his word and kept on staring at the sky far away from them with his eyelids scrunch together, hoping the scrunching help with zooming at the object coming toward them.


    "Are you listening to me?" He asks with a slightly annoyed tone.


    "Yeah, yeah, do you know what am I seeing right now?" His friend asks.


    The guard turns to look at the silhouette that his friend spoke of, he also scrunches up his eyelids and said.


    "Isn''t that a bird?"


    "No, I''m certain, it''s not a bird."


    "A Wyvern?"


    "Are you mad? Wyvern doesn''t fly this close to a populated area."


    "You''re the one that''s asking me, I''m just laying out possible suggestions."


    "Wait, is that a ship?" His friend asks with skepticism seep into his questions.


    "Now who is mad right here? A ship doesn''t fly." He said and look away while leaning on the battlements.


    A gust of wind causes the two guards to lose their footing, but manage to steady themselves once again while a large shadow cast over the fortress as a ship passes overhead the market.


    "We need to sound the alarm!" His friend warned.


    But before they could sound the alarm, the trap door to the tower open and reveal a superior officer head.


    "Don''t sound the alarm, they are friendly, they are here to help with the war." The officer said.


    "Sir, what in the name, is that?" He asks the officer.


    "That is from the outcast company, I was told to expect something unusual passing through here, but I didn''t expect a flying ship." The officer said while letting out a long sigh.


    "What are we going to do about the ship?" His friend asks.


    "Nothing, just go back to the task," The officer said and his head disappears back into the trap door.


    His friend looked at him, and ask "What were you saying about a girl earlier?"


    *


    Targia port.


    A flying ship certainly grabs the attention of the people walking near the port, their face in awe as they watch the ship descent and beside one of the docks available for a ship. The moment Brigantine land on top of the water, some of its rises upward and wetting the dock beside it.


    One of Grie''s men drop the walkway and help secure the ship into the dock while Neya, Nesto, Vizrez, Vel and the rest of Nesto''s squad walk down to the dock. Grie and Lilia wave their hand at them, wanting to stay behind with Grie as they unload the crate.


    People of Targia gaze was grab by the group of human and others, all of them were impressed, afraid, amaze, admire and some of the woman or man even found them attractive.


    Neya looks around, and quite uncomfortable with the stare at first, but with her family and friends near her, she needs to be brave and confident.


    A group of armed Wolics walks toward them while keeping their stare on to her, Vizrez, Vel and Nesto place a hand on their weapons in case anything happens. The group of Wolics stops near her, "Neya?"


    A very familiar voice makes its way into her ears, she looks at the group and tries to find the source of the voice. The group of Wolics split apart, revealing a young elf man with a short, slick, black hair and wearing leather armor; the same as the Wolics near him.


    A smile of relieved make its way to his face, "Neya, it''s me."


    "Kinnith? Is that you?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, it''s me. I try to chase after you, but I couldn''t find you," Kinnith said, he tries to rush to her for a hug, but Vel stops him with his wooden bow.


    Vel glare at the elf boy with sheer intensity, Kinnith eyebrow furrow while he looks straight at the Woodfolk boy. Vizrez bumps her arm with Nesto and asks, "Am I seeing this right? Neya first lovers quarrel."


    Nesto shrugs his shoulders with a look of ''don''t want to be a part of this''.


    "I send you letters, but you didn''t reply," Neya said.


    Kinnith let out an embarrassed laugh and said "I kind of took a wrong turn to Sanestria, I thought you went there, but the moment I enter the Kingdom. A civil war just started there, and the border close before I could get out, but thanks to my friends, we escaped the kingdom together."


    The Wolics near him let out a proud smile as a few of them mess with the elf hairs and said: "Every single night, our boy here wouldn''t stop talking about you, it is driving us insane, but it shows us how he really misses you."


    "Guys, stop it," Kinnith said while his cheeks blush bright red while the Wolics let out a toothy grin.


    "I''m sorry about the letter, but did you get my letters?" Kinnith ask.


    "I... didn''t," she was interrupted when a courier elf step in with two large stack letters on both his hands.


    "I''m sorry for interrupting you both, but I have tons of letters for you," the courier said, and he hands both Kinnith and Neya their letters. Then the courier left the group in a hurry.


    Neya and Kinnith check the sender name, and they both find out that the letters are from each other. It must the courier could reach them both because of the Sanestria border closing.


    "I thought you didn''t want to speak to me," Neya said.


    "What! No, I want to be with you, that''s why I chase after you," Kinnith said.


    "Kinnith..." She was interrupted again when two royal carriages stop near them, and the doors open revealing Princess Caretena with Venhana at her side, wearing a captain outfit.


    "Venhana?" Nesto said then she dashes toward Nesto for a hug.


    "Nesto, it''s good to see you again," She notices a quite a few new scars on his body, "What happens?"


    "It''s nothing, but why are you here?" Nesto ask.


    "I''m helping my father with the War. I mean, I serve under the admiral now," Venhana said as she let him go.


    "A captain, impressive," Nesto points out.


    "I''m sorry to interrupt whatever you all were doing, but Neya and Nesto need to come with us, we have a meeting with the king," Princess Caretena said.


    "It good to see you again, Nesto," Princess Caretena said as a smile of relieved form with her lips.


    Venhana let out a grin when she looks at the cyclops woman, she taps Nesto shoulders and asks, "Who is your beautiful friend there?"


    "Her name is Vizrez, and a great friend to me," Nesto said.


    Vizrez notices how Venhana is looking at her up and down with lust, so she replies toward her with a flirty wink. Venhana bit her lower lips as she bore her lustful sight on the tall and muscular woman.


    "Let''s go," Princess Caretena said.


    "See you again later," Neya said to Kinnith then walk to the second carriage where she boards it.


    Vel pushes the elf boy away with a glare, Kinnith looks at him and clench his fist. Nesto passes a few coins to Vizrez and whisper, "My money on Vel."


    "That''s two on Vel and one on Kinnith," Vizrez said.


    "Tell me who will win later," Nesto said as the boards the second carriage.


    Princess Caretena tosses a coin at the cyclops woman and said "The elf boy" before she gets in her carriage. Vizrez catches the coin and nods her heads.


    Venhana waves seductively at the cyclops woman, as she gets in the princess carriage. Vizrez reply with blowing a kiss toward Venhana, she catches the kiss and places it on her chest.


    After both of the carriage left, the groups of Wolics and humans circle both Vel and Kinnith together. Then they all shouted "Fight! Fight! Fight!"


    Vel let out a growl while Kinnith put both fists up in front of him.

 Chapter 49: Meeting the King.

    "Ok, here are the rule, no weapons, no magic, and no killing. Now, let get this fight on!" Vizrez shout.


    Vel throws his bow at Melud, and he catches it. Kinnith unbuckles his belt containing a steel dagger and throws it to his Wolics friend. Kinnith takes a swing first with his knuckle, and Vel back away dodging the blow. The Woodfolk throw a fist toward the elf head, but Kinnith avoids it by leaning to the left.


    The elf grabs the Woodfolk hand and pulls him closer to himself then he uses the momentum to throw the boy against the ground. He stops the fall by grabbing the elf hand and place his feet on the ground before his back touch the stone street. Vel pulls the elf with him, so he would fall instead of him and use the momentum to lift himself up.


    The elf back brush against the ground while Vel let Kenneth''s hand go and let out a satisfying grin. Kinnith glare at the Woodfolk boy and clench his teeth while his foot snuck under Vel. He pulls vel leg causing the boy to lose his footing and fall onto his back.


    The crowd gasp, they both stand up again and charge into each other. Kinnith manages to land few punches on the Woodfolk boy, so do Vel on the elf.


    "Come on, Vel. Kick his ass!!" Melud shout.


    Kinnith blocks the leg that is coming toward his head with his arm. He grabs the leg and begins to pull it with him while rotating himself. Then he throws the boy away from him, Vel drops and roll to control his fall.


    "Kinnith, do it for her!!" The Wolics cheers.


    More and more people gather around to watch the fight between a human and an elf. Vizrez on other hand collected quite of few coins from the bets that people are taking on the fight.


    Vel runs and kicks Kinnith on the chest causing him to back away until his back touch the crowds. The crowd pushes Kinnith forward so he can recover his stance, and then he dashes toward Vel with a fist ready on his right hand. Vel took the challenge, and dash toward him with his own fist ready. The two boy lands a punch of each other face, and just like that. They both knock themselves up, and the fight end with a draw.


    People let out a sigh of disappointment while Vizrez announces, "The fight is a draw, so nobody wins."


    The crowd disperses while one of the Wolics and Melud help both of the unconscious boys up. Melud turns his head to look at the Wolics.


    "Do you know where we can get a good drink?"


    "Yeah, just down that path, there is a good tavern over there. You know what, let me show you the way, I''m aching for a drink myself," the Wolics said.


    *


    Royal Castle.


    There a look of unwilling on Nesto faces as he walks behind Neya beside Venhana. He let out a sigh and a smile as he reminisces the days that he spent living in this castle. The extravagant hallway made out almost entirely of white marble and decorated with shiny armors, decorative plants, long almost never-ending red carpet, and occasionally paintings that made from different artist all over Arorona.


    "I heard from the princess that you once live here, I wish I had known. You never did tell us anything about your past," Venhana said.


    "Yes, I did once live here. Truth be told, I prefer living outside the castle, and I''m sorry for not telling you," Nesto said.


    Nesto''s words catch a few glances from the princess and Neya.


    "Don''t worry, I don''t mind, but I wish I knew a lot more about your past. You are like a brother to me," Venhana said.


    "I still am. By the way, how are Zelstine, and the rest of Amberdall family?" Nesto ask.


    "You know Zelstine, always burying her face into thick books. Mom on the other hand, after you left, she opens up more about her feeling and believe it or not, we grew closer. Dad is stressful about the war. He has been managing the armada and the men; non-stop recently. That''s why I offer my hand in hope to lift a bit of his burden," Venhana said.


    "Come here," Nesto pull her closer with his arm so he can give her a nice hug.


    "You did good, Captain Venhana," Nesto said with a playful tone.


    "Thank you," Venhana said, as she back away from Nesto.


    "So I heard you have a new master?" Venhana asks.


    "Indeed, I did. I have the nicest, caring, and the cutest master in the world," Nesto said proudly.


    Neya cheeks slowly rosy up, as she hears the compliments that are coming from her butler''s mouth. Princess Caretena notices the rosy cheeks causing her to rolls her eyes to the side in jealousy. They continue walking until they arrive in front of a double wooden door with beautiful engraving on it.


    "Neya, my advice for you, when we enter this room, we are going to meet the sneakiest, trickiest, and cunning people in the kingdom. So whatever you do, watch what you say, and do not trust a single person in there because everyone in there has their own agenda. Heed my warning or don''t, It''s up to you," Princess Caretena warns.


    Neya nods her head to show her understanding of the warning that Caretena just gave. The door opens, and reveals the most well-dress elf in the kingdom with a radiant smile on their face; they all turn their gaze onto the ginger-haired elf girl.


    Nesto let out an internal groan while holding his face stiff with a smile, he hated being here the most. Everyone here always wears a fake smile that can disarm people guard if they are not careful.


    The group enters the room and the door close behind them. Neya and Caretena approach the large table with a large map of Arorona on it. There are also a few wooden pieces on top of the map along with a small flag of Targia. Nesto and Venhana step away until the back of their body touches the wall because they are only an audience in this room, and they cannot speak a word unless spoken too.


    Caretena curtsy toward the elf that is facing away from them, "My king."


    Neya follows after Caretena by curtsy toward the elf with a golden crown resting on top of his head.


    "Nimmith, Neya..." The elf said.


    "Yes, that is my name, my king," Neya said with a soft-spoken voice.


    "I heard a lot about you, but we have never met before. Let me introduce myself," the elf turn around revealing a similar face to Caretena, but a more chiseled, and handsome face rather than a beautiful, feminine one.


    "My name is Orpheus, you may know me as King of Targia," the elf introduce himself with a prideful, but gentle tone.


    "Before we start the meeting, I would like to thank you for taking care of my son," King Orpheus said while slightly nodding his head.


    Neya''s heart is pounding fast when the king said his thanks toward her, it felt like a huge honor to receive such a humble gratitude from him. Her face certainly flusters from the charming aura that he gave off. If she is not careful around him, she might fall in love with the king.


    "It''s a huge honor to receive such a humble gratitude from you, my king," Neya said.


    "Nesto, I''m glad to able to see you again," King Orpheus said as he rests his gaze on the man.


    "So do I, my king," Nesto said as he drops to one knee and lowers his head.


    "Well with all the small talk are away, let''s talk about the plan. Lord Alogtin, you may proceed," King Orpheus said.


    "Thank you, My king. From our Intel, this war will be fighting on two frontlines. The first one will be fought with warships, using the strait that connects us with Weyshers, and the second one will engage with soldiers on foot at the main mountain route near Tinevic." Algotin explain.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "We need to win both frontlines, if we lost one of them, the kingdom will have no chance to defend against an attack, but we have properly planned and positions our soldier to make sure we win both frontlines," Algotin continues.


    "If you already have a plan then why did you call me here?" Neya ask.


    "We call you here because the new machine that you brought might be an advantage for us, and we wish to use it in the war," Alogtin said.


    "You may use it, but with conditions," Neya said.


    "What kinds of conditions?" Algotin ask.


    "First conditions, the ship must be pilot by my men. Second, the technologies for such a machine cannot be stolen by anyone, unless we sold the blueprint to you. That is all," Neya said.


    "My King?" Algotin ask.


    "I accept the conditions with you all as my witness," King Orpheus said.


    "I don''t mean any disrespect, my king, but I would like it to be official in writing rather than words," Neya said, this causes a murmur between the lords in the rooms.


    King Orpheus let out a smile, and said: "Of course, a document will be provided by my assistant to you and I will make sure the conditions are satisfactory for you."


    "Thank you, my King." Neya curtsy.


    "Then the details will be explained further by Lord Algotin, Captain Venhana, and my daughter," King Orpheus said as he gestured toward the three of the people he spoke off.


    "Anyone wishes to say anything?" King Orpheus ask, and the room stays silent.


    "Then the meeting is adjourned, you all may leave," King Orpheus said.


    The lords leave the room first, then Neya follows Caretena alongside Venhana and Lord Algotin toward a room that they can use to discuss the detail of the plan. While they were walking, Nesto spot a familiar garden on his left side.


    He stops on his track while he gazes at the garden, and said: "Miss Neya, can you go ahead without me, I will be waiting for you here."


    Neya stops one steps, so do others, "are you sure?"


    "Yes," Nesto said with a gentle smile on his face.


    "Okay then, I will be back shortly," Neya said then she and the others start walking again, leaving Nesto behind.


    After they left, Nesto walks up to the garden and took a seat at one of the stone benches near the patch of beautiful, blue, Claryfair flowers. He picks one of the flowers and gazes on it.


    Memories play out the scene of the first time he met Eilna. He sees a child version of Eilna wearing boy''s clothes, and she was practicing her sword skill after feeling angry at her father. She let out gruff as she swings her saber.


    Nesto sees a young version of himself walking past her without glancing at her while on his way to meet with the queen.


    "You!" Eilna calls out.


    The young Nesto turns his head to see who is calling him.


    "You''re not supposed to be here! No human is allowed in the castle," Eilna said.


    The young Nesto look around him and start walking again; ignoring Eilna. "Wait, don''t you walk away from me!" Eilna said with anger in her voice.


    Young Nesto keeps on walking. Frustrated by the boy that is ignoring her, she charges toward him with her saber ready by her side. The young Nesto notices the girl, yelling her rage out while emitting a bloodlust. He steps away, avoiding the pointed part of the blade and grab her wrist. Then he pulls her and throws her onto the grounds with ease while the boy sits on top of the elf girl to pin her down.


    Young Nesto throws the girl saber away, Eilna starts crying as she tries to push the small boy off her.


    "Why doesn''t anyone listen to me! Am I invisible? " She cried out.


    She stops wailing her hands and starts to cry while placing both of her hand over her eyes to cover her teary eyes. Young Nesto looks around him and spot a particular blue flower, he picks the flower and places it on her chest.


    Eilna stop crying and look at the flowers on her chest, "What this?"


    "Madeleine said a flower can make a girl feel better, so here a flower for you. Also, you are not invisible, I always saw you practicing with your sword and picking flower here. You have a talent for swordsmanship," young Nesto said with a dead serious face.


    "What?" Eilna said confuse.


    "I saw you smile, it suits you," young Nesto said and push the corners of Eilna''s lip with his fingers, forcing her to smile.


    "What are you doing?!" Eilna slaps Nesto''s face and causes him to get off her.


    With a blushed face, she stands up from the ground with both of her clench hands by her side while feeling flusters by the boy actions. She saw the blue flower stuck on her shirt, she took it, and take a moment to look at it.


    She let out a smile, "I''m sorry for attacking you!"


    "And thank you for the flower, it does make me feel better," Eilna said while looking away and trying to hide her red cheeks.


    "No problem," young Nesto said with a huge smile on his face.


    Eilna glance at the huge smile, annoyed by it and amused by him.


    "Stop smiling!" She stuck her tongue out in a childish manner, and rush away from the boy.


    The current Nesto let out a chuckle, as he remembers Eilna was such a bratty kid back then, but he was no better than her, he was a weird kid back then too. After that, they met each other here almost every day during their free time.


    "I miss that laugh of your," King Orpheus said as he walks toward him while carrying a basket.


    "Sir, please take a seat," Nesto gesture at the empty seat beside him.


    "Thank you," The elf let out a grunt as he sits beside him.


    "I''m getting old..." King Orpheus said aloud.


    "So do I," Nesto said.


    "I see you have changed a lot after we met," King Orpheus said.


    "Indeed I do, I hope it''s for the better," Nesto said.


    "That Neya girl you are taking care of, she is a good kid even though her father is a little bit crazy in the head," King Orpheus said.


    "I''m proud of her, she changes so much after we met," Nesto said.


    "You sound like her father," King Orpheus jest.


    Nesto let out a chuckle, "Maybe I am, she is like a daughter to me."


    "I never thought my first grandchild, to be the daughter of my old enemies. Nevertheless, I''m glad to have her as my grandchild, it''s not like I can depend on Ariamnes or Caretena to give me one," King Orpheus sigh.


    "Where is Ariamnes?" Nesto ask while laughing at the King remarks.


    "Getting the soldiers motivated for the war," King Orpheus said.


    There was a moment of silence as both of them look at the beautiful garden in front of them, enjoying the silent and calm atmosphere. King Orpheus break the silence when he said, "Nesto... I''m sorry for dragging you into another war."


    "I forgave you if you come and join us for a drink tonight," Nesto said with a smile on his face.


    "I''m 100 years old, I can''t drink," King Orpheus said.


    "Excuses, excuses, besides you look like you are 25 years old," Nesto said.


    "All elves look 25 years old on the outside, not inside," King Orpheus said.


    "Come on, old man. I know you got some young spirit left in you," Nesto said.


    King Orpheus sigh and agree, "Fine..."


    "Oh, before I leave, here. A basket full of cupcakes for my only grandchild," King Orpheus pass on the basket to Nesto before he stands up from the bench.


    "Meet you tonight, old man!" Nesto said aloud.


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah," King Orpheus said as he waves his hand while walking away from Nesto.

 Chapter 50: Happy Times.

    The wooden door opens, revealing a densely packed interior of a tavern complete with a long wooden counter with barrels stacking on each other behind it, beautiful barmaids with revealing cleavage and patrons, half-drunk from drinking ale. It''s not a true tavern without a lively music playing in the background while drunk people are singing along to it.


    Nesto took a step inside along with Neya, Venhana, and Caretena.


    They were immediately greeted with raised wooden mugs fills with foamy Ale and joyous cheers by Vizrez, Digia, Lilia, Grie, Melud, and the rest of the humans along with the group of Wolics that they met earlier. Nesto gaze falls on the boys sitting on the stools with one of their eyes swollen from the punches that were exchanged between them. They both had a sulky look on their face, Nesto guesses that nobody wins the fight, that''s mean he lost a coin.


    Neya look at them both with a worried face, "What happens?" She said as the elf girl walks in fast pace toward them.


    Venhana walks to Nesto''s side and whispers a question, "Did she know about the fight?"


    "Nope, and I bet she doesn''t know why they are fighting. I love my master, but she can be a little dense about romance," Nesto sigh.


    Venhana let out a small chuckle, and said, "Young love. Oh, I miss them."


    "I''m going to find myself a drink and a seat," Caretena said her manner seems gloomy.


    Nesto stops her tracks by lightly chop the top of her head with his hand, and said, "I know what you are thinking, and don''t worry about it too much. I will be fine."


    Caretena let out a groan. "I can''t help it," She said as she walks away to find an empty seat that is away from the crowd.


    "Don''t worry, Nesto. I will keep her company," Venhana said, and she follows after the sulking princess.


    Neya examine the bruise on both of the boy''s eyes, "Nothing happens, they both hit a pole at the same time," Melud said while trying to contain his laughter.


    "It''s nothing, I''m okay," Kinnith said with a smile, so he doesn''t worry the ginger-haired elf girl.


    "No pain. Will heal." Vel said with a similar intention like the elf boy next to him.


    "Are you sure?" Neya asks, as concern still accompany her expression.


    "They''re fine... Sometimes boy''s get hurt, but they will manage. If you really want them to feel better why not you gave them a kiss on their bruise, that will surely make them feel better. Am I right?" One of the Wolics said.


    "What? A kiss... No, I couldn''t... They won''t want me to kiss them... I''m not like the other girls... Forget, what I said," Neya said as her cheeks grow red while she twirls a lock of her hair.


    "Chu, chu! Just do it," Digia comment at the back with a toothy smile on her face.


    "Do it! Do it!" Vizrez chants.


    "Chief, you can do it!" Melud cheers.


    Whistle and cheers can be heard from the rest of the group behind the two boys, under the great peer pressure, Neya''s mind begins to swirl, and her heart begins to beat irregularly. She quickly lay a small kiss on two of the boy''s cheeks in front of her, then she hides her face in both of her hands while highly regretting what she did.


    The two boys jaw drop while they felt astonished at what happens earlier. Vel places a hand on his cheek that was caress by the elf girl soft lips, his heart pounds wildly while his mind shows a future that he wants.


    Kinnith began to feel his lungs closing up while his brain tries to make sense what just happens. With a happy grin, he stands ups, and walks to the counter while saying, "I''m going to get something to drink."


    Vel also stood up and walk to the door while mumbling, "Air... Think."


    Did Nesto just witness Neya laid a kiss on the two boys, it''s not the anger that he is feeling right now, but he felt relieved because the elf girl that he cherishes so much had conquered her own fears. She touches another person directly with her skin, she did it.


    Nesto rushes to Neya, hugging her from behind, and lift her up while swinging her around the tavern. The elf girl let out a yelp of surprise while the man lifts her up in the air and twirling her around the room.


    "You did it, I''m proud of you!" Nesto cheers.


    The crowd is confused at what happens, but seeing the silver-haired man in happiness make them roar in a joyous tone.


    "Nesto!! What is going on?!" Neya shout.


    "You just kiss two boys without feeling nausea or fear," Nesto stops and said.


    "I did... I did... My fears it''s gone, we did it," Neya said while the silver-haired man turn her body around, so he can clearly see her.


    "No, you did it... I''m proud of you," Nesto said, and smooch the elf girl foreheads.


    Nesto lifts her up to his shoulders, and he yells out, "Let''s celebrate to our heart content!"


    The tavern went wild with approvals cheers after they heard the man statement. The door opens causing the tavern to stop they cheer while they all look at the door, surprised to see the elf that is standing in the doorway.


    It was King Orpheus with an unamused look on his face. He took steps in and a few of his knights enter the room, wearing fully steel armor with weapons ready by their side. The Knights stand beside the king, always vigilant of their king''s safety.


    The patron looks at each other while wondering why is the king here. With a flattened lip, he asks "Are we not here to enjoy ourselves?"


    "We are enjoying ourselves, My King," one of the patrons answers.


    "Then why stop? Bartender, one of your finest Ale for me, and for all the people in this tavern!" King Orpheus said with a prideful smile on his face.


    "Coming right up, My King," the bartender said with a merry voice as he serves a hundred ale for the people in the tavern.


    The king and his knights take a seat right next to the princess. Just after the king sat at the table, one of the barmaids brings his mug of Ale to him. The barmaids let out a giggle as she receives a thank you and a smile from the king. After the king drinks his Ale, only then the others drink their own.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Music resume after everyone drank their Ale, the merry atmosphere return back to the tavern. Singing echoes throughout the tavern while some of the people are dancing to the melody at the center of the tavern.


    The door opens again revealing someone familiar to Nesto; a short blond-haired elf who Nesto recognizes as Aymon; the Amberdall family head chef. He waves at Nesto as he walks to the counter. The silver-haired man waves back as he dances with Neya by his side.


    Once again the door opens, revealing an elf wearing luxurious clothing with a grin on his face. The elf is none other than Prince Ariamnes, he had come after hearing a great party is being held here.


    "Nesto!!" Ariamnes yell out in glee.


    Nesto let go of Neya''s body so she could take a rest then he walks toward the prince and clasps their hand with each other. The prince pulls the man closer for a hug without letting go his hand, Nesto returns back the hug.


    The night went on and people kept on coming to the tavern to enjoy themselves. A lot of people in that tavern become drunk and drunker especially the king, Nesto, and Ariamness. At first, they were teasing the two boys then out of nowhere all three of them start roughhousing each other until they broke one of the tables.


    Neya took a seat right to the princess, she had a somewhat happy smile on her face as she watches her family try to wrestle each other.


    "Where is Venhana?" Neya ask.


    "She is flirting with the Cyclops woman right over there," Caretena gesture with her heads toward the two of the people she spoke of.


    Venhana was giggling like a little girl as she ran her finger on Vizrez biceps, Neya let out a mile and turn her attention back to the princess, " I never seen Nesto this drunk before."


    "I have seen it once before, It was before the..." Caretena voice trails off.


    "Before?" Neya said.


    "Forget what I said," Caretena said.


    "He looks so happy right now," Neya comments.


    "He is, or he is trying to cast his fear away for tonight," Caretena said.


    "What do you mean fear?" Neya ask.


    "Don''t you remember, Nesto lost his soulmate during the war. People don''t just forget that kind of thing," Caretena said.


    Caretena statement has built a new-found look at Nesto condition right now, she felt sad and guilty for bringing him back to another war. A frown form and her gaze fall to the table in front of her. Caretena notices the gloomy expression on the elf girl face, she quickly changes the tone of her voice.


    "I''m sorry, I was just being a mopey brat. Nesto is fine, he is a grown adult," Caretena said as she tries to lift the girl spirit up.


    "No, you are right, it''s not your fault. I think I need some fresh air," Neya said, and she walks to the door that leads outside the tavern.


    Caretena facepalms herself as she just realizes that she ruins someone else mood with her own gloomy thought. She watches as the ginger-haired elf girl walks out the door, she wanted to catch up to her to make her feel better, but she couldn''t think of anything to say towards the saddened girl.


    The ginger-haired girl exits the tavern, then she took a seat on the wooden porch. She watches as the drunken people swaying left and right while trying to walk toward their home. Neya rests her chins on her hands and lets out a sigh.


    The door behind her opens, and the sound of footsteps are getting closer toward her. She turns around and let out a smile as she saw a familiar face behind her. Nesto head bobs downward with a smile as he walks, and sat right next to her. Neya could see the drunkenness seeping off Nesto from how he moves and look.


    "Oof, why are you here alone, my kind miss?" Nesto said with a grin on his face.


    "I''m worried about tomorrow, there are so many things that could go wrong," Neya said.


    "True... But there are so many things that could go right tomorrow," Nesto comments


    "You know why?" Nesto ask.


    She looks at him a thirst for an answer while her eyes sparkle with anticipation, and she asks, "Why?"


    The man looks behind him at the gaping door and sees a glowing light of warmth while hearing the sound of joy seeping through the gaps.


    "It''s because you have so many people that cared about you, that they are willing to risk their lives for you," Nesto said as a smile crept on his face.


    Neya looks through the gaps and sees what Nesto is seeing; friends, family, and many others. They all here to support her, to see through the future that she had hoped for along with her.


    "Your right... how could I be so blind?" Neya ask.


    "You''re not blind, but sometimes it hard to see it through all that worried that are clouding your mind," Nesto said.


    "Nesto... thank you for being by my side for a long time... through pain, misery, happiness, and joy. You have always been there for me," Neya said as her right eye begin to tear up.


    "It an honor... no, It was never been for honor or pity. I stay by your side because I want too, you''re the greatest master that I could ever have," Nesto said.


    Neya reaches out around Nesto''s neck with both her arms, she pulls him closer for an embrace, and gently rest her head on his shoulder. Nesto wraps his arm around the elf girl back and pull her closer, but instead of a smile on his face, a frown crept in without the girl noticing it.


    The night ended with everyone going back to their rooms, some with newfound mates, others alone, while a few went to the temple to pray for tomorrow before they went to sleep. While for some people like Nesto, they sharpen their weapons, practice their skill, strengthen their focus, and stone their heart.


    Because what comes next, is something that none of them could ever prepare.

 Chapter 51: Armada.

    It was a normal morning like any other, the king had just left on his warships along with the armada toward the strait that connects Targia and Weyshers, but before he left, he had given the most inspiring speech that tug on the people honors and pride toward their kingdom.


    It''s must be a better version than he had heard years ago because the cheers and applaud that come from the soldiers and people echoed throughout the entire kingdom.


    He glances behind him, still seeing the hope and naivety from the new generations of soldiers. Even Neya and his people still joking around while making light of thing, but for him, it''s not a bad thing joke around at this kind of time, it''s great for morale.


    But what bothering Nesto are wasn''t the speech or the ignorance of the young soldiers, it was the king himself. Before he had left to board the warships, he had given Ariamnes the king sword. A sword that capable of unleashing a great power, it a common thing for a king to pass on the sword to his next heir.


    But Nesto was fine with Ariamnes receiving the king sword, but what bothers him is the king''s words.


    "Ariamnes, if anything happens to me, you are next in line, but if anything happens to you... Nesto, you will be next in line after Ariamnes."


    One thing that Nesto doesn''t want is to become a king, he can''t rule over people, so he argued: "How about Caretena?"


    The king simply said: "She too young, she still has her naivety inside her, but if anything happens to you both she will be next in line. That is why she had to stay behind."


    Nesto wanted to argue more, but the look he gave him was serious and there is no other way to convince him to change what he had set. His eyes fall on the king sword at Ariamnes side, he then let out a sigh while he kept on marching along with his comrade.


    An elf quickens his pace until he reaches beside Nesto, and with an intimate smile of familiarity, he said: "Captain Nesto, it is an honor to fight alongside you once more."


    "A veteran, it''s rare to see a veteran in this army nowadays. Most of them usually retire by now," Nesto comments.


    "True, most of us have retired, but I still have a grown daughter and her family living in the kingdom. That''s why I''m still fighting, so they don''t have too."


    Nesto''s gaze kept on gravitate toward the King sword, the veteran notices it, and said, "I see, the king has passed on the sword to the prince."


    "You know, all the vet agrees that if you were chosen to be our king, we would support you," The veteran comments.


    Nesto let out a small chuckle and said "I appreciated the support, but I don''t want to be a king, a servant life suit me just fine and well. However, I do wonder what makes you support me in the first place?"


    "Sir, I think you already know the answers. You did so much for us for the kingdom that enslaves you. You save so many and lose so many along the way, just like us. So we don''t doubt your loyalty to the kingdom, and we understand your pain, even the Royal family treat you like one of them," the veteran answers.


    "There is no doubt, that you will do good by us if you were chosen to become the king," the veteran continues.


    "The first human kings, sound ridiculous... I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to ridicule what you believe, but it sounds so strange when I said it with my mouth," Nesto jest.


    The silver-haired human cast his eyes at the carriage beside him, and smile when he sees the ginger-haired elf girl, sitting at the front while reading a book. He also sees the squad of humans he trains, joking around with each other while they are walking alongside the wagon behind the carriage.


    "Excuse me, sir. I don''t want to sound grim, but we have faced a war before, so I want to hear, how many of us will live?" The veteran asks while his face sour couple with a look of concern mix together.


    The silver-haired man gaze travels across the marching army, his smile was gone and replaced with a flattened lip.


    "Half," Nesto said while a deathly tone snags on that very word.


    The veteran reaches underneath his chest armor, he pulls out a pocket watch and grips it tightly to his chest. Lowering his chin while closing both of his eyes, and mutters something so softly that Nesto couldn''t hear it. Then he looks up again with newfound hope in his eyes and a smile that show no fears, but strengthen resolve.


    "A pocket watch?" Nesto ask.


    "Oh," he looks at the pocket watch after the silver-haired man points it out.


    "My granddaughter gave it to me for my birthday."


    "How old is she?" Nesto ask.


    "Twelve years old, Sir. She the cutest thing that ever graces this world, Sir." The veteran said proudly with a large smile on his face.


    "Oh, I disagree. I think my own Neya, is the cutest kid in this world," Nesto said proudly, and then he let out a chuckle.


    "You don''t believe me, sir? Then after this war, come to my house for dinner, and I will show her to you," The veteran said while letting out his own chuckle.


    "I would love that," Nesto said.


    *


    Orpheus has begun to feel familiar with the taste of the salty air after a long two days of being on the warship. His body has begun swaying to the rhythm of the wave that hit the ship side. He hears footsteps coming near him from behind, he glances toward the source and sees Algotin accompany by her daughter; Venhana.


    "My king, we have spotted a couple dozen ship in front of us," Algotin said.


    "It true then what the third hand informs us," Orpheus said grimly.


    "My king, will us survive through this? Their numbers seem to be a lot more than us," Algotin asks while a troubled look appears on his face.


    "Of course, we will. we have the spirit and the goddess blessing on our side. Don''t let despair take over you," Orpheus said with certainty in his voice that can convince anyone.


    "Prepare your men, captain," Orpheus said, and Venhana nods her head then walk to her stations.


    "You too need to ready yourself, Algotin," Orpheus said.


    "I am ready, My king. I want to stay by your side," Algotin said.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "As you wish, but stay back a couple feet," Orpheus said.


    After the elf lord took a couple step back, Orpheus begins to move his hand like water, swaying around in front of him in slow motion then he mutters, "Madeleine, please lend me your strength."


    A beautiful golden light appears in small orb first then it begins to attach and coagulate until it forms a magic staff that has a blue crystal attach on top of it with a few metal rings on its side. Orpheus grabs the floating magic staff out from the air and felt the energy running through him that is coming from the staff.


    "The queen magic staff, I never saw it this close before," Algotin let out as he gawks at the beauty of the magic staff.


    Orpheus taps the bottom end of the magic staff on the warship body, and it let out a circle of golden light that grow outwards while the metal rings clink at each other causing a high pitch noise to be heard.


    Admiral Algotin was stunned by the wave of Mana that he felt, never had he seen this kind of energy release freely like this. Orpheus takes a long breath into his lung and said with a commanding voice, "Ring the bell!"


    That it is, the signal of war.


    Algotin snaps back to his sense and yells out to his crew, "Ring the bell!!"


    The word spread like wildfire as it passed on from one crew to another until it reaches the crow nest on top of the sail, where one of the elves rang the bell. The other ship heard the sound of the bell and begins to ring their own bell.


    The singing of bells echoed throughout the open seas.


    The crew begins to load up the broadside cannons with a magic crystal, and push it forward into the slot where the front end of the cannon pop out. The sail is raised to slow the warship speed, and Venhana hands grip the wheel to wait for the signal to turn the ship, so the cannons line up with the enemy warship.


    Algotin notices a dozen ship stays behind while another dozen head straight to the Armada, "My king, it seems a dozen ship are staying behind while another dozen is heading straight to us."


    "Maybe they are keeping a few backs for reinforcement?" Algotin said.


    Orpheus stays silents as he watches the ships head toward him. He sees something that bothers him, the dozen enemy ship that is heading his way only contain a few crews onboard it.


    "Algotin pulls back a few of our ships just in case," Orpheus said.


    "Yes, my king," Algotin said, and he walks to the quarterdeck to relay the order.


    The sound of a bell can be heard from Orpheus warships, relaying the order to a couple ship behind them. The dozen of the enemy warship begins to get closer to them, Orpheus order the entire crew to brace for impact. He orders the warship to fire, and a barrage of explosive Mana cannonballs impact the enemy warships. One by one the armada warships laid their attack on the enemy warships.


    The barrage of magic cannonballs causes the enemy warships to suffer tremendous damage, it even sinks one of the enemy warships.


    The crew cheers as they saw the sinking enemy ships, but Orpheus was not happy. Something is wrong, something is very wrong, he has been through war before and usually, it is not this easy to sink one of the enemy warships.


    Then he notices the broken enemy was not set to attack the armada with their cannons. Instead, they are ramming their damage ship into one of his warships. Suddenly the wedge enemy ship explodes into a massive ball of fire that sends a high blast of wind toward the surrounding ship.


    Orpheus warships sway heavily left to right as the wave hit the side of the ships along with the strong breeze. The king grabs onto the wooden guardrail as the warship that he is on shake heavily.


    "It a suicide run! Pull back!!" King Orpheus yell out.


    But it was too late as one of the enemy ships ram into the friendly warship next to King Orpheus''s warship. Venhana tries to steer the ship away from the explosion, but it was too late. The enemy ship explodes and causing the splinter of large wood to fly toward Orpheus warship, damaging his ship sail and the warship body.


    Orpheus felt a stabbing pain on his stomach as the warship shake and tremble while he falls to his knee.


    "My king! We need to get you out of here! Turn the ship around, Venhana!!" Algotin shouts.


    Orpheus watch as his own armada of warships explodes as the enemy ships ram into it and ignite itself into a massive flaming ball of fire.


    "Venhana, turn the ship around, right now!! There is one heading our way!!" Algotin yells out as he runs toward her daughter.


    Orpheus set his eyes on the incoming enemy warships, he took a long breath in as he stands up, and then the king mutters.


    "Sanciato."


    Then he taps the bottom end of the magic staff on the floor causing the metal rings to clink.


    A glowing blue barrier around the warship, stopping the enemy ship from ramming into them. The crew all duck down and brace for impact. The enemy ship explodes, the strength of the explosion manages to crack the barrier, but the king mutters the spell again.


    Another blue barrier appears behind the first one, just before the first one crack and flood the hot melting fire onto the second barrier. The heat from the explosion can be felt by the entire crew, they were about to cooked alive when the king and few others magic caster cast a cold spell ''Mobiactus'' to negate the heat.


    The fire and heat dissipate so to the blue barrier, the king fall to his knee as he places a hand over his stomach. He looks down at his open palm and seeing his own blood on his hand. The flying debris has torn through his stomach and letting his own blood out.


    Orpheus gazes on the dozen other enemy ships far in front of him, now heading toward him to finish off the rest. He looks at both side of his armada, sinking while burning. Then he gazes set to the people close to him, Algotin is checking on his injured daughter.


    Then he let out a sigh, "You over there, call in the Windcutter to come and pick us up."


    "Yes, my king!" the soldiers run to the quarterdeck.


    "Drop the anchor!" Orpheus command and one of the soldiers drop the heavy anchor.


    The warships stop as the anchor latch onto something underneath the seas. Algotin travel up the ship to the king after he heard Orpheus order, leaving his daughter to the healer.


    "My king, I heard that you call the Windcutter to come and get us. We can''t leave my king. If we leave, we lose this front line, our kingdom has no way of defending an attack from the sea," Algotin stress.


    "Don''t worry, my old loyal friend," Orpheus said smiling then he walks slowly to the edge of the ships with a hand over his injury.


    "My king, you''re hurt?! Healer!!" Algotin screams out, but Orpheus stop him by raising his hand.


    "Let the healer tend to our soldiers, I will deal with the ships with my magic," Orpheus said.


    "But my king, you are injured there no way you can stand that massive amount of Mana flowing in your body," Algotin said worriedly.


    The enemy ships begin to fire their cannon toward the Orpheus warships, a few of them miss, but Algotin manages to create a barrier to stop the attack from hitting the ship.


    "There is no time, hold on my friend," Orpheus said.


    "No, my king, we can endure this together," Algotin said.


    "Father!" Venhana call out as she saw her father using his own magic to stop the volley of magic cannonball toward them.


    With a focused mind, Orpheus ignore everything around him and focus onto the words. There is a glowing golden light climbing up his leg and to his head then reaching his magic staff.


    "No, my king, you won''t survive!" Algotin calls out.


    The barrier begins to crack and the ship trembles as the wave caused by the magic cannonball kept hitting the warship body. The king raises his magic staff up and breathes in the salty air then he mutters.


    "Mobiactus Celestelio"


    The sky darkens, the temperature drop, the crew can see their warm breath coming out from their mouth, and snow starts falling on to them. Then, the king taps his magic staff onto the wooden causing the metal rings to clink loudly.


    A loud noise similar to avalanche can be heard as a wall of water raised in front of the ship and stretch out far into the lands, the wall of waters coagulates into a wall of ice and snow. Then it heads toward the enemy warships, flipping the closest enemy ship over, blocking the strait with a long stretch hill of ice and snow.


    Orpheus in the meantime felt his lungs block by something, he tries to gasp for air while his vision becoming red. He drops to both of his knees while the magic staff rests on his shoulder. The drool of blood escapes the corner of his mouth, he looks up at the darkened sky and watch slowly as it opens up again; letting the ray of light through.


    Everything was somehow quiet to him, and the smell of muffin being cooks linger under his nose while the taste of it roll on top of his taste bud. He let out a smile when an outline of someone familiar appear above him.


    "Madeleine," Orpheus said.


    And that was the last thing he said, as his body grow cold, and his heart stops indefinitely.


    *


    In the royal castle,


    Princess Caretena is on her knees and praying to the beautiful statue of Yana. She has been praying non-stop since her family left the kingdom. Her hands clasp together when she felt a tremendous cold throughout her body, she opens up her eyes and saw the glowing flower tattoo appear on her wrist. One of the four glowing petals darkens leaving only three left.


    Two petals have darkened.


    "Dad," She let out while her tone cracks and a tear flows down her cheek.


    She closes both eyes while she hugs herself, her cries were silent and ugly. Her echoing, quiet wailing was all alone in the temple room while her entire body shakes, and trembles as she tries to hold it in.


    Then she composes herself and kept on praying for the others two family''s members that she still has.

 Chapter 52: The Breach.

    There something under Nesto''s feet, he lifts his foot up to see what it is and realize it rusted chest armor with Targia symbol engraved on it. This battlefield has seen horror before, proved by the remnant of rusted weapons, banners, and armors buried under the dirt and rock. Nesto inhales the surrounding air around him while he lifts his head up to see the tall, gray wall that separates Targia and Weyshers.


    He can smell the metal in the air coming from the armors, and weapons that Targia army is using, including the pieces of the rusted armors buried underneath this battlefield. He looks to his right side and sees the row of soldiers and knight lining up. Then, he looks at his left side and seeing the same thing.


    While he gazes set upon the line of knights beside him, he glances behind him and sees the nervous faces of his squad. Nesto also could see that Neya is safely behind the army where she is far away from danger with Vel protecting her. Vizrez squeezes through the soldiers and stands beside Nesto with a toothy smile.


    She bumps her elbow with Nesto''s shoulder and let out a grin. Nesto replies with a smile then tighten his grip around his wooden staff. When he looked up at the sky behind him, he could see the Windcutter is heading toward the sea.


    Then, the sky darkens, and snow starts falling down from the cloud. Nesto hovers a hand underneath the falling snow and lets it land on his hand. The snow melted upon touching his warm hand then he worried eyes turn to Ariamnes that is on his horse.


    A chilling cold befalls both Ariamnes and Nesto whole body. At first, it was the cold then their hearts felt like it had stopped beating for a quick second. Both of them quickly roll up their sleeves and saw the glowing flower tattoo; one of the petals has darkened.


    A tear runs down Nesto''s cheeks while Ariamnes grip his sword handle and clench his teeth.


    "What''s wrong, Nesto?" Vizrez asks as she notices a tear is running down his cheek.


    The silver-haired man wipes away the single tears and lets out a smile, "It''s nothing, just something I remember."


    "If you say so," Vizrez said.


    Nesto and Ariamnes exchange a glance and a nod. They both understood that they need to wins this frontline by any means necessary. The time for grieve will have to be later, it is time for actions.


    Ariamnes raised his hand.


    *


    Somewhere near the forest.


    167 saw the raised hand from far away, he took out a crystal orb from underneath his coat, and wait for the signal. Then he sees the prince bring down his hand, and the sound of roar from the army can be heard across the battlefield.


    167 let out a smile, and activate the orb.


    An explosion came out from underneath the wall itself, cracking the wall and demolishing a small part of the wall. Then causing a breach to appear in the wall for the army of Targia. The Weyshers''s army on the other side was shocked when the explosion happens, there was panic among them, but it was for a short moment after that they were able to compose themselves, and focus on blocking the hole in the wall.


    167 watch the destruction of the wall with a satisfied grin on his face, he looks up at the sky.


    "Thank you, Viria," he said while raising his hand to give the signal of retreat for his agents that are hiding in the shadow behind him.


    *


    Thousands of Targia''s knights and soldiers charges towards the freshly made large hole in the wall while yelling out, "For Targia!!" from the bottom of their hearts.


    Nesto, Vizrez, and his squad follow suit after the knights and soldiers while holding their own weapons in their hands. The first frontline of the army clash with the enemy in the gap that appears after the explosion. From far away, or near the hole, for those who witness it, they can see the mess of it is. Elves slay their own kind with weapons forge by their own kind. Body parts flew around as one of the knights loses his arm, and another lose his head.


    Beautiful blue ball of Mana fly in the sky and land on the back of the front line, the moment it touches the ground, it explodes into a bright blue light of death. Nesto was lucky when one of the magic balls landed far behind his squad, and explode. He can feel the wave from that come from the explosion behind him, but not just him, the surrounding people around him can feel it too.


    He looks to his left as a couple knight was hit by the explosion. One of those elves lay dead in the crater with the bottom half of his body missing, while another just stood up after he was sent flying by the explosion. Dirt and scorch marks decorate his armor, but after a short moment, the elf charge toward the hole again while letting out his battle cry.


    As Nesto and his squad get closer to the wall. He can see the allied casters in front of him using their magic to lift up the dirt into a hill for the knights and soldiers to use as cover. So they can avoid getting hit by the blue ball of death.


    After arriving at one of the dirt hills, the silver-haired man leans his back on the hill while his comrade follows his actions. The man feels his breath hasten as his heart thud strongly inside his chest, he peeks out from the hill and sees the bodies piling up at the breach.


    A wise king once said that war is like a chess game, and the battlefield is like a chess board, but Nesto snickers at that statement. A true war is not like chess or any kind of game. It is a massive bloody mess that no matter how much you plan, it will never go like the way you think.


    It is bloody, it is messy, and it is loud.


    He pulls back his head when an arrow passes by in front of his face, he looks up at the battlements and sees the casters along with archers defending at the top of the wall. He looks at the hill beside him, Ariamnes with his own squad taking cover.


    "Ariamnes, I''m sending someone to break through the enemy line!!" Nesto screams out, and the prince nods his head in response.


    Nesto looks at the cyclops woman beside him and Vizrez grin with joy as she held her large bone-made weapon in her hands. Nesto and Vizrez switch their place so she can get a clear route toward the mess in the breach.


    "Wait for my signal," Nesto say to Vizrez, and she nods her heads.


    He looks at his squads and sees the fears in their eyes after they saw the horror of the battlefield for the first time. He knows no matter how much training they had, they will never be prepared for something like this. But he doesn''t pick these people because of their strength or smart. It''s their will that he is after, only that can make a person move after seeing this kind of horror.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Nesto looks at the shaking young man hand, and then he places his hand on the lad''s shoulders. The young man glances back at him in surprise, "Melud, look at me." Nesto said.


    "You all, look at me," Nesto said while looking at his squad.


    They all look at the silver-haired man with focus and fears in their eyes. Suddenly an explosion flew a knight''s body over their head and landed away from them, everyone in the squad flinches in fear except for Nesto.


    The squad looks at the knight''s body, his armor scorch from the explosion while a few of his limbs are missing, and blood squirt out from the stump of his body.


    "Look at me!!!" Nesto commands, and they all look back at the silver-haired man.


    "We need to climb that wall and take out the enemy caster along with archers," Nesto orders.


    Melud said while his voice is shaken, "We can''t do this, Nesto. I didn''t realize it was this bad."


    "You can''t go back, this is war. Look, I''m not asking you to win the war, I am asking you to climb that wall and take out the enemy... Everybody here is relying on you all," Nesto said.


    "Are you going to let them down?" Nesto ask.


    "No, sir!" The squad said.


    "Good lad," Nesto said.


    The silver-haired man looks over his squad and saw Kinnith along with the young elf wolics are taking cover behind the dirt hill next to them. The young man notices Nesto''s gaze.


    "Smoke at the bottom of the wall!" Nesto shout.


    Kinnith nods his head, and then he starts chanting a spell. Nesto looks at the bottom of the wall and sees a thick white smoke is arising at the bottom of the wall. When the smoke is thick enough, he signals his squad, and they all charge into the smoke in pairs except for Melud.


    Nesto tap Vizrez shoulder, the cyclops woman let out a terrifying roar, and her body begins to glow. She charges toward the hole while Ariamnes squad cover for her, and follow her from behind. Nesto sheathes his wooden staff alongside his saber while he takes a few breaths in.


    The silver-haired man rushes into the smoke with Melud. Upon reaching the wall, he presses his back against the wall while squatting down and joints his hand together ready to lift someone up.


    Melud runs toward Nesto while sheathing his own wooden staff on his back. The young man steps on both of Nesto''s palms, then he boosts Melud up to the air. The young man took out his grapple in mid-air and toss it over the wall, where it hooks onto the battlements. Melud grabs the rope in mid-air, and start climbing up the rope. After he reaches the battlements, he starts engaging with the enemy caster and archers.


    Nesto climbs after Melud and takes out his wooden staff then he helps the young man with his fight. While Melud is fighting the enemy, Nesto can see the rest of his squad made it to the top and engaging with the enemy.


    With the enemy casters and archers are occupied, the knights and soldier below can have a better chance of getting through the clusters.


    *


    From afar, Neya watch as her family and friends risk their lives for her cause. She clenches her teeth tightly and closes her eyes. This is not what she wanted to do, she doesn''t want to be in the sideline in the comfort of safety. She looks around her, distraught as she saw the bodies of elves lay on the ground while the field nurse tries to patch them up.


    A thought came to her mind, one of those elves could be her own people.


    One of the field nurses yells "We still have men in there that need to be brought here to heal."


    "We don''t have any more people to spare for them to go back in there and retrieve them!" One of the nurses yells out.


    At that moment she sees an opportunity, she grabs a satchel full of healing potions, and look upon the battlefields. She spots one of the injured knights trying to crawl his way here. Vel suddenly stops her by standing in front of her, just before she could run toward the injured knight.


    "Dangerous," Vel warns.


    "Vel, either you help me or step away," Neya eyebrow furrow as she gives him two choices.


    Vel took out his bow and gesture his head toward the injured knight. Neya let out a smile and laid a kiss on the young man cheek. Then she rushed toward the injured elf while Vel follows her and watches out for danger.


    *


    An arrow launches itself from an enemy crossbow and passes by Nesto in a blink of an eye. He warns Melud of the incoming arrow and the young man quickly dodge to the left; avoiding the incoming arrow. However, the arrow that was supposed to hit Melud, land itself into an ally behind him.


    Nesto saw the arrow pierce the young woman shoulders that were standing behind Melud, she screams in pain while letting her wooden staff drop to the floors. Melud looks at the arrow, he screams in anger "Liriam!!"


    And turns his deathly glare at the enemy archer, he charges pass by Nesto while aiming his staff at the archer''s head.


    "Melud, No!!" Nesto yells out as he knocks out the enemy that he is fighting.


    The young man stabs his wooden staff through the archer''s eye and drilling a hole in the enemy brain. Melud breath was heavy as he clenches his teeth together in pure anger, but when he looks at what he had done.


    The young man realizes that he had just killed a man, he sees the blood running down the wooden staff and wetting his own hand. He quickly let go of the staff, his eye wide in shock while his mouth is slightly open.


    "Melud..." Nesto said in a disappointed voice.


    The young man turns his gaze at his teacher, his eyes were on the verge of tears as his bloodlust begins to clear. Nesto looks at him and back at the dead archer behind the lad then he looks back at the injured girl.


    "Bring her to the healer camp..." Nesto said as the girl clenched her teeth as blood started to drip from the wound.


    Melud looks at him, shaking his head confuse while terrify by what he did. Nesto yells at the young man again, "Now!"


    Only then, Melud let go of his bloody wooden staff and run to the injured girl to help her. Before he reaches the girl, Nesto grabs the lad''s wrist and pull him closer so their forehead can touch.


    "It''s okay," Nesto said as he tries to comfort Melud.


    He let go of Melud''s wrist, and the young man rushes to the injured girl again to helps her climb down the rope.

 Chapter 53: Crack.

    The rest of the squad lay their gaze on Nesto after witnessing what just happened with Melud, the silver-haired man looks at them and say: "Continue to the other half of the wall, we need to gain control of the battlement."


    As quick as the wind, the entire squad leaves this battlement and jump across onto another one. Beneath them, knights and soldiers clash with one another in a messy fight, but suddenly that cluster of elves was broken by a tall large cyclops woman. She had rammed through the cluster of knights, pushing away anything that blocks her path and making room for her allied to come through.


    The fight had moved from the small breach on to the open clearing at the other side of the wall inside Weyshers territory.


    Even with a small win, Nesto shakes his head in disappointment, not at Melud because he had killed an elf, but at himself. He doesn''t want the young man to experience that kind of terrible actions. He cursed himself while his grip tightens around his wooden staff.


    "You know it''s inevitable, either his friend dies or the archer dies first. I would say he did a good job choosing," words float from behind Nesto, accompanied by a chuckle.


    "Folmon..." Nesto mutters.


    "Silver flame, it''s a pleasure," Folmon said.


    Nesto turns around and surprises to see a blindfold with a large eye symbol wrap around his head.


    "What happens to your eyes?" Nesto ask.


    "You didn''t remember? You did this to me... after that blinding light, I was unable to see anything, but I didn''t let it discourage me. I ask one of caster in Weyshers to find a way for me to see again, and they grant me this blindfold. I can finally see better than ever," Folmon said.


    There a small sense of guilt attaches itself to Nesto''s heart.


    "Now, where did we left off?" Folmon said, and takes out two daggers from his leather belt.


    Folmon can be seen muttering something under his breath that causes a dark mist to swirl around both of his arms, this dark mist was the same as the mist that stings whenever Nesto touch it, but this was more potent than before, and heat can be felt coming from it.


    "I open the first gate ''Firio''," Nesto mutters under his breath.


    As always the feeling of burning liquid metal surge throughout his body, he takes a few breaths in while closing his eyes, and adjusts himself to the pain. He looks back at the magic caster in front of him, then he twirls his wooden staff and stops when it points toward the elf.


    Nesto rush first toward Folmon, so do Folmon, but when they about to clash a human-sized hole appear in front of Nesto causing him to stop on his track. When the hole disappears, Folmon was nowhere to be seen.


    Nesto looks behind him, then beside him, trying to search for the elf. The hair on the back of his neck rise causing him to look up and spot the elf far above him. Folmon ready his daggers as he starts to gather speed from falling in great height.


    "Incernium" Nesto tosses a fireball at the falling elf.


    But the fireball missed suddenly when it enters a hole in front of Folmon, the elf enters the hole on the opposite side; both the fireball and the elf were missing from sight.


    A hole appears beside Nesto and pops the fireball that he tossed, Nesto easily avoids the fireball, but what he didn''t manage to avoid was a slash coming from behind him. The elf had opened two holes on his right side and behind him.


    The man let out a grunt as he felt the dagger cut through a bit of his skin, and felt a burning sensation from his wound. Nesto turn his body and swing his wooden staff, the stick was blocked by Folmon''s gauntlet, it didn''t do enough damage, but it is enough to cause him to be nudged to the right.


    Nesto kept on hitting both sides of Folmon''s gauntlets with his wooden staff, the attack kept the elf on the bay and disrupting any attack that he could land on the man. But the elf wasn''t discouraged by the attack instead he kicks Nesto in the chest causing him to back away.


    Nesto digs his heel preventing himself from going further backward, and he then spits out a bit of blood mix with black substance from his mouth onto the battlement.


    "Come on, Silver flame. I know you are holding back..." Folmon said as he felt disappointed by Nesto''s performance.


    "I''m not... killing you," Nesto said while his breath hastens.


    "I don''t want you to kill me. I want you to lash out... I want to see what kind of monsters that kill my brother," Folmon said.


    "Then after I see what kind of monster that kill my brother, I''m going to cut you down," Folmon taunt.


    "I won''t do it," Nesto replied.


    "If you won''t do it, then maybe I can find a way to make you lash out. Starting with that little girl down there," Folmon said as he let out an evil grin.


    Nesto looks down at the battlefield and surprise to see Neya running around down there while helping injured people. Vel was supposed to keep her far away from here, he cursed himself. His grip begins to tighten around his wooden staff as he glares at the elf.


    "Finally," Folmon said, please at himself as the taunt works.


    Nesto charges forward with speed while his wooden staff is ready in his hand. Folmon sees the incoming raging man, and he tossed both daggers at the man then take out another pair of daggers. The silver-haired man avoids the incoming daggers and kept on charging forward. Eventually, both of them clash as the man swing his wooden staff with efficiency while the elf blocks his attack with his gauntlets and daggers.


    Nesto is relentless with his attacks, but every swing he made, the elf managed to land a few burning cuts on his body. He can see the elf mutters something under his breath, and then he back away into his portal while a massive portal appears in the sky above Nesto.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version."I open the second gate ''Lagio''," Nesto mutters while he looks up at the portal.


    A large chunk of dirt the size of a wagon came out from the hole and falls straight at him.


    Nesto cast "Incernium."


    A fiery spear tip grows itself on the top end of the wooden staff then he used the spear to slice the chunk of dirt in half with ease. The split chuck of dirt misses the wall and lands on the ground at both sides of the wall. He quickly turns his body along with his fiery spear and lay a small cut on Folmon''s cheek while the elf run passes by him out of nowhere.


    Although Nesto manages to leave a scratch on the elf face, Folmon was able to leave a cut on Nesto''s shoulder with his dagger. The silver-haired man cast fireball at the elf in which he avoids it barely then Nesto charges at him with his fiery spear.


    The elf kicks the spear away and points the dagger at the man neck. Nesto barely avoids the dagger, but he pushes forward after losing his spear. The dagger drags its edges against the skin on Nesto''s neck, and he felt the burning sensation on his neck. The cut was painful, but not damaging as it seems.


    When Nesto''s head is close to Folmon''s, he slams his forehead onto the enemy forehead causing Folmon to clench his teeth in pain and overwhelm by dizziness. The silver-haired man took the opportunity to slip his foot behind the elf''s heel and pull it.


    Folmon loses his footing in which cause him to fall on his back after letting go of his daggers, Nesto kicks the daggers away, and reach for his fiery spears. With clench teeth and a bleeding cut on his throat, he glared at the unarmed elf while aiming his fiery spear at the elf neck.


    "Do it! You Monster!" Folmon let out a smile as he taunts the man.


    Nesto screams his rage out and lifts his fiery spear then bring it down with fits of anger. Folmon laid his gaze on the man, waiting for the inevitable, but it didn''t come as the fiery tip extinguish itself, and the wooden staff hit the stone slab beside Folmon''s head.


    "Enough!" Nesto scream.


    "I won''t do it!" Nesto stressed.


    "Coward..." Folmon spits at the floor beside him.


    "I am... a coward," Nesto said while anger completely disappears from his face and was replaced by a sorrowful look.


    "I remember your brother now, he was one of the enemy soldiers on the day that my dearest Eilna died. I remember his dying face, not just him, but all of them after I met a little girl who was affected by my own actions," Nesto said.


    "I am a coward because I''m afraid if I kill someone, someone else will be affected by that death. He or she would try to seek revenge then after killing me someone who is close to me will try to seek her revenge, and the circle of killing continues. When will it stops?" Nesto continues.


    "I don''t have anyone that will seek revenge for me. So why won''t you do it?" Folmon ask.


    "You know it isn''t true, there is someone in your life will... come after my head," Nesto said.


    "I''m sorry for killing your brother, I really do. If I had all the time in the world, I would search everyone one of the victim family and apologizes," Nesto apologizes as a tear drip on Folmon''s face.


    The silver-haired man pulls his staff away and backs away from the laying elf. Folmon felt the sincerity from the man words, he doesn''t want to admit it, but this man is not the monster that he wants to fight.


    This man is just that; ''A grieving man''.


    "I always thought that my life goals were to kill you or be killed by you, but how can I achieve that when I''m not even able to defeat him, and my enemy doesn''t want to finish me," Folmon said.


    "Your goals in life is the stupidest thing I have ever heard in my entire life," Nesto chuckles, as he leans his waist on the battlement.


    "Truth be told when I heard it come out from my mouth, It sounds stupids... but there are no other choices, we are at war. Killing is inevitable," Folmon said.


    Nesto smiles at that statement, as he remembers a particular young ginger-haired girl once told him the exact opposite "There are always other choices, you don''t see it yet, but I think I can," Nesto said.


    "How?" Folmon ask.


    "Retreat your men and I will retreat my men. We don''t have to fight, we can settle this just by talking... besides we already lost so many today because of this war alone," Nesto said.


    "I don''t even think it can work, but hearing it from you." Folmon stands up and stretches his neck.


    "I think it''s possible," Folmon said.


    While they were talking, both sides launch a ball of magic into the air in which explodes into a bright light. Both the man looks at the light with surprise and confusion in their eyes.


    "That was quick, I didn''t even need to shoot my own retreat signal," Folmon said.


    "So do I... Somethings wrong, go back to your side," Nesto said, and hear the elf jump down from the battlement.


    At the distance, above the mountain, a fracture appears in the sky and look similar to glass cracking itself. The crack triple it sized, and pieces of the sky start falling to the grounds. After that, a wave of Mana hits Nesto''s body directly causing a massive throbbing pain in his head.


    While his mind was struck by a massive headache, a sudden unbearable pain erupts from his stomach, and travel throughout his body. His gaze falls down at his stomach and saw a sword blade sticking out from it. He grunts in pain as he looks back up at the sky after dropping down to both of his knees.


    Suddenly a massive tree the size of a mountain breakthrough the crack, and destroy the mountain beneath it. The people below look at the tree with awe when they saw the beautiful glowing golden veins running between the barks of its body and golden leaves hanging on its branch. The falling massive tree then causes a huge earthquake that shakes the entire battlefield after crushing the mountain beneath it.

 Chapter 54: Love.

    The ground shakes violently like it never shakes before, the landscape cracks open like ice then swallow a couple knights and soldiers into the fracture. Elves were buried alive, large chunks of dirt flip itself then the crack head straight to the far end of the wall where it begins to break apart the high wall.


    Stone pieces of the battlements fall down to the ground as the fracture underneath gobble up the tall wall and tower. The collapse caused a chain reaction in which it starts to break apart the rest of the wall by starting at the far end and heads toward Nesto.


    Realizing the incoming danger, he turns his head around and was shocks to the core of his soul when he saw Vesstan daughter in one of Weyshers army uniform. There was hatred in her eyes as she pushes the sword deeper into his back. Nesto clenches his teeth while he grunts the pain out.


    After realizing the incoming danger, the young girl let go of the sword and giving Nesto a chance to pull out the blade. The pains intensify as the man feel the steel blade caress against the muscles and organs while he pulls it out.


    He gets up, throwing the sword to the side, and sheath his wooden staff on his back. Vesstan daughter notices her father killer raise himself back up causing her to back away. He dashes to the young girl, surprising her as he pulls her closer to his chest and jumps off the wall with his back facing the grounds.


    They both fall into a crater as the high wall crumble down and be swallowed by the giant cracks underneath it. The man back grates against the rough dirt as they slide to the center of the crater. After they both stop sliding, Nesto push her black silky hair aside to see the girl conditions. Her face shows confusion and disbelief at what happens.


    The young girl pushes Nesto away from her and sat while hugging both of her legs closer to her chest. He lifts himself up, so he can sit, and saw one of the knight''s dead body beside him. Nesto searches the knight for a satchel after he found it, he tore the cloth of the knight to make a long bandage and took his dagger.


    Nesto cast "Incernium."


    A silver fireball appears above his palm, he heats up the dagger blade after he lifts his shirt up to reveal both sides of the wounds. He presses the red-hot blade onto it, closing the wounds, and stopping the bleeding. The man let out a scream through his clench teeth, then he took the small satchel, and opens it to reveal the two bottles of potions.


    He drank all the potions, then wrap the bandage around his stomach after that he leans his back onto the dirt behind him, and take a few long breaths in. Fatigue showers the man entire body as he lay on the dirt while he slowly closes his eyes.


    "Why did you save me?" The girl asks.


    "Huh?" Nesto let out as he almost falls asleep from the fatigues.


    "I stab you with a sword, why did you save me?" The girl states angrily as she hides her face between her knees.


    "I don''t know why, maybe guilt, but what I do know is your father doesn''t want you to be like him or me, a murderer," Nesto said while he took out a familiar locket.


    The light reflected from the locket onto the girl, she lifts her head noticing the locket and her eyes start to water.


    "Take it. It is your," Nesto said as he raises the locket to the girl.


    She crawls closer to the man then gently take away the locket and embrace it closes to her bosom. The girl felt the darkness surrounding her begins to float away and warmness begins to flow throughout her body. The dirt ridden air was swept away as a flying ship hovers far above the crater, and slowly descending toward the ground.


    "What''s your name?" Nesto ask.


    "Alasse, Alasse Hercan." The girl answers.


    "Well Alasse, you need to get on that ship and get out of here," Nesto said as he crawls back up to peek at the massive tree.


    The beautiful tree body split open and reveal a naked, giant woman with a distinct elven feature, her skin is green like the color of grass, her ears are long and pointy. The long green hair flows down from her head to her waist and beautifully sways as she walks out from the tree trunk.


    The massive woman looks up at the sky with deep longing and anger.


    Nesto has seen this woman before, but his mind just can''t put a name on her face. He ignores his own thought then look at the Windcutter, and saw people are slowly boarding the ship. The silver-haired man wanted to worry about Neya, but he knows that she is in Vel capable hands. That boy will surely get her to safety.


    "Alasse go now," Nesto said as he saw the grounds around the tree roots begins to turn black as if something is sucking its colors or energy,


    "But!?" Alasse let out, confuse and afraid.


    "Now," Nesto demand her to go as he unsheathes his saber.


    The silver-haired man is taking out his saber because he can see something like a worm or roots moving underneath the ground and making its way toward where he is. One of the soldiers near it is impaled by a root-like spear that pokes out from the ground so sudden. The soldiers that were impaled are becoming skinny as if the roots itself is sucking away the elf life force.


    The roots continue to make its way to where the Windcutter is while impaling the soldiers and knights along the way. The tree roots are aiming toward the place with a high number of people, Nesto couldn''t warn them because he was too far away from them.


    Without any choice, the silver-haired man mutters, "I open the fifth gate ''Expeluno''."


    He felt an enormous wave of burning energy flow inside him and causing him to feel tremendous burning pain throughout his body.


    A pair of large fiery wings appears on Nesto''s back, he uses the wings to fly up, and crash back to the ground with his palm touching the dirt first while casting ''Incernium''.


    A tall, silver, fiery wall arises and encircles around the tree. Then it burns away the approaching roots and stops them from getting closer to the people that are trying to board the Windcutter. While on his knee, Nesto pukes out a large amount of blood mix with black substance out from his mouth onto the ground.


    His breathing becoming hard and heavy, but he pushes on and raises himself back up with the help of his saber. The roots begin to retract back to the tree as it meets with an impassable wall of fire. The wall of silver flame extinguish itself and finally, Nesto can take a break.


    "Nesto! Are you okay?" Ariamnes called out as he jogs toward him with the old veteran by his side.


    "I''m fine, albeit a little tired, I supposed," Nesto answers.


    "So my prince do you have any idea, what am I looking at right now?" Nesto asks as the prince stands beside him.


    "I can''t believe it..." The prince mutters as he looks at the magnificent massive woman.


    "What is it?" Nesto ask.


    "It''s Yana, our goddess. The resemblance is uncanny, and the tree it is what the priestess describes it to be," The old veteran said as he too watches with awe at the green woman.


    Yana the goddess glances at Nesto with annoyance then she looks back at the sky, and the ground beneath Nesto''s feet tremble. The three men jump away from where they stood as a large root rise up from the ground and toward the sky.


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    "I don''t think that is anyone goddess," Nesto comment after he watches the root that targeted him retract back into the ground.


    "Do we anger her with our mindless violence?" The veteran let out.


    "I don''t think that is the reason she shows up, look at her... she is looking directly at the sky without even a single glance at us except after I burn the roots away. She doesn''t care about us," Nesto said.


    "I don''t know what to do... Nesto, what are your instinct telling you?" The prince asks.


    He looks back at the massive woman while his own eyebrow narrows together, "My instinct is telling me to retreat, our force is not capable of fighting something like that, maybe not alone, but..."


    "But?" The prince asks.


    Nesto looks back at the prince, no, he looks at his brother, and walk toward him then stop just a few feet away from him, "You need to unite two elves kingdom and just maybe, we can fight this."


    "The words you spoke is easier said than done, my brother," The prince said.


    "But if you believe we can do it, then I will try with all my might to do so," The prince continues, then place a hand on his brother''s shoulder.


    "First, we need to make sure what left of our men retreat safely to the ship," The prince said.


    "You do that while I distract her," Nesto said as he saw the roots underneath the ground are coming back toward the people.


    "You think you will do it alone?" The prince chuckles.


    "Of course not, I know you too well. Almost too well," Nesto said then turn his body with enough force to punch and knock out the young king.


    "Sir?! What did you just do?!" The old veteran asks, surprised as he catches the young king from dropping to the ground. The veteran moves the young king''s arm around his own neck to lift him up.


    "Get the king to safety! That an order... Also, here," Nesto throw his wooden staff to the old veteran and the elf catch it with one hand.


    He looks at the wooden staff he just catches then he looks back at the silver-haired man with confusion filled eyes.


    "Give it to a young man name, Melud. He needs to lead them now," Nesto said while he readies his saber by his side.


    "Sir?" The old veteran let out.


    "Now go!" Nesto flew up with the help of his fiery wings.


    From above the sky, he sees the roots are burrowing themselves toward the masses, and then he cast ''Incernium''. The blade of his saber is cover with silver fire, he swings his blade at the air in front of him, and a slash of fire flew toward the roots.


    The fire slash explodes on impact and burns away the root then cause the massive woman to look back at the mortal man with anger she directs her hands toward him.


    Hundreds of roots shoot up from underneath the dirt and head toward Nesto. He uses his saber to cut some of the roots while trying to avoid a few with his power of flight. Nesto had never faced anything like this before, the sheer amount of Mana he is using right now is painful toward him.


    He kept on cutting while dodging the roots but sooner or later, one of them manage to smack him on the chest and force him to crash back to the ground. After crashing to the ground, he lifts himself back up and barely manage to cut the root in half that is aiming to skewer him.


    He drops to one knee, and his breath hastens while the wounds that he burned off begins to open up again.


    But even with the pain, the man kept on smiling while thinking that he will make back home safely. He gathers his thought as he dodges another root that was going to pierce him.


    "Nesto, we are here to help!" He jerks his head as he heard Neya''s voice.


    But that was a mistake as the root swing and hit him on the chest again causing him to let go of his saber and be thrown across the battlefield.


    Neya saw the event happens and let out a shout, "We are coming!" She along with Vel and Vizrez rush toward the man.


    But the man raises himself back up with a dislocated arm and scream, "STAY AWAY!!"


    The three of them stops and suddenly three roots burst out from the ground causing them to engage in a fight with it. While Vizrez and Vel were occupied with fighting the roots, another one burrow under the dirt and heads toward Neya.


    Nesto full burst toward Neya with his fiery wings, but along the way he felt like something crack on his back. Then suddenly he loses his fiery wings, and something explodes on his back that propels him even further. During that time, he felt his entire body along with his organs suddenly freeze and swept with a sudden tremendous pain.


    But no matter what, he kept going after her foot touch the ground he ducks and roll then sprint toward the root. Neya called out his name as he saw him explode and kept on running toward her. The root shot up from the ground and head toward Neya. The young girl raises both hands to defend herself from the incoming attack, but with luck, the root didn''t make it.


    Blood spews onto the root and the dirt beneath it.


    Both of Nesto own hands start to tremble.


    He felt his own mouth dripping with a thick liquid.


    Nesto looks down at his chest and saw the root had pierced his own chest. He glances behind him and saw Neya slowly tries to scream her heart outs. Then all three of them swept into a large hole that appears in the empty air beside them.


    They were gone.


    His eyes went to rubble that once was a tall wall, he sees Folmon on top of it, and the elf nods his head out of respect. Nesto let out a smile, then grab the root tightly with both of his shaky hands, and pull it out. He screams in agony as he feels his own innards rub against the root exterior.


    After pulling the root out, he kept on walking forward.


    One hand on his wound while another turn into a fist as he heads toward the massive woman.


    It doesn''t take more than a few steps for him to fall forward to the ground after he swings his fist into the empty air in front of him.


    Half his face rest on the dirt while he looks at the familiar blue flower beside him with a happy smile. Legend says that when you died, all the happy memories you had played out before your eyes, and he had tons of it.


    =============================================================================


    My name is Nesto Fasheir.


    I earned an infamous name ''Silver flame'' by slaughtering thousands of elves.


    I lived my life fully as I can be.


    I had beautiful women who I wanted to marry, ''Eilna Liatris''.


    I had a daughter who''s not by blood, ''Neya Nimmith''.


    I would say that I''m the luckiest man in the world to have met them. I loved both of them with all my heart, not just them, but many others, people that I met along the way.


    Whose help me and enjoy spending time with.


    But now,


    My story... has come to an end.

 Chapter 55: Pit.

    Darkness envelope Neya''s sight for a short moment then light flooded her eyes again. She stands on the edge of a snowy cliff while the cold wind brushes her face. Below the cliff, the ocean''s waves crash against the rocky bottom. The mainland and the ice wall are visible from where she stands, but none of them distract her from the horrible truth.


    She had seen her butler, savior, friend, and father died right before her eyes.


    "Nesto!!" A high pitch cry echoes to vast empty oceans in front of her while her arm stretches out forward.


    "Nesto!!!" She screams again.


    "Nesto...." Her voice barely audible, as she said it.


    Then comes the wail of grief, tears flood out from her eyes and drenching both cheeks. She broke down at the spot she stands, dropping down to her knees while pressing both palms on her eyes, she felt the emptiness and hopelessness closing in her heart.


    She wanted to believe what she saw was another nightmare, but it wasn''t. It was real; she saw the root pierce his heart because she wanted to come and help him. It was her fault, she was supposed to be on that ship. She leans forward and starts slamming her fist onto the snowy dirt.


    "Neya..." Vel said as he reaches out his hand to the sobbing girl, wanting to comfort her, but he was stopped by Vizrez.


    "Give her some space," Vizrez said while a look of sadness gloom over her as she looks away.


    She stops slamming the cold harden dirt after her hand reddens and embrace herself with both her arms while quietly cry the rest of her pain out.


    Vel and Vizrez instinct flare up causing them to ready their weapons while their gaze jerk around them. Out of thin air appeared a dozen tall humanoid creatures with red leathery skin without a single hair on its body and a pair of spiral horn attach to their head. Animal skin and fur cloth cover their slender body while holding a wooden spear in their hands.


    The most striking feature about these creatures is their fully black eyes. Vizrez had heard of this creature before, Nesto also said he had once encountered one in the city.


    Nesto calls it "Xintari".


    A race that entirely made up of only female gender.


    The Xintari shout gibberish nonsense at the cyclops woman and Woodfolk boy while pointing their spears at them.


    "What are they saying?" Vizrez ask.


    "Weapons. Let go?" Vel guess.


    "Do we fight?" Vizrez asks as her grips tighten around her weapon.


    Vel looks behind him, seeing one of the Xintari manage to sneak behind him and point her spears directly at Neya. The sobbing young girl still grieving over Nesto''s death, unmoving and uncaring of the world. Neya doesn''t care if her life is in danger, she just wanted to be left alone.


    The Woodfolk boy without a choice drops his bow and arrow to the ground in fear of putting Neya''s life in danger. Vizrez notices Vel actions, and when she looked behind her, she did the same thing by letting go of her weapons.


    "Damn-it," Vizrez cursed.


    The Xintari tied up the hands of the three unknown outsiders and forced them to walk through the snowy forest with a sack over their head. They traverse through the forest until the sun was replaced with the moon. Vel felt the numbing cold on his hand and feet crept toward his chest while Vizrez tries to keep herself warm by rubbing her hands together.


    Neya, on the other hand, is walking with despair looming over her, she barely had any care left to give to the world or to the situation that she is in.


    After a long hike through the snowy forest, they arrive at what seems to be a town filled with simple wooden cabins with curved roofs that resemble a wool hat. The Xintari shoved the outsiders forward until they meet with the edge of a deep, wide, rectangle shaped hole with grated metal bar covering the opening.


    The Xintari lift the grated metal bar and shove the outsider into the hole. Vizrez falls into the muddy dirt below the hole, so do Vel and Neya. The Woodfolk boy took off the sack over his head, then look around him and only saw the night sky above him. He looks for a way out of the hole but found none except for the opening that they went through.


    "Where?" Vel ask.


    The cyclops woman takes off the sack over her head and lets out a sigh, "This must be their prison."


    "What should we do?" Vel ask.


    "I don''t know..." Vizrez said as she sits on the muddy dirt and leans on the cold wet wall.


    Vel looks over at Neya, seeing that the elf girl had taken off the sack over her head, and sit while facing the dirt wall. She then hugs both of her legs and buried her face between her knees. The girl continues to quietly cry even after her eyes has swollen and puffed from the sobbing earlier.


    The boy looks at the girl again with painful eyes, he wanted to say something, but he knows that no matter what he said, Neya would only ignore it. So Vel with no other choice, but to give up and hope that some kind of opportunity can help him and the rest to get out of here.


    He took a seat near the wall, and leans his back against the cold, hardens dirt behind him.


    Time passed, both Vel and Vizrez had gone to sleep from the enormous fatigue that showers them, leaving only Neya left to be awake. She heard whispers coming from the two Xintari above as they speak to each other, but even if she could hear it, the elf girl couldn''t understand a single word they said. Every word the Xintari spoke of, sounds foreign to elf girl.


    Then something familiar can be heard, the sound of light footsteps that Nesto usually made travel into her ears. At first, she ignores it, she guesses that it must be the sound of footstep Vel making, but the Woodfolk boy is sleeping. It couldn''t be him, then it must be the guards, the Xintari are light on their feet.


    However, there is one thing that she couldn''t forget the smell of tea that Nesto usually made. Somehow, she could smell it, the delicious smell of sweet tea lingers under her nose then gently caressing the inside of her nose, she lifts her chin up and glances behind her. Expecting him to be there, standing while holding the tray of tea with that gentle smile of his.


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    But there was no one there.


    ''Has she gone mad?'' She thought to herself.


    After losing her hope yet again, she retreats her face back to between her knees. Then she felt a warm hand placed upon her head, at that moment she realizes its Nesto''s hands, the warmness, the rough texture, the comforting and caring touch. There is no denying, he is there behind her, she wanted to turn around and face him, but she is afraid that it might another trick that her mind is playing.


    "A.re...you real?" Neya whispers while trying to keep her voice from being shaky.


    "I don''t know, what do you think?" Nesto soft voice travels to her ears.


    "I think that you are just some hallucinations that my mind creates because I am going insane," Neya answers, still keeping her head down in between her knees.


    "Hallucinations... If I''m a figment of your mind then why don''t you turn around and confirm it."


    "I don''t want too," Neya said.


    "Why?"


    "Because I don''t want to lose you again!¡ª I fail you... I broke our promise, I was supposed to protect you! You warn me about my decisions, but I didn''t listen and look what it has caused me," She said while a tear slide down her cheek.


    "So after what happens, after you broke your promise, and after I¡ª Neya, are you going to sit here and give up?"


    "Yes. I couldn''t live without you, I couldn''t see the future without you. Without you! I don''t know what to fight for anymore... There nothing left except for misery and despair," Neya said, as her body trembles with anger and fear.


    "Neya... open your eyes, and look behind you."


    "No," she said stubbornly.


    Neya felt his hand left the top of her head, she lifts her head up while pleading, "Wait! Don''t leave me."


    She turns her body around and Nesto was nowhere to be found again. Her heart drops as she clenches her teeth and lowers her gaze with despair-stricken eyes. A sudden warm gentle hand crept on her shoulder causing her to lift her gaze up again.


    "I may not be the reason for you to continue living, but look around at the people close to you, how about them?"


    Her gaze went to the giant, funny, kind and rough, but warm cyclops woman sleeping with her back leaning against the cold, harden dirt wall. Then her eyes went to the Woodfolk boy, who is handsome, selfless, caring and currently shivering because of the cold.


    "I can''t... I don''t know..." Neya let out as she places a single hand on her forehead.


    "You can and you know"


    Then she felt it, the full embrace of warmness, comfort and good around her body. It as if someone just wrap both his arm around her body and gently snugging her with a hug. She never so happy and sad at the same times because she knows that this is going to be her last time of feeling him.


    "I have faith in you."


    She can imagine the smile that came with that words. After the embrace left her, she felt a new resolve rise inside her and determination like never before. Neya look around her and look for an opportunity, instead of seeing it, she hears an opportunity coming from the two Xintari that are still chattering with each other.


    In one of the foreign words that they spoke of, a particular word snatches her attention; the name ''Yana''.


    She stands up and marches herself to the centers of the pit then yell out "Hey, does anyone speak any elven language here!!!"


    "Because if you do, I have some information about Yana that may interest you!!" She yells out.


    Her yelling causes Vizrez and Vel to wake up in surprise; they look at each other confused by what happens then look back at the smiling elf girl. The two Xintari walk to the metal grate and yell out obscene words at the small girl.


    "Yeah!! Yana! Yana! Yana!" Neya yells out, hoping that they understand what she is trying to say.


    It seems to have worked when the two Xintari guards look at each other with dire looks and cause one of them to leave. When the Xintari came back, she brought a new Xintari woman with a stern and serious expression on her face. The new Xintari has a similar feature to the others except for one of her horn has broken off from a long time ago.


    Neya could feel the glare from the Xintari woman, "I''ll talk, if only you let us out of here and gave us warm clothes for the cold."


    She ignores the elf girl demands and kept staring at the girl before saying "What is Yana to you?"


    Neya considers her answer very carefully, if she answers it wrongs, she will never get Vel and Vizrez out of here. She takes a long breath in before answering, "She is my enemy."


    The Xintari kept on looking at the elf girl even after she gave her answers, the woman turns her body around, and nod at the two guards before leaving. Her mind is restless as it thinks, whether her answers is the correct one or not, then luck struck as the guards open the metal grate and toss several cold resistance clothes into it.


    "It worked," Vizrez said grinning.


    Neya took the cloth and brought it to shivering Woodfolk boy first. She passes on the cloth, and Vel kept looking at her with a small smile on his face, then he asks "You. Ok?"


    "I''m fine now," Neya said with a huge smile of hope on her face.


    "Come on, let''s go," She continued talking, as she passes Vizrez share of fur clothing.


    After everyone put on the thick clothing to combat the cold, only then the wooden ladder is lower into the pit for them to use. Neya and the others climb out of the pit and into the town where they see the stern Xintari staring at them with an unamused face.


    "Come with me, thief," The Xintari said as she starts walking.


    Neya confused by the word ''thief'', she ignores it, thinking it must be some kind of name-calling, and follow her while both of her friends follow beside her. They were not alone as the two guards from earlier, accompany them from behind, and keep watch over them to make sure the outsiders don''t do anything forbidden.

 Chapter 56: Truth.

    The stern Xintari woman brought the three outsiders into a rectangle-shaped cave entrance. It appears that the entrance is not naturally formed by nature, and the wall of the cave is perfectly smooth without a single scratch or roughness to it. Neya marvel at the otherworldly architecture.


    The torches hanging on the wall struggle to light up the long dark hallway. As they walk deeper into the cave, chisel drawings of an Elven woman can be seen on the wall alongside a familiar tree. Upon closer inspection, Neya realizes that the drawings are about Yana and it is trying to tell a story, but she couldn''t manage to interpret it correctly.


    Because it is not just Yana drawing on the wall, there is also another humanoid figure in the drawing. The figure is like nothing that she has ever seen before because this figure has no feature on his face or what so ever except for its humanoid shaped body.


    Neya''s gaze fall onto the Xintari woman that is walking in front of her, "Excuse me, I don''t want to bother you, but can you tell us about the drawing on the wall?"


    "A thief, interest in the world history?" Sarcasm escaped the Xintari lips.


    "World history? Wait, why do you call me a thief?" Neya ask.


    "Did you forget?" The Xintari woman let out a sigh, "You are the one who stole the Kcol that my people have been guarding for over a thousand years."


    "What? I didn''t steal anything," Neya said confused by the statement.


    "A liar and a thief, why am I not surprised," The Xintari said.


    "I''m not a liar, I have never been here before," Neya raised her voice causing the Xintari to stop on her tracks and turn around.


    She takes a step closer to the elf girl, but stop when two of her friends stand in the middle of her and the girl. The Xintari sniff her nose and really take a look at the girl, "Hmm, it seems that you are correct, interesting. You had the smell of the thief, but your appearance is not the same as him."


    She turns her body around and continues walking forward into the hallway. Neya continues following her while confused by the strange behavior that was shown by the Xintari.


    "What do you mean by I have the same smell as the thief, and where are you taking us?" Neya ask.


    "There was an elf, who came here many years before. We gladly open our homes to him, thinking it might be a good way to strengthen the relationship of our two races, trying to change, trying to share our culture and history to the world, but the elf doesn''t care about any of that. He was strangely obsessed with the Kcol that my people guard," The Xintari said then stops when they reach a massive open room with tall ceiling and a massive minimalist stone throne at the far end of the room; too big for anyone to sit in.


    "What is the Kcol?" Neya ask.


    The Xintari woman took one of the torches hanging on the wall and light up an engraving of a metal cube with interlocking gears inside of it. "This is the Kcol!" The Xintari announce.


    Neya eyes widen when she remembers the cube, it was the artifact that her mother wanted to use as a weapon, but the artifact didn''t do anything except for becoming the brightest torch ever.


    "The same smell... The thief, it was my father... The Kcol is the cube that I unlock. I open it and release Yana. Oh no..." Neya said, but when she turns her body around to look at the Xintari woman and her friends. She realizes that they are frozen in place after she waves her hand in front of them, even the two guards are frozen in place.


    Even the flame from the torch are frozen in place, unmoving and beautifully stop. She moves her hand over the flame and felt nothing, no heat what so ever. She looks around her and stops when she saw the same humanoid featureless figure that was in the drawings is currently sitting on the throne that fit perfectly for him.


    That massive being was never there before.


    Neya is amazed by the being because his body is made out of the night sky, literally. Twinkling stars and moon can be seen on its body, decorating every inch of its body. There something else she felt beside amazement, a sense of familiarity like she has seen this being before, but she could never remember when.


    "Who... are you?" Neya ask.


    The being leans its body forward from its sitting position, and slightly tilt its head to the right, curious of the mortal beneath him. Then it starts to stand up and shrinks down its size at the same moment. Its body slowly morphing into voluptuous, naked, elf woman with long golden hair and glowing bright eyes. Neya gulp her own saliva and her cheek grow red as she saw the newly morph elf woman walking up to her with a beautiful smile.


    "My name is Oanis," The being said with a softest and gentle voice.


    "Why do I feel like I know you?" Neya ask.


    "It''s because every soul living here has met me before they were born," Oanis said then she looks at the engraving.


    "Are you, Yana sister?" Neya ask.


    Oanis let out a small laugh as she felt amused by the questions, "Thank you for the compliment, but I''m not her sister, I''m more of her mother."


    "You create Yana?" Neya ask.


    "And the entire world, every plant, every beast, every animal and every race except for humans," Oanis answers.


    "Except for Human?" Neya let out.


    "It''s a long story, I don''t think we have the time to talk about it. So you''re the one who unlocked the Kcol?" Oanis said.


    The woman accusation suddenly caused an absolute fear to arise in Neya''s hearts, her words felt like a mother trying to scold her own daughter. She replies "I don''t know, it wasn''t my intention to open it. I''m sorry."


    "It wasn''t your fault, I know. But I wish you would never open it," Oanis said as she let out a sigh.


    "I don''t understand," Neya said.


    "The Kcol is a device that prison Yana in the mirror realm separates from here," Oanis said.


    "Why do you keep Yana in that realm?" Neya ask.


    "Because she was volatile. Before all of you come to exist in this realm, Yana was the first free-thinking creature that I create for this world. She was strong as she were able to pull the Mana from the world using her tree, she easily survives this realm alongside the beast of this world. I love her like a daughter, but one day I had to left her here, beings like me have rules, and one them prevent me from staying here too long," Oanis said.


    "So I left without saying goodbye because it was too hard for me to do, but it was one of my deepest regret and mistake because I had caused her to think that she was abandoned, and as time went by, her hatred for me grew," Oanis said while a single tear run down her cheek, Neya somehow could feel the sad emotion coming off from the being.


    "I try to talk to her, calm her down, but she couldn''t see reason. So she tries to suck the world dry of its Mana and use it to strike me. But sucking the world of its Mana will destroy it. I had to stop her, so I prison her into the mirror realm using the Kcol that I created," Oanis continues.


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    "Why don''t you end her? I mean you''re a literal god, the creator of this world," Neya ask.


    "Because I love her. However, there is truth in your word, action must be taken, she must be stopped," Oanis said then she turns her body to face the elf girl.


    "But, I will need your help, brave mortal," Oanis said.


    "Me?" Neya ask.


    "Yes, I see strength in you," Oanis said.


    "I can''t fight a god, I already lost someone to her, I''m not going to lost any more people to her," Neya said as she took a step back.


    "If you don''t do this, the entire world will be destroyed by her," Oanis said.


    "Damn it... If I do this, can you bring back someone for me?" Neya ask.


    "I know what you are thinking, but I can''t bring back someone who is dead. Like I said before there are rules to being as powerful as I am," Oanis said.


    Neya glance behind her to her friends then she turns her gaze back at the being in front of her and said, "What do I have to do?"


    Out of nowhere a pendant with a tree etching on it appears on the elf woman hands, she floats it toward Neya and said, "You have to touch this pendant with Yana''s body, it will cut off her connection to the tree and I will do the rest."


    Neya took the pendant into her hands and said "I think I can do it, but how do I get there in time? I''m on an island that separated by a sea, I don''t think I will be able to get there before she sucks the world dry of its Mana."


    Neya blinks her eyes, and it is meet with the clear night sky instead of a stone ceiling. She notices that healers are running around her and toward the injured knights that are laying on the grass while carrying potions bags. When she looked up at the flag post, she notices the Targia flag is being blown by the wind. She turns around, seeing Vel and Vizrez in a state of confusion.


    She raises her hand and saw the pendant, confirming what just happens earlier. She then stores it inside one of her pockets.


    "What in the name of. How do we even get here?" Vizrez let out.


    "Strange." Vel comments.


    Suddenly, a very familiar voice greets her, "Neya, it''s you. We have been searching for you!! I heard what happen, I couldn''t believe it myself," Lilia called out while wearing a healer robe, the green haired girl runs to her, and embraces her in a warm hug.


    "So do I, But don''t worry, I''m fine. Where are Digia and the others?" Neya ask while Lilia let her go.


    "They all are aboard the Windcutter and searching for you at the battlefield," Lilia said.


    "Call them back, we have a job to do. Where is the Prince?" Neya ask.


    "He is...in the meeting tent with the Queen of Weyshers," Lilia said, her eyes glance at the large tent in the middle of the field guarded by both Targia''s and Weyshers''s knights.


    "Vizrez, Vel! Lets us go have a talk with the leader of the elven kingdom," Neya said.


    The cyclops women look at the Woodfolk boy with both eyebrows raised, and Vel replied by shrugging his shoulders. Neya starts marching toward the tents with both eyebrow furrow while Vel and Vizrez quickly jog after her. The determine elf girl was about to enter the tent when she was stopped by a knight, she glares at the knight and said.


    "If you don''t let me in right now, I''m going to have my friend here jam your helmet up to your butt," Neya threaten the knight while gesturing to Vizrez beside her that is currently cracking her knuckles with a giant smile on her face.


    The knight''s eyes widen under the helmet, his voice shaken as he said, "I''m. I''m sorry, but it''s the King order."


    "Then I''m sorry for doing this, Vizrez!" The cyclops woman lifts the knight up into the air and tosses him to the side which causes the entire knights surrounding the tent to engage her into a fistfight.


    Neya used the confusion to enter the tent along with Vel, upon entering the tent she hears an argument between four people.


    "Unless you retract that new law, we will never join forces with you. Goodbye, Sir." The two live illusion of the leader of Rochia and Pignaria disappear back into the orb.


    "Wait!" Ariamnes called out.


    "I already told you, King Ariamnes. They will never join you, they are too stubborn to change," The woman voice sends a chill running down Neya''s spine as she recognizes who voice it is.


    Prince Ariamnes turns around and notices the elf girl standing near the entrance. Their gaze met, and a smile form on the prince''s face as he saw her. However, when her gaze met with her mother, there is a clear storm between the two of them.


    "Neya... I''m glad you made it, safe and sound. I heard what happens, that fool, he should have let me help him," Ariamnes said while grief wanders inside his eyes.


    "He certainly a lovable idiot, but I''m not here to grieve. I have information about the Yana the goddess, she is trying to suck the world dry of its Mana, and I have a way to stop her," Neya said.


    "Without Mana left in the world, who knows what will happen, but I don''t have the manpower to help you except if Weyshers willing to joins us in the fight?" Prince Ariamnes said as his eyes dart to Queen Lucilla.


    Queen Lucilla gaze move from Ariamnes to Neya and back to the Prince.


    "No," Lucilla answers nonchalantly.


    "What do you mean no? Didn''t you hear what I just said? The world is ending," Neya said, perplex by Lucilla answer.


    "How do I know that you are telling the truth, and this is not just a revenge plot after you lose that human of your," Lucilla said.


    Neya almost rages out after her mother mock Nesto death, but she manages to calm down before her own anger took over. "One of the things, I learn from my human is too not waste my life chasing after revenge."


    The queen sees the sincerity of her daughter words and lets out a small smile, "Still, I have lost enough men for this war, and I''m not going to lose anymore."


    Ariamnes let out a chuckle, "Come on, Lucilla, I know you want something from me. If you are truly against this fight, you would already leave this tent."


    "Nice observation, King. I want half of your kingdom resource and expert men to help stabilize my own kingdom. That is all I need," Queen Lucilla laid out her demands.


    "Half?" Neya said surprised by the overwhelming demand of her mother.


    But Ariamnes only let out an amused smile, before saying " Half... Interesting, it can certainly be done, but only if you would ally yourself with my kingdom and implement the new law in your kingdom."


    "Then, my army is yours to command, my new friend," Queen Lucilla had a grin on her face as both of their gazes met.

 Chapter 57: End.

    It took a while for Neya to explain the pendant along with her meeting with a real god. It quite hard for the young king and the queen to believe the tall tale that Neya just told, but after seeing the seriousness in the elf girl eyes, they ignore the hard to believe part and focus on the pendant that could stop Yana.


    After discussing the plan on how to get the pendant on the massive goddess, the meeting finally adjourned. Queen Lucilla left the tent and head to her own camp. The young king stays behind to work out the remaining part of the plan while Neya leaves the tent with Vel following behind her.


    The moment Neya leave the tent, she was suddenly hugged by Kinnith that came out of nowhere. Surprised, the elf girl looks around her, she sees Vizrez is standing among the knights that she was fighting earlier. The cyclops woman is now seen very friendly to the knights that she is fighting earlier, it looks like she had made the knights her friends.


    Then she moved her gaze behind the elf boy and saw her people with worried eyes and clear grief in them. Lilia is standing among the people with a look of worried on her face and a comforting smile. Melud is standing alongside his squads and holding tightly to the wooden staff that belonged to Nesto. Digia removes her captain''s hat and rushes in for a hug.


    Vel, a bit annoyed by Kinnith actions, join in the hugs. Then Lilia and Melud along his squad join in for a big embrace. Afterward, Grie along with his Windcutter crewmates joins in, and form an even bigger embrace. Neya feels the warmth and comfort that came from their hugs. It cause her to remembers the feeling she felt from a dream or hallucination that she had in the pit prison.


    From afar, Queen Lucilla stare at the huge embrace that made out with different types of people and notice the common trait that they had; their love and trust toward each other.


    "My Queen," Folmon called as he opens the door to the carriage then he notices the queen gaze.


    "My Queen, forgive my rudeness, but it''s not too late to mend the relationship you had with your daughter," Folmon comment.


    "I''m not her mother, not anymore. I''m the Queen, I have my own subjects to worried about," Lucilla said with a cold and uncaring tone.


    Lucilla board the carriage after looking away, Folmon notices the longing eyes that she gave off for a few seconds just before it became glazed. The Magister enters the carriage and closed the door behind him in which cause the carriage to move again.


    Neya was about to cry because of the overwhelming happiness that she felt, but she held the tears in.


    Then she said loudly, "My loved one, friends, and family. I know that I''m asking a lot from you after we just lost a great man, but I need your help again."


    Her family and friends break away from the massive hug and listen to what she about to say. "I''m not strong. No, I am strong, but not strong enough to do this alone. What I''m trying to say is, I need your help again, to fight that massive thing and save the world."


    "I know I''m asking you to risk your life again, and I understand if you don''t want to. I don''t judge you for leaving, I don''t condemn you for leaving... What am I doing?... Why do I risk everyone life?" A few of her words trail off as she looks down to the ground.


    "You risk everything because you care about us, without this world we would all be dead, right? You fight for us in any way you can, but you are not a fighter. You can''t fight this battle alone, so we are joining you, right mates?" Grie said as he glances to his crewmates beside him, and they all let out a cheer.


    "Nesto give me this wooden staff and tell me to lead. Then, my first order as a leader is to fight alongside you once more, right squad?" Melud said as he raises his wooden staff up in the air and all of his squad lift theirs.


    "We are your friends, and you are part of the pioneers club and pioneers club stick together," Digia said as she pulls Lilia close to her side.


    "Another fight, Why not? Besides, you owe me a lot of banquets," Vizrez let out a chuckle.


    "Vel is with you forever," Vel said while bowing his head slightly.


    "My friends and I are willing to join you. I let you go once, and I''m not going to let you go anymore," Kinnith said.


    Both of the boy''s words cause her cheek to rose up. Vel rolls his eyes at the elf boy words while jamming his elbow to Kinnith''s side. Kinnith reply with the same behaviors which cause them both to glare at each other.


    Neya looks at the determined, fearless faces of her family and friends.


    She couldn''t wish for a better family.


    Far away in the distance, a black-haired elf girl is walking away from the camp with a sword strap onto her back, she stops on her track and looks behind her. Her gaze falls on the camp then to the massive tree in the distance, and it gravitates to the massive woman that is standing in the distance with her eyes closed.


    Alasse raises her clench fist until it enters her line of sight. When she opens it, she sees her father pendant lay inside of it. She felt the regret of her action and realize what her father wanted her to do.


    To start a new life without hatred in her hearts.


    She closes her hand and continues to hike away toward Tinevic.


    *


    The morning sun lay its light upon the battlefield, banishing the darkness that was covering the battlefield. Thousands of knights and soldiers from both Kingdom line up at the top of the hill at their own respected territory and overlooking the battlefield while facing the massive woman.


    Yana still ignores the thousands of mortals that are gathering around her tree and kept her stare at the sky.


    Ariamnes ride his own horse while noticing a light mist are covering the area around the tree, and thousands of some sort of large cocoons protruded out from the ground. 167 walks up to the young king and said "My king, my scouts found no information on the cocoon, we have no idea what it is. My advice is to be careful around it."


    Lucilla rides her horse among her army with Folmon keeping her safe by staying close to her side. Her stare gravitates toward the cocoons, and she advises her men to be careful.


    Vizrez along with Melud and his squad stay among the Targia army with their weapons ready while they wait for the signal. Kinnith and his Wolics friends ready themselves mentally as they wait for the signal.


    "My king, your men are ready as they can be, we all are waiting for your signal," A general ride up to the king and said.


    "Ready to make the loudest noise you can, we need that woman to pay attention to us!" Ariamnes yell and his men hit the pommel of their sword against their metal armor to make some noise.


    The young king took out his sword and yell out, "Sound the horns!!!"


    The war horns let out a roar throughout the battlefield, lifting the knight''s and soldier''s morale. Then the Weyshers army let out a roar of their own as their own horn blast the battlefield.


    "Charge!!!!" The king yells as he points his sword toward the woman.


    Both of the Elven Kingdom army fire a volley of fireballs toward the massive woman first before the soldiers charge toward the cocoon filled battlefield. The fireballs hit the woman body, exploding on impact. However, it shows no clear effect on her body, but they did manage to grab the woman attention, anger can be seen on her face, and she pointed her hands toward the army.


    As both of the army charge toward the cocoons, they can see it begin to pulse and throb violently. Suddenly all the cocoons pop like a water-filled balloon and puke out an army of twisted undead elves with overgrown vines that are sticking out of their body. The undead elves rush toward the soldier like an animal, the knights gulp down their own saliva in fear as they slow down their charge. However, they gather back their bravery and ready their weapon at their side while they charge toward the army of undead elves.


    The elf army clash with the undead elves, a fight erupted the moment they met, bodies part fly around the battlefield as the strength of the undead elf was surprising, but Vizrez is stronger, and she mows down her enemy with a heavy strike while Melud and his squad take them down efficiently.


    Kinnith supports his Wolics friends in a fight by striking the undead elf with a lightning spell. Folmon cast his own spell, then a large chunk of the rubble fall out from the portal that appears above the undead elf and crash into them.


    Even with the full force of the two armies from the elven kingdoms, it was not enough. The army was getting overwhelmed by the number of the undead elf that kept rising. The knights and soldiers are slowly getting exhausted and sustain more injury over time. They can''t hold it much longer, just they about to lose hope, Ariamnes ride through the line while raising his sword up in the air and yell out "Aperori Maximus!"


    Thousands of golden rays of light shine upon on each of the knights and soldiers at the battlefield. Their body is filling up with stamina again while their injury heals almost instantly. The soldiers cheer as they continue to fight the undead elves. Then a wave of undead elf rush to the right side of their undefended line, the young king notice and ride his horse toward the right line.


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


    After arriving at the right side, Ariamnes jump off his horse and stab his sword through the ground. The sword glows a golden hue, and he mutters, "Incernium Demiseo."


    The ground split open in front of Ariamnes and molten earth rise up the swept the undead elves like ocean waves. It burns and melted the undead with ease while protecting the undefended right side of the front line. The young king felt exhausted as the use two large spells begin to drain him of Mana.


    Queen Lucilla raise both of her hands up to the air and mutter "Immi Thundulus." The cloud darkens above the battlefield then suddenly a huge amount of lighting struck each of the undead elves below it, destroying their body and reducing their number.


    While the fight continues on the ground, the Windcutter sneakily fly from behind the tree and head toward the massive woman. The flying ship slowly getting closer to the massive woman, when they are in range, Neya took out the pendant while Vel ready his bow and arrow.


    "We need to get closer to Yana," Neya said.


    The pendant glows a bright light suddenly, Neya looks at the pendant confused to what it is trying to do. The glowing pendant causes Yana to jerk her head toward the Windcutter as she notices the familiar energy that the pendant emits.


    There is a look of anger directed toward Neya, she let out a hiss at the ship and raise her hands while pointing it toward the ship. Then a huge root arises from the ground and hit the side of the ship causing the Windcutter to shudder as the root scrape against the ship body.


    "Damn it the plan is a bust! We need to turn around, or we all will be dead!!" Digia shouts as she tries to turn the wheel.


    "We can''t retreat! It''s now or never!" Neya shouts back then another root scrape against the ship Magic engine.


    Neya loses her footing causing her to trip over herself and accidentally let go of the pendant. She looks with shocked as the pendant slide toward the edge of the ship. The elf girl took off into a run toward the pendant, but she was too late as the pendant slides out of the ship. Without a second thought, she jumps out and grabs the pendant just before it was about to become out of reach.


    However, when she looks back at the ship, the sudden realization of what she did stab her mind, fear and despair arise. She closed her eyes then felt someone grab hold of her ankle, and prevent her from falling even further. Neya opens her eyes again and saw Vel with a painful face as he grabs on to her ankle.


    Another root hit against the ship causing it to tilt to the left and cause Vel to accidentally let go of Neya, but the elf girl manages to throw the glowing pendant to the Woodfolk boy just before she about to fall.


    Vel catches the pendant and her eyes widen as she looks at the elf girl.


    "Fire it!!" Neya screams as she falls toward the ground.


    Vel clench his teeth then tied the pendant to his arrow and launch it across the sky. He then jumps out from the ship to chase after Neya while tossing his bow away. The arrow flew in speed toward Yana, from afar Neya could see the flying arrow when she looks back at the ship. She sees Vel extending his hand out to her after jumping out from the ship


    Neya tears drip upward from her face as the wind carry it far away from her, she tries to reach for the boy''s hand and manages to grab it. Vel pulls her closer into an embrace and whispers to her ears.


    "I''m here."


    Neya smile as her eyes filled with tears "I''m scared."


    "I''m too."


    The arrow sticks onto Yana body then the pendant touches her body causing her to be enveloped in glowing runes. The runes shine like the sun and overwhelm the entire battlefield. Then the light dissipates and the world completely stop. Neya couldn''t move her body, but she could move her eyes, she looks at Oanis hovering above Yana in her otherworldly form and even bigger than the woman itself.


    Yana screams in anger as she glares at the Oanis.


    "I have failed you, daughter, I''m sorry."


    "You left me! I hate you!!" Yana screams.


    "I had too," Oanis said.


    "Then I had to do this!" Yana said as she extends her hand toward Oanis, but nothing happens.


    "What did you do!" Yana shouts.


    "I strip off your power," Oanis said.


    "You trickster, you said you can''t meddle with mortal business," Yana said.


    "I had a help from a little friend," Oanis said.


    Neya felt her entire body along with Vel is being lifted up into the ship by a gentle invisible hand.


    "What now, are you going to kill me?" Yana taunt.


    "No, I couldn''t because I love you... but my sister will do it," Oanis said.


    "Aeterna?" Yana looks and saw the human-sized skeleton in a black robe, hovering in front of her while holding a large scythe and a black crow perching on her shoulder.


    The sight of the other being cause an absolute terror in Neya hearts, she instantly knows who she is as if her image and name are ingrained into her mind. She has never felt this close to... death before. Even Yana felt the absolute fear when she laid her eyes upon the hovering skeleton.


    The collector of souls, the harbinger of death, the grim reaper.


    "Wait, No! Mother! No!!!" Yana screams in fears.


    With a swipe of her scythe, Yana body instantly becomes lifeless, and the massive woman body was about to fall but stuck in time just like others. The goddess of death disappears into thin air just like how she came, it was that simple. Neya couldn''t believe it, but she did because of she just witnesses it happens right before her eyes.


    "Thank you, Neya. May you have a great life ahead of you." Oanis thanks.


    Time move again and Oanis was nowhere to be seen. Yana lifeless body falls to the ground, the undead elves freeze mid-charge and fall limply to the grounds. The soldiers and knights cheer their hearts out as they had won the battles.


    Vel looks surprised as he realizes that he is back aboard the ship with Neya wrap around his arms, the elf girl holds Vel closer to her body, and wishing to stay like this even longer. The Woodfolk boy gladly let Neya have her wish while the ship tremble as the Magic engine can''t support them in the air anymore, it is heading to the ground, and Digia is trying her best to keep the ship from crashing into the ground.


    From afar, Queen Lucilla sight follows the falling ship, some kind of instinct ignite inside her and causing her to cast a spell that forms a massive ice slide for the ship. The Windcutter slide down the ice and the bottom of the ship struck the dirt causing an immediate stop and throwing everyone aboard to the front of the ship where they hit their body against the wood rail.


    Darkness overwhelms Neya''s sight, and after a long silence, she felt her entire body being carefully lifted up just before she falls unconscious.


    It was very cold until a warm hand takes hold of her hand, she opens her eyes and met with the ceiling of a tent. Her gaze falls to her side and saw her mother, looking at her while holding on to her hand. She was surprised to see her mother sitting at her side and to see the relief in her eyes when her mother sees her waking up.


    Lucilla removes her hand then her eyes turn glazed over again. Her mother stands up from her stool and starts to walk toward the exit, but Neya called her out, stopping her from leaving.


    "Wait!" She said.


    "I don''t understand. After all this time, after what you did, do you still care?" Neya ask.


    "I don''t know... Maybe I do," Queen Lucilla.


    "I don''t want it to end like this, I don''t want to live with hatred in my heart. So can we start over?" Neya ask.


    Queen Lucilla glance behind her and look at elf girl laying on the bed while cover with bandages. "I don''t know... It''s confusing, but if you want to, I can try," Queen Lucilla said as she has never been so uncertain in her life.


    "Thank you," Neya said.


    The Queen nodded her head before leaving the tent. Neya let out a smile as she wishes that Nesto would be here by her side and witness how much she has grown. Her thoughts are disturbed when two boys fall out from the entrance and into the tent.


    Kinnith and Vel looking at each other feeling guilty because they had peeked through the door during her talk with her mom. Vizrez bust through the door with a loud roar, "The chief live again!!"


    Then, family and friends start pouring in the tent wishing to visit the injured elf girl. They all had a big smile on their face as one by one come closer to Neya and hug her. She couldn''t start smiling with happiness even though the hug is really painful because of her injury.


    She had won, but still, she has a lot of work to do at the Outcast company if she wants to make it a home for all of them.


    "Long live, Chief Neya, Slayer of the Wyvern Queen," They cheer and start to try to lift the bed in which Neya is laying on.


    Neya tries to stop them, but they didn''t listen. They lift her bed high up in the air while cheering her name on. Neya felt joy with embarrassment at the same time and a little bit of pain from the bed rocking side to side. She just laughs as they wouldn''t listen to her and try to carry the bed along with her out of the tent.


    "Let''s go home," Neya said with a bright big smile.

 Epilogue.

    Years have passed.


    A fully-grown young woman with double braided ginger hair while wearing an eye patch over her left eye, let out a small yawn. She leans her shoulder and head against the young girl with black, frizzy hair beside her. The frizzy-haired girl body jolts in surprise while checking the document in her hands.


    "Miss Neya?" The frizzy-haired girl said surprised by the elf woman action.


    "I''m sorry, Nel... I''m really sleepy. Can I borrow your shoulder a bit?" Neya said with pouty lip and puppy eye.


    Nel let out a defeated sigh while the boy that is sitting in front of her let out a giggle, causing his blonde, thick bangs that are covering his eyes to sway.


    Nel kicks the boy''s foot to stop him from giggling, "Om, don''t make me hurt you."


    "Okay, okay," Om said while raising both his hand up then continues to sharpen the tip of one of his arrows.


    The buildings change as Neya stares out of the carriage window, through the same window she can hear the bustling sound of the city. She can smell the delicious smoked beef that is coming from the market outside of the carriage. Her stomach growl while she let out a quiet groan.


    "I want some food!!" Neya moan.


    "We can''t get some, Miss Neya. You are on a diet," Nel said.


    "Nel... Pretty please," Neya plead with her puppy eye.


    "We could get some fried lettuce on the way," Om suggested.


    "Don''t encourage her," Nel scold.


    "Oh, come on, Nel. Loose up a little. Miss Neya has been in three different meetings with the King of Materna, the King of Targia and the trade ship captain from the dock since she left Outcast Sanctuary," Om reply.


    "Fine... Princess Caretena is going to be pissed if she found out. You are supposed to watch your weight because you have a dance to attend tonight," Nel said.


    Om knocks on the wooden wall behind him to signal the driver to stops the carriage. The carriage stops then it rocks back and forth as something heavy get off the carriage. The door open and reveal a cyclops woman that is standing on the other side of the door with a giant smile on her face.


    "Why are we stopping, Chief?" Vizrez ask.


    "We are going to some fried lettuce. Let''s go, Vizrez," Neya said as she walks down the carriage step.


    "Oh, can we get some chocolate cake along the way?" Vizrez ask.


    "Sure," Neya said as she walks toward the plaza market along with Vizrez, Nel and Om.


    "Miss Neya, since we have some time to talk. I want to know who are you going with to the dance, Kinnith or Vel?" Nel asks after she reaches closer to Neya''s side.


    "Nel... Why do you have to remind me?" Neya said.


    "Miss Neya, you can''t run away from it, sooner or later you will have to pick. Kinnith is so handsome and caring at the same time. He always emits a mysterious vibe when he is around while Vel has this rough look on the outside, but he actually a softie on the inside. A lot of woman in the camp is actually interested in him. So, which one you pick?" Nel asks.


    "I don''t know, both of them seem busy with their life, Kinnith with the Academy while Vel is training those new recruits. I don''t want to bother them," Neya groans.


    "If I were you, Miss Neya. I would pick brother Vel, he is so cool with a bow, and I can guarantee that he will take care of you," Om cut in on the conversation.


    "Of course, you would pick Vel because he is your mentor," Nel said while rolling her eyes to the side.


    Om let out a grin as he breaks away from the two of them, Neya smile as she saw the banter between the boy and the girl. She leans closer to Nel and whispers "So speaking of my love life, how about yours?"


    Nel cheek rosy up as her lips pouts when she whispers back, "It''s hard, Om is a little dense."


    "Hang in there," Neya said while she pats the girl''s head.


    "So how about you, Vizrez?" Neya ask.


    "I''m great actually, Venhana and I are going on a vacation next month," Vizrez said proudly.


    When they arrive at the center of the plaza market, they were met with a beautiful small size statue of a man with no face, but have a ponytail, wears a butler''s uniform while holding a staff. The statue stands proudly as it looks up at the sky, people can sense the peaceful aura that it gave off.


    Neya remembers that this spot once had a Yana statue, they must have brought it down after the last war.


    To people, the statue resembles no one they know because it was designed to pay respect to hundreds of men and women that die during the last war, but even if no one recognizes who it is, Neya knows who he really is. She bought a single Claryfair flower from a merchant near the statue, and place it amongst the flower that decorates beneath the statue, where names of the dead are carved into the pedestal.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Nel and Om gave Neya some privacy while Vizrez walks up to elf girl and place a comforting hand on her shoulder, "It''s too bad that we can''t find his body."


    "It''s fine, It''s just a body. Besides, his soul is already with the one he loved," Neya said.


    After Neya pays her respect to the man that she owes her life too, they went shopping for foods at the market. As Neya wanders around the market, she realizes that she had gotten herself separates with her group. While she tries to find her groups, she notices a familiar black hair girl enters an old building.


    She couldn''t get the girl off her mind, it''s like she has seen her before, but she couldn''t remember where. Without a second thought, she follows the black-haired girl into the old buildings. When she pushed the old door open, it squeaks loudly as the door swing to the side then her eyes are met with a big, rectangle, open space in the middle of the building, and hallway with column encircle it.


    Neya recognizes what this old building used to be, it is a training school for gladiators, but since gladiator fight is banned by the king, the owner must have abandoned this place. Proof by the decades-old of neglect, the wall has lost its color after years of rain and heat. Visible holes in the roof can be seen from where Neya stands while grass has grown in the cracks of the wall and floor.


    She walks to the middle of the open space, where a garden table and several chairs stood around it. The table looks new compared to the rest of the buildings, she turns her head when she heard the squeaking noise of the door opening.


    An older human woman with gray hair, brawny built bodied with a stack of heavy sacks over her shoulders stands in the doorway. She looks at the elf girl surprised by the sudden visitor. Neya then sees a couple of small children are hiding behind the woman leg, an elf, and a human. The children have no resemblance to the woman, so the woman couldn''t be their mother.


    "You both go on ahead and fetch some tea for us while I talk to our new visitor here," The older woman said to the kids after lowering the heavy sacks off her shoulders.


    The kids run toward the kitchen in a hurry, the woman then walks closer to the elf girl and extend her hand for a handshake. Neya took her hand with her own and felt the tight squeeze from the woman before letting go. She was pleasantly surprised by how strong the woman is despite her age.


    The woman took a seat at one of the chairs near the garden table and said, "Please take a seat."


    After hearing the woman words, Neya took a seat facing the woman, the woman then asks "You''re not from the gang, right?"


    "Gang?" Neya let out.


    "Yes, the Moonsky gang. The one who has been collecting protection fee from this area," The older woman said,


    "I''m not from any gang, I accidentally wander in here," Neya said.


    "I see, if you are not from the gang, then welcome to Sunrise Home for the orphans. My name is Adosinda, I''m the caretaker of this humble abode," Adosinda said proudly.


    "Adosinda? Where did I hear that name before?" Neya said.


    "I used to fight in the gladiator arena before it was banned," Adosinda said.


    "I don''t think it was that... Never mind, maybe it will cross my mind one day. May I ask, why did you open an Orphanage?" Neya ask.


    "After the war and the new law, a lot of kids become parentless, and they need a new home. I thought to myself, why don''t I open one, and I did. I came back to the Kingdom and buy out my old gladiator school then turn it into a place for orphans to call home," Adosinda said.


    "A noble task," Neya comment.


    "I''m actually an orphan myself, the gladiator school raises me, and I once raised a weird orphan boy before I left," Adosinda said.


    The two kids came back with a wooden tray of teapot and cup. They place it on the table and Adosinda pats their head as a reward while letting one of them sit on her lap. "Where is Sister Alasse?" Adosinda asks the little ones.


    "Big sis doesn''t want to come out."


    "Why is that?" Adosinda asks, and the kids replied with a shrug of their shoulders.


    The little one pours some tea for Neya then with a smile and thanks you, she takes a sip of that tea. Her eyes open up in surprise as she tastes the tea, she couldn''t believe it, a tear escapes her eye and drips down to her cheek. She let out a smile as she tries to hold in the tear, Adosinda looks at the elf girl surprised by her sudden teary eye.


    "What''s wrong?" Adosinda ask.


    "The tea, it''s the same taste. I had someone who I owe my life too and once raise me. He loves to make tea, and his tea tastes the same as yours. How is it possible?" Neya ask.


    "Hmm... Could it be? May I ask, what is his name?" Adosinda ask.


    "Nesto Fasheir," Neya mutter his name.


    "Fasheir... My full name is Adosinda Fasheir. I raised that man," Adosinda said.


    "Now I remember, he once told me about you," Neya said as she wipes the single tear away.


    "What happens to him?" Adosinda ask.


    "He passed away... protecting me," Neya answer, as her smile fall flat.


    "Nesto has always put others before himself, that boy... I hope it was painless," Adosinda said as she wipes the tear forming on eyelids.


    The kids look at the old woman with worry in their eyes, Adosinda swipes their concern away when she rubbed the top of their head. The door opens again revealing three familiar people, Vizrez, Nel and Om.


    "Miss Neya?! Thank the world, we found you. You are late for the meeting with the Queen, lets haste," Nel said while the feeling of relief floods her head.


    "It seems my times is up. Adosinda, can I visit here some time, I would like to hear more about Nesto''s past," Neya asks as she gets up from her chair.


    "I would like that...I mean we would like that," Adosinda said as she look at the children.


    "Thank you," Neya said as she walks toward her friends.


    "Neya!" Adosinda called out, and the elf girl stops then turn her head around, "I still don''t know more about you, but if Nesto raised you. He did a good job, and he would be proud of you."


    Neya turns her body and bows her head to the woman. When she raised her head back up, a grateful smile appears on her face, then she turns around again and keeps walking toward her friends. They left the building and walk down the street toward her carriage where she boards it.


    "Who was that?" Nel asks.


    "I will tell you along the way, but for now can we stop at Tinevic first. I want to visit him." Neya said as she stared out of the window.


    *


    Tinevic.


    Two well-kept tombstones stand side by side on a small hill filled with blue flowers that are growing around it, and a single tree stands behind the tombstones. The warm breeze brush against the leaves, peaceful and serene. Such a beautiful day like no other.


    Two names carved on the tombstones.


    Nesto Fasheir and Eilna Liatris.


    A slave.


    A nobleman.


    A father.


    A knight.


    A butler.


    A lover.


    These names are what they used to be. but now they are just two souls resting here.


    From afar, when someone looks upon this hill, they will see a glimpse of two souls leaning against each other while sitting under the tree, loving one another.


    Finally, together.


    -The End-