《Who Am I?》
Prologue-Death (Redone)
¡°pant¡ pant¡ to think the Great Magistrate Maximus would be betrayed and killed by his own allies. What a disgrace. All of this death and it¡¯ll still never amount as revenge for taking her from me.¡±
In what used to be beautiful plains was now battle-scarred land. Covered in patches of burnt ground, human ice sculptures, and patches utterly devoid of life. The land was covered in bodies ranging from burnt, frozen, fried, melted, or turned to dust. Laying in the center of all this destruction was a man. Within a hundred feet circle of around him was nothing but barren land. Outside of that circle though, bodies littered the ground numbering in the tens of thousands. Not a sound could be heard on this desolate battleground. Eerily quiet with the smell in the air being a mixture of all the different types of destruction. The man was glaring at the sky with unwillingness and rage in his eyes. Every few seconds the man¡¯s limbs would twitch from him trying to put strength into them. Yet, no how much he tried he couldn¡¯t get his body to rise once. The man knew he was dying but refused to accept it.
Having a head full of blonde hair that flowed like silk now matted in dirt and blood couldn¡¯t take away from the man¡¯s beauty; that was so terrifying men and women alike fell in love at first sight. His face now covered with cuts and bruises that could not detract from the man¡¯s beauty. The man¡¯s body was covered in wounds from head to toe. With two arrows in his chest puncturing the same lung. Two spears were sticking out from his stomach not including the ones he already pulled out in his rampage. One stabbed into his stomach while the went straight through his liver. A dagger and sword both stabbed into his back. His entire left arm laying on the ground gripping a leather tome. Blood pool rapidly expanding from where his arm was separated at the shoulder. The leather tome covered in dancing magical runes that makes it difficult on deducing where it starts and ends. Lying next to his now broken right hand with his fingers pointing in different directions is a broken enchanted quarterstaff. The staff was his pride and lifelong weapon that accompanied him through countless adventures. His once magnificent black battlemage robes were now in tatters from countless minor wounds done when his magic ran out.
Walking up to the man were three individuals each appearing more tired than the last. Two men and one woman approached him still slightly on guard. Ready for any sort of spell that might come flying their way.
The man leading the group was a middle-aged man wearing what one can assumed used to be enchanted full plate armor that now looked like scrap metal. The man was holding a halberd. 6 ft 3inches tall that seemed to be radiating with magical energy. He wasn¡¯t wearing his helmet though was probably lost at some point in the fight. A red mane of hair covered in dirt and blood made his hair glisten a more sinister red. With eyes full of sadness and face full of resolution the man walked towards the man he knew as his dear friend.
The other man wore dirt covered ornate chainmail armor that was decorated more for show then effectiveness. Donning no weapons but holding his left arm that was clearly facing a way it shouldn¡¯t. Standing at 7 ft tall a red dragonkin with a dragon like head, body covered in scales with eyes that looked at the downed man in contempt and fear while cradling his broken arm. The man walked with small steps to try and not agitate the pain in his arm even more.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
The woman covered in once pristine priests¡¯ robes, now covered in blood stains and dirt. Standing at 5ft 11inches with head of blue hair with streaks of silver, pointed ears, sleek body, and webbed fingers. She walked alongside the man in the lead glancing at him every now and then. Her eyes shifted between pity and fear while glancing at the man on the ground. Then worry and affection for the man leading the group.
The leading man stopped at the man¡¯s body and sighed ¡°Max, have you come to your senses while waiting for death¡¯s embrace old friend?¡±
Max stopped looking at the sky and focused on the red-haired man who had a hand in his lover¡¯s demise. ¡°I never lost my senses it was you, and the Council who took her from me! So, don¡¯t try and give me that bullshit close friend attitude. We were close friends once Andrew but, that was before you guys decided to take her from me without me knowing.¡±
Andrew¡¯s expression saddened even though he already expected as much. ¡°So, the curse still remains even on death¡¯s door. I was hoping I could have one last conversation but, guess it is simply not meant to be. Then do you have anything you wish to say before you die?¡± His hand clenching his halberd tighter at the mention of the word ¡®Die¡±.
The dragonkin walks forward then reaches down and pries the leather tome out of Max¡¯s left hand. The dragonkin chuckles out loud, ¡°The Council can use this to further their understanding of magic and spells. Since a certain someone didn¡¯t want to spread their knowledge to rest of the world, Mage. Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll take good care of your book after you die.¡± His voice radiating contempt and disdain while walking away waving the book the in air.
Glaring daggers at the dragonkin, Max shifts his sight onto the book saying, ¡°Go home and stay there until my return.¡± A rune on the book flashes before blinking out of sight. Max grins smugly at the dragon kin. ¡°There is a reason I refuse to hand my magic over to the Council but, you are more then welcome to break into my temple to take it. Oh, I encourage you to try General Balmon.¡±
General Balmon clenches his fist then turns around with rage in his eyes storming towards Max before he is stopped by a halberd resting on his chest.
Andrew withdraws his weapon saying, ¡°Stop Balmon, we both knew that it¡¯s next to impossible to take a book from Max; so no reason to get mad when you knew how it would already turn out.¡±
Glaring hatefully toward Max before switching to a smug smile while looking down upon him before saying, ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter the all-powerful Magistrate Maximus has been reduced to a mere mad dog that needed to be cut down. Just like the animal he always was. Him and his demon bitch of a wife can now die in peace knowing we won.¡±
¡°BALMON we all know that we never saw or touched Max¡¯s wife yet, you think claiming she is dead to a dying man will boost your ego. Do you have so little pride?¡± Andrew berates him knowing how petty this general can be. Balmon snorts with little puffs of fire shoot out his nostrils while opting to remain silent.
Max starts cackling with a crazed look saying, ¡°Fine, Andrew. You want to know what my last words are? I shall say them now! I¡¯ll be back and next time you won¡¯t stop me! As many times as it takes I shall keep coming back until this world burns for taking Mara from me!¡± declares with his vision slowly starts descending into darkness.
He closes his eyes then reaches out with his broken right hand into the air with a couple tears going down his face. With his breaths getting fainter before the last breath escapes his lips and his hand falling limp to the ground a single thought goes through his head, ¡®I¡¯ll burn the world for you Mara, just wait¡¯.
Chapter 1 - Aftermath (Redone)
Balmon watched the scene of the magus dying while sneering inwardly, ¡®Another monster slain, so much for so called Immortal Warriors.¡¯ A jolt of pain goes through his broken arm causing him to clench his teeth as he moves his gaze towards the only woman among them. ¡°How long are you going to wait before you heal my arm, Eleanor?¡± Balmon growls out at the woman.
Eleanor turns her head looking at him with her face reverting back to her usual expressionless face. She raises her hand gathering divine power then casts a heal towards Balmon¡¯s arm. At a pace that can be seen with naked eye his arm quickly reconstructs back to a pristine condition. While Balmon starts testing his arm Eleanor opens her mouth to him, ¡°It is shocking how someone, who never joined the fight the entire time against the Lord Magistrate, is still able to injure himself. Yet, can get confidant and haughty soon as the man responsible is on his death bed. General have you no shame? I can faintly remember the image of someone ridding like their life depended on it. When the Lord Magistrate focused his bombardment in their direction. One last thing that you should keep in mind General, that you shall address me as High Elder Eleanor. You would do well to remember that. Since it¡¯s not difficult to find someone who would be willing to take your place as mere General.¡±
Face flushing a darker red then red scaled skin can Balmon clenches his fists out of rage, but then calms just as fast. Recalling those hate filled eyes that focused in his direction during the battle terrified him. Shuddering as he recalled the amount of destruction Max caused before he even got to this continent.
Immortal Warriors, ten individuals created by the gods to fight the god¡¯s creator. When the warriors die they will be reborn. Without the gods meddling they will start from a baby and awaken to their previous life¡¯s memories coming back to them slowly. Once the initial awakens hits, they cease to grow or age. Only being able to die through regular means.
While being able to defeat and seal the creator. Freeing the gods from his reign, the warriors were cursed by the creator without having knowledge of it. The gods gave the warriors a realm to do whatever they desired with as a reward.
Balmon snorted inwardly, ¡®Yet, the warriors never knew that the red dragonkin¡¯s god noticed they were cursed to slowly go mad but, opted to not inform them. Rather our god chose to inform us believers, so we can plot to overthrow and restrain them from ascending. Even giving us a way to track them when they are reborn. Just so we can kill them the day they awaken still weak from sorting memories.¡¯
¡®The immortals were more dangerous under the curse than anyone expected. Either sacrifice half the military with wave tactics to bring one down. Or, request the immortals to clean up their mess. After all, it takes a monster to kill a monster.¡¯ Looking over at Andrew, ¡®They didn¡¯t kill each other as we hoped but, a weak monster is much easier to kill. Councilman Jorman will be pleased to know we can move to the next phase. Then I will become the people¡¯s hero in place of the immortals. The Great Hero General Balmon¡¯s triumphant return does sound quite nice. Now to get rid of the last warrior together with that bitch of an elder when my troops arrive.¡¯ Chuckling to himself, Balmon indulges on his on fantasy for when he returns to the capital. A cold voice interrupts his thoughts.
¡°Balmon, mind telling me what is so funny that you would laugh at the death of one of my closest friends?¡±
Balmon stiffens from the killing intent that seemed to overwhelm him when he spoke. Quickly thinking he responds, ¡°I-I was only thinking of how we can now start rebuilding without having to worry about another of you Immortals going mad. Especially when the Magistrate was able to remove your curse when you went mad. We should be happy that through the noble sacrifice of three other Immortals were we able to stop the Magistrate from destroying what he helped build.¡±
The entire reason the destruction was this bad was because no one was able to keep up with Max. Having the ability to lay waste to a city with spells then simply teleport to another location made it next to impossible to respond to him. There are six continents that are each surrounded by water with one in the center and the other five surrounding it. Being able to lay waste to five kingdoms one per continent, including all major forts and capital cities, was terrifying enough. Their only saving grace was that, thanks to the other continents laid to waste, the Immortals were able to concentrate their defense on the main continent. Though it slowed him down in having to expend more magic to take a fort, the Askan Empire had to give up the forts on the outer continent to concentrate the defense on the inner forts closer to the capital. While semi effective focusing on the defense of the inner forts. It didn¡¯t prevent Max from destroying the forts. Forts fell until the only remaining one was the Capital itself. Rallying 130,000 troops that were left the Empire moved the troops outside the capital. The Capital of Askan Empire was only city that had magic array strong enough to keep Max from teleporting within city walls. Each Immortal would go mad at different times that ranged from one year or twenty years. Without having ability to predict the curse, the kingdoms could only rebuild what was destroyed.
Balmon was made leader of the army to co-operate with the Immortals to kill the Magistrate. Despite having become a general through unscrupulous means, he was only general that was still alive. Racist, narrow-minded, and arrogant was how you would describe Balmon. With all of the kingdom¡¯s strongest general¡¯s dead, the council had little choice in sending the only general left to stop Max. With four Immortals combined with 130,000 troops in conjunction with the sea elf¡¯s sending several elder mages lead by a high elder this fight should have been simple.
How wrong we were¡
Having been camping near the road for a few days waiting for the monster to show up. Always making sure to have minimum amount of people on watch but, insuring the troops don¡¯t fatigue from mental stress of being on alert. On the eighth day, right when the sun was at its highest point. In the clear sky, a man appears abruptly in the middle of the road with no one sensing him teleporting in. Blonde hair that went halfway to his shoulders lightly swaying in the wind seemed to amplify the man¡¯s beauty. Bright piercing blue eyes full of cold dark hatred which seemed to be ready to set the world on fire. Enchanted black battle mage robes that devoured the light surrounding cascaded upon him. Holding his spell book in his left hand that pulsated as if alive with countless runes moving back and forth seeming unending. His right hand tightly holding a metal reinforced enchanted quarterstaff that¡¯s specialized for close quarters when he wasn¡¯t with his wife. Though, no one found out what happened for his wife to disappear. Her disappearing was a blessing for not having to deal with two equally powerful individuals when Max fell to the curse. Having perfect coordination of closer quarters combat illusionist with long range bombardment mage was a nightmare.
The alarm was raised couple seconds after Max appeared but, was too late to stop the first spell from going off. While soldiers scrambled to get into position while grabbing their weapons. Max raised the hand with his spell book laid flat in his palm. The book opened on its own flipping pages to the spell Max was casting, reinforcing his spell with the help from the book. Then, above the spell book, the air and space seem to distort before a green orb almost two feet in diameter came into existent. Max shot the spell to the encampment three hundred feet away. In the blink of an eye, the orb traveled the entire distance then landed amongst a concentrated group of soldiers getting into formation.
A bright green flash of light goes off in a hundred feet diameter from the landing sight. Blinding everyone from staring at the location. Few seconds later, the light flashes, disappearing entirely and in its place, there is nothing. What was once full of people and life is no devoid of all. Leaving barren ground and dust with no indication of even existing from the beginning. Everyone freezes at seeing the sight of the so-called chaos spell that they were warned about. Having now being able to witness its might, everyone¡¯s heart fills itself with feeling of dread and terror. Everyone shudders at the sight of another green orb appearing above Max¡¯s book, this time there is two instead of just one. Before he shoots them to the camp a voice breaks the silence, ¡°Spread out and charge him. He doesn¡¯t have the ability to send endless amounts of chaos spells.¡± The commanding voice is traced back to Andrew as he charges from the center tent with three other immortals right behind him ready for battle. Max smiles in response, ¡°Oh, Andrew, you dare collude with the kingdoms to get rid of my wife. This world shall pay with blood for killing Mara! The whole world wanted to kill her then I shall BECOME THE ENEMY OF THE WORLD FOR MARA!¡±
From there everything descended into chaos as spells of all kinds were thrown at Max with troops charging him endlessly. He would teleport a couple hundred feet in one direction, throw three or four spells then teleport once more before he gets swarmed. Soldiers died in the thousands from fire storms, ice breaths, calling lightning from the sky, turning the ground into quicksand, acid rain, and summoning elementals to assist him. The soldiers would get lucky sometimes and catch him with stray weapons while firing randomly at times. After more than a third of the army killed the battle still wasn¡¯t slowing down. The soldiers could only grit their teeth and keep pushing forth knowing if they fail. All is lost. Andrew would give commands to try and help pin down Max. When the army was down to only a third left, some of the soldiers started escaping. Noticing them escaping Andrew bellowed out, ¡°If you run everyone will die! This world will burn! Your friends, families, and your loved ones will all die if you turn your back now! Do you want to run for the sake of saving your own life and watch as he kills everything you love? He is exhausting himself, so he will make a mistake soon! Push forward soldiers! Either he dies or we all die!¡± The soldiers stop running before turning back around with a look of accepting death that awaits them. Andrew casts a spell to speak to Eleanor covertly, ¡°Please tell me you and the elders have something to turn this around? He is running out of magic but, I fear we will all be dead before it becomes relevant.¡± A sweet voice that is laced with fatigue responds to him, ¡°We are working on combining our spells to hold him in place but, you MUST act then for it will not last long. Not as long as he holds that book. Whatever that book is, it¡¯s supplying him with magic. Separate him from the book when we stop him, or we will all perish. You will know when to act.¡± Andrew relays the message to the other immortals to be ready to strike.
When there were no longer any soldiers left on the battlefield Max finally made a mistake. Max was caught by the moon elf elders combining their magic to distort space preventing him from teleporting away. Allowing the Immortals to catch up and engage him in close combat. The Immortals pushed to end this quickly as possible with this chance given to them. Trying to defend against four immortals who excel in close combat was not something Max could do. While being able to avoid fatal blows with occasional counter. He was not able to avoid all blows as the minor cuts started to stack up making him sluggish. Not being able to figure out a way of getting out of the encirclement pushed Max into a corner. The immortals pushed harder for an opportunity to appear that would let them finish this but, they forgot to consider Max¡¯s ability to gamble with his life. Max, as a person who recently figured out how to enchant his robes with chaos resistance. Decided to gamble on whether he could survive his own chaos spell on an untested enchantment. Not wanting to use full power chaos spell and not being able to use his spell book with both hands using his quarterstaff defensively. A hastily formed green orb appeared in front of him and was cast straight at his own feet exploding in a flash of green light. With a smile on his face and eyes bloodshot with madness, Max watched as they tried to escape, knowing just how futile their efforts were.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Sensing the danger, Andrew was quick enough to use a lifesaving item that was linked to his lover to teleport himself to her side. The other three however, were not able to get out in time. Disappearing in a flash of green light. Andrew appeared next to Eleanor with his face darkened while looking at the light, ¡°Let¡¯s hope they made it out, but, if not, be ready to strike soon as the light dissipates as he will be hurt taking his own spell like that.¡±
Eleanor nods then readies her spell.
When the light dissipates, all that is standing there is Max, leaning on his staff breathing heavily with a healing potion falling on the ground emptied. Max looked up, only to see a giant blade of water rapidly filling his vision as it sliced its way to him. With no time to construct a spell properly, he grabs his spell book while hastily forming a shield. Desperately trying to block the blade with his spell while maneuvering his staff to strike the spell down. The water blade instantly cleaves through the shield and collides with the staff where a bright flash of magical energy erupts. The sound of wood breaking followed by a spray of blood flies through the air along with a left arm clutching a book. Max brings his now broken hand to his separated arm and cries out in agonizing pain. Looking for where the spell came from, he locates Eleanor and Andrew. Gritting his teeth, he glares in both of their direction. Struggling to gather his magic through the pain, he casts an explosion spell centered on Eleanor and Andrew.
Eleanor meets Max¡¯s hate filled eyes while catching glimpse of an individual running away on a horse before focusing back on Max. Sensing the magic gathering below them, her eyes widen as she grabs Andrew then teleports them away. Just as a massive explosion goes off where they were standing claiming the life of the other elders. Then they both watch as Max collapses where he stands after the explosion.
Balmon gallops away on his horse from where he was located at the back of the army with pale face. When he noticed Max still standing after the chaos spell he decided to run. As an agonizing voice sounds out. Balmon looks over his shoulder while galloping away to see Max missing an arm while glaring at the elders. ¡®He should bleed out soon enough. I just need to live till then.¡¯ An explosion goes off behind him as he turns back startling his horse. He is thrown from his horse where he hits the ground and a loud crack sounds out followed by a wail of pain.
Being reminded of when he himself was lost to the madness and slaughtered several towns. Only to be finally saved by his best friend, quickly extinguished the rage Andrew felt. His shoulders slumped down just thinking about it. ¡°We have lost three Immortals to the madness before we were able to realize the threat and start developing a cure. Yet, for the man who created a cure to lose himself to it before he could even administer the last cure on himself, is tragic. Two others were killed in the subjugation of the three immortals who went mad together. Now we lose three cured immortals to subjugating the Magistrate.¡± Andrew sighs sadly, ¡°I¡¯m the last Immortal and shall keep the world at peace until my brothers and sisters awaken to join me once more.¡±
Walking up to Andrew while placing her hand on his arm, Eleanor¡¯s eyes soften, ¡°You must remain strong and can only do your best for what is to come. There are many dangers and only you are left to hold them at bay while we rebuild before your brethren awaken. Many enemies will use the time we are rebuilding to bolster up their forces. So, we must prepare for when they invade this realm. We need a leader, Andrew. We need you.¡±
Andrew smiles bitterly at Eleanor then pats her hand, ¡°We¡¯ll rest when we are dead, I suppose.¡± Taking a deep breath while closing his eyes, Andrew solidifies his resolution for what is to come. While gazing at Eleanor, out of the corner of his eye, he notices a dirt cloud coming down the road towards them. ¡°Come, looks like the kingdom has sent the royal guard to find out the conclusion of this battle. Though a quicker response then I expected nonetheless, it¡¯s good to finally reach the aftermath of this tragedy.¡± Dragging his exhausted body, he moves to go in the direction of the incoming troops while still holding Eleanor¡¯s hand on his.
Balmon snickers inwardly, ¡®That¡¯s only what you think foolish little Andrew. Right on time. My troops showed up as planned. Now we need only tie of up loose hands and then we get to celebrate my triumphant return.¡¯ Watching as Andrew and Eleanor walk in the direction the cavalry is coming from. Balmon puts on a smug smile then looks down casting one last look at the Magistrate¡¯s body, ¡®The time of Immortals is no more. This is the time for the Red dragonkin to rise. Taking our rightful place as the dominant race. Rather than each race treated equal. The strong shall rule and the weak, shall obey.¡¯ Turning back to follow the couple heading towards the cavalry.
When the cavalry gets closer, Balmon can recognize the flag as the troops he planted in each fort.
Andrew turns his face towards Balmon, ¡°General, were you aware of any troops suppose to reinforce us? Judging by the look and sound, they number three thousand troops while not big. It still raises questions on why they are just now showing up.¡±
Balmon puts on an equally surprised and confused expression, ¡°I was not made aware of any troops that were supposed to reinforce us. Every troop was accounted for as far as my knowledge goes. We can only wait till they arrive to find out why they were late to the fight that decided our kingdom¡¯s fate. Don¡¯t worry, Andrew. I will get to the bottom of this.¡±
A gleam flashes through Andrew¡¯s eyes as he hears Balmon¡¯s response before he turns back facing the soldiers with his hands tightening on his halberd and Eleanor¡¯s hand.
When the troops get close, they slow down coming to a stop with none of them dismounting. Balmon looks over at Andrew to only see a solemn expression on both him and his wife¡¯s face. Putting on a smug face, Balmon confidently strides over to the soldiers saying, ¡°About time you guys showed up. Would hate if you guys took so long to where Eleanor was able to regain some of her mana by time you arrived.¡± Turning around to face the couple he loudly declares, ¡°As you have guessed, Andrew, all of these soldiers are mine. I have planted them in different forts for. Just to go missing and meet up nearby to await my signal. Soon as that abomination of a mage showed up, I sent them the signal to head this way. I will admit it was a bit of gamble of whether they would make it in time after the battle was over but.¡± looking over at Eleanor, ¡°the elders made sure of the fight ending quickly enough, you have my thanks.¡±
Andrew¡¯s face darkens while Eleanor¡¯s contorts with rage. ¡°So, what now, Balmon? You kill us off and become a bullshit hero you have always wanted to be?¡± Eleanor spats out with barely controlled rage.
Balmon takes on a haughty and prideful appearance, ¡°Of course! This world needs a hero, but that doesn¡¯t mean it has to be an Immortal. How long have I had to suffer the humiliation of being called a cower by the other generals? How long must I bow before an immortal simply because, they are stronger than me. How long will I be forced to follow you immortals¡¯ rules? Every general is now dead and soon every immortal will be dead as well. All because of the coward you claimed me to be. How does it feel to know the one everyone mocked behind his back is now the hero of the world? This world doesn¡¯t need monsters in charge of it anymore. You have already set up the magic defense system for most of the enemies we need to watch out for, so we no longer need you. You immortals are now expendable.¡± Laughing he looks at Andrew, ¡°The Great King Andrew, have you ever thought about why no other Immortal has awakened even though it has been almost thirty years since the first one was killed? HAHAHAHA we have already been given a gift from the gods to predict when you will awaken. All we must do is kill you repeatedly when you awaken now. Whether in some accident or murder. Then BAM no more immortals. A new era has begun, one that doesn¡¯t include you immortals in it. So, feel happy that your efforts were all in paving the way for the rest of us.¡±
Eleanor hollers out in rage, ¡°You really think everything will go the way you want there is a reason the Immortals were sent down here. To be so moronic that you think you can control everything just like the immortals. That no one will know what you did this day is simply idiotic if you think everyone is dumb as you.¡±
Balmon¡¯s face flushes with rage, ¡°Shut your mouth, you bitch! You moon elves have suffered the least by having your city underwater. Your race will be the first to be isolated by the empire. Who will know what happened when all the survivors are either dead or are my loyal soldiers? The people fear and hate the Immortals. The immortals have laid waste to five continents. This is perfect moment to have a new power move in since everyone fears you going mad. Besides, even if some people can guess what will happen, no one can say anything since you two will be dead anyways!¡± Breathing heavy as he glares at Eleanor, ¡°Kill them both! Eleanor has already used last of her magic to heal me, so she is vulnerable! Kill Andrew first and do what you want with Eleanor. This will probably be first time any of you idiots slept with a moon elf elder before.¡±
Eleanor turns to Andrew with a resolute expression, ¡°Together my love?¡± Andrew smiles lightly then wraps his arm around her, ¡°Together.¡± Eleanor starts expending her life to gather mana for a spell centralized right at her feet. ¡°Goodbye, my love. Hopefully, you can find me again when you awaken once more.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll never stop looking. So just wait for me, Eleanor.¡± Andrew shifts his gaze to the charging soldiers and Balmon, ¡°Balmon, you are gravely mistaken if you think the one who told you how to predict how we awaken is a god. Be careful of using power you don¡¯t understand, or it just might come back to haunt you.¡±
Balmon sensing the magic power gathering at the couple¡¯s feet. Falls backwards in horror and scrambles on all fours before getting to his feet running for his life yelling, ¡°Stop! Run, you fools! Run!¡±
*BOOM*
An explosion goes off where Andrew and Eleanor were standing killing everyone within range. The force blowing Balmon away landing on his face. Lucky enough to be shielded by his troops that were within and outside the blast range. Only having to suffer being knocked unceremoniously on his face. Hearing cries of pain and sobbing of those who survived the blast. Balmon slowly drags himself to his feet. Thinking of how close death was to claiming him once again made his face pale. Quickly recomposing himself he starts yelling out orders. ¡°Gather the wounded, this will make our story more believable with wounded liked this. After we gather the wounded, make way back to the capital. Soon as we make it back to the capital it¡¯ll be the time we have our triumphant return over the monster!¡±
After Balmon and the soldiers leave. An individual appears next to Max¡¯s body. Wearing a dark robe to cover their appearance, the figure squats down over Max¡¯s body then a soft sigh is heard. A slim and elegant hand reveals itself from the robes caressing Max¡¯s face with a gentle voice being barely audible, ¡°I will wait as long as it takes for you to summon me once again, my love. No matter how many years it takes. Until that time, I shall slaughter the heavens for abandoning you.¡±
With those words the individual retracts their hand standing back up. Turning around, only revealing bright clear purple eyes before disappearing.
Chapter 2 - Good Times Never Last (Redone)
Birds were chirping in the early mornings of dawn; a tent is set up in a clearing close to the road. A man slowly drags himself out of the tent with barely open eyes, mumbling something about mornings are a curse to this world. The man rubs his eyes sighing while thinking, ¡®One day, I will be able to wake up properly in the morning.¡¯ He promises himself then, taking a deep breath, he summons a few buckets worth of water above his head dropping it on himself.
¡°I¡¯m awake, I¡¯m awake!¡± Shivering covered in goosebumps from the cool morning air the man starts gathering the water from his drenched clothes with magic. Drawing out the water dries his clothes rapidly. Leaving his hair slightly damp he turns the gathered water into a slight shower. Releasing the water on the nearby flowers and trees, ¡°There you go, this is my apology for burning wood in front of you. So, grow up big and strong.¡± After watering the nearby vegetation, he moves back towards the tent sticking his head inside grabbing his backpack. Opening the pack, he starts digging around before pulling out a brush, proceeding to tame the bird¡¯s nest that rests on his head. Humming a cheery tune to himself, he proceeds to brush his hair. After spending five minutes he was able to tame the nest. Now transformed so it shines as long beautiful silky blonde hair flows down to his waist. Sighing to himself while staring at his hair, ¡®Brushing my hair takes way too much time in the morning but, if I cut it Sister Mea back at the church will be angry at me. She took care of me growing up, so I would hate to see her upset since she likes my hair being long.¡¯
The man loses himself in his thoughts thinking about the stern yet soft woman who raised him at the church. A grumbling noise from his stomach brings him back from his thoughts. ¡°Oh right, food. I need to eat breakfast then pack up, so I can reach town before nightfall.¡± Digging back into his pack he brings out some dry rations, munching on them while grumbling, ¡°Soon I will be able to sleep in a bed while not having to get up early. I shall sleep in extra two, no, three hours before getting up.¡± Nodding his head with satisfaction at his futures plans. He finishes off his rations, before packing up his camp site. When taking down the tent, he pulls out his spatial bag that is sitting in the bottom of his backpack putting the bulkier items inside.
While spatial bags are not a common item to see on every commoner you come across. They are relatively common among traveling merchants. Having a spatial bag usually dictates if a merchant is still a greenhorn or a veteran.
After putting the big items like his tent inside his spatial bag, he puts it in his backpack. While in his backpack he pulls a set of traveling priest robes, which indicate his status as a wandering healer. Being a wandering healer makes him less prone to be the target of bandits. Not many would risk offending the church for fear of having Reapers sent to hunt them down. Few are brave enough to go against the church, those who do, are never heard from again.
Reapers were members of the church who were sent out to do the darker side of things. Hunting down people who question the church. Exorcizing people who are possessed by demons or killing them if they are beyond saving. Going after ancient relics that might undermine the church. And, the rare case of escorting important individuals. Being part of the Reapers was a great honor in the church since they have a very high status. However, Reapers have no mercy for anyone. Where ever they go, they leave a trail blood in their wake. Ruthless, cruel, and bloodthirsty were accurate ways of describing just how they have a high status. With a name forged in blood, mothers use them as threats to make children behave.
Typically asking for healing from a wandering priest was payment enough that bandits would let him leave. If the wandering priest traveled with a caravan the entire caravan would be allowed safe passage as well. So, having a priest traveling with a caravan was always heavily sought for. But, now days there are very little traveling priests around anymore. Who would want to be a traveling priest when you can stay in bigger towns where even the lord must be respectful when talking with you? Also, the bigger the town the more money you can charge for your healing spells. So, traveling priests are a dying breed of people who ask for only enough money to eat while charging nothing for healing.
After rolling up his bedroll he places it on his backpack tying it place. After securing the bedroll he remembers to pull out his healing spell book from the bag. While pulling out the spell book he notices he forgot about his mask. Pulling out a mask that is plain white with open holes for his eyes, decorated with leaf¡¯s and vines. Staring at the mask, a memory comes to mind from when he was a kid. A time when the only things he had to worry about were bullies.
A middle-aged human woman with shoulder long black hair wearing a nun¡¯s outfit with glasses with her arms crossed stared at a young boy with blonde hair and blue eyes crying.
With a frown on her face she raises an eye brow, ¡°So, what happened this time Lyle?¡±
The little boy sniffles while rubbing his eyes, ¡°Th-the r-r-red dr-dra-.¡±
She knits her brows looking sharply at him before scolding him, ¡°Speak properly. You are a man, aren¡¯t you? Men don¡¯t cry, so stop the tears and tell me what happened.¡±
Taking a couple minutes to stop his sniffles and tears. The boy slowly moves his hands away from his eyes before grabbing the bottom of his tunic tightly, ¡°The r-red dragonkin wer-were making fun of me saying I was only an unwanted child that shouldn¡¯t have been born. T-that even if I were to disappear, no one would miss me and my girly looks.¡± Tears started threatening to come pouring out his eyes as he explained what happened.
The nun¡¯s gaze softens, and she scoops him up into her arms, ¡°If you disappeared, who would be my little helper then? I would miss you little one, so you should just ignore what the dragonkin say. Besides, I have a mask that I was going to give you when you were older. It¡¯s not finished, but how ¡®bout you help me decorate it?¡±
His eyes widen, ¡°Really?¡± appearing eager to help.
She chuckles, ¡°Yes, little one.¡±
¡°Can I make it pretty?¡± the little boy asks.
Eyes widen a little bit before faintly smiling while imagining it, ¡°Long as you don¡¯t regret it in the future.¡±
¡°I won¡¯t!¡± He smiles with happiness radiating from his face, already forgotten what happened earlier.
Placing the book and mask on the outside holders of the bag for easier access. He dons the backpack muttering to himself, ¡°Sister Mea just HAD to let me make it pretty, didn¡¯t she? Hah¡ I regret it, Sister Mea.¡± Tears going down his face inside his heart.
Searching for his quarterstaff that was for protection was leaning against a nearby tree. Walking over he grabs it before starting his journey along the edge of the road to leave room for passing caravans. Humming to himself a song he heard in one of the passing towns to pass the time, he slowly makes his way to the next town.
Dinkleberg C. Wallabe, a well-known middle-aged local merchant who was busy making his weekly return trip to his home-town of Fallaway. Riding in his freight wagon with a canvas covering the top being pulled by two horses. Typically, Dinkleberg would have merchandise inside his wagon and inside his spatial bag. But, right now he just wanted to get home without the extra weight in the wagon. So, the only merchandise he had was inside of his spatial bag. Having a merchandise free wagon helped him move quicker it still didn¡¯t detract from the long and boring trip back home. With having left the last town a couple days already with the next town will be reached by nightfall. He just had to try to occupy himself a little longer having already talked to his horses about life. Come three in the afternoon, he stretches to get the soreness out of his slowly aging body. Recalling back on the rumors he heard while passing through the last town. ¡®Hm the Masked Devil Saint is supposed to have already passed through here. I¡¯m curious if I will come across him on my way to Fallaway. A man whose beauty that if he ever took off his mask would charm men and women alike instantaneously. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s an exaggeration but, I¡¯m still kind of curious nonetheless. There is also the rumor of the bandits randomly disappearing between here and Fallaway. I may be getting old but, even if the rumor is false I haven¡¯t gotten my blood pumping in a long time.¡¯ Slowly letting out a bloodthirsty smile before coughing and switching back to his merchant smile. ¡®Whoops almost lost myself there. I¡¯m a merchant now. Can¡¯t be running off like the good ole mercenary days, wiping out any bandits I come across. My wife would kill me if I start charging back into danger again.¡¯ Shuddering to himself thinking about the wrath of his ex-mercenary wife at home. ¡®Thinking of my mercenary days, I wonder how the guild is doing now?¡¯
While lost in thought he notices a figure up ahead walking down the road. Pulling himself out of his thoughts, ¡°Oh ho, and what do we have here I wonder?¡±
When he gets closer to the individual, he notices the person has long beautiful blonde hair. Thinking it¡¯s a woman he frowns to himself on why they would travel alone. That is until he gets closer to be able to see the church healing book. Instantly thinking of the Masked Devil Saint, that he heard about in the last town crosses his mind. Before he can think further the appeared woman turns around showing their traveling priest robes attire confirms his thought. Donning a white mask covered in drawn leaves with dazzling blue eyes staring waving his arm at him. Thinking to himself, ¡®Hm I can see why people can confuse if he is a guy or girl from the back now.¡¯ Breaking himself from his thoughts, he waves back, slowing down to get close to the now for sure man.
As he comes to a stop the masked man speaks up, ¡°Good afternoon, may I ask if you are heading to Nettle?¡±
Dinkleberg shakes his head, ¡°No, but I¡¯m passing through Nettle on my way to Fallaway. Why? Would you like to hitch a ride with me till Nettle?¡±
The man nods, ¡°Please. I¡¯ll pay if I that is required to ride with you up to Nettle.¡±
Waving his hands in front of him, ¡°No need, no need. There are few wandering healers as it is so, demanding payment would make me feel guilty. Though, if you could be so kind to look at my back which has been bothering me these past couple years I would appreciate it.¡±
The man nods his head, readily accepting the request, ¡°Of course I don¡¯t have an issue with taking a look, just don¡¯t be mad if it doesn¡¯t fix the issue as magic won¡¯t fix everything.¡±
Dinkleberg lets out a laugh, ¡°Why would I get mad? I¡¯m only getting old and a heal will ease the pain if not fix it altogether. No use getting mad when you are doing it under my request Father Lyle.¡±
Lyle pauses while climbing up into the wagon, ¡°Please, just Lyle. I¡¯m much to inexperienced to be addressed as Father, especially by one who has experienced life more than I have.¡± After sitting down when finished climbing on the front of the wagon, he asks, ¡°I don¡¯t think I got your name by the way. Since you obviously know me could I inquire as to what yours is?¡±
Dinkleberg blanks for a second then smacks his own forehead, ¡°My apologies Lyle, my name is Dinkleberg C. Wallabe, the most well-known local merchant around these parts. Also, I don¡¯t think there is another person out here who¡¯s a traveling priest wearing that type of mask. So, it¡¯s easy to deduce who you are Lyle.¡±
Lyle tilts his head at the name then nods his head in understanding, ¡°Well, I look forward to traveling with you Mister Dinkleberg. Now, let¡¯s get that back looked at real fast before we start moving.¡± Grabbing his healing book from his pack then muttering incantation quickly. A general healing spell is cast on Dinkleberg¡¯s back.
Twisting his waist back and forth doing some stretches to see how his back reacts. Dinkleberg lets out a sigh of satisfaction, ¡°Aahh, that feels much better. Much appreciated Mister Lyle. Now let¡¯s get moving.¡± Picking up the reins and holding them with both hands he gives a flick of the wrist. With that flick the journey started once more.
¡°So, Lyle tell me about yourself. How did you end up wanting to be a traveling priest of all things?¡± Dinkleberg gets the conversation going to pass the time.
Lyle tilts his head slightly in confusion, ¡°Mister Dinkleberg how come you will call me Lyle one second then Mister Lyle the next?¡±
Dinkleberg laughs, ¡°That¡¯s because you started calling me Mister Dinkleberg. It¡¯s like you don¡¯t want to get close. You call me Dinkleberg then I¡¯ll call you Lyle. Except for when we get to town. Some people will look down on you if I just call you Lyle when we get to town. So, I¡¯ll change to addressing you as Father or Mister when we get to the gates.¡±
Nodding his head as he understands, ¡°Very well, I will call you Dinkleberg. To answer your original question. I didn¡¯t want to be a traveling priest at first. I wanted to be a priest in the capital with Sister Mea. Sister Mea is the one who raised me while I grew up in the church. However, things don¡¯t always go as planned and Sister Mea sent me away as a traveling priest. Through time though, I found I enjoy being a traveling priest much more than being at the capital.¡±
Dinkleberg looks deeply at Lyle for a couple seconds, ¡°Not having red dragonkin in your blood will make things difficult no matter where you¡¯re at with the church. At least being a traveling priest gives you freedom and more protection than at the capital.¡±
Lyle¡¯s eyes widen a little before going back to normal then looks over at Dinkleberg, ¡°For a merchant you sure know a lot more then you let on.¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Smacking Lyle¡¯s knee with his hand, ¡°Bah what do you know about merchants. Not everyone is a merchant all his life. I was a mercenary most of my life and only switched to be a merchant a few years back.¡±
Surprise can be heard from Lyle¡¯s voice, ¡°The mercenaries guild? As in the mercenary¡¯s guild based in the neutral city Nexus?¡±
Dinkleberg raises an eye brow, ¡°Is there any other mercenary¡¯s guild that your aware of?¡±
¡°No but, how did you wind up on the main continent? Nexus is on a totally different one that doesn¡¯t have to deal with discrimination. So, why would you be a merchant here?¡± Lyle hastily inquires before realizing what he said.
¡°So, the churches discrimination is as bad as the common folk. Not surprising considering that religion is entirely centered around red dragons. How did I end up here huh? Well my wife was originally from here and she wanted to come back after I retired from the guild. If things ever do get bad though, we¡¯ll end up going back to Nexus.¡± Reaching up and scratching his face in slight thought.
¡°It¡¯s worse in the church, reason why Sister Mea sent me to be a traveling priest. Things almost went very badly for me at one point. So, she sent me away to protect me and I¡¯m not allowed to come back for another couple years.¡± Lyle¡¯s eyes sadden then it quickly disappears, ¡°Anyways, I didn¡¯t know you were married Dinkleberg. Got any kids?¡±
¡°What? You think since I am an old and a merchant that I¡¯m not married? I got one rat running around back home with the wife.¡± Dinkleberg smiles while thinking about his family.
¡°Well, tell me about your wife then since you ARE married.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s see. She a tough gal that was with me during my mercenary days. Able to chew iron and spit nails. While also being able to lay me on the ground in two seconds flat when I upset her. She sweet as can be in front of guests but, soon as you turn away she turns into a lioness. That¡¯s part the reason I fell for her though.¡± Dinkleberg loses himself in his reminiscence.
Couple hours later of talking about his mercenary days Dinkleberg raises a question, ¡°So, pardon me if this offends you Lyle, but why do you wear a mask?
Lyle looks over at Dinkleberg before saying, ¡°It causes less trouble if I keep my face hidden. Buuut long as you don¡¯t fall for me, I don¡¯t mind showing you.¡±
¡°Hah I¡¯ve been married for over twenty years, Mister Lyle! There is no way I¡¯ll fall for you!¡± Dinkleberg laughs it off while focusing on the road.
Moving one hand up to his face to grasp his mask before pulling it off. Holding the mask in his hand, he faces Dinkleberg.
Dinkleberg glances at Lyle before whipping his head back around to fully face Lyle. Shocked speechless at seeing a flawless smooth complexion that appears as soft as a baby. Cute little nose with small but, soft lips acting together with eyes that alone seem to sparkle. Thought, together with rest his face, makes you feel like your being sucked into them.
Around five seconds later, he is still blankly staring at Lyle¡¯s face before a masked is put on interrupting. Thinking it is a pity then releasing what he was thinking makes him shudder. A voice sounds between the awkward silence.
¡°You¡¯re not going to try and propose to me, now are you?¡±
Breaking himself from his shock and thoughts. Dinkleberg senses the teasing tone in Lyle¡¯s voice replying while butting him with his elbow, ¡°Bah who would fall for a face like that. I¡¯m a family man with little rascal running around back home in Fallaway no way I will love a man! Though, it would be wise to keep the mask on. I now understand what would happen if you walked around with it.¡± Trying to shift the attention away from him to cover up his embarrassment.
Lyle laughs lightly leaving it alone, ¡°You are correct. Last time I went out with my mask, a wreck happened right outside the church. Along with three different people, proposing that it was love at first sight.¡± Letting out a sigh, ¡°My face is the reason I travel alone so much. Less troubles, though there are people who still try their luck regardless of the truth that I¡¯m a man.¡±
¡°How long till we reach Nettle by the way?¡±
Dinkleberg ponders for a second, ¡°We should be there within the hour. I¡¯ll stay there for the night before moving out in the morning. So, your welcome to come along to Fallaway. Though, I doubt you will since you¡¯ll probably be busy healing tomorrow.¡±
Lyle nods his head, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll be healing tomorrow before setting out the day after. So, I will have to see you in Fallaway.¡±
They journey the rest of the way in silence before coming to the village.
Soon as the village comes into sight Dinkleberg says, ¡°Welcome to the tiny little town of Nettle ha-ha.¡±
Lyle smiles in response.
When the wagon pulls up the guards walk up and greet Dinkleberg, ¡°On your return trip heading home Dinkleberg?¡± With suspicion in their eyes, they look at Lyle checking him up and down, ¡°And who is the lady with the mask? Hope you aren¡¯t taking in another wife. Since, I¡¯m pretty sure your wife would kill you if so. HA-HA-HA!¡±
Dinkleberg laughs it off, ¡°Of course she would kill me if I brought a woman home. I can barely handle her let alone another. Besides this is Mister Lyle, the Wandering Masked Healer, who I met on the way here and gave him a ride.¡±
Surprise flashes across the guard¡¯s faces before taking a more respectful behavior, ¡°Father Lyle, my apologies for not realizing who you are. I will have someone escort you to the church right away. While sending word to the mayor to let the people get healing tomorrow.¡± Motioning at two guards before they take off to their respected destinations.
¡°Just Lyle please and, I would appreciate being shown to the church- ¡°Lyle says before interrupted.
¡°Bah buzz off Henry, I¡¯ll take Mister Lyle to the church. He¡¯s already healed my back it¡¯s the least I can do. So, move out the way before I tell your wife that you been frequenting the brothel when she isn¡¯t around.¡± Dinkleberg says smiling at Henry with narrowed eyes.
Henry¡¯s expression changes rapidly before yelling at the guards to move out the way. A clear and light laughter from Lyle causes Henry to fluster before controlling himself.
As the duo reaches the church it comes to a stop allowing Lyle to get off. ¡°Alright, Lyle. When you get to Fallaway, just ask the guards for where Dinkleberg C. Wallabe lives at. Come visit me when you reach us. Just don¡¯t try wooing my wife or I might have to hurt you boy.¡± Winking at Lyle as he gets off, ¡°Oh, if anything happens I¡¯ll be staying at the Drunken Chicken Inn. So, just come find me if you need my help. Now, I¡¯ll be off.¡± Waving as he gets the wagon moving again heading towards his inn. ¡®Good luck and may we meet again, lad.¡¯
¡°Ha-ha Goodbye Dinkleberg, may we meet again in Fallaway. Thank you once again for the ride.¡± Lyle waves back at Dinkleberg while he leaves.
Lyle watches as the old mercenary rides away. Thankful he met someone who could give him a ride while being good company. Turning to look at the oversized church for a town this small, he smiles on the inside of his mask before taking a step towards the doors.
The church looks to be maintained with everything being neat and tidy. Which at least means people don¡¯t hate the church in this town, which is good. The big double wooden doors standing at twelve feet tall are closed indicates they don¡¯t allow visitors all hours of the time. Reaching the doors Lyle knocks loudly only to hear no response. Putting his hand on the right door he pushes it to test the weight. As it slides open easily he realizes that it is enchanted to not be as heavy as it looks. Inside the church with rows of benches that are neat and clean is surrounded in slight darkness from the sunset. As he slowly steps into the church. A light shows itself in one of hallways that leads further back into the church. A young woman wearing a nun outfit carrying a candle holder appears. A gentle and unsure voice sounds from the woman, ¡°Father Lyle, I presume?¡±
¡°Indeed but, call me Lyle, please. Calling me Father Lyle makes me feel old.¡± Lyle responds to the young woman who is probably nineteen.
Before she can respond a light appears from the hallway she came from this time from a spell. An older man comes out wearing glasses addressing the younger woman, ¡°It¡¯s fine, Laura. I can handle talking to Mister Lyle, you go take care of the young ones in the back.¡± Laura bows responding, ¡°Yes, Father¡± walking off back down the hallway.
Looking at Lyle, the older man bows and says, ¡°I must apologize, Mister Lyle. Most churches would accommodate you for the night, but all our rooms are currently full of the orphan children. We work as an orphanage in conjunction with being a church. I have talked to the Inn closest to the church, The Raging Bear, and they agreed to give you accommodate you. Free of charge of course, since your healing tomorrow.¡±
Lyle waves his hands at the older man, ¡°Please, father, no need to apologize or bow. I¡¯m fine with sleeping at an Inn. I thank you for talking to the Inn already. I shall come to the church in the early morning. I will head to the Inn since I have not eaten dinner so, until tomorrow father.¡± Waving goodbye at the older man leaving the church and closing the door. Looking around at the nearby buildings he sees a two-story building about a block away from the church. It has a sign with picture of a bear standing on its back paws poised ready to attack. Figuring that is the sign for The Raging Bear Lyle makes his way over.
As he reaches the Inn outside the door he can already hear laughter and chatter. Opening the door and walking in causes the Inn to instantly quieten with many eyes gazing at him. Ignoring the looks, he walks towards the bar counter to get his room and food when a hand along with a voice sounds out grabbing his ass.
¡°Why don¡¯t you come sit down and keep us company, so we can see that pretty face.¡±
Using his quarterstaff, he instantly hits the man¡¯s hand away lightly while whipping around and holding the staff at his neck. A quiet yet clear and cold voice was heard throughout the entire inn silencing all noise, ¡°Ide advise against harassing me, and assuming I¡¯m a woman. I also don¡¯t mind crushing your throat if you try again, since I can heal it afterwards.¡±
The man swallows loudly then rage shows in his eyes. Right when he opens his mouth and stands up a voice breaks in.
¡°Alright. That¡¯s enough.¡±
A massively built man walks out from the kitchen area wiping his hands on a cloth. ¡°You want to cause trouble then get out. If not, put your stick away lad. Father Lyle, I presume?¡± Lyle nods his head. ¡°Father Eric already sent a message saying, the Wandering Masked Healer will be staying here for the night.¡± The massive man looks over at the man who stood up. ¡°Bill, I¡¯d advise against giving in to your anger and cooling down before you do something you¡¯ll regret.¡± Looking Lyle up and down, ¡°You can call me Bear, my real name is Dan but, everyone just calls me Bear.¡±
Lyle lowers his quarterstaff, ¡°Nice to meet you, Bear. If I could get my room key and dinner brought up, I would greatly appreciate it.¡±
Bear nods his head, ¡°I¡¯m assuming the inn special Bear ribs will suffice?¡± looking for confirmation as Lyle nods his head. ¡°Alright I¡¯ll bring it up here is your key as well. Last room on left is yours.¡± Tossing a key at Lyle before heading back to the kitchen.
Lyle ignoring Bill heads straight up the stairs to his room. He catches the words Masked Devil Saint from the patrons whispering. Frowning at the name, he opens his door and goes inside.
¡®I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t have to use violence. I would feel bad to have to hurt him all because he grabbed me. Least he didn¡¯t call my bluff on crushing his throat. Though, I would have broken something had he given in to his anger.¡¯ Sighing to himself, ¡°There is always one drunken idiot no matter which Inn you go to.¡±
¡®Let¡¯s eat then go to bed It¡¯s been a long day and I finally get to sleep in a bed.¡¯
The next day after spending most the day at the church healing people and resting when out of mana. Having most the injuries being small cuts and sickness with the occasional broken limb. Spending the entire day healing wore Lyle out but, also left him smiling for being able to help so many.
After finishing up healing at the church he heads back to the inn for some much-needed rest. He addresses Bear at the counter when he walks in, ¡°Is there anything I should be worried about between here and Fallaway?¡±
Bear thinks for a moment before saying, ¡°Hm there was some bandits in that area, but they disappeared recently according to rumor. They could just be laying low though, so watch yourself out there. Since you make a nice target for desperate bandits if your caught with your pants down.¡±
Lyle nods, ¡°I appreciate the information if you could take the food up to my room same as yesterday I would be thankful.¡±
Bear nods his head waving his hand, ¡°Yeah, yeah I figured as much with the whole mask thing. I¡¯ll bring it up in a bit.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll be leaving in the morning though. Need to leave early so I can travel far as I can to Fallaway while light out.¡± Lyle notifies Bear of his plan.
¡°I¡¯m aware so I¡¯ll make sure breakfast is ready for you in the morning Father Lyle.¡±
¡°Thanks.¡± Lyle thanks him before going upstairs.
A couple days later in between Nettle and Fallaway Lyle is walking lost in thought. ¡®In a couple days I¡¯ll be turning 25 so I wonder if that voice will speak again. I¡¯m pretty sure it will since it¡¯s always spoken ever since I came of age. Asking the same question in my dreams the night of my birthday.¡¯ He is currently on the road surrounded by forest on both sides. The dirt road is wide enough for a couple wagons but that is about it. The past two days he has heard insects and wildlife in the forest.
Today he is brought out of his thoughts by the lack of noise. No longer being able to hear the insects or wildlife gives him a sense of unease. Catching a smell of something rotten puts him on guard as he looks around carefully. Seeing nothing in the immediate surrounding area that screams danger. He does notice however the smell of rot and decay seems to be coming from the right-side forest. Knitting his brows, he slowly moves forward in that direction. As the smell grows stronger he readies his weapon and dons his mask proceeding forward.
Entering the forest, he follows the smell of rot and decay as it slowly gets stronger. Following for about five minutes he comes to what appears to be a border in the forest. Where everything is dead and withering on one side while the other is full of life. Heading forward to inspect the withered vegetation, he crosses the line. Lightly touching the trees verifying there is no life as it crumbles as the lightest of touches. Smelling death on top rot and decay gives him a feeling of crisis. Lyle turns around to head back the way he came when he notices the trees with life, are now no where in sight. Now being surrounded by withered dead forest makes him feel anxious.
In the distance, a wolf howl goes off which is mimicked by others that resound through the entire forest. Hearing these howls made Lyle shudder as he realizes that those weren¡¯t regular wolf howls. They sounded a lot bigger and didn¡¯t sound happy.
When Lyle entered the forest, a group of riders arrive at Nettle wearing heavy plate with red dragon symbol covering their armor with a scythe as their banner. Coming to a stop they pull out a scroll with drawing of Lyle with his mask on to the guards.
A hoarse voice sounds out from one the riders, ¡°Have you seen this man?¡±
Guards shivering in fear nod their heads while Henry walks forward unsteadily saying, ¡°May I ask what he has done to have the Reapers of the church after him?¡±
The rider who spoke looks at Henry then speaks, ¡°He has done nothing. We were sent to escort him back to the capital for he is being recalled by the pope to be promoted for the work he has done.¡±
Henry breathes a sigh of relief, ¡°Whew, that¡¯s good, he just finished healing everybody two days ago. If you head towards Fallaway you should reach him before he makes it to town.¡±
The rider nods then roll the scroll up saying, ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± All the riders turn and head towards Fallaway.
A recruit for the Reaper says to the one who spoke, ¡°Captain, why did you lie to them? Why not tell them that Lyle will become possessed by a demon in two days?¡±
The Captain glances at the recruit, ¡°We don¡¯t want the populace afraid. Telling them that they were healed by a demon will make them afraid and blame the church since he is a follower of the church.¡±
¡°But-¡°
¡°Enough talk we need to catch him before he becomes possessed.¡±
The riders continue heading towards Fallaway unaware that their target is nowhere near Fallaway anymore.
Chapter 3 - I am ....(Redone)
Slight panic appeared on Lyle¡¯s face hearing the wolf howls, looking around quickly, ¡®Okay, okay. Let me think. Let me think.¡¯ Bending down to get closer inspection on the forest floor shows everything dead. ¡®It¡¯s almost as if the life energy was pulled from this forest in bulk.¡¯ Seeing the entire plant life withered yet, no dead animals makes him lose himself in thought. The eerie silence surrounding the forest with a slight fog covering the forest floor. The complete lack of life in plants, animals, or even insects confuses Lyle. Before he can make sense of it all, another wolf howl followed by more. The sound was much closer this time seemingly able to bounce off the trees all around him. Giving up on trying to deduce where his current location is. Lyle focuses on the more pressing matter that sounds like it has sharp teeth. Picking a random direction to go into that is away from where the first howl sounds from.
Waiting for the next howl to help dictate which direction he should keep fleeing towards. Shortly after heading the opposite of the first howl a next howl goes off. This time coming from his left appearing just out of sight. Followed by the rest of the howls each one in a full circle around him. Picking what he believes is the biggest gap between two of the howls. He starts running in that direction, while keeping his eyes on alert trying to fight the panic from setting in.
Soon a game of cat and mouse was played in this dead forest. After a couple minutes the howls would sound again with the lead always in a different spot. The biggest gap between the howls would also always be in different spot. The spots would never be in totally different direction though. Always veering in a slight direction.
The only sounds that Lyle can hear is the sound of his own breathing and steps echoing in the forest. The slight fog covering the floor seems to have a mind of its own at times. Seemingly able to form shapes of animals or people for a split second before dissolving into mist. Seeing dense fogs in certain directions of the forest. Yet, still being only slight fog in the direction he is heading makes Lyle knit his brows. The wolf howl goes off once again seeming to correct the direction he is heading into. Lyle murmurs to himself, ¡°Why do I feel like I¡¯m being led somewhere?¡± Slowing down his running speed, he tries once to make sense of it all. Whether this is a trap of some sort in the first place crosses his mind. While debating with himself on whether to try is luck going in a random direction to see if he gets attacked. He is drawn out of his thoughts suddenly by the sound of loud rapid footsteps behind him. Followed by the sound of wolf howling coming from the rapid footsteps. Hearing the howl this close seems to freeze the blood in his body. Throwing caution and suspicion to the wind. He increases his running speed heading in the direction the wolfs seem to be leading him to.
After a few minutes of running the wolf is still right behind him. This confirms the suspicion that the wolfs are pushing him somewhere rather than trying to kill him. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches glimpses of large shadows in the dense fogs running alongside him. Looking around him in the fog he sees that he is surrounded by them except in front of him. Up ahead he can see the forest thinning with a clearing up ahead. ¡®What am I going to face in the place they are leading me too?¡¯ Worry sprouts in his heart at what he may face when he reaches his destination.
Busting through the edge of the trees, he can see what appears to be a small town ahead. Lyle slows down coming to a stop two hundred feet away, not hearing the animals giving chase. Turning around Lyle¡¯s eyes widen at what he can vaguely see being glad he didn¡¯t stop to fight the animals.
Large shadows line the edge of the forest. The shadows appear to be in shape of a wolf. Standing at two meters tall and what he can guess to be five feet wide with large yellow eyes. Seeing a dozen pairs of eyes all staring at him makes a shiver run down Lyle¡¯s spine. What made him even more nervous was the fact they didn¡¯t make any noise other than howling. After couple seconds, all the large shadows turn around and go back into the forest without making a sound. Seeing the large shadows turn around. Lyle makes a rough guess on them being about thirteen feet in length. The fog intensifies and swallows the shadows when they turn around dissolving into the fog. Wiping the slight sweat on his forehead, he proceeds to head to the town close by while on edge.
Heading to the little town, Lyle inspects it upon getting closer. Looking at the small town that by rough estimate would house anywhere between thousand and four thousand people. There isn¡¯t a single light source that can be seen on the walls. The walls that surround this town were roughly forty feet tall and eighteen feet thick. With several towers that spanned the entire wall around the city. The gates were open with no sign of life that can be seen.
Walking through the gates Lyle feels uneasy at the lack of life in the city. Lyle looked at the sky hoping to get some sort of indication on time of day. Only to be disappointed with only being able to see that it¡¯s cloudy to the point where the sun is blocked. The sound of his footsteps echoing is the only noise that he can be heard bouncing off the buildings. Holding his quarterstaff at the ready he moves forward murmuring to himself, ¡°Great, first a dead forest now a ghost town. What¡¯s next I wonder?¡±
Wandering the town, he sees that every house is dark with no light or signs of life. The buildings and walls appear to be maintained. But there is no sign of people to maintain them.
As he keeps wandering for a few minutes he notices catches a glimpse of smoke rising in the air. Lyle sighs in relief with the thought of at least not being only person in the entire town. Moving towards that direction still on guard for any sort of threat. As he crosses an alley the place that has smoke rising from comes into view. The building turns out to be an inn that you could find in any town. There is light that can be seen from the outside. ¡®I need to find a way to leave soon as possible I really have a bad feeling about this place.¡¯ Walking up to the inn Lyle listens closely for signs of life. While he doesn¡¯t hear the loud rambunctious noise that is typical in an inn. He does here the sounds of eating and drinking.
Clenching his staff tightly, he cautiously opens door, walking slowly inside. The smell of rot, death, and decay seems to weirdly end at the threshold of the inn door. The inn doesn¡¯t seem to have any sort of smell besides of alcohol and the food being cooked. What comes in sight while stepping inside the inn. Is a mixture of individuals ranging from nobles each from different kingdoms to farmers all quietly eating. The lack of talking among the patrons is along with the mixture of company is beyond strange. All of the patrons have pale faces each varying from the other. People who have occupations that deal function around having endurance are less pale. Compared to the ones who are nobles who are sheet white in the face. Seeing no one looking in his direction as he walks in makes him knit his brows. Lyle closes the door behind him before looking closer at everyone. All of the patrons seem to have a dull expression on their faces. Even calling out to one varies from one looking at you then going back to eating or ignoring you altogether. Lyle puts a hand to his chin to try and figure out what it means before a voice interrupts his thoughts.
¡°Can I get you anything?¡± A monotone voice comes from behind the bar. Looking in that direction reveals a later twenties burly man rubbing a glass with a rag slowly. He appears to be the palest out of all that are in the inn almost looking like vampire. Walking up to the counter Lyle responds, ¡°Yes, but can I ask you a couple questions first?¡± The man slowly nods his head motioning for him to go on.
¡°Can you tell me where I am at?¡±
¡°...No¡±
¡°Can you tell me what the name of this town is?¡±
The man stops rubbing the glass appearing to think about it, ¡°¡No. I don¡¯t... remember.¡± Before going back to cleaning the glass.
Frowning at what the man said, ¡°Where is the rest of the townsmen? There appears to be only twenty or so people in here.¡± Motioning towards the patrons inside the inn.
¡°¡This is the entire town.¡±
¡°¡. Why are there different nobles from different kingdoms here?¡±
¡°¡No idea. They just¡ showed up.¡±
¡°From the forest?¡±
The bartender slowly nods his head.
¡°Where do you come from? You¡¯re the bartender so you been in this town the longest right?¡±
He stops rubbing the glass again thinking deeply about it, ¡°¡I¡ don¡¯t remember. ¡I think so.¡±
¡°Do you know your own name?¡±
The man frowns, ¡°¡I¡¯m¡ I¡¯m¡. I... don¡¯t remember.¡±
¡°Do you know where the road that heads out of town goes too?¡±
¡°¡The lord¡¯s castle.¡±
¡°Has anyone tried to go there?
¡°¡Yes¡± slowly nodding his head.
¡°Do they come back?¡±
¡°¡No¡± slowly shaking his head.
¡°Why is everyone pale?¡±
¡°¡I don¡¯t know. ¡The longer you stay the paler you get.¡±
Lyle¡¯s face darkens, ¡°Do you care if I try to heal you and see if it helps? I am a healer.¡± Using his hand to motion towards his traveling priest robes.
The man slowly shrugs in response.
Lyle grabs his book from his bag then begins casting a healing spell on him. Feeling something off with his healing spell Lyle frowns. Then he notices that the spell is much weaker than usual. Not to mention taking near double the amount of mana to cast.
As the bartender receives the healing spell his face becomes a little less pale. Adding a little bit of life in his facial expression and eyes.
¡°Do you remember your name now?¡±
¡°I¡¯m¡ Dale. Yes. My name is Dale.¡±
Lyle smiles, ¡°Hi, Dale. My name is Lyle. Since you remember your name now. Can you tell me what is going on in this town.¡±
Dale shakes his head normally in response, ¡°No, everyone showed up in the forest. They spend their time here before sleeping in the vacant houses.¡±
¡°Can you tell me of anything that may have information about the town? Like town mayor¡¯s house, church, or anything that stands out as weird in the town.¡±
¡°No, we do have a church, but no one runs it.¡±
¡°Of what deity?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t know. It¡¯s always been closed.¡±
¡°Thanks Dales. Can I get a room and food for the night?¡±
¡°Sure. Pick any room upstairs. You can always sleep in a house. Just leave the ones locked alone since that¡¯s where someone has already claimed it.¡±
Lyle¡¯s face convulses in confusion before shaking his head, ¡°Alright how much for the food and room?¡±
¡°No charge. We don¡¯t charge here.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t you need money to bu¡. Wait, where do you get your food and drink? I didn¡¯t see any animals or crops on the way into town¡±
¡°Just shows up in the kitchen and cellar so I don¡¯t know.¡±
¡°Okay¡. I¡¯ll just take a room then. I¡¯ll eat my own food. I mean no offense, Dale.¡±
Dale waves it off, ¡°Pick a room all of them are unlocked since no one stays here after the first day. They would rather pick a house.¡±
Lyle nods his head slowly at the response slightly confused before heading towards the stairs, ¡®After one day they move into houses. Why? I need to get out of here and fast but. I need to first figure out just where here is exactly. Then I can figure out how to leave.¡¯
Right when he gets to the stairs the sounds of bells tolling loudly rang. Looking back at Dale he sees everyone getting up heading outside, Lyle raises a question.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
¡°What does that bell mean?¡±
¡°Means nighttime. It¡¯s the only bell that rings all day. It comes from the church as well.¡±
¡°I thought you said no one runs the church.¡±
¡°No one runs the church.¡±
¡°Then how does the bell toll?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Shrugging before starting to clean up the inn.
Lyle looks confused at him, ¡°Don¡¯t you find that strange?¡±
Dale stops then looks at him just as confused as Lyle does, ¡°Why would I? Its always been like that.¡± Before going back to cleaning up.
Going back into thought Lyle turns back and goes upstairs occupying the first room. Closing and locking the door he goes into his bag pulling out some dried rations. ¡®Tomorrow I need to investigate that church to see if I can get some information. Then figure out how to get out of here.¡¯ Lyle takes off his mask, laying it down on the night stand.
¡°But, for now let¡¯s sleep after eating.¡±
The next day Lyle wakes up unable to tell the time of day but gets up anyways. Feeling exhausted even though he just woke up causes him to recall what Dale said yesterday, ¡°Don¡¯t know, the longer you stay the paler you get.¡± ¡®It should be fine it¡¯s just one day.¡¯ Lyle thought to himself before gathering his gear together and putting on the mask. Walking out of his room and heading downstairs. Coming down the stairs, Lyle sees people trailing slowly into the inn some already sitting down eating food. Everyone seems duller and paler than yesterday.
Looking around the inn, he sees Dale delivering food and drinks to people¡¯s tables. ¡®Hm should be fine to get some food and drink before I head to the church.¡¯ Looking at Dale¡¯s face, he notices it¡¯s just as pale and dull when he first met him. Sitting down at an empty table he notices everyone eating the same meal Lyle nods to himself, ¡®Looks good let¡¯s try and ask for it when I see Dale next.¡¯ When he sees Dale coming out kitchen with two plates of food he raises his hand to place his order. Dale heads in his direction and before Lyle can speak places a plate on his table. A monotone voice sounds out, ¡°Here¡¯s your food. I¡¯ll bring drink out in a second.¡± Lyle nods his head staring at the food.
Typical eggs and sausage with a hard biscuit, but still nice so Lyle digs in. After he takes first bite, he starts spacing out not even realizing his drink was placed on his table. After he finished eating and drinking. He starts reminiscing about his life from when he showed up at orphanage all way to meeting Dinkleberg.
After an unknown amount of time passes, Lyle reaches the point in his memories of coming here. While thinking that things are slightly weird here, but that¡¯s about it. When his memories reach the point where he heals Dale and he gains some life in his eyes. ¡®Oh yeah, I should probably heal myself. Well, I feel fine so maybe I shouldn¡¯t. ¡I¡¯ll do it just in case I guess.¡¯ As he grabs his book and casts heal on himself. His mind starts to sharpen back up while feeling less lethargic. His eyes widen in horror at all that just happened since he woke up. ¡®Why didn¡¯t I question why everyone is eating the exact same meal!? Why didn¡¯t I question that I didn¡¯t even order?! Yet my food and drink were brought to me without question!?! Why did I only think things are slightly weird when it¡¯s obvious it¡¯s worse than slightly!?! Worst of all I didn¡¯t question eating with everyone here with my face and took it for as being fine.¡¯ Shuddering to himself at realizing all of that, ¡®I need to get out of here today and if not leave a note to force myself to heal myself tomorrow. I need to head to the church NOW!¡¯ Getting up from his table, he looks to Dale who is behind the counter. Also noticing that everyone else is just sitting at their table staring blankly off into space. ¡°Dale how much time have passed since sitting here?¡±
Dale looks at him responding in a monotone voice, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±
¡°Which direction is the church Dale?¡±
¡°Follow the road.¡± Slowly lifting his hand pointing in a direction before going back to standing there.
Lyle stands up putting on his mask and backpack heading straight out the door with long strides. ¡®This place is dangerous. Let¡¯s get to the church get the information then figure out how to leave.¡¯ Heading in the direction Dale pointed and following the main road. He eventually comes to a massive building with a bell tower right at the edge of town. Getting closer where he can get a better look at the church. He notices its design is totally foreign then any church he has ever seen before. Above the big double doors at the entrance is a mural with ten warriors with their arms spread radiating light.
Lyle frowns to himself, ¡®I don¡¯t know this deity. Maybe they worship a pantheon, but that still doesn¡¯t help me recognize them. Going based on the them radiating light, I assume they are good gods though.¡¯ Walking up to the doors, he pushes to realize they are heavy and not enchanted. Putting the staff on his back he puts both hands on one of the doors. Pushing with all his might as the door slowly groans opening a slight gap he can squeeze through. Murmuring to himself as he slips through the gap, ¡°I now realize how thankful I am for having enchanted doors or, can just make smaller doors.¡±
Stepping inside the church what stood out the most was the ten statues all wearing different armor and weapons standing in a mixture of poses. Looking away from the statues to above them. There is a giant mural that spans the entire wall. Looking at the murals, they start off depicting the ten gods descending from the sky in glorious light. From there shows the gods standing in front of people while attacking other people. Next shows six different beings each talking to a god with a scroll in hand. Then shows those different beings talking to each other shaking hands. Lastly seems to show the gods talking to different beings. Ranging from wolves walking on two legs, dragons, people with upper half above water. Some with pointy ears, some abnormally tall, and some abnormally short. Next scene shows all those beings battling alongside a god against a variety of monsters. One coming from weird blob monstrosities appearing to corrupt what they touch. Another coming from skull figures. One more coming from a battlefield full of all races fighting against dark figures with horns, tails, and wings. With the last being some dark portal underwater with massive dark figures flowing out in mass. Each mural with the gods fighting the monsters. Each one shows either a portal, a lake, a ship, and a city behind the gods army appearing to be defending it. With the last mural showing the ten gods cheering with the different races but, above them is many figures in the clouds watching them.
¡°Hm, I¡¯ve never heard of any of this in history or church for that matter. I wonder what they are talking about exactly. I can speculate some of this, but not all. Though, If the Reapers find this church they will instantly destroy it for blasphemy. I¡¯m confused though, if these are gods then in the last scene are the ones watching them other gods or higher gods?¡±
While pondering over the scenes the murals he walks forward to inspect the statues. Each statue standing at fifteen feet tall.
Getting closer to the deity statues, Lyle sees that each one seems to have a name and title.
The leftist most statue is a sculpture of a middle-aged man. Holding a halberd in hand and wearing full plate armor with helmet in the other hand. With a calm and slight smile on his face. In lettering below the statue says, ¡®Andrew the Wise¡¯.
Next to him was image of a young elf man wearing leather armor holding two daggers. He appears to be playing with his daggers while wearing a hood. Unable to see his facial expressions under the hood and can only barely make out the elf ears. In lettering below the statue says, ¡®Gunnar The Quick¡¯.
Next to him was image of a young elf woman wearing leather armor holding a bow. Her face is expressionless, but her eyes seem to gaze straight through you. In lettering below the statue says, ¡®Lily the Quiet¡¯.
Next to her was image of a young man wearing chainmail armor with mace in one hand and shield in the other. He appeared to be staring at the woman named Lily with face full of affection. In lettering below the statue says, ¡®Emond the Gentle¡¯.
A woman wearing very little clothing except for covering the bare necessity wielding a two-handed axe. On her face is a look of defiance on her face and gleam of a hunter in her eyes. In lettering below the statue says, ¡®Brekshna The Strong¡¯.
Standing next to her was a woman wearing robes with glasses on. Holding a book in her arms with a cold look on her face. Seemingly disinterested in anything not worth her time. Below the statue the words, ¡®Amethyst the Cold¡¯ were engraved below.
Standing in the center next to her was a man wearing full plate armor. Holding a two-handed axe on his shoulder with one hand another on his waist. With his face, roaring upwards in laughter. As if laughing at all who are foolish enough to block his path. Engraved below were the words, ¡®Deasel the Brave¡¯.
One of the few who was the only one of his kind was standing next to Deasel. A statue of a man with bird like wings on his back wearing full plate armor. Holding sword and shield in his hands with a helmet on his face engraved with wings as well. The words, ¡®Michael the Righteous¡¯ were engraved below his statue.
Second to last from the right is a man wearing leather armor while holding a bow in one hand. With shoulder length hair and a smile on his face as if enjoying himself. ¡®Talib the Elegant¡¯ is engraved below the statue.
The very last statue is of a man wearing robes. With shoulder length hair, holding a quarter staff in one hand and, a book in the other. A pondering expression is etched on his face. ¡®Maximus the Cunning¡¯ are the words engraved on the last statue.
Lyle stares with a frown on his face as he passes each statue, ¡®I don¡¯t recognize them as any gods I know of. Considering that their names don¡¯t sound like gods, then exactly what are they? Demigods?¡¯
Going back to the first statue, Lyle digs into his backpack pulling out a parchment and pen. Lyle begins to describe the murals on paper from beginning to end. Then he begins writing the name of each person with along with a brief description. Getting to the last statue he etches the name down then rolls up the parchment after drying it. Placing the paper in his pack before exploring to try to find any sort of documents.
After scouring the entire church, he finds no documents in any room what so ever. He does find what appears to scorch marks in what should have been the room that stored historical documents for the church. Believing that someone burned the information for some reason. He started heading back to the inn with more questions and still no idea on how to get back.
Entering the inn, he goes back straight to his room ignoring all the patrons and Dale. Pulling out some food he takes off his mask then begins eating while thinking over what happened today. After a little while of not being able to come up with any ideas. He decides to try to go towards the Lord¡¯s castle tomorrow. ¡®I can¡¯t think of anything else I can do considering there is somehow no one in charge of this town. There is only the Lord¡¯s castle that is away from this city which is odd in the first place. Why not just build the town around the castle? Maybe the castle was built after the town but, I¡¯m out of options on where to look next.¡¯ Lyle makes up his mind to give it a shot and head back if things get dangerous. Pulling out a piece of parchment and writing a note for himself for tomorrow before putting it on the nightstand.
Losing himself in thought about how to get out of this situation while laying down, he barely registers hearing the church bell toll. Before he even realizes it, he falls asleep. Almost like he was forced to fall asleep.
In a pitch-black room, Lyle is standing with nothing around him. A light off in the distance appears. Lyle tilts his head in confusion at the small light before it rapidly comes closer to him. The light doesn¡¯t seem to hurt his eyes getting closer. Stopping right in front of him it begins to expand and get brighter causing Lyle to cover his eyes with a hand. After he moves his hand he sees that the light turned into screen depicting scenes. The scene changes quicker than the eye can keep up with in front of Lyle. Sounds of talking, laughter, crying, violence, and screams pass through his hear. All words being illegible of understanding. Lyle flinches at some of the noises he hears. A neutral gender tone voice speaks but, is only vaguely heard amongst the noise, ¡°Who are you?¡±
Suddenly, voices start pouring nonstop in his ears some of them shouting, some cursing, some in friendly tone, some in affectionate tone, and some in crying tone. All of them have one word in common, they all say the words Max.
¡°Who are you?¡± The voice repeats itself.
Lyle unable to even hear the voice crouches down and covers his ears from the noise blaring in his ears. Closing his eyes, he still hears the screams, shouts, and such all in his ears. Fear slowly creeps inside of him grabbing him tightly in its hold.
¡°Who are you?¡± The voice says again except much louder.
Clenching his eyes shut, Lyle shakes his head back and forth to deny all the voices, ¡°Lyle.¡±
The voices in his ears get louder now sounding like they are directly in his head, screaming the word Max at him.
The neutral gender tone voice speaks once again now yelling the question at him, ¡°Who are you!?¡±
Lyle grits his teeth while keeping his ears covered then opens his eyes and glares at the emptiness yelling, ¡°LYLE!¡± Desperately trying to shake off the fear and panic, to transform it into anger.
The voices are starting to make his head feel likes it¡¯s on fire now all chanting the same name. The chanting seems to be able to instantly destroy the anger he was trying to form. The voices chant in an accusing sort of way as if to overpower his denial.
¡°WHO ARE YOU!?!¡± The question vibrates inside his entire being demanding an answer from him. Both questions tear apart his anger and feelings. Each question destroying any thoughts in his head hammering away at his consciousness. Almost as if threatening him to answer the question or they will break his mind. He is no longer able to crouch. Lyle begins sitting on the floor with his knees to his chest with hands covering his ears. Going back to closing his eyes while muttering, ¡°I am Lyle. I am Lyle. I am Lyle.¡±
The voices start meshing together in his head, yelling the name. The voices yell so loudly that blood starts trickling down from his nose, mouth, and ears. The gender-neutral voice starts yelling the same question every time after he says, ¡°I am Lyle.¡±
After an unknown amount of time Lyle starts losing himself and feeling his psyche fading. Terrified of the feeling he finally caves in screaming the name, ¡°I AM MAX!!!¡± While breaking down into sobs muttering the words defeatedly, ¡°I am Max¡*sob* I am Max¡ *sob* I am Max...¡±
All the voices in his head goes silent at those words. The gender-neutral voice speaks once more, ¡°Then show me how you will struggle Max.¡±
Chapter 4 - Not Alone (Redone)
In the pitch-black room, the only sound you could hear in the room came from Lyle. Laying on the ground sobbing. Curled up on the ground wiping the blood away from his nose, mouth, and ears. Still trying to pull himself together from all of this. After an unknown amount, Lyle was able to raise his head looking around the pitch-black room.
As if waiting for the moment that Lyle composes himself, a gentle light shines from off in the distance. Looking in that direction, Lyle gets a sense of calm and warmth from the light. The light seems to be trying to comfort him which helps but, also puts him on edge of what to expect next. Watching the light, he notices that it appears to be getting closer. What use to be a bright star in the pitch darkness rapidly grows to the size of a sun in the sky. The light gets brighter as it gets closer to the point of forcing Lyle to shut his eyes. There is no heat coming from this light, only warmth and comfort. After a few seconds Lyle feels the light die down with his eyes closed and slowly opens them. What was the light is now a scene being played out in front of him.
A scene of a brightly lit room lavishly decorated in paintings, vases, and various beautiful furniture. A man is kneeling on a red carpet which would remind you of a throne room. If not for the man being stark naked with blonde hair looking like an exact mirror image of Lyle. The man has his right-hand balled in a fist over his chest and his left-hand fist planted on ground head bowed down. He is bowing toward a figure of a woman sitting on a throne. Only issue is Lyle is unable to make out exactly what she looks like for her figure is blurred. She does appear to have black hair and wearing some sort of decorated white dress.
A clear voice is heard throughout the room, ¡°Your name is Maximus. I am your creator, you may call me *****.
Lyle staring at the scene frowns when the name of the woman is garbled out.
¡°I am your goddess. I created you to unleash us gods from our prison. For we are only gods in name, we do not have something to rule over. Whether it is magic, life, death, deceit, beauty, and much more. That is why we created warriors to kill or seal our jailer. We have given you knowledge over the weapons that currently exist but, it is only basic knowledge. It is up to you to explore your choice of weapon and make it your own. I gave you the knowledge of magic as well to enhance your arsenal. I would encourage you to explore the possibilities that magic can give you. The others created like you, more of them focused on weapons rather than magic. You have ten years to familiarize yourself with magic and practice with the others. Don¡¯t disappoint me, Max.¡±
¡°By your will, my goddess.¡± Max voices out loudly.
¡°My goddess, huh.¡± A chuckle rings out from the goddess, ¡°I think I like the sound of that. Good, now leave. You have much to learn and do with very little time. I created you just the way I like so, when you defeat our jailor, I will have a reward for you.¡±
Max then stands up and walks away leaving the scene.
After he leaves, the goddess chuckles then looks in the direction that Lyle is watching from, ¡°Oh, how you will suffer, my little sweet. Just know that I¡¯m rooting for you. The past is nothing more than that, the past. So, stay strong and believe in yourself. I look forward to when we once again meet each other.¡± The goddess blows a kiss in Lyle¡¯s direction then everything disappears.
Lyle abruptly opens his eyes, his body covered in sweat. Getting up from the bed, Lyle shakily recalls the dream. Recalling the pain and screams makes him shudder. Taking a deep breath, he says, ¡°It¡¯s just a dream. It¡¯s not real. I am Lyle. So, everything is fine and lets just move on. Let¡¯s focus on getting out of here.¡±
Using his hands to rub the sand out of his eyes, he grabs the nearby bucket of water to splash his face with water. Closing his eyes as the water runs down his face. The cold water helped him gather his thoughts to focus on the problem at hand. After gathering his thoughts to think of yesterday he abruptly opens his eyes wide realizing his mind is sharper than yesterday.
¡®Considering that after staying here one night my mind was duller the next morning. Then why is my mind sharper instead? Let¡¯s see how sharp my mind is right now¡¯
Focusing on his life and the decisions he made in the past. Realizing he could now see things that were wrong in the decisions he made even from yesterday. Questions that were confusing even today are clear as day now. People that didn¡¯t show any signs for suspicion or their betrayal in the past are now obvious to him.
Bringing his hand to his face to support his chin while staring at the bucket blankly lost in thought mumbling to himself. ¡°Hm but why do I feel like the life I¡¯ve been living till now is not mine? That my past mistakes and actions were the decisions of dumber version of me.¡± Frowning at what he just mumbled, he thought of last night¡¯s dream, ¡°Maybe having that dream last night made me unlock something that was suppressed my entire life? But, that doesn¡¯t make sense since it was only a dream¡... Unless it wasn¡¯t a dream. That¡¯s impossible though, plus there is nothing that indicates it wasn¡¯t a dream.¡±
Coming to that point, Lyle comes to conclusion that speculating won¡¯t change anything. Pulling his hand away from his chin he reached both hands to splash more water on his face. His hands froze in place as he gazed at the water in the bucket. What was clear water to begin with now has a slightly red tint to it. Looking at the hand that was on his chin he notices there are red flakes and streaks on his hand. Lyle snatches his backpack pulling it close to him. Reaching inside and pulling out a clean cloth from inside. He proceeds to wipe his entire face of water. When he pulled the cloth away, his eyes go wide from shock. The once clean cloth is now covered in dried blood flakes with an obvious red tint covering the cloth. Lyle smiles bitterly at what this entails, ¡°Okay, so it wasn¡¯t just a dream after all. If it wasn¡¯t a dream, then would be it be a coincidence that I gathered information which could be related?¡±
Getting up from the edge of the bed, Lyle kneels next to his backpack. Reaching in to pull his spatial bag out he starts searching it for the scroll he made of the church yesterday. Pulling the scroll out he unravels it starting to glance through the information. He stops when he gets to ¡®Maximus The Cunning¡¯, ¡°You know, I¡¯m really not liking all this. Is it a coincidence, or is this really me?¡± shaking his head back and forth quickly, ¡°No, no. I¡¯m Lyle. Not this Max guy.¡± Doubting himself even though he said that. ¡°Though, what IF it¡¯s true?¡± Sighing out loud, ¡°What does it matter if it¡¯s true or not right now? I¡¯m still stuck in a place that makes no sense. I need ¨C ¡°
A bright green light flash outside the window, making Lyle rush to the window looking for the source of light.
Spreading across the entire sky bathing the clouds in its light is a green beam of light that is coming from down the road from towards where Dale said the lord¡¯s castle is at. The eerie green light radiates outwards covering the sky changing everything from bland grey to a sickening green. ¡°Great, right when I get thrown a massive amount of information something happens. Why is there so many coincidences and shit that doesn¡¯t make sense happening near me? I¡¯m just a priest why do these things keep happening to me? ¡...Regardless I have a bad feeling about that light. I need to hurry.¡±
Scrambling to gather his equipment, he quickly gets everything together. When grabbing his mask and book he sees the note he left for himself yesterday, on the nightstand. Quickly casting a heal on himself, he instantly freezes in place. Looking down to make sure he has his book in his hand, he tries to cast heal once again only to fail once more. Hands trembling slightly, Lyle tries again failing for a third time.
¡®Why can¡¯t I use my healing book? This has never happened before. Did my god forsake me?¡¯ Starting to panic at the thought of being abandoned by the red dragonkin god. A thought comes to him. ¡®Wait.¡¯ Remembering the goddess from the dream last night, ¡®Am I praying to the wrong god? But, I don¡¯t even know who she is.¡¯ Glancing out the window at the green light in the distance. ¡®I don¡¯t have time to figure this out right now. Let¡¯s try a scroll instead. If that doesn¡¯t work, then I¡¯m out of ideas right now.¡¯
Pulling a scroll of healing out of his spatial bag, he activates it only to see the magic work fine. Giving him a refreshing feeling with his mind becoming even sharper.
¡°Great, scrolls still work. Just not my healing magic. Also, interesting to know that my mind was razor sharp this morning. Adding the healing only made my mind even more keen. Interesting.¡± He quickly finishes gathering his things then heads down stairs. Seeing Dale at the counter with the patrons done eating already staring off into space. ¡°Dale, what is that green light?¡±
No response from anyone.
¡°Dale? Can you hear me?¡± Lyle says while walking up to Dale at the counter.
Dale looks at Lyle with a dull face and monotone voice saying, ¡°¡Who is Dale? ¡Can I get you anything?¡±
Lyle stops before a flash of understanding crosses his face, ¡°¡What is your name?¡±
Dale stops and ponders on the questions slowly before saying, ¡°¡I do not remember.¡±
Sighing out loud with a saddened expression before asking another question, ¡°What does that green light outside mean?¡±
Dale looks at the windows before replying slowly, ¡°¡Means the lord¡¯s knights are coming.¡±
Frowning Lyle opens his mouth to respond, ¡°Why are the knights coming here? What will happen when they get here?¡±
Looking back at Lyle he says, ¡°¡I do not know. ¡Maybe to repel intruders or to collect the people here. ¡Though, it shouldn¡¯t be time to collect the people yet.¡±
Lyle hastily asks, ¡°What do you mean collect the people? Will he take them to the castle?¡±
Nodding his head slowly, ¡°¡Yes, he will take all of the people, except me, to the castle.¡±
Looking confused Lyle responds, ¡°Why will he take everyone except you?¡±
A monotone voice responds to his questions, ¡°¡Because I¡¯m already dead, the lord will only take living to his castle.¡±
Lyle stiffens his body, ¡°But, I healed you two days ago, and it didn¡¯t hurt you. How can that be possible?¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
¡°¡Healing does not hurt undead here.¡± Dale says in reply to his question slowly.
Lyle backs up slowly with eyes spread wide in horror and realization, ¡°I know where I¡¯m at now¡ It shouldn¡¯t be possible though. I need to get to the church and check one more time for information. How long do I have before the knights get here?¡±
¡°¡I believe half the day.¡±
¡°Okay, least I have some time. Though, I need to move fast since you can¡¯t really tell the time here in the first place.¡± Turning around and sprinting outside heading straight to the church.
Quickly he comes to the church, realizing he never shut the door after he left yesterday. Sliding through the gap, he walks in the church with it looking just like it did yesterday.
¡°Let¡¯s see if all churches are the same with a secret chamber in times of danger. Hopefully, there will be some documents in there that survived which can help me.¡± Walking up to the pulpit made of ornate stone that is sitting in front of the statues and murals. Lyle sighs to himself, ¡°Why does it have to be made of stone?¡±
¡®Let¡¯s check to see if there is actually a secret chamber under it before I move it. Oh, first I should see if all my magic is working or just my healing isn¡¯t. Should have checked that in the inn when I realized healing magic wouldn¡¯t work.¡¯ Lyle summons a ball of light on tip of his quarterstaff. ¡°Okay, that works now let¡¯s try the rest.¡±
Spending a couple minutes to try which magic works leads him to discover that its only his healing magic that isn¡¯t working. Any offensive, defensive, curing disease, and even curing poison works. Just no healing spells what so ever.
¡°Alright, that¡¯s good to know. Though, If I would have known this was going to happen to me. I would have practiced more on my offensive spells. Now, time to check for this secret chamber.¡± Motioning the light on his quarterstaff to become brighter he started inspecting the pulpit. Using magic to create some water he dumped a buckets worth of water around the pulpit. Observing the water as it seems to leak through the stone floor confirms his thoughts about secret chambers in churches being in same place.
Taking a deep breath, Lyle moves to one side of the pulpit and starts pushing with all his might to move it. Yet, no matter how much strength he put into it, he couldn¡¯t get it to move an inch.
While leaning on the pulpit taking in deep breaths, ¡°Note to self, work out more.¡± Moving to the other side of pulpit he tries pushing that side instead hoping for a better result.
As he puts all his strength in moving the pulpit once again, it seems to give a little bit of ground. Lyle¡¯s face brightens up and he doubles his effort while laughing triumphantly. Slowly but surely, the pulpit moves to the side after taking several breaks. After he finally moved it three or four feet to the side, he lets go of it, taking a deep breath. Only to notice that the pulpit seems to be slowly moving back into place, albeit at a snail¡¯s pace.
¡°Fuck me.¡± Lyle hurries to look for some sort of latch where the pulpit was originally at. Seeing a stone latch, he grasps it gathering himself before lifting it with all his might to only realize that it opens easily. Staring blankly at the hidden door to only notice that it appears to be made of wood to blend in with the stone floor. After opening the latch all the way open, a noise sounds out followed by a small thud. Looking over at the pulpit, he sees that it¡¯s no longer moving. Getting a closer inspection, he notices there is a latch of some sort that is holding the pulpit in place. Also, the pulpit is on some sort of groove that he can only assume is barely slanted. Which works to make it cover the latch on its own if they shut the secret door.
¡°That¡¯s really clever, I would never have thought of something like that.¡±
Looking at the secret passage he sends his light down to reveal the stairs heading down.
¡°That took too long. I need to hurry if I want to make it out of here before the knights show up.¡± Lyle mutters before hurrying down the stairs.
Getting to the bottom of the small flight of stairs he sees a tunnel that is two men across going into the darkness. Proceeding with the light leading the way. The tunnel continues for couple hundred feet before coming to a room with no door. Cautiously sending the light in first while walking gives him a good view of the room. The room was twenty-five by twenty-five foot across with the walls entirely lined with armor and weapons. Weapons ranging from crossbows to two-handed great axe. The armor ranging from leather armor to full plate armor. The armor and shields were all adorning symbols of different kinds. There was a total of ten different kind of symbols decorating them. Ranging from a mountain to a bull. Sitting in the middle of the room is a magic circle that has over half of it faded away by time. ¡°I can only assume each symbol indicates one of the statues above. Though, I think it¡¯s obvious that the Raven is more than likely Max considering he is ¡®Max the Cunning¡¯. I am curious, however, on why they would have an armory underneath a church.¡± Walking up to the weapons and armor he runs his fingers along the edges of them. To then realize they are all pristine and ready to be used. ¡°Interesting, the magic circle faded away, but the equipment is ready for action.¡± Looking over the room once more shows that there aren¡¯t any documents in here. Sighing to himself, ¡°Why is it only the information was burned? ¡Let¡¯s take another look at the mural before I leave the church see if I missed anything.¡± Turning around and going back the way he came.
After getting out of the tunnel he closes the hidden door and watches as the latch disappears from some hidden mechanism. The pulpit starts sliding back into pace slowly now that the latch is gone. Turning around and inspecting the mural once more with the light to make it more clearly.
Looking over the mural he stops on the demi-god battling other races before smacking his own forehead. ¡°I¡¯m so stupid. How could I not have noticed this yesterday? This is the Underworld, so of course the people they are fighting in the mural with skull figures are undead.¡± Looking at that scene closely he notices something he neglected last time. Then smiling to himself he starts laughing loudly, ¡°Ha-ha I know how to get out of here now. It¡¯s so simple yet I missed it this entire time. Good, no time to lose It¡¯s time to leave this place.¡±
A voice speaks out behind him with surprised obvious in their voice, ¡°You know how to get out of here?¡±
Spinning around at the sound of the voice with his quarterstaff at the ready. Lyle sees a figure standing at the entrance of the church where he left it cracked open. Standing at five foot ten is a dark-haired slim man wearing leather armor with a bow over his shoulder. Slight fatigue is shown on his face with surprise present in his slightly widened eyes.
¡°Who are you?¡± Lyle asks loudly with caution in his eyes.
Raising his hands to indicate he means no harm, ¡°The name is Van and let¡¯s speed this along instead of the pointless question phase.¡± Coughing then speaking quickly, ¡°We know you are, Lyle. The man we have been looking for. We also know that you have another name that appeared to you in a dream.¡±
Slight panic and alert appear on Lyle¡¯s face.
¡°Ah, we don¡¯t mean you any harm though. We also have another name appear in our dream so its fine. We are just like you. You¡¯re going to now ask how we know you are Lyle and how we find you then my response is going to be. We blackmailed a god who was sleeping around on a jealous goddess with a mortal into getting information about you. He told us you would be in the Underworld with showing how we can enter there. Then also said when we come across a person who makes us question our sexual orientation, that we came across the person we are looking for.¡± Van gives a thumbs up, ¡°If I wasn¡¯t told you were a guy before hand then I would seriously have to question your gender.¡±
Lyle¡¯s hand moves to his face realizing that in finding out he couldn¡¯t heal he forgot to put his mask on when heading downstairs.
¡°Now that we are back to the present. I would like for you to know that my companions are in the inn resting. Since our group decided to fight the huge ass undead wolfs in the forest. Now, after we rest up for a day we can get out of here since you know how to leave. Also, what is this place? First time I¡¯ve seen a place like this with ten gods instead of one god.¡± Van strides forward with each of his steps not making a sound before looking at the murals and statues.
¡°Don¡¯t let your friends eat the food at the inn it makes you want to stay here!¡± Lyle blurts out in haste.
¡°Okay I¡¯ll let them know, thanks.¡± Van pulls out small piece of paper writing a message on it before magical runes flash and it disappears.
¡°We need to leave soon as possible though. The lord¡¯s undead knights are coming here soon. Also ¨C ¡° Lyle is interrupted by Van.
¡°Hey, that¡¯s me! Oh, that¡¯s Sasha, this is Rob, oooo and that¡¯s Big D. Ha-ha we are all here that¡¯s awesome. A church that worships us, I like it. Hey, which is you? Hm sorry, what were you saying?¡± Van turns around with excitement on his face.
¡°You know that these are you guys? How do you know?¡± Lyle inquires.
¡°Well our second names match perfectly. See I¡¯m Talib, Sasha is Brekshna, Rob is Andrew, and Big D is Deasel. We have already told each other what our second name was. So, which one is you?¡± Van looks at the statues pointing at the ones he knows.
Lyle points towards the last one on the right, ¡°I¡¯m that one, Maximus. Max for short. How do you know since you don¡¯t look like the statues? I mean I look like mine but, you don¡¯t. Wait, we don¡¯t have time for this we need to leave NOW. The undead knights are on their way here.¡±
Van turns back to face Lyle with serious expression, ¡°What undead knights?¡±
¡°The beam of green light indicates the lord¡¯s undead knights are on their way here. Either fight intruders or collect the people at the inn from what I learned. Either one isn¡¯t good news for us. We need to leave.¡± Lyle hastily explains.
Van nods then starts running towards the exit, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry then.¡±
Lyle follows behind Van before noticing that he is much slower than the agile Van.
Van already makes it inside the inn by time Lyle is halfway there. The main road is a straight shot from the church to the inn. Allowing Lyle to be able to grumble under his breath while watching Van go inside.
Moving as quick as he can Lyle heads to the inn. He looks down the road towards the green light not seeing any knights or dirt clouds yet.
By time he makes it to the door of the inn, it opens towards him almost hitting him in the face. Hastily moving out of the way, four individuals walk out. Van, being one of them, followed by a massive warrior wearing breast plate armor with a giant two-handed greatsword on his back. Standing at six foot five with short brown hair and stern expression on his face. Next a short beautiful woman standing at five foot four with long blonde hair. Wearing what appears to be a baker outfit under breastplate armor carrying a two-handed bread paddle that has bladed edges. A bear following quick on her heels. Lastly a six-foot-tall handsome man with black hair carrying a spear wearing half-plate armor.
Van motions towards Lyle, ¡°Gang, this is Lyle the one we been searching for. Lyle, this is the Gang. The massive man is Big D.¡±
Big D nods his head towards Lyle who hastily nods back.
Van points at the woman, ¡°This is Sasha and the bear is Misha.¡±
Sasha smiles saying, ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Sasha. Baker first, adventurer second. This is Misha, who is my friend.¡±
Misha roars in response.
Lyle has a confused look on his face, but nods.
Pointing at the last individual Van introduces him, ¡°And this is Rob.¡±
Rob smiles lightly, ¡°Nice to meet you, Lyle. We have been looking you for a while now.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you as well. Well considering I wasn¡¯t aware I¡¯m not sure how to respond exactly.¡± Lyle responds.
Van hastily interrupts, ¡°Lyle said we are running out of time. So, tell us how we get out of here.¡±
Everyone¡¯s face focuses on Lyle with serious expression.
Lyle swallows then speaks, ¡°Did you guys come across any body of water on your way here fighting the wolfs? The wolfs didn¡¯t attack me when I followed where they were leading me to. So, I can only assume you went a different direction.¡±
Rob nods to confirm, ¡°We did come across a lake when we were fighting the wolfs. The fighting increased the closer we got to the lake, so we headed in a different direction. That does explain why they stopped being so aggressive when we were heading in this direction.¡±
¡°We need to get to the Lake. I¡¯m positive it holds the answer on how to get out of here. Whether its swimming to the bottom, going in the middle of the lake, or just jumping in. I¡¯m willing to bet my life that the lake is the answer. It was in the mural¡¯s in the church.¡± Lyle says with confidence.
Rob nod¡¯s his head, ¡°Well let¡¯s get to it then, if we want to make it before the knights catch up. Lyle I¡¯m assuming you can heal us as we fight since you are wearing priest garments?¡±
Lyle smiles bitterly, ¡°No, ever since I had the dream about my name, I couldn¡¯t heal anymore. Healing scrolls still work and my magic, just not healing spells.¡±
Rob clicks his tongue, ¡°As I thought, it wasn¡¯t just Sasha who couldn¡¯t use healing spells anymore. Apparently, all of us who had the dream can¡¯t use healing spells. No matter, we should still be fine with a magic caster among us now. Let¡¯s go everyone.¡±
As we all start heading towards the forest a thought crosses Lyle¡¯s mind. ¡°How come none of you are blankly staring at my face or anything? Or getting flustered for that matter.¡±
Everyone chuckles with Van responding, ¡°Well we found out that apparently all of us who have had the dream are somehow connected to each other. We find you stunningly beautiful to the point it¡¯s scary, but we also feel like we have known you for our entire life. It¡¯s a weird connection that we are all still trying to figure out.¡±
Lyle nods his head in realization, ¡°That explains why I¡¯m not nervous while talking to you guys with my face exposed. Interesting. This requires more looking in to. Though, it¡¯s slightly scary having you feel like you know someone all your life when you just meet them. What if they have bad intentions towards you? You would be off guard due the connection making you feel like you have known each other since birth.¡± Eyeing the group cautiously to watch their response as he says that.
¡°That is a very good point and you can focus on that after we get out of here. None of us expect you to trust us, and, frankly, we don¡¯t trust you. We can find out more about one another when we aren¡¯t facing death in the Underworld. For now, let¡¯s focus.¡± Rob explains.
Lyle sighs then mutters under his breath, ¡°I became a traveling healing priest to stay away from politics and fighting. All for it to end by being shoved back into violence soon as something unexpected happens. Ugh, let¡¯s think about this later.¡± Tightening his group on his staff, he follows the group.
Big D says as he enters the forest, ¡°Let¡¯s get started, shall we?¡± Then laughs as he enters the forest.
Chapter 5 - Freedom
Before stepping into the forest Lyle notices that there is no fog. Everything seems to be calm and lifeless. No sound whatsoever is coming from the forest. Taking a deep breath, he passes the threshold of the forest. Stepping into the forest rapidly changed the entire atmosphere in the forest. The fog that was nowhere in sight rushes at them from a distance like a wave. The group brace themselves for the incoming wave of fog. The fog engulfes the group making everyone panic before realizing it didn¡¯t sweep the group away. Shortly after the fog dies down to once again only cover the forest floor making the group breathe a sigh of relief.
¡°I really don¡¯t like this forest.¡± Big D says before continuing to walk forward.
Everyone including Misha the bear nods their head in agreement before following behind him.
Everyone is on guard as they continue deeper into the forest. The fog responds to the group venturing deeper in the forest as if in protest. Far as the group can see the fog starts coalescing together, and form vague creatures composed of fog.
The group becomes startled seeing this scene of random assorted animals and monstrosities forming from the fog. Rob is the first person to respond, barking orders, ¡°D your up front and I¡¯ll assist while holding left side. Van use your own judgment on to support who you think needs it as the situation progresses. Sasha cover the back with Misha, make sure Lyle doesn¡¯t get ambushed. Lyle, till we know what we are dealing with slow down the right side if you can.¡±
Everyone complies with his order quickly going into a defensive formation, ready to respond to the encirclement. Lyle gathers magic in his hand shaping it to form what he wants. The fog creatures all face the group quietly standing there in eerie silence.
Lyle frowns after the group moves into place. ¡®Why do I not get a sense of danger from the fog? This is my first time coming across this yet, I¡¯m not scared at all.¡¯ At this moment the fog creatures pounce at the group. Lyle instantly swings his hand in a claw going from his waist up to the air.
¡°Rise!¡± A wall made of stone and rock rises from the ground. The wall stretches for sixty feet long and fifteen feet tall.
Everyone¡¯s weapon except Lyle¡¯s flares to life radiating magic before lashing out at the fog creatures. Lyle blankly stares at the weapons realizing that he never looked closely at their weapons. The weapons have runes engraved into each one that come to life when magic is channeled through.
As each weapon contacts the fog it goes straight through without affecting the creature. The creature¡¯s attacks land on everyone except Lyle and Van due to their location in the group. As the creature¡¯s make contact with the party members bodies. The creatures dissipate instantaneously dissolving back into the fog on the floor of the forest.
¡°Is everyone okay? Does anyone feel something off with their bodies?¡± Rob instantly asks the group members while checking the fog around the group.
¡°Fine here.¡± Big D responds while frowning.
¡°Misha and I are fine.¡± Sasha cheerily responds.
¡°They didn¡¯t touch Lyle or me, so we¡¯re good here.¡± Van answers cautiously while observing the fog.
¡°Lyle any ideas on what happened or guess on what¡¯s going on?¡± Rob looks at Lyle while saying so.
Lyle raises an eyebrow at Rob, ¡°Why are you asking me? Though, I do have a couple ideas on what is going on. Surprisingly, ever since I had that dream my mind has become much sharper.¡±
Rob smiles at hearing Lyle¡¯s response, ¡°We are in the Underworld and you are priest. Also, you deal with magic more then any of us do. Also, that isn¡¯t surprising that you became smarter. All of us awoke realizing we weren¡¯t using our full power so to speak. I gained more military insight, I¡¯m able to see the best option mid combat while leading. D awoke to realize he has always been using half his strength his entire life. Sasha was a shy and gentle baker. Now she has become baker who is more courageous than all of us put together. She will be first to jump into a deep dark pit before any of us will respond with who¡¯s going first. She also gained a pet bear which is a funny story by the way. Van went from a rat of the slums into a natural spy that sheds faces at drop of a hat. You can ask more from them after we get out of here. Give me your best assumption of what happened just now.¡±
¡°¡ Best guess with having very little knowledge about all this. They are the souls of creatures who died inside of the forest, I think. Like I said I¡¯m not for sure since I¡¯m going based on they are just creatures instead of people. Or, this is all just an illusion to by time.¡± Lyle responds after thinking about it more for a minute, ¡°I would stay on guard against the fog in case I am wrong. If after a couple times that nothing happens after engaging the fog, then I would keep an eye on it rather than guard it. It could be just a rouse to wear our nerves down while we travel to the lake.¡±
Rob nod his head in agreement at Lyle¡¯s deduction, ¡°Makes sense. You guys heard Lyle. Stay on high alert for first couple times the fog attacks then just stay wary when fog attacks. Let¡¯s keep moving. Van make sure we are going the right direction and don¡¯t lose our way in this forest.¡±
¡°Relax Rob when have I ever let us down when it comes to navigating the land?¡± Pointing in a direction slightly off to the left from where we are facing, ¡°Head towards that direction till I say otherwise D.¡±
D nods his head before cautiously moving in that direction.
Big D leads the front with Van right behind him. Rob follows behind the duo with Lyle right behind him. Sasha and Misha hold up the rear of the group.
¡°Hmm, this is different way then I came from. I wonder if we showed up at the same spot when we entered or different locations.¡± Lyle ponders out loud upon seeing the direction they were going.
¡°Huh? You remember where you entered the forest at Lyle?¡± Sasha says with curiosity from behind him.
¡°Hm? Ah yeah, I¡¯ve always had a good memory. Ever since I had that dream I found that my memory is eidetic now. It¡¯s slightly nerve-wracking thinking about my past since I see things that I missed. Regardless of whether what I missed was good or bad I now see it all. Some of the people I trusted are now shining in a different light. Betrayals I didn¡¯t understand before now, show clear signs beforehand that I just failed to notice. It¡¯s like looking through blurry glass all your life to only finally see through clear glass. You discover everything you thought was correct was in fact wrong in some minor or drastic fashion.¡± Lyle¡¯s face saddens when reaching the latter part before he masks it and puts on an expressionless face.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to make you remember those things.¡± Sasha speaks out awkwardly with face full of guilt.
Lyle looks over his shoulder and gives a reassuring smile to Sasha, ¡°I know you didn¡¯t and also it¡¯s all in the past. I can¡¯t change what¡¯s happened anyways. So, no point in dwelling over it.¡±
¡°I hate to interrupt a touching moment of sentiment but, can this wait till later? Like for when we aren¡¯t being chased by undead knights or trapped in a world of dead for that matter. I¡¯ll even bring my handkerchief and cry with you guys later if you want.¡± Van¡¯s voice interrupts Lyle and Sasha.
*AAWWOOOOO*
A howl sounds off in the distance after Van speaks.
¡°See! Even the undead wolves agree with me.¡± Van looks in the direction the howl came from, ¡°Thank you for your input Mr. Undead Wolf. I don¡¯t know what I would done if you hadn¡¯t given your opinion.¡±
¡°All jokes aside. It¡¯s good that you have good memory Lyle, for it will be useful in the future. We should also not dwell on things till after we get out of here and find a safe place.¡± Rob turns his head to side and speaks over his shoulder behind him. ¡°Also, Sasha, you shouldn¡¯t feel so guilty for accidently bringing up the past. Things happen so don¡¯t dwell on it. You can properly apologize once we are out of here if it bothers you that much. Since the wolves just howled that means we should encounter their resistance soon. So, keep your eyes peeled and watch Lyle¡¯s back since he is our new mage companion.¡±
Sasha nods her head seriously before shifting her gaze to watch the trees.
The group descends into silence while progressing further towards the lake. After traveling for a little bit, they realized that after couple times of the fog creatures attacking. That the fog creatures didn¡¯t affect them what so ever which relieved the group. No wolf howls sounded out ever since the first one sounded off which confused them.
¡°Lyle do you have any idea of how long we have before the undead knights should found out we are not in the town?¡± Rob¡¯s voice sounds out among the ever-silent dead forest.
Lyle ponders for a little while the group still proceeds forward with Van correcting our course when Big D veers off. ¡°No since we have no indication of what time of day it is. Then it will be hard to know how much time as passed. Since I was told it takes them half a day to go to town. I think it would be safe to just assume they are already inbound towards our location from town.¡±
The group stops turning to face Lyle with Rob saying, ¡°What makes you think it would be safe to assume so?¡±
Faced with everyone¡¯s curious stare Lyle simply shrugs his shoulders, ¡°It¡¯s precisely the lack of information that I would assume they are close to our location. There is to much we don¡¯t know about the Underworld to make a valid assumption. It¡¯s better to assume the worst and hope for the best. The knights are dead, so they don¡¯t need to eat, sleep, or rest. I would advise for us to pick up the pace. It¡¯s more of a gut feeling that I¡¯m having then any valid reasoning.¡± Lyle says before a thought comes to him, ¡°Actually there may be a way to prove that I¡¯m right, now that I think about it more. The wolfs haven¡¯t attacked at all which could mean they don¡¯t need to. Which could hint at by time we reach the lake at this pace that the knights will already catch up to us. So, if we increase our pace and the wolves decide to attack to buy more time then I¡¯m correct. Then again this is also going based off the undead wolves working together with the undead knights somehow. Like I said though, it is all just based off a feeling.¡±
Everyone¡¯s facial expressions shift the more they listened to Lyle.
¡°I think we all can agree that it¡¯s better to assume the worst and hope for the best. Let¡¯s pick up our pace and see if your feeling is right. Worst happens we arrive into an ambush by moving quicker.¡± Rob¡¯s face shifts to a serious expression, ¡°If so, then we only have to ask Big D to be in charge of asking them politely to move out of the way. If they don¡¯t, Big D can simply negotiate with them for safe passage. I¡¯m sure you can handle that right D?¡± Rob smiles while looking over at Big D.
Big D laughs loudly then lifts his great-sword with one-hand into the air before letting it rest on his shoulder, ¡°Ha-Ha, leave the negotiations to me Rob. I always enjoy having these sort of peace talks. They always seem to require my gentle touch before they are open to listening to what we have to say.¡±
Everyone lightly chuckles before Rob¡¯s voice starts giving orders.
¡°Alright let¡¯s pick up the pace then. Would hate to keep them waiting for us at the lake.¡± Rob smiles again before looking at Lyle inquiring, ¡°Lyle can you keep up if we move at a faster pace or do we need to ask Misha to carry you?¡±
¡°I may be a priest but, that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m delicate. I may not be as fast as Van over there, but I have confidence in my endurance from traveling so much. So, I will have to reject having Misha carry me.¡± Lyle smiles while giving a glance at Van before looking at Misha who seems to be pouting. Lyle assumes Misha is pouting from how she has her head turned to the side snorting while kicking the dirt with her front paw.
Sasha sees Misha pouting and goes over while petting her head comforting her, ¡°I¡¯m sure he likes you Misha. The only reason he doesn¡¯t let you carry him is just in case we get into a fight that you will be restricted with him on your back. He is someone who needs your protection so, he can¡¯t hold you back when you are protecting him. Isn¡¯t that right Lyle?¡± Sasha glares at Lyle while hinting meaningfully at him. Misha looks at Lyle from corner of her eye while her ears twitch in his direction.
Lyle stares blankly at Sasha and Misha before quickly responding, ¡°¡Of course I need Misha¡¯s protection. I¡¯m a priest who can use magic but, is weak in close combat. Without Misha protecting me I would obviously die. I only wanted to ease Misha¡¯s burden of having to take protect me. This way if something happens she doesn¡¯t haven¡¯t to worry about me being on her back. She can protect me without being held back.¡± While inwardly thinking, ¡®Note to self, the bear is intelligent. Judging from the way the group doesn¡¯t look surprised I guess I missed noticing this somehow.¡¯
Misha stops pouting, stands on all four with head held high and chest puffed out with face full of pride as if saying, ¡®You can count on me.¡¯
Everyone lightly chuckles once more.
¡°Now that Lyle has learned his lesson let¡¯s get moving now.¡± Rob voice sounds out.
The group quickly proceeds forward with a quick pace still in the same formation.
Within a couple minutes of traveling at this speed a wolf howl sounds out followed by more.
*AWOOOO*
¡°Looks like you were right Lyle. They seem to be moving to intercept us now. I can see their large shadows moving toward us from deep within the forest.¡± Van¡¯s voice sounds out among the group.
¡°You heard him then. Get ready for combat and watch your sides for an ambush. We aren¡¯t going to spend a lot of time fighting. Our objective isn¡¯t to get rid of the wolves it¡¯s to reach the lake and get out of here. Remember that and don¡¯t lose yourself in the fight.¡± Rob¡¯s voice takes a more commanding tone, ¡°Lyle this is first time we have fought with you so, we aren¡¯t sure how you are going to do. Don¡¯t blow all your mana and go for a more support/control magic role if you can. Also try not to hit anyone in the group. I¡¯m not saying that you will but, we haven¡¯t fought with you so just giving you warning.
Lyle smiles wryly, ¡°You found out my evil plan already? Now I have to listen to you and not be suspicious with my casting¡ Don¡¯t worry I know my job, the sister who raised me in the church use to be member of the Reapers. So, she trained me well on how to fight and what to do depending on the situation.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Van¡¯s voice sounds out with curiosity and confusion, ¡°Wait, you were raised and trained by a member of the Reapers? Why did she quit the Reapers? No one quits the Reapers. You either get retired from injuries or die. So, how did she quit the Reapers and they allow it?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know why she quit the Reapers. Every time I brought it up she would switch subjects. Though, she was treated with a lot of respect within the church even after she quit. So, I can only assume there were circumstances involved.¡± Lyle speaks up in response to his question.
¡°Who is your- ¡°
A voice interrupts, ¡°Enough chatter, here they come. Focus on breaking through and continue to the lake. Big D power up on the first one.¡± Rob barks out orders in quick order.
Big D grunts in acknowledgement before his body starts slowly shining with magical glow.
Lyle puts his healing book in his bag, so he can have both hands free for his staff.
¡°Lyle just so you don¡¯t underestimate these undead. I need to warn you that they are much stronger than regular large wolfs. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s being in the Underworld but, they are much stronger then they should be. So, don¡¯t focus on killing them and more on assisting us.¡± Rob says over his shoulder to Lyle.
¡°Good to know¡± Lyle speaks before looking at the distance in front of the party.
In front of the party, twelve large black shadows are spotted moving quickly in their direction.
The large shadows now visible to be seen properly. Each standing at two meters tall with large red eyes that seem to reveal intelligence within them. Black fur covering their entire bodies with no indication they are undead being visibly seen.
With a confused expression on his face Lyle says, ¡°How do you know they are undead? I don¡¯t see any indication that hints them to being undead currently. They look like they are living and breathing wolves. With the exception of the red eyes that glow of course which is different than the ones I first saw.¡±
Sasha speaks from behind him, ¡°That¡¯s what we thought until we tried to kill some of them. Even if you cut off their head it doesn¡¯t kill them. They will only move their body to the head and it will reattach itself. Limbs that are cut off will simply regenerate albeit slowly. Only way to kill them is to use some form of purifying light magic but, that takes too long. Or, can do what D is about to do. Reason Rob says to not try to kill them and assisting us to break through. Though, these wolves have red eyes instead of yellow like the ones we first encountered.¡±
¡°Would have been nice to have been told that earlier. I¡¯ve fought undead but undying undead that looks just like it was when alive is new.¡± Lyle grumbles before thinking up possible ideas to assist.
¡°Sorry, we are still new to fighting undead, so we assumed all undead were like this which is scary.¡± Sasha apologizes for the rest of the group.
¡°This is first time I¡¯ve ever heard or fought undead that are like this. Oh well, looks like we are out of time talking anyways.¡± Lyle says before gathering magic for a spell.
The wolves now about hundred feet away fearlessly charge towards the group. The wolves spread out widely appearing to want to surround the group and attack from all sides.
Big D¡¯s body now having a bright magical glow he grips his sword with both hands. Channeling some of the magical glow into his weapon while holding the rest in his body. A smile on D¡¯s face with excitement and anticipation in his eyes while looking at the wolfs.
Van already having a couple arrows knocked on his bow both of them giving off a cold aura. His face giving off a serious expression with a cold gleam to his eyes.
Rob having a calm expression on his face with a slightly relaxed posture. Giving the impression to invite others to take advantage of his openings.
Lyle having an expressionless face while still only holding his staff in one hand.
Sasha having a determined look on her face as she holds her bread paddle with both hands. Misha running right by her side ready to tear apart whatever comes close.
As the last hundred feet decreases quickly from both sides moving forward. The wolfs move into three groups four coming straight to the group and the other eight splitting to both sides.
With the atmosphere being the calm before a storm. The first to act is Big D with him tensing his body before giving out a battle roar and leaping into the air with his great-sword raised. The magic he gathered in his body propels him farther into the air.
Soon as Big D leaps at the wolfs, a series of different things happen at the same time. The four wolves each pounce towards the group with one going to Big D. The other three choosing to target Van and Rob instead of Big D.
As Big D and the wolf meet each other in the air. D brings his weapon down with all his strength roaring once more. His weapon shining bright pulsing with magic power, hits the wolf on the head. The weapon seems to show no signs of resistance in colliding with the wolf. Like a hot knife through butter the weapon splits the entire wolf in half right down the middle. With the wolf splitting in half and each side landing on the ground with no blood. When Big D hits the ground, he continues running forward without looking back.
Two arrows flowing with magic power giving off a freezing cold aura fly through the air. Each one hitting a wolf in the shoulder instantly incasing the entire shoulder and head of the wolf in ice. Van leaps to the side while running forward and both of the wolfs hit the ground where he was just at. Their face and shoulder incased in ice shatter into bloody chunks. As Van passed the shattered wolfs he pulls out two regular arrows, ready for assist who needs it. Looking over his shoulder at the back while still running behind Big D.
Rob reverse grips his halberd gathering magic power in his arm before he threw his halberd at the wolf pouncing at him. The halberd hits the wolf in the lower chest puncturing straight through the heart. The impact of the halberd alters the wolfs landing as the eyes lose its glow before landing just short of Rob. Rob leaps over the body of the wolf with his hand stretched out behind him. A rune flashes on the halberd before it pulls itself out of the wolf¡¯s chest and flies into Rob¡¯s outstretched hand.
Lyle¡¯s eyes open wide with surprise when seeing the strength of the group before quickly focusing on the remaining wolves.
¡°Sasha I¡¯ll take the right side. You and Misha get the left and I¡¯ll help when I finish immobilizing my side.¡± Lyle says before releasing the spell he had prepared beforehand. A blue ball of magic shoots from his hand and lands behind the group of wolves to the right. Seeing the magic rapidly coming to them each one tries to get far from it as possible. Only one manages to get out of the spells range. The entire fog in fifty-foot radius instantly freezes solid. Three of the wolves instantly have their feet all the way to the joint frozen in place unable to move. The last wolf being further ahead then the ones behind it was able to escape the spell. The wolf continues charging ahead to cut off Lyle.
Soon as Lyle comes within range the wolf lunges forward to bite his shoulder. Lyle instantly grabs staff with both hands and diving to the ground into a forward roll before springing back up. Gathering magic at the tip of his staff he rapidly turns around and thrusts it at the foot of the wolf with one hand.
The wolf just stares at Lyle as the strike comes in with no intention of dodging. The strike lands, freezing the front paw to the ground before Lyle leaps backward. The wolf just stares at him as if looking bored then starts growling and trying to break the ice on its paw. Lyle frowns at the wolf before turning back around and running off behind Rob. Glancing to see if Sasha is done on her side.
Going to back when Lyle said for Sasha to take the right.
Sasha meets Misha¡¯s eyes coming to an understanding on a plan of action.
She reaches into her armor and pulls out a hefty sack. When Misha sees the sack, fear comes across the bear¡¯s face before putting on determined look. Sasha throws the sack at the ahead of the wolves in which the sack bursts into a cloud of black.
When the wolves see the black cloud they all have a resigned look on their face. They go charging straight through the black cloud. When the wolves enter the black cloud all four of them go into a fit of coughing and sneezing. The black cloud instantly stops the wolves in their tracks.
Sasha and Misha keep running straight forward without looking back following the group. Sasha has a mischievous grin on her face when Lyle glances to see if Sasha is done on her side. To only realize she finished before him with all four wolves sneezing and coughing.
¡°Sasha, what did you just use on the wolves?¡± Lyle inquires with face full of curiosity.
Sasha giggles, ¡°Pepper! My secret weapon that I use on Misha when she tries to steal the sweets I make.¡±
Lyle looks over at Misha to see the determined look on the bears face with a trace of fear in her eyes. He then laughs, ¡°A mighty weapon indeed.¡±
Rob¡¯s voice sounds out and Rob glances over his shoulder at rest of the group. A smile on his face with a teasing tone in his voice.
¡°D I thought you were going to negotiate with them not just split the poor creature in half?¡±
¡°¡ oops, I¡¯ll negotiate with the next one. I¡¯m sure he will feel my sincerity when he finds out about his brother.¡±
Everyone laughs while going forward.
After laughing Lyle, knits his brow in thought at just how easy that fight was.
¡°Rob was it that easy last time you were heading towards this direction?¡± Lyle voices his doubt to Rob.
¡°No, now that you point it out. It is indeed a lot easier then last time.¡± Rob says before thinking a couple seconds, ¡°Van keep an eye out for traps or ambush ahead.¡± Van nods his head in acknowledgment.
¡°It may just be me but, I don¡¯t get the feeling that they are trying to kill us. Guess we will have to wait and see what is ahead of us first though. How far till we reach the lake?¡± Lyle voices his thought while asking the group.
Van answers his question, ¡°You¡¯re looking at about another couple minutes before we reach the lake side.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s find out when we get there then shall we.¡± Lyle speaks to the group. Everyone voices their agreement before going silent, just focusing on moving forward.
After a couple minutes of running with no traps or fights puts the group on edge for what is to come at the lake.
The group spots the clearing ahead and everyone¡¯s faces become solemn at the sight. The group stops at the edge of the forest.
In the clearing is a massive lake with what appears to be almost two-hundred wolves surrounding the entire lake. At the lakeside where the group is heading straight for, is twelve heavy plated knights. Each heavy plated knight is sitting on a horse that looks alive if not for the glowing red eyes that says otherwise. Each knight has a longsword and shield equipped. Behind the twelve knights is a massive wolf that is twice the size of the other wolves. Standing next to the massive wolf is a heavy plated knight whose armor is fit for a woman. None of the wolves or knights have weapons pulled out ready to fight.
¡°Well looks like we lost the race to get to the lake first which is strange considering this is a forest and they are on horses. I assume there is probably another way to get here that we aren¡¯t aware of.¡± Lyle says so solemnly. ¡°Guess we can only talk then, they don¡¯t have weapons drawn. What do you think Rob?¡±
Rob smiles bitterly, ¡°Do we have a choice at this point? Let¡¯s see what they want. If they try to force us to go with them or try anything funny. We make a break straight through them heading to the lake. If we can¡¯t do that then we fight to the last. There is a hundredish feet between the forest and them. We will move towards them until they say stop. If they don¡¯t say anything then we stop at halfway mark.¡±
The group slowly makes their way into the clearing moving forward following Rob¡¯s orders. All eyes of both wolf and knight alike focus on the group.
Van mutters, ¡°Well aren¡¯t we the popular one.¡±
The group slowly moves to fifty feet from the knights and wolves before stopping.
Both sides sit there in silence and stare at each other.
Lyle and the group still having solemn expressions on their face are quite nervous on the inside.
After what feels like hours which was only around ten seconds a change appears.
The female knight makes her way forward on her horse. She comes in front of the knights and heads to the group. Stopping at the half way mark between both groups. An indifferent voice sounds that breaks the silence between the groups, ¡°The one who is named Lyle come forward to speak.¡±
The group tenses up before Rob whispers behind him, ¡°Lyle do you want to go see what she has to say? We won¡¯t force you if you don¡¯t want to. I doubt you somehow made friends with female death knights while you were here.¡±
¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll go see what she has to say and if it turns dangerous I¡¯ll be counting on you. I don¡¯t know who you guys are nor do I know who I am. But, you went through a lot of trouble to find me so, I¡¯ll place some trust in you guys for now. And, no I have not wooed any death knights or met any for that matter.¡± Lyle speaks with wry smiles before moves away from the group heading to the knight. Holding his staff in one hand using it as a walking stick and leaving other hand inside his sleeve. Gathering magic subtly in his hand incase the knight does anything. ¡®One thing after another has happened. Now the undead knight even knows me by name. This¡¯ll be interesting.¡¯
While Lyle walks closer the knight gets off her mount and takes off her helmet. Black hair flows out of the helmet when she takes it off. Her face is pale white color showing no emotion on her face with red eyes that give off a subtle glow.
Lyle stops about five feet away from the knight before speaking, ¡°I¡¯m Lyle may I ask who you are?¡±
¡°I¡¯m my lord¡¯s death knight Bella may she rule forever.¡± She says as if it¡¯s practiced sentence. ¡°I have been instructed to give an open invitation for you to meet my lord.¡± Bella¡¯s says in indifference.
With a slightly confused look Lyle says, ¡°Why did you request me specifically? Also, who is your lord?¡±
Bella ignores the first question, ¡°My lord is one of the nine rulers of the undead.¡±
¡°And if I refuse to meet this ruler?¡± Lyle inquires.
¡°Then you are free to leave through the lake.¡± Says in a voice that still doesn¡¯t seem to care.
¡°You won¡¯t stop us if we try to leave?¡± Lyle asks with a slightly confused look.
¡°My orders were to protect your group and invite you to meet my queen.¡±
¡°But wolves just attacked us inside of the forest on our way here how is that protecting us? Why would you be ordered to protect us in first place?¡± Lyle says with total confusion of not understanding anything. Staring at her red eyes a thought suddenly occurred to him.
¡°Who said they were trying to stop you?¡± Bella raises an eyebrow while saying that.
Lyle nods while continuing his thought, this time out loud, ¡°You¡¯re not the knights that are after us. Those wolves seemed to easy to get past almost like they weren¡¯t trying. They were sent to delay the knights who are coming after us but, if they just bypassed us we would been suspicious. So, they acted like they were attacking us.¡± Lyle voices his thoughts before raising an eyebrow at Bella, ¡°So, who are the knights that are after us then and also who is your queen? Since I get the impression that not all of the lords of the undead get along.¡±
Bella¡¯s mouth slightly curves up at the end while listening to Lyle speak, ¡°Seems that my queen¡¯s judgement was not misplaced. You are correct. The wolves were sent to delay the other knights coming after you. The knights coming after you are part of The Ruler of Masks which is the local lord in this area. We are the knights of Queen Nefereta same as these wolves. We cleared out the Ruler of Masks wolves beforehand. Remember this little immortal. You have just awoken and not all lord of the undead are friendly especially Ruler of Masks. The immortals emerging signifies that a massive change will occur in the realms. My queen chooses helping the immortals instead opposing the change. Now leave, we are running out of time. The wolves were only supposed to hold them back for a short delay, so we can have this conversation.¡±
¡°Wait one last question.¡± Lyle hastily speaks.
Bella places her helmet on her head with her hair disappearing inside, ¡°Speak quickly.¡±
¡°How did your queen know that all of this would happen? How did she predict I would awake and have you meet here to protect us?¡± Lyle asks with still suspicious on his face.
¡°Ask the queen yourself if you ever decide to take her up on her invitation.¡± Bella speaks then turns around getting back on her horse. She waves her hand and the knights and wolves all make way for the group.
Lyle puts on a pondering face while walking back to the group thinking over everything that was said.
The group walks toward him when Rob speaks, ¡°Well what happened? We couldn¡¯t hear for some reason.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll explain when we are out of here just know that we can leave through the lake and they won¡¯t stop us.¡± Lyle says before dispelling the magic he was holding in his free hand.
Rob studies Lyle¡¯s face for a few seconds before saying, ¡°Alright, you put your trust in me when you went to go speak to them so, I¡¯ll do the same now. Let¡¯s go.¡±
The group heads to the lake still on guard incase the knights or wolves do something.
When they reach the water, a voice interrupts them before they walk into the water.
¡°STOP RIGHT THERE!¡± A male voice yells out.
The group turns around and around twenty knights burst through the trees. Each knight has a green glow around their body with their weapons drawn. Wearing heavy plate armor as well.
In response the twelve knights and Bella burst in red glow around their body while drawing weapons.
¡°Queen Nefereta¡¯s soldiers don¡¯t rule these parts! Are you declaring war with the Ruler of Masks!?¡± The man among the twenty knights yells out.
¡°We were simply taking a walk when we came across these living people. As we all know living people are not part of the Underworld and it is our job. Being part of the lords of the undead to send them back to their own world.¡± Bella¡¯s voice sounds out loud but still indifferent.
The man¡¯s voice quivers slightly, ¡°Captain Bella of the royal guards why are you here?¡±
¡°¡ Did I not just say I was taking a walk? I apologize if the Ruler of Masks subordinates are so poor to have trouble understanding my words.¡± Bella¡¯s voice sounds out with contempt.
¡°You! My lord will not let go of you interfering in his plans!¡± The man says in rage.
Wolves that are close to the group slowly start moving closer to the group motioning for them to leave. The group takes the hint and walk into the lake. Soon as they take a step into the lake they instantly disappear.
Lyle stays behind watching with thoughts going through his head before a wolf pushes him into the lake. Lyle stumbles into the lake instantly disappearing. The last thing he hears before disappearing is.
¡°Well your lord will just have to talk to mine to get his answers. If we are done here I shall take my leave unle-¡°
Lyle appears with both feet in the water up to his knees. All around him he hears sounds of life. Feels the wind on his face with birds chirping overhead. Insects sounding out in the forest and all trees healthy full of life. On the bank of the lake the rest of the group already made it to shore and were looking at him.
¡®I much prefer here which is full of life than the Underworld.¡¯
The group smiles at him motioning for him to come out the water.
Lyle smiles than walks towards his group.
Interlude
At the moment when Lyle and the group exit the Underworld. These scenes take place at the same time.
In a lavish hallway that is decorated with pictures of constellations that are moving as if alive. A beautiful woman is elegantly walking through the hallway heading to the closed door at the end. The woman has black hair that is dark is night wearing a black tiered lace high low dress. The only sounds that can be heard are the sounds of her heels hitting the floor as she walks.
When the woman comes to the end of the hallway she reaches for the door for it to only open on its own. The door opens to reveal pitch black darkness that is unable to be seen through.
A clear and calm voice is heard when the door opens.
¡°Enter.¡±
The woman faintly smiles then strides inside the room. Crossing the door threshold into the darkness reveals itself to be an open field of grass below the starry sky. In the middle of the open field is a man wearing plain grey robes with his back to the woman.
The woman continues walking forward to the man without breaking her stride. When she gets within ten feet the man turns around to face her.
When the man turned around it showcased his ears giving him away as an elf which were hidden by his hair. His hair was white as snow that fell to his shoulders. The elf looked to be in prime of his life with exception his eyes full of grey clouds revealing his blindness. Within the man¡¯s cloudy eyes one can catch the twinkle of a starry sky every now and then. The elf opens his mouth and speaks to the woman.
¡°I knew you would come Lillian, I just wish it was under better circumstances¡ You have meddled to much in the realms.¡±
Lillian shrugs her shoulders, ¡°Something had to change Dalglish. If nothing was done, then the mortal realm will perish. I refuse to watch my child perish when he can save the realm.¡±
Dalglish shakes his head, ¡°Do not try to justify yourself. We both know you simply wanted your child to awaken once more, so he can hopefully meet you. While he has the power to help save the realm. You gave him too much help. Interfering with Fate comes with consequences Lillian. Consequences that he will have to deal with in your place. There is a reason the gods are not allowed to meddle with Fate.¡±
Lillian is quiet for a moment before replying with confidence, ¡°He will be fine Dalglish. I believe he can overcome what ever stands in his way.¡±
¡°Are you reassuring me or yourself, Lillian? Helping him awaken while being safe would not have caused to much of a ripple in Fate. But, you gave him companions, allies, and helped people find him. All for the purpose of helping him. He will suffer for those actions. When the memories come to him, they will be the worst ones. The insanity, the slaughter, and the torture will come first. Not to mention what would have been a normal journey to anywhere will now be full of danger. His enemies will luck out and find him. An ancient slumbering evil monstrosity will awaken and attack them if they pass by. The entire realm that should have been going straight will now go out of its way to attack them. Weather, monsters, and his enemies will go against them. The world will continue to attack him to balance out the help you have given him. You do not realize how much he and his group will suffer for your actions Lillian.¡± Dalglish explains all this to Lillian.
Lillian¡¯s face goes pale and she bites her lip to point blood trickles out.
After waiting to make sure she understands the problems she caused. Dalglish sighs while looking at Lillian before speaking.
¡°Don¡¯t interfere anymore with him or it will just make things worse. What¡¯s done is done. You can only leave it up to him. Whether he will perish or succumb to insanity is unknown. Only time will tell if by the end result, he is himself or not. Watch him suffer and bleed, so you realize what he will deal with for your actions. The good thing though, is that since he will encounter many dangers that he will grow stronger at a rapid pace. The stronger he is the more of a chance the mortal realm has at surviving. So, watch his journey Lillian. ¡I¡¯ll see if I can help assist without interfering directly for old times¡¯ sake.¡±
Lillian clenches her hands into fists before nodding then leaving without a word.
Dalglish looks in her direction until she leaves before gazing back at the stars, ¡°Good luck Max. Your going to need all the luck you can get now that Fate is moving against you.¡±
At another location a massive battle is playing out where demons of all types are sieging a fortress. The fortress defenders are comprised of a single race. The defenders are holding the city with no signs of weakness.
Behind the demon army watching the battle from a hill stands several individuals. Each individual is a demon of a different type yet, each one gives off a dangerous aura. Standing in front of the demons is a woman wearing light armor with no weapons in sight. The woman stands under six feet tall with long black hair and eyes that give off a bright purple light. The woman is dwarfed compared to the demons who vary from thirty feet tall to nine feet tall. Yet, the woman shows no sign of being scared and has a cold look on her face while gazing at the battle.
¡°Bal keep sending waves of fodder demons to keep them busy. You will take your kind and storm the walls. Your goal is to attract attention not to take the entire wall. So, let your battle maniacs go crazy but, reign them in when higher ranked angels show up. While your men go crazy the shadow stalkers will be infiltrating and laying low till night time. The true attack will come at nightfall. Mary will keep her tempest demons with me along with Sebastian and his ice demons. The rest of you are to mix some of your troops among the fodder charging to help with the chaos.¡± The woman orders coldly before looking at the city and glaring with hatred. ¡®I hope you can offer a better fight and entertain me more than the last fort.¡¯
The demons all salute and go off to follow the orders with two demons staying behind. One a female demon standing at fourteen feet tall with six arms with red skin and wearing leather armor. The leather armor which seems to be a size too small for her showing off her seductive figure. With bottom two hands resting on two out of six scimitars that are equipped on her body. Her middle two arms crossed under you breasts and top two arms on her hips. With her black hair pulled back her face reveals her boredom of the situation while her eyes radiate with red glow.
The other demon a handsome middle-aged male humanoid standing at nine feet tall wearing a butler outfit. His motion our all fluid and graceful. His skin blue as glacier ice with white hair. With a fluid smile on his face he speaks to the woman, ¡°Lady Mara how many times do I need to correct you in that we are not called ice demons but, Gelon demons. While us gelon demons loyally serve the queen of the succubus, you still have never gotten our races name correct. I wonder if Milady dislikes our service we have provided since you subjugated our race.¡± Sebastian pulls out a handkerchief and dabs at his eyes seemingly wiping tears away.
Mara doesn¡¯t look over put responds to his question, ¡°You gelon demons were living in the glacial mountains like animals until I brought you under my rule. Ice demons is easier to remember, and it fits on where I found you anyways. Now that-¡°
A demonic portal interrupts her as it opens behind the three with a small fire imp coming out of the portal. The fire imp flies over to Mara and gives a salute before retrieving a letter out of its bag. The imp hands it over with respect and enthusiasm on its face. ¡°Letter from his Majesty King Apol for Queen Mara!¡± Oblivious to the disgust that crosses Mara and Sebastian¡¯s face when saying Apol.
¡°His Majesty King Apol would also like to verbally congratulate Queen Mara for her victory over Fort Malice. He also wishes for your quick victory over Fort Valor. When you conquer over Fort Valor the King demands your presence in the capital.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Mara shudders in anger while clenching the letter to point it crumbles up. Right when killing intention appeared in her eyes, deep within her soul a connection is made to it. A connection that has been dark for thousands of years finally lights up and reconnects.
Through the connection she feels different kinds of emotions. Relief, confusion, caution, and worry. Unknowingly a tear slides down her cheek and a dazzling smile comes across her face.
A sigh escapes Mary before turning to speak to the imp, ¡°Have you not ever wondered why a small lesser demon like you were given the job to deliver this letter to Queen Mara? The pay was enormous yet, always seem to be available. Regardless of when someone accepts the job.¡±
The Imp tilts his head in confusion for not being able to understand what she said. ¡°But, there isn¡¯t anything wrong with delivering messages to Queen Mara. She is still beneath his majesty King Apol even if she is a Queen from a different faction. She should feel honored to get a letter from his Majesty and she may get lucky to attract his favor. She would end up as Queen of the entire demon realm instead of just the succubus race.¡±
¡°¡.Lady Mara¡ are you okay?¡± Sebastian inquires with concern in his voice to Mara which draws the gazes of Mary and the Imp. Both of them freeze in shock while looking at Mara smiling.
The imp becomes entranced and stares blankly at Mara before lust radiates from his eyes. Gazing at Mara hungrily and licking his lips, he takes one step forward towards.
Soon as he takes that step a blue light flash from Sebastian before the imp is now donning an ice spear through his head. The imp falls over dead and Sebastian snorts, ¡° To dare look at Lady Mara with those lust filled eyes, you deserve death. Mary if you do not want to be beaten by Lady Mara I would advise restraining yourself.¡± A blue flame appears in Sebastian¡¯s hand before he throws it at the imp¡¯s corpse. The flame burns away the body.
Mary who was staring at Mara with the same lust filled eyes as the imp came back to herself before shaking her hand and smiling.
¡°I couldn¡¯t help myself there Sebastian. She hasn¡¯t smiled in thousands of years, not even when we have some fun time. Yet, she randomly smiles now just arouses me to eat her up or at least try. Even when I know she can beat me down if I try anything¡. Hey, Mara. Why are you smiling?¡±
Mara comes back to herself and glances at the imps slowly burning body then throws the letter into the fire as well. She tries to repress the expressions from showing on her face but, fails to restrain a faint smile.
¡°Max has finally awakened. It¡¯s been 6,000 years 280 days 12 hours 43 minutes and 36 seconds since the connection was broken. Yet, now he is awakened so, I can watch him from the shadows now.¡±
¡°Milady remember us higher demons cannot casually go into the mortal realm. Else we draw the attention of the celestials and gods who will strike us down. So, please exercise caution on impulsively going to the mortal realm.¡±
Sebastian hastily advises Mara in a slight panic.
She rolls her eyes at Sebastian, ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot Sebastian. I will be scrying him from my castle as he makes his journey. Until the day he can remember or find his temple with his notes to summon me. Sebastian you are in charge while I am gone with Mary as your second. I will be taking my leave now.¡± Mara tells Sebastian and Mary before opening a demonic portal. She quickly disappears leaving a shocked Mary and Sebastian behind.
Sebastian puts his hand to his forehead before sighing, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize she cared that much about Lord Max. I¡¯ve only heard very little about him from Lady Mara. She even went as far as using a demonic portal which is only used in emergencies just to get back faster.¡±
¡°Ha-Ha of course you don¡¯t realize how much she cares about Lord Max. You weren¡¯t around when Lord Max was alive. The amount of death and destruction he can rain down was beautiful. Those two went through a lot together even when both mortal and demon realm went against them. Even when Max went insane she watched him the entire time. Watched him destroy kingdom after kingdom till he wiped out 60% of the population. Recalling that time brings shivers down my spine. The amount of devotion he showed was something even a tempest demon like me am envious of. The day he died is the day Mara threw herself into leading this war against the celestials in anger. There is a reason why they have been losing the entire time she has been in leading. She has been enacting vengeance upon the heavens ever since he died. Every time he dies before being able to awaken she senses it and disappears for couple years. During those couple years she hunts down the ones connected to his death and the gods counter attack while she is gone. They always gain a little bit of ground back since no one is good as Mara at war. Plus, King Apol has been chasing Mara even before Max summoned her. Even more persistent since the day Max died. Though, he fails to see that she has only eyes for Max regardless of whether he is reborn or not.¡± Mary¡¯s expression switches between passionate, anger, and sorrow while she was speaking to Sebastian.
¡°If what you say is true then Apol will try to kill off Max now that he is alive again.¡± Sebastian raises a point to Mary.
To which Mary laughs off and replies, ¡°He will try to kill off Max but, the celestial world will defend him with a passion. The longer he lives the longer Mara will stay off the battlefield. Also, what Apol fails to realize is if Max decides to go against King Apol. Then he will push with the celestials to invade the demon kind, and Mara will fight alongside him against the demons. But, if the celestials try to get rid of Mara or her faction then, Max will turn against them as well. Ha-Ha he cares not who he fights against. Long as they turn against Mara and him then he will strike back. So, Sebastian keep your people from attacking Max or people he is close with. If you can do that then your people will live long and prosper under Mara.¡±
¡°I take your advice to heart Lady Mary. Thank you.¡± Sebastian gives an elegant bow.
¡°Now shall we get this battle situated with.¡±
In an underground chamber below the church in the Imperial City.
The room is separated in two platforms. On the first platform is lowered that goes to the middle of the room with light shining down directly. The light bright enough you are unable to see the platform above. On the platform above is seven decorated chairs each with a different color.
Currently each chair is occupied by a person who are all looking down to the middle of the room. Where a man wearing full plate armor attire of the Reapers. The man¡¯s helmet is off, and he is on one knee with hand on ground. His head bowed down facing the floor. The man is late middle-aged man with a grizzled veteran appearance.
¡°Captain Hardt report.¡± A strict male voice comes from the gray chair.
Captain Hardt raises his head but, doesn¡¯t get up from his kneeled position.
¡°Sir, after being given the oracle we immediately left in pursuit. When we got to the designated site there was no one in sight. We spread out to search the entire area and nearby towns to no avail. After we searched the area we came across a section that of the forest that was devoid of life. Every wildlife was withered and decayed. When a couple of my men went to investigate the reason why, they vanished. I sent several more to exact place where my men vanished just for them to vanish as well. After coming to that point, I felt it was better to inform the church and await further instructions.¡±
Listening to Captain Hardt give his report of what happened the seven platforms are silent afterwards.
The strict male voice from gray chair speaks once more, ¡°What are your thoughts on the reason you¡¯re your men disappeared?¡±
Hardt responds quickly with confidence, ¡°I believe that my men crossed some sort of weakening to a different realm.¡±
¡°Explain.¡±
¡°If it was an illusion my men would still be able to be heard or would come out of the illusion after some time. If it¡¯s a barrier then it wouldn¡¯t let us cross that easily in first place. We also didn¡¯t sense any magic involved with the withered area. It would be a gut feeling for me to say that it¡¯s more of a boundary.¡±
After speaking to this point unknown to him that the seven chairs are each nodding their head to his words.
¡°You are dismissed Captain Hardt. While you have failed multiple times in exorcising the demons. Your exemplary accomplishments in the past will negate the failures you have built up to this point. But, know this Captain Hardt. One more failure will result in your immediate replacement and expungement.¡± The gray chair speaks once more while dismissing Hardt.
¡°Yes, Archbishop Gray¡± Hardt stands up and gives a salute before leaving the room.
¡°Archbishop Black what have you found out from your departments investigation?¡± An elderly voice speaks up from the yellow chair towards the black chair.
¡°That the failure of the Reapers is not something that would have changed regardless of who went. Someone from the celestial realm is interfering in the hunt.¡± A sinister and eerie voice comes from the black chair.
¡°Oh, how can you be so sure?¡± Gray chair speaks up at this time.
Archbishop Black shrugs, ¡°It¡¯s impossible to evade for this long without getting caught what so ever without some help. Why the celestial realm? The celestial realm is only ones who are powerful enough to interfere. I also sent the Hounds to see what their investigation would show. They claimed the area had divine presence lingering nearby. After the torture and killing of the local who the divine presence led to reveal a celestial was their lover unknowingly. We believe the celestial is the person who has been helping the targets. Once we capture him we will get more information. I¡¯ve also sent the Hounds to hunt down the targets as well. We should get positive results quickly.¡±
¡°Anyone have anything else to add to all of this?¡± A gentle and friendly voice comes from the white chair.
Archbishop Blue speaks from his chair at this time, ¡°I have reports from the other continents that the Tarde have begun to move.¡±
All the chairs stay silent and look at the red chair in the center of the seven.
Person in red chair stands up and surveys the group before speaking in majestic voice.
¡°The Tarde can be delayed until the immortals have been found. The immortals rise to power is the downfall of the church. Do what ever means necessary to find them and kill them. This meeting is adjourned.¡±
All six colors reply, ¡°Yes, Pope.¡± Before leaving.
After everyone leaves the Pope sits back down in the red chair and stairs into the darkness.
¡°The era of chaos has begun. The question is, who will be reigning when the dust is settled.¡±