《Imperii》


 Prologue

    "Keep running Sir!," shouted a soldier.


    A dozen ghastly forms blundered through the narrow trail. Each time a sole touchedearth a tremor was heard. The night carried no other sounds except for their heavy breaths and the constant shakes of the earth. Lightning and storms seemed to follow their wake in this clear night.


    The few equipped men had on little armor and a single sword strapped on each of their waist. The rest of the group were dressed in finery and, some, in homespun for practicality.None of their wears were left without smudge since their hasty flight through the mountains to this forest. The Dead Forest.


    "Keep moving dear," chided Arthur. He bored into his wife. Her reddish yellow hair glowed even in the dim lighting of the forest and sky. Her eyes spoke truth and hervoice moved mountains.She had the fortitude and patience for politics and a face that dealt blows to men''s heart, his included.


    She was beautiful.


    Alice bent down with heavy heaves and huffs all the while clutching a cloth bundle. She was a whole head shorter than him with a small frame, however when she spoke it was like the warm summers mixed in the sweetest honey from Constantia. But she was a woman of few words.


    She nodded briefly and squeezed his hand. A small head poked through the fabrics and gave a small shriek. Another shriek came from the bundle Arthur was carrying as well. "Shhh..my little devils," Alice cooed. She stood next to Arthur and gently whispered to the twins.


    "Sir, we must continue. Time is of the essence," said the lead soldier.


    Arthur responded, "I know."


    With that, Arthur gave a nod and they continued their trek through the Dead Forest.


    It has been long known that the Dead Forest is unwelcoming to all Strangers. It shimmers and glows during the quiet of the night, as if yearning for all to notice. It never rains and the wind never blows. However, the bushes are green, the trees tall and full, and the animal trails aplenty. If any Strangers were asked they would say the Dead Forest was alive with a beating heart of its own.


    "Right through here milord," cried the lead soldier.


    "Are you sure we''re on the right path?" asked Arthur.


    "Yessir. Court Wizard Anton said to follow this trail until we hit an ugly red tree stump. Once there we must double back."


    Arthur looked with shock and confusion while the soldier continued on as if he had just told him that water isn''t wet.


    "Double back, you said?," Arthur questioned catching up to him.


    The lead soldier didn''t slow down nor pay heed to the question.


    "Soldier, I asked you a question," commanded Arthur.


    Upon closer inspection he realized their lead tracker was the greenie.


    "Keep up the pace sir, we need to create more distance," said the greenie. Despite the horrendous trek, the dim lighting, the clashes of rocks and dirt, the thunderstorms in the clear sky, he had no difficulty finding his way. Arthur tried to recall this soldier''s face among all the greenies he received in the past two Suun days.


    "Alright sir, we''re just about there. Past that grove and we''ll be in sight of the stump." Then he muttered to himself, "Almost to Sanctuary."


    Arthur thought back into the past about this particular soldier. He recalled seeing him with wizard Anton many times in and off court. The soldier was tall. Taller even than him and he toppled most men in the kingdom. Perhaps twice his own weight even, but looking closely he can''t beolder than a young man justgrowinga beard. Definitely not theroughest man he''s seen, but the way he moved can only be described as graceful and fluid. No wasted movements. Calm and control even in this quandary. It was as if each part of his body knew exactly where to be and where to go for full efficiency.


    Now that Arthur thought about it, perhaps due to the increased taxation on his body, impending danger, or maybe it''s the Dead Forest working its dark magic, he did not know, but at this moment his mind was clear as day. He remembered seeing this same man some twenty cycles ago when he, himself, was just old enough to work in his father''s shop.


    When his father suddenly earned the rights to their dukedom.


    This man hadn''t changed. Not one bit. Not in over twenty cycles.


    "What''s your name?" Arthur asked suddenly. The leadsoldier turned his full body around but continued moving forward effortlessly. "Name''s Ancile," he replied. Putting on a full grin. "Sir."


    The name, more than anything even the smile itself that''s so out of place in their current predicament, threw Arthur for a loop. He let out a quick gasp. "The Shields."


    "Yes and no your highness. But now is not the time for questions is it," Ancile replied smartly.


    Arthur contemplated the soldier for a brief moment. The Shields are real! They were only known to the king, dukes, and less nobles than he can count on his one hand.Supposedly, only theking had authority over the Shields and he, even, denies their existence from time to time. Deciding to broach the subject later Arthur dropped it. There will be a later. He''ll make sure of it. Not one more of them will diethis night.


    Ancile finally lead the group to the stump. His pace hadn''t changed, but with every step closer it was as if he skipped and hopped merrily.


    "Is something wrong Ancile?" asked Arthur.


    Ancile turned his head with a lopsided grin. "I can feel them. They''re close." He continued to the stump and when they turned around to double back, all was even quieter. "Here I thought we weren''t going to get any action." Disbelief on Arthur''s face caused the grin to spread even wider on Ancile''s face.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Through the black night, rustles spread fromall the trees andbushes. It seemed as if life was emerging from the forest itself.


    Becoming alive.


    Countless shadows stepped from each bush and tree. Each wearing a different mask and insignia upon their breasts. They carried a myriad number of weapons from swords to bows and staves. The closest figure spoke.


    "Leave the children."


    Another from a different direction they could not tell.


    "And we''llgrant you painless deaths." The shadowsdrew closer. Each drawing a different weapon.


    Arthur looked to his ragtag group and the few soldiers he thought to bring with him. He should have brought more!


    Suddenly all heads turned toward an even more eerie sound than the quiet of the night. Laughter. A madness one even.Manifesting itself like a bug from its shell this laughter broke through the throng of despair and darkness in their midst. Building into acrescendothat can only be described as coming from a madman about to commit his greatest achievement in life.


    "I''m sorry. Really." Ancile fought for breath with every stroke. He huffed and puffed.


    And continued laughing. "Bwahahahahahahahah!!"


    "That was just what I needed. I''ll admit guys you made some good time."Ancile peered at each of the shadows. "For children that is."


    A shadow brandished its weapons. A short sword and knife, and blinked within strike range to the ragtap group. "HOLD!" commanded the lead. The flighty shadow withdrew immediately.


    "He''s disrespected the Umbra. His punishment is death, Sir," hissing the entire speech. The figure surprised them all, Arthur''s group included. He backhanded the flighty shadow.


    "Good man." Ancile commented. Arthur didn''t noticed but Ancile was right behind him holding a small pebble in between his fingers.


    "What the-?" Ancile gently prodded Arthur back.


    The lead shadow motioned to the shadow he struck, "Fool." Even through the darkness and mask everyone could feel the blush coming from the shadow. It retreated back into the ranks.


    "Who are you?" asked the lead, all the while seemingly to stare through his mask to Ancile.


    "My name''s not important. I would appreciate it if you and your children get out ofmy way. I have an important meeting that just cannot go underway without my divine presence. But of course if you choose not to, I''ll have toentertain myself with you and yours and no one wants that." Arthur wasn''t sure, but it almost seemed like Ancile WANTS the shadows to say no.


    "I''m afraid I cannot comply." The lead raised his hand for a gesture.


    "Your highness, I need you to gather our little group and tell them all to make a break through their ranks when I give the signal," Ancile whispered to Arthur.


    Arthur baffled. "Are you mad?" Ancile grinned and nodded. Hoping against all hope that the Shields were the stuff of legends he has heard about from the King and his peers. He had no choice but to place his trust in this madman. He looked to Alice. She too gave him a nod. He had to believe.


    "All right. What''s the signal?" Ancile turned his head away from the shadow to him again. Another lopsided grin. "You''ll know."


    He hoped he wasn''t making a mistake. With that Arthur turned around and motioned for the whole group.


    Ahhh, Ancile internally sighed. Finally some action. I was almost getting too bored with this routine. Anton owes me double now. That two-face, dung-smelling, peach fart! "It''ll be fun" he said. "It''ll be exciting" he said. "It''ll change your perspective on the Strangers!" he said! All lies!


    I still think they''re a bunch of monkeys handling iron and wood like they know better. Well..maybe except for the little ones. They weren''t too far off and almost cute.


    Almost.


    But those two.Ancile recalled his first time in their presence. Toddlers they may be, but it was like his brothers and sisters were there.


    Theymay prove to be just what Anton told him they were. Umbra''s Bane.


    They feel...different.


    Almost like they have theimperii.


    Maybethey can stop Umbra. Not these children in masks and cloaks claiming Umbra''s name.


    No. These children know not what they do.


    The Umbra. The Shadow in the Shadows. The Dark in the Darkness. It lives, yet not alive. It''s Death, yet not eternal. Umbra they called it.


    I''ve yet to face it in all my cycles here on Erra.


    I wonder whatUltorwants me to do.


    The signal was instantaneous and incredibly overpowering. Arthur thought he saw Ancile standing between him and the shadows. But the next instant Ancile was right in the middle of the shadows. Before he knew it, Ancile screamed.


    Not a loud scream. Amuted scream. Tranquil and serene.


    Arthur didn''t hear it so much as he felt it. It was wonderful yet terrifying. Filled him with limitless energy. Overbearing even. He turned his head this way and that. Everyone seemed stunned just like him. He turned back to Ancile standing in the middle of them all.


    A nod. This was it. He grabbed Alice''s hand and motioned for everyone to run.


    "What did you do!" the lead shadow almost shouted.


    Ancile gave them his most prominent gift. His too-good looking smile.


    The lead shadow made a gesture and a shadow broke off rank to attack Arthur''s group. He didn''ttake so much as a step before his legs disappeared completely. Not cut off. Just gone from the knee down. There was no blood or gore. The dismembered shadow''s scream was cutoff by a quick snap of his neck, seemingly out of nowhere.


    No one moved. No oneelse had movedduring that whole spectacled. All the shadows stood even more motionless.


    Ancile smiled even further, if that was possible.


    Understanding dawned on the leader and he bowed. He spoke, slowly, in the most reverent tone.


    "You are One."


    Ancile''s smile broke. He frowned. "You should not know that."


    The leader continued as if Ancile had not spoken. "We shall be honored to die in combat to the One." He spoke with so much heart and purposefulness that all the shadows repeated it.


    "We shall be honored to die in combat to the One."


    Ancile blew out a breath. He already knew about thesechildren''s radical view of the afterlife. Supposedly mighty warriors who fall in combat to the Gods were granted eternal service of glory. Reincarnation to a blessed house or being reborn as an honorary God themselves. Contrary to the radical belief, it was not peaceful for the deranged.


    No one was supposed to have known his existence though.There were only two people who knew and he toldthem himself. They were both long dead now. A mix of anguish and regret showed on his face. Is this another repeat of his mistakes?


    "Your oaths and fealty means nothing to me."


    He glanced around. Each shadow brandished their own weapons. His own voice rising beyond a mortal''s understanding.


    "There IS no honor in death."


    He walked purposefully to the lead shadow. Each step seeming to quake the soil they stood upon.


    "Come!"


    HIs eyes darkened. His imperiiflashed out. Morphing. Exploding. Creating raw earth and air around him. He beckoned towards them.


    "Let me show you."

 Early years

    Mortis


    <hr>


    The dark streets were dirty. The alleyways grimy. The homes were broken and barely standing. The patrols nonexistent. Bundles of various discarded trashes and items lay all over. Despite these misgivings, business was aparent. Seedy businesses they may be, but business nonetheless. The leftover scums of the city call this area the Slums.


    Perfect for what he had in mind.


    Today''s goal was five silver. Piece o'' pie.


    None of the others were here because they deemed it too risky in that the darker businesses had no qualms about punishment and too much of a waste of time because everyone here is just as dirt poor. What they didn''t know was that there was a small shop at the end of the block that was easy pickings and always had coins. He even told his best friend Jay, but he complained that there was no shop at the block.


    Stupid Jay for callinghim a liar.


    I can practically see it right there!


    Alright. Just like he practiced with Lily. He''ll walk in. Pretend he''s looking to buy something. Ask a few questions. Then when the the keeper isn''t looking that''s when he''ll swipe a treasure or two. Like taking candy from a babe. Easy.


    Mortis stalked in the shadows of the dilapidated buildings toward the end of the block. He scurried from each shadow to the next hoping that none will have seen his wiry frame. Even on the edge of theSlums,you can never be too careful.


    "Ultor,watch over Lily," whispered Mortis. He puffed up his chest. Straightened his back. Lift his head so it would seem as if he was looking down his nose. The Slumsonly respected power. Or so his little head thought.


    "Hello there little one," greeted the shopkeeper. She called him "little one" but they were of the same stature. Mortis wasn''t especially tall. Not when all the others in his group was a head taller and he guessed they were close to the same cycles. She looked old enough to be his grandma if she was still alive. But he wouldn''t let her looks fool him. She''s caught him everytime he came to her shop.


    "Greetings keeper," Mortis replied in his pubescent voice.


    "What are you "looking" for this time?" she amusely inquired.


    He can feel the amusment in her voice. Like she knew exactly what he''s thinking and doing. But he''s not going to let that stop him though. He always one up her.


    Usually.


    From his personal track record, the score was at seven over two. Seven in his favor of course. She''s caught him all nine times he''s been there, but only twice has she actually accosted him successfully.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "I''m looking for a net. One on a handle to catch bugs."


    "Hmm...I may have something like that over there," she pointed to her right section. "But do you have coins "this" time?" she mused.


    "I always have coins. Why do you think I keep coming back," he quickly admonished the old lady.


    She stared at him like she was disapproving of his outburst. She looked at the section she pointed at and then back at him. She sighed.


    Her name was Abelia. She told him so on their first meeting when he found the shop. When he first walked in and introduced himself, she was baffled. One would think she''s never seen a kid before. She stood ramrod straight and peered into him. Not moving. Not saying a word. It was creepy and almost broke his composure at the time. He had planned to just say hello and after a nice conversation, maybe swipe a few things, and leave.


    "I''ll be right back then," she moved towards the appointed section.


    This is his chance! Sheusuallytells him to go look for whatever knick knack he wanted, but this time she''s going herself. Perfect! As casually as he was able he leaned on the counter. He deftly looked through the buckets and swiped a few pocket knives. Most of the buckets on the counter contained outdoor necessities so he quickly rummaged through them looking for what he might need on his next excursion into the woods. A canteen, a tracker, and...holy almighty Ultor.


    An ignis stone.


    Forget five silver. This can nab him five gold coins!


    "Here''s the net you wanted," Abelia started around the counter. Mortis quickly stashed all his "belongings" inside his first layer coat. "That''ll be five coppers little one."


    Her face has changed now. She didn''t look older or younger, but more serene and at peace. Like she''s accepted Death''s door arriving at her side. Well, she should be considering how old she is.


    He moved into his pockets to fish out the coppers he was planning on using. These were specially made coppers. He made them himself. Customized to be precise. He had attached a small portion of his life essence into the coins. He''s notsure what to call it and had resolved to call it his life essence knowing no other names. Doing this allowed him to feel their every nuance. He can feel where they are and to a small degree, move them if he concentrated hard enough. He''s never told anyone of his little trick. Not even Lily.


    Mortis'' plan was to give her the coins, then as he''s leaving the shop, yoink! He''d be five coppers richer again.


    "Here''s five coppers. I counted ''em myself," Mortis replied.


    "Thank you. Have a nice day then," Abelia scooped up the coins and nodded back. She didn''t bat a lash. She didn''t look at him with the usual scorn or suspicion. If anything she looked...happy. "Tell Lily to handle it with care. I used it myself when I was her age."


    As Mortis was reaching for the net he stopped. He stood frozen. Something''s wrong. He''s never mentioned Lily to Abelia. Everytime he "visited"he always made sure to never diverge personal details. Information was power. Power equals control. He never wanted to be controlled again.


    "I''m sorry. I don''t know a Lily," Mortis responded as evenly as he could. "I think that''s all I wanted. I''ll be on my way." Mortis said succinctly and hurried toward the outside.


    He expected a call. A shout of reprimand. Or...something. He glanced back.


    She was watching him. Notout of malice. Neither was it one of enmity either.


    It was a look of pity.


    He started running.

 Early years

    Lloyd


    <hr>


    "Ha!"...."Ha!"...."Ha!"


    "Good form son," Arthur praised. Lloyd wiped his sweaty mat of light brown hair. He smiled. It was a good day today. Warm sun. Cool breeze. He can do this all day. He was skeptical at first when his father recommended him to start form training last cycle. So far all he''s done is swing his wooden stick up, down, up, down, up, down. For Ultor''s sake, it was boring, but hesuspect the results will show for themselves. Always keep smiling, Arthur told him when he first started his training. It''s the best way to trick one''s mind and body to do the important, but boring, things. You must learn to focus your mind,discipline your body, and master your emotions. No one became a master swordsman overnight. Or that''s what his father keeps telling him anways.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "I don''t think I can do this form any better pa. I''ve been at it for a whole cycle," Lloyd said. "I''m ready for the next one." He had continuously done this single form only. Supposedly it will teach him patience and nurture his arm strength for real swords. He wasn''t sure though, since the stick didn''t feel any different, even after a whole cycle of only swinging it up and down.


    Arthur mused to himself. "I''d say you are, but are youready." He continued to study Lloyds stance.


    "Yessir!"


    "Alright, let me show you the next form. Here, watch closely."


    Arthur proceeded to swing his wooden stick from left to right. Left to right. Left to right.


    Lloyd stared at his father. One of absolute consternation.


    "Did you see it, son? Or do you need another demonstration?"


    "Aaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!" Lloyd cried.

 Early years

    Luke


    <hr>


    Silence...


    The trees are silent.


    "Hmm...this way maybe?"


    "Or maybe this way?"


    "Or maybe this way!"


    "Or perhaps thi....why am I talking to myself..."


    Luke studied each of the paths before him. Three of them. Go left to the humble trees. Or go right to the laughing trees. Or straight to the crying trees. Decisions, decisions, decisions. This would be so much easier if everyone wasn''t against him!


    Not fair at all. He was the only one that was it this time. Usually there would be three of them because of the vastness of the forest. And also, he would usually get help from the trees. But Terra said this was supposed to be his "training." Training for what, who knows. It''s not like he''s ever going to leave the forest anyways.


    It doesn''t matter, he told himself. Since he''s the only one it. He will just have to work that much harder.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Okay.


    First, he should find the easiest target. Meaning the biggest and dumbestone first. Yup. He knew just the one.


    Going left towards the humble trees he stalked close to the ground. Looking closely for any rocks or branches that may be in his way. Terrasaid when stalking others, one should do so slowly, but quickly. Be patient, but alsoopportunistic. He didn''t know how youare supposed to do those things. They were complete opposites. How do you go slow, but also fast? And how can you be patient, but also quick to act.


    It was weird now that the trees were no longer speaking to him. He wasn''t used to the silence.Terramost likely told them not to help though it''s not like he always need their help anyways. He only gets lost sometimes now. Only sometimes! Still, he felt lonely.


    Each step closer to the humble trees he started to notice changes. A lot of riff raff were moved here and there. Branches anddirt were splayed all over the place.


    This was too easy.


    Taking a few final steps over a large boulder his target came into view. A giant bear. It was huddled into a ball next to the humble trees as if not conspicuous. You would think a giant piece of brown fur next to a group of trees it''s own size wouldn''t stand out. Seeing as the whole forest was many times taller than these trees.


    Slowly...


    Real slowly...


    But also quickly!!


    Luke stalked towards the bear. When he came within spitting distance. He hollered at the top of his lungs and jumped.


    "Gotcha!"

 Early years

    Mortis


    <hr>


    "Lily!" Mortis called out.


    Where is she, he thought. Their home was a small shack consisting of two rooms. One for where they ate. The other, where they slept. A small enough home you can''t not hear a knocking on the door. There were''t much furnishings. A bed for him and his sister. A cookpot that he scavenged from the nearby eatery. And a small chest where he stored his knick-knacks.


    "Lily!?" he shouted quietly again.


    He waited at the door another tense moment.


    Dread filled him then. He started frantically twisting and turning the door knob. His earlier feeling was coming back to haunt him. Someone else knew about Lily. He always told her to never leave the home. No one could''ve seen her. He promised her anything she needed, he would get. How did anyone find them after all this time? They weren''t important anymore. No one should even be looking for them. Any importance they may have had died with their parents. What if it was the Boss instead. Maybe he took Lily. Would the Boss have come looking for him here? He shouldn''t. They had an agreement. A mutual understanding. His service for their freedom.


    "Just hold on, okay!"a high voice inside yelled back.


    A latch clicked. The door opened.


    "I was doing a ladylike duty in there. Praise Ultor, couldn''t ya'' wait a moment" Lily scolded.


    "Why didn''t you answer right away! I was worried sick!" Mortis quietly yelled back. "I thought maybe they came and took you away from me. Or someone broke in and had their way with you. Or possibly..."


    She blushed and quickly interrupted, "Like I said! I was doing my lady duty!"


    Understanding dawned on him.


    "And anyways you worry too much. I''m fine. See." Lily twirled around.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Right." Mortis exhaled. "Right. Thank Ultor." He visibly relaxed. Deciding that she was fine and all his worries were for naught he creeped inside their little home. Heading straight for his small chest in the corner of their bed he took out the extra items he swiped and quickly stashed them inside. Only retaining the ignis stone, pocket knife, and a canteen for hislater trek through the woods. He needed to try the stone to see if it was the real deal. If it was, they would eat handsomely this summer. If not, well, he remembered Jay calling him a liar and this nice rock may have his name on it.


    "And what did you mean with what you said earlier?" Lily came into their bedroom and asked. She had a puzzled expression.


    "What do you mean what did I mean?" he replied.


    "What do I mean?I mean what do you mean," she replied back.


    "You mean...? Wait...You mean to say...what did I mean about someone having their way with you?" Mortis questioned.


    "Yes! That''s what I mean," Lily retorted.


    "OKAY!" Mortis shouted as quietly as possible. "We''re not going to use that word for the rest of the day. Understand?"


    "Which word?" Lily stood thoughtfully."Mean?"


    "YES!" he replied immediately.


    "Well...what if you''re being mean to me and I need help, how will I tell people you''re being mean to me?" Lily asked.


    "That''s not the word! The other word," Mortis was trying to lower his voice to a whisper to calm himself down.


    Lily looked at him and opened her mouth to respond.


    "Zip it. Not one more word out of you or,Ultorhelp me, you''ll have one less brother," he admonished. She closed her mouth and quieted down. Seeming to fall into herself she became even smaller than her usual small frame.


    "I''m sorry," Lily meekly whispered.


    Seeming as she was about to cry he quickly wrapped her up in a hug. He held her.


    Close. So close no onecan ever take her away.


    "I''m sorry too," he whispered. His eyes watered. "I didn''t mean that. I was just worried and a little frustrated. That''s all."


    He continued to hold her. His little sister. So small. Only coming up to his elbows. She was allhe had left. All he remember ever having if he was being honest. His life before this became a blur. His father and mother passing away in some nightmarish raid a long time ago.


    A giggle came from nearby. From his arms. A small one. Pure and wonderful.


    "What''s so funny?" Mortis asked.


    "You used the word mean again," Lily giggled back.


    He grinned. "You little..."

 Early years

    Lloyd


    <hr>


    Here it comes!


    Which direction. The left? The right? Lloyd swayed from side to side. Eyeing his opponent. Ready to pivot at a moments notice. His stick is now all but weightless. All that form training is actually paying off. He smirked to himself.


    His opponent rushed him head on. Lloyd readied himself by planting his feet squarely apart, bracing for a heavy blow. Scenarios filled his head. His opponent had a low stance and, an almost like, crouching run. Only two possible actions then. A low cut from bot to top. Or slash from their right. From his left then. Only two possible. Two.


    No.


    His father taught him better. When you deduce the odds of only a limited action of possibilities, you are only lowering your own perception of the battlefield. Blinding yourself to the bigger picture. A self-handicap of your own making. What else is there? He can''t make a slash from the left. He''s carrying it on his right side. So that''s not a possible action. From above?...No. With his stance that would have no momentum. A weak hit opening itself up for counterattacks.


    What is it? Lloyd thought furiously.


    Lloyd had no more time. He brought his "sword"up for a block on his left side. For himself, to call his stick anything but a ''sword'' hurt his pride. His opponent reached him on the left with a ''by the book'' slash. No trickery whatsoever. Their sticks clashed for an instant.


    A blink of an eye.


    That was all his opponent needed.


    A second stick, albeit small, came from the right. Heading straight for his temple. Getting hit with these ''sticks'' on the head was not on his to-do list. They hurt. A lot. He should know. His father had hit him enough times for pain to bean intimacy.


    It''s too close!Lloyd thought immediately.


    Options. Try to tilt his head away to dodge it.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    No, that won''t work. At best he''ll be grazed by it and at worst it will make the angle even dangerous. Maybe poke his eye out even. And he loved his eye right where it was. How else was he going to get a datefor the upcoming ball. He already knew who he was going to ask. Miss Penelope Gard-


    No! I''m getting distracted.


    A whole body pivot then. Change the angle of himself to position his ''sword'' to intercept. Grazing his arm is a lot better than grazing his face.


    Lloyd slightly lifted his right foot to try a pivot to his left. His opponent''s stick came within a breadth of his face and cut across his arm.


    Faster!


    Changing his stance from a defensive one to an offensive one, he pivot all the way around turning his back to his opponent briefly before bringing his own ''sword'' for a mid blow. RIght before the moment of impact he loosened his arms to lessen the strike.


    A clean hit.


    "Winner!" Arthur yelled. "Lloyd with three points!"


    Lloyd exhaled audibly.


    "Thought...I had you there," huffed Tim. "Phew! That stings." He dropped his sticks and grabbed his side. Collapsing onto the dirt and laying back.


    "And you nearly did too," Arthur gladly praised. "Very creative useage you had there Tim."


    Tim brightened at the compliment. He was the same age as Lloyd, but no matter how hard he tried he was always one step away. It was frustrating, but also humbling at the same time. He knew that he was one of, if not, the best student his age Arthur had in the dukedom. He wasn''t being conceited. It was the truth.


    But there was always someone better. He had a long way to go.


    "Yea," breathed Lloyd. "Almost...had me there...too." He breathed in again. That was close. Too close. Tim hadn''t trained for as long as he did, but out of most of the other students, he was the only one that kept him on his toes. Tim had a way of surprising him. He looked toward where Tim was laying down clutching his side. There were two sticks? He just remembered the instant when they clashed there was a second stick coming for his face.


    "Hey!" Lloyd yelled across what seemed like they were leagues apart when they were but a spitting distance away.


    "Yea?" Tim picked up his head from his side to look at Lloyd.


    "Why do you have two ''swords''? And when did you even grab the second one?"


    "I grabbed it before you showed up. His highness allowed it." Tim grinned.


    "Right...that sounds like him." Lloyd sulked. "Maybe next time why not just have random students ambush me on the way here as well."


    "Actually I did pose the idea..."


    Lloyd stopped his heavy breathing toglareat him.


    "Joking....of course..."


    "Right. " Lloyd muttered. "Joking."

 Early years

    Luke


    <hr>


    Thissss....waayyy


    With no hesitation, Luke bounded off. He grabbed the first branch he could and hoisted himself up to a crouch. Then he flexed his calves and jumped across the large expanse of rocks and spikes. Passing each recess of trees he took off a little faster. Blurring his surrounding vision. But that didn''t matter much. He wasn''t using his eyes anyway.


    Normally he wouldn''t pass this way. The rocks and spikes in this area made for a dangerous trip. He''d go around the area because the sights were a lot more pleasing, not to mention safer as well. The round trip would take more time but he usually had nothing but time.


    But not this day. Not this moment.


    Hurrrrrrryyy...


    He nodded to no one. Continuing his hellish pace.


    Each branch he jumped off of flinched with a dizzying motion.


    "Sorry," Luke mumbled.


    Eventually he arrived at the edge of the forest, or what the Strangers called it, the Dead Forest.


    There!Luke yelled internally. His senses picked it up immediately.


    Blood.


    Just a whiff. But that was enough to heighten his whole body on edge. He opened his eyes then. At theclearing of the forest afawn lay prone. A baby deer. There was an arrow sticking out of its hindquarters with some blood leaking out of the wound. It didn''t look fatal from his distance, but he wasn''t sure. Two person approached the fawn. A little one as tall as he, and anolder one twice as tall and twice as wide. They both carried bows matching their size. The intruders slowly creeped unto the fawn and got on their knees. The young one with both hands clasped together closing his eyes, as if praying, and the older one pulling out a butcher knife andreached for the fawn''s neck.


    That was all Luke needed to see before he let out a burst of strength from his jump on the current branch. He launched straight towards the pair and fawn with no other thought.


    "What in Ultor''s name-" the hunter startedwhen he noticed a flying animal heading straight for them. Without thinking he dropped his knife and reached over to cover the little one.


    When Luke landed he causeddebris and dirt to fly all over. Hacking and coughing he stood up to his meager full height. He stood between the hunters and the fawn.


    "F-father, what was that!?" the little one screamed.


    "I''m...not sure," the big hunter replied warily.


    Both hunters uncrossed from each other to look at what animal it was to fly atsuch crazy speed. But what they saw didn''t make sense. It wasn''t an animal at all.


    But a boy.


    A small enough boy just like the little hunter. He wasn''t skinny, but lean. Topless. A ragtag short. An almost pale like skin. Shaggy mop of silver hair. They''ve never seen anything like it. But at the same time they knew who it was.


    The Guardian. Everyone they knew had come to calling him so.


    There were many sightings over the years recently. A small boy with silver hair seenfrolicking aroundthe Dead Forest. Some have even tried to call out to the boy in hopes of saving him from the Dead Forest''s dangers. Some had the chance to speak with him, but to no avail. And unfortunately, some hunters had theopportunityto witness the Guardian''s displeasure when they tried to take rabbits caught in traps. Those hunters came back with nothing on their persons except marks of lashes on their naked skin.


    "What do you think you''re doing!?" Luke harshly called to the hunters.


    He''s done this before. Always telling these Strangersthat any animals in the forest were off limits. Countless times in fact, but they always come back. Killing the animals. His family. As if him and his family were nothing but fodder for the Stranger''s appetite.


    "I''m so sorry,Guardian,"exalted the older hunter. He grabbed his son beside him. "We''re starving."


    "Is that what you doafter you kill someone''s family. Tell them you''re sorry and that you were hungry," reproached Luke. He hissed, "You Strangers are all the same."


    The hunter bowed his head in shame. "Please-"


    Luke tuned the hunters out. He turned around to tend to the little fawn. He felt along its hind legs. Then slowly up to its neck.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    A pulse. It yet breathes. He can save it.


    Slowly Luke circled both hands around the arrow. Then, quickly, he yanked it as fast as he could. The pain, most likely, caused the fawn to make a sharp gurgle noise.


    Hetook an inhale of breath and...


    Slowly...


    Ever so slowly...


    But also quickly!


    He massaged the hind leg. He started to whisper quietly.


    The hunters hadn''t moved from their rigid postures. They stood locked in place. Unable to take their eyes off this display. Soon a small light could be seen. Enveloping the fawn. Restoring the wound to its previous state. Not even a scar left in its brown skin. The old hunter''s eye bulged.


    Healing magic!? There''s no such thing!


    The hunter wasn''t very well learned, but he''s seen his share of life''s devices. There were poultices and salves, sure. Healing tonics. Bitter brews. But make no mistake those were mundane solutions. No magic in them whatsoever. What he''s seeing now. As far as he knew, was never recorded in history ofany the three dukedoms. Likely even the King''s court has never seen such the likes.The fawn wiggled up. Shaking it''s hindquarters cautiously. It looked at the silver-haired boy briefly, almost like it was communicating it''s thanks, before bounding off back into the forest. Not sure of what he was seeing, he thought maybe he was going senile.


    "You may leave," Luke demanded, not turning around to face the hunters. "And don''t come back."


    "Please, Guardian," the old hunter started. Waiting to see if the boy would cut him off again. "We''re starving. The duke has levied a tax impossible to pay." The hunter once again bowed his head in shame. "We gave them everything. Our coins. Our livestock. Theyevensaid they''d..." He lowered himself even more. Pulling himself in with the little one by his side. "They''d come after my wife and son next," his eyes watered.


    "What are you talking about?" Luke questioned. Interested now. "Why not just move away then if this duke is so mean."


    "We can''t," the hunter cried. "Wehave nothing. The land isn''t even ours so we can''t sell it for coins. How would we go anywhere." He started shamelessly crying. "We ran out of coins last Muun Day, and my wife and son haven''t eaten since." His son clutched at him harder.


    "It''s okay, pa," the little hunter soothed.


    "Killing and eating my family here isn''t the answer, you know," Luke said."How would you like it if I tried to eat your son because I''m starving too."


    Both hunters whipped their heads up and recoiled. "You eat humans!?" the old hunter asked in fear and bewilderment.


    "Yes!" Luke called out for all to hear."I eat Strangers all the time."


    "Please! Spare my son. Take me instead," the old hunter exclaimed.


    "No, pa!" the little one screamed.


    Behaaave...


    Luke steadied himself.


    Fiiiiine. Luke drolled.


    "Alrightys then, I won''t eat you or your son," Luke magnanimously said.


    The hunters quieted down. But only just.


    "In exchange you will never come back here or hunt my family again."


    "But-" the hunter started.


    "I will eat your boy remember!" Luke cried out.


    "B-but...you look as much a boy as I am," the little hunter replied.


    "Ehh..that''s besides the point," Luke nonchalantly waved away."I eat Strangers your size all the time."


    Luuuuuuuke...


    The hunters seem nonplussed at the revelation. The older hunter straightened himself. Wiping away dirt and grime from his face as well as his son. "As you say then." He dipped his bead briefly. "We meant no harm-" Luke eyed them sardonically. "I mean...we didn''t mean to intentinally hurt your...family. We were desperate and hungry." The hunter paused. "We''re sorry again." He pulled his boy back towards the forest''s end.


    Giiiifffft themmm...


    Surprised. Luke crossed his arm and thought briefly. He watched them walk out of the forest momentarily before he decided against his better judgement.


    "Wait!" Luke called to the hunters.


    He jogged out to the hunters. "What''s your name?"


    Taken aback by the weird change in hospitality the hunter responded as best he could, "My name is Grayson. This here is my son, Harrison."


    "Wait here." WIth that Luke ran back into the forest.


    "A little of this...A little of that...Hmm...maybe some of this as well." Luke monologued to himself. "Some of that too?" he asked seemingly to no one. "What does that do?" he waited.


    Then nodded to himself. "Ooh, I see." He nodded again. "Sure."


    Grayson and his son were nervous. They stood alert and wary. Thinking and bracing for any ill-will that may come their way.He fidgeted, but his son never took his eyes off of him.


    "It''ll be okay, pa," trying to reassure himself as well as his father.


    Graysonlookeddown at his son and smiled grimly.


    Luke came running out of the forest with a little tarp made of giant leaves. When he came within arm distance he stopped and presented the tarp.


    "Here. A gift from the forest," Luke proudly presented.


    Both hunters stared at the cluster of seeds.


    "What am I to do with these?" Grayson asked. His face puzzled.


    "You plant them in the earth and grow ''em, of course," Luke responded. "Don''t ya'' know what seeds are?"


    "Of course, it''s just..." Grayson said wistfully. HIs family was starving. Even if he started planting whatever these seeds were, it would take a whole season, maybe, to grow. They wouldn''t last that long.


    "Trust the forest," Luke said earnestly.He handed the tarp to Grayson making eye contact. Lastly, he whispered, "Trust Terra."


    Not knowing what else to say Grayson responded with only gratitude. "Thank you." He bowed his head."Your Guardianship."They turned and walked away. Never looking back.


    Prooudd...


    Luke couldn''t help butsmile. Hehopped and skipped back into the forest.

 Early years

    Mortis


    <hr>


    "They''re lyin'', Boss," Mortis whispered. He was bending at the waist to the Boss'' right side.


    The clans meeting starting off with a lie. What else was new. The Boss was sitting ata round table. Three seats with three clans'' head. Each of the head were accompanied by two attendants. Mortis being one of the Boss''. The other, a full grown swordsman if he didn''t miss his mark. One who''s seen battle, or at least had been mutilated in the face. No one was gonna call that guy pretty.


    The Boss was an unassuming man on the other hand. He wasn''t the tallest man. Nor the leanest or heaviest. Average, if Mortis had to describe him. Average looks. Average height. A crew cut. Black coveralls. Nothing remarkable, would be the best description for the Boss. But he knew better. One does not cross the Boss. He''s heard stories. Stories that made him shook with revulsion. No one even knew his real name. Some had asked, and some had disappeared. They simply called him Boss.


    Boss gave an imperceptible nod. "You wouldhave me believe." Boss paused. Looking at the other clan heads. "That your lackeys were in my turf...because they were...lost?" he finished lamently.


    "It is, but the truth," the head on right answered.


    "Aye, it is" the one on theleft replied as well.


    "Now why don''t I believe that," Boss shook his head doubtfully. "We had an agreement. You stay on your turfs. I stay on mine. That way no one has to die."


    Mortis didn''t like where this was going. Boss was usually an amenable man, but when he wasn''t Mortis knew to stay as far away as possible.


    "What more do you want!" the man sitting on the right recoiled. "We said they were lost and that''s that!" His attendants stiffening.


    Boss tilted his head toward the man on the right. His eyes steeling, "Joe." A warning.


    Just a word. That''s all it took. When Boss was angry you''d know.


    "I''m not afraid of you!"


    You should be, Mortis thought.


    "You may have the whole Slumsat your beck and call, but not me!" Joe screeched.


    Mortis knew about Joe. Or Big Joe, as he liked to call himself. He was definintely big. But not huge. Anyone that called him otherwise paid dearly. Maybe he was overcompensating for something. Who knows. Joe is a new dealer. A rising star in the Slums, ashe wouldhave everyone know. Mortis had checked him out over the past week and he wasn''t impressed. A hooligan shouting his name, using brute force when he doesn''t get his way, and a lecherous trash of human space. The Slumscould use less of those types.


    "And what say you, Ryder," Boss looked to the man on the left. Dismissing Joe''s outcry as a petulant childs''.


    Ryder sat in a composed manner. He didn''t answer right away. He looked towards Big Joe, and then back to Boss. Seeming to come to a resolution within himself.


    "I apologize," Ryder bowed his head slightly. "I had an operation in your area and didn''t deign it important enough to inform you."


    "An operation consisting of creeping around my turf?" Boss asked sternly.


    "No Boss. Their task was to familiarize themselves with the Slumssolely for the purpose of future jobs." Ryder claimed evenly. "Nothing more. Nothing less."


    "Is that so," Boss peered at Ryder.


    "It is indeed," Ryder responded.


    "Very well then," Boss motioned for his attendant. The swordsman that stood with Mortis. Boss gestured his head towards Joe. "Break his arm. I don''t care which."


    Big Joe''s attendantsreached inside their cloaks. Mortis could "see" they each had a knife on their lower back and forearm. Perhaps they hoped to defend Joe. Little do they know, that would do them no good. Ifthe stories Mortis had heard about Boss'' attendant swordsman were true, then all the people in this room wouldn''t be enough to stop him. Except perhaps Boss himself.


    Boss waved his hand towards Ryder. "You may leave."


    Ryder stood up from his seat steadily and his two attendants were ushered out.


    "But Boss-," Mortis whispered urgently again.


    Boss raised his hand. Cutting off Mortis.


    "Gladius," Boss intoned.


    Without another prompt Gladius took off into action. A dagger flew from his left hand directly onto Joe''s left attendant. He screamed and dropped his own daggers. A step over the table and Gladius was on the right attendant. A round kick to the head and the attendant was knocked into the wall.


    Mortis only blinked once.


    Gladius stood before Big Joe.Staring at him like a person would an insignificant insect.


    "You can''t do this!" Joe yelled, backing up. "We all come under a truce for these meetings. You''re breaking your own rules!"Gladius approached him slowly. Joe looked away from this madman briefly to plead his case to Boss.


    A mistake.


    Joe screamed. A bellow more like.


    Joe crumpled onto the ground next to his attendants. Clutching his left arm to his chest.


    "Next time you disrespect me," Boss walked over casually. "You leave with no legs."


    Mortis hurried to Boss'' side. He knocked on the door to let the men outside know business was finished. The door opened and he walked out behind Boss and Gladius.


    "Take your men to the healers. If you hurry, they may yet live," Boss spoked without looking back.


    Joe''s men outside stirred at the grisly sight.


    "See to your master," Boss spoke to them all. "I sincerely hope none of you are as bright as the one you serve. Otherwise, none of you will be walking away this night." The men outside knew better. They''ve been around the Slumsa lot longer than Big Joe to know Boss was someone you do not cross.


    With the men outside converging, they left the little building. Mortis walked beside Boss and attempted to speak again,"Boss, they were both lyin''. Why did you let them go?"


    Boss continued his casual pace. Mortis thought he wasn''t going to get an answer until suddenly Boss stopped.


    "If it was anyone but youquestioning me, they would no longer have a voice to speak with," Boss spokein front of their entourage. He turned to face Mortis, "I knowthey were lying. It doesn''t take someone with your "gift" to see something so obvious."


    "Then why-" Mortis asked before he could process what Boss said first.


    Boss looked upon him disappointingly. "That''s because I still have a use for them." He turned around without another thought and continued their pace back to the hideout.


    They were nearly upon their hideout when all the men left accordingly to attend to whatever business they had before the meeting. Some to bars. Others to meetup with their team and total their extortions. Mortis attempted to veer off as well until Gladius appeared before him gesturing towards Boss. Sucking in a quick breath he followed Boss into the least dilapidated building around.


    "Sit." Boss sat at his usual desk.


    Without any option, Mortis sat with as much confidence as he could muster.


    "You are valuable Mortis," Boss spoke like he wasn''t anything but an object.


    He knew better then to interrupt. Even if Boss didn''t say anything immediately he knew to keep quiet and let the storm pass.


    "Invaluable, in fact," Boss began again. "But only as I have use for your gift that you may speak to me the way you do. You were nothing when I first found you. With me you had a mission. A purpose. A use. Without me, you wouldbe...nothing."


    Mortis knew. He always knew that''s how Boss saw him. A tool to be used. Sometimes, he felt different though. Like Boss was looking out for him. Favored him, even. But it didn''t matter. Not really. He lived for Lily.


    That was his purpose. His mission.


    Boss continued tostare at him. As if judging his worth and found it wanting.


    "Do not undermine my words again." Boss intoned deeply. "Now," he breathed in heavily. "Get out of my sight."


    Mortis stood slowly. Thinking about pleading his case, but thinking better of it. There wasn''t anything to do at this point. Not when Boss was this upset. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Yes Boss."


    He walked pass Gladius who stood passively by the door. Hurrying before Gladiuscould make any comments, he stared down at his feet and increased his stride further.


    Some of the boys called out to him. Jay among them. His only real friend here. They used to be part of the same group before Boss claimed he was too much of a commodity to risk for theweekly marks.


    "Hey, you a''right Mort," Jay said walking by his side. "You look like you jus'' seen ma uncle Smith."


    "Isn''t your uncle Smith dead?" Mortis questioned.


    "Exactly."


    Mortisstopped his pace but only briefly. "W-what?" Mortis shook his head. "I''m fine. I''m gonna run an errand on the east side. I''ll see ya'' around."


    With that settled, Mortis took off at a run. He always told everyone that was he going to the east side, even if they didn''t ask. He wouldn''t take any risks. He hopped over trash and excrements. Sliding by thin walls and going under rails. He would take a quick route to the east then detour around to the west. Avoiding the seedy businesses and guards outside. Mortis knew the Slumsbetter than anyone. He could "see" more than anyone could imagine. His gift, now, gave him a distinct perception that he couldn''t properly describe. At first, all he could dowith the viscous essence was attach it to things and move them around a little. Once he realized no one can do or see what he did, he excitedly started fooling around with it.


    It wasn''t long before he was able to focus and use it in his own body. Making his arms and legs a little faster or a buoyancy unheard of. Mortis found that focusing his life essence on his eyes gave him a hazy vision. It took a lot of refining before he was able to see clearly but when he did, everything changed.


    Maybe I should grab a souvenir from the festival before I go back, Mortis thought.


    He recalled telling Lily about all the crazy things he''s seen at the festival grounds. Silly toys, hot foods, and amazing bouts by swordsmen. With the impromptu meeting earlier he wasn''t able to attend the festival. Maybe he can make a quick dash and grab before they close the grounds. He started out of the Slumsand into the city keep.


    Mortis arrived with most of the ground shops closing up. A few stragglers here and there that couldn''t decide whether they needed a room or not. If any clothes started coming off he may need to close his virtuous eyes. Deciding to just grab some leftover hot foods he went in search of the food shops.


    "Wait don''t close yet," Mortis called out. "Gimme two."


    The shopkeeper eyed him warily. Mortis wasn''t dressed in rags. He threw those away last cycle. He had a coat on top of a black shirt with dark trousers. A good setup if he didn''t say so himself. But then again, his outfit wasn''t going to impress any city folk.


    "I promise. I have coins." Mortis held out his hand holding six coppers.


    "I suppose coins is coins," the shopkeeper lamented. Handing over two sticks full of meat and greens.


    Mortis handed over the coins. He briefly thought about yanking them back.


    No.


    This is for Lily. She wouldn''t want that. This way it was as if he earned the coinsthat paid for their meal honestly, with honest work.


    He chuckled darkly.


    Walking back to his homely shack in the Slums Mortis noticed something that couldn''t be possible.


    Lily''s essence.


    He was still blocks away from their shack so there was noway for him to see her essence here. It was in the corner of his vision so he kept swiveling his head to and fro. When he was able to lock on to her essence he sprinted into action. Holding the meat sticks for dear life.


    The alleyway!


    Sprinting to the opening of the alley and quickly surveying the scene,he couldn''t believe his eyes. He rushed forward then, but...


    He slowed...


    And then...


    He stopped.


    Lily was always so bright. She was cheerful when the world was cruel. She was happy when the world brought sorrow. And she was content whenthe world gave them nothing. He taught her words with the books he bought her. She always asked for them. Saying she was so bored with no one to play with when he wasn''t around, since he wouldn''t let her leave. He taught her colors. He taught her numbers best he could. He even tried to teach her his trick at one point. She never got it though. Telling him he was lying just to make her look dumb.


    And in return.


    She taught him life was worth living in this cruel world.


    "Lily!!!!" Mortis bellowed like a wild beast.


    He unfroze. Timemotioned forward again.


    His legs crawled forth unknowingly.


    "Lily!" Mortis bent down to his knees to cradle her small frame.


    He gently parted her hair to reveal her full face. Devoid of color. Pale. He looked to her hands clutching something on her chest. He reached for it. A little figure of a swordsman. Something he told her he wanted to get someday. Hesqueezed her closer.


    "You''re gon'' be okay," Mortis whispered. "You''re gon'' be okay," he repeated.


    A shadow emerged. A dark clothed shadow. A mask. An insignia on its'' breast.


    Mortis looked up and noticed the shadow approaching him slowly.


    "Get away from us!" he yelled. "Get back!" He cradled Lily away from the shadow.


    But then, he noticed something else. Something strange. Lily''s essence on the figure. He couldn''t see them clearly but he felt them nonetheless. Various splats of it.


    Lily''s blood.


    His eyes changed then. He only saw blood.


    Everthing was coated in blood. The walls. The dirt. The refuse.


    "Anotherscum," the shadow hissed. A rather surprisingly high voice. Like aboy just reaching maturity.


    Mortis gently layed Lily down. Parting her hair to lay evenly out. He was calm and steady on the outside.


    Inside, a storm was raging. His blood boiling.


    He stood. Slowly. Pulling his small daggers on his boots.


    They rushed each other then. Mortis didn''t think. He couldn''t think beyond this travesty.


    Who was this person. Why did they kill Lily.


    The shadow brought up a dagger into his left side.


    He didn''t flinch. Didn''t try to move out of the way. He couldn''t. Mortis took it head on. In return he went for his own offense. Bringing up his right dagger fora similarspot.


    The shadow was faster though.


    He couldn''t land the blow. Every strike thereafter, every assult he launched were for naught. His body simply couldn''t keep up. He wasn''t made for combat. But he was relentless. He would die trying.


    Failing the whole exchange, he settled for a straightfoward kick.Somehow landing and knocking a breath from the shadow.He threw both daggers immediately then, and pulled up the remaining daggers on his back. Neitherstruckthe shadow, but he didn''t care. The shadow outclassed him in speed.


    This time he tossed one dagger in the air and brought up his last dagger to end this nightmare. The shadow was momentarily distracted, but even then his dagger didn''t strike home. His continuous struggle of twists and turns, trying to end this dream, carried on. Still trying to find an opening for his dagger.


    Trying to kill this monster.


    Each twist the shadow cut him. Each turn he bled a little more.


    Finally, when his clothes were bathed in blood, he stood stock still. The shadow, too, backed off a step and stopped.


    "Finally dead,"it hissed.


    Mortis smiled. A blood red chuckle escaped his lips.


    A dagger came from behind the shadow. Grazing an arm. The shadow twisted around expecting another opponent. But he saw no one. Another dagger flew by him. Before he knew it, bother daggers were circling him as if tied to an invisible strand. Swaying around him like a bola entangling a pole. The shadow was forced to spin around and around. Each rotation, squeezing and twisting a limb here and there. When the daggers came to a final spin, they both tore into the shadow.


    Striking home. Blood spurting the walls.


    More blood.


    The shadow fell to both knees. Coughing. Hacking.


    Mortis walked casually to the shadow. Picking up his thrown daggers.


    His rage abating.


    The storm quieting.


    "I''m going to end this nightmare," Mortis spoke a different voice. A grating voice. "And I''m going to end you." Mortis stared at the shadow. Imprinting this moment."Monster."


    "I''m not the mon-"


    A gurgle noise followed.


    He dropped the daggers, then. He was tired. He felt only hollow in his heart. He turned around.


    Back to Lily.


    He walked heavily.


    His vision returning.


    He stooped low to carry her. Picking her up. She was still so small after all the meat sticks he''d bought her. He''d have thought shebe as heavy as him now with the way she eats.


    He stood still. Lifting his head to the heavens. Just embracing this moment. His blood red clothes. His bloody face. His bloody hands.


    And her peaceful vision.


    Mortis motioned his legs forward. Steady they were not, but progress nonetheless.


    Two more shadows emerged from the opening of the alley. Different masks. Different insignias.


    His energy left him. He collapsed. Dropping to his knees. Once again cradling Lily to his chest.


    "Please...,"he whimpered.


    The shadows didn''t move immediately, however. They glided past him.


    Moments later he felt them at his back.


    "You killed Torus?" a deep cultured voice. Fitting for a noble.


    "Just leave us alone," Mortis weeped.


    "Do we kill him?" a high-pitched voice. A girls most likely. "Although he did do everyone a favor, killing that waste of space even for trash."


    "No," the cultured voice responded evenly.


    "Why not?" the girl shadow asked.


    One of the shadow circled to face him. Bending down on one knee.


    "Did you kill that one there," he flicked his hand to indicate the corpse kneeling upright somehow.


    Mortis nodded.


    "We don''t discriminate who we recruit into our ranks. Be they beggar, thieves, cutthroats. It doesn''t matter. I see you have someone you care about there. That''s good. A man with no care isn''t a man at all. Though she may have passed on, you still breathe this air. And although one of our own killed her, it was ultimately youthat failed to protect her."


    Mortis snapped his head up.


    Anger. Hatred. Rage.


    Blood.


    "Am I wrong," the shadow asked evenly.


    Once again Mortis dropped his shoulders. Cradling Lily ever closer.


    "Why...?" he whispered.


    "Why did Torus kill that little one?" the shadow clearing his question.


    He nodded.


    "Perhaps wrong place, wrong time."


    He cried. A deep mewl. His cries bawling.


    It was shameful, but he did. He promised himself he''d never cry because Lily never did.


    Even though their lives were so unfair.


    So unjust.


    Her life was taken on a whim. Ultordecided to claim her because it was the fancy of the season.


    "Do you want power boy. Power to do whatever you want. To protect those dear to you. To uphold the little one''s passing," the shadow beseeched him.


    Mortis could do naught but shake his head.


    "Then we are at your service. Demand and we shall obey. For we all are one."


    "W-who are you?" Mortis whispered.


    The shadow stood then. Offering both hands to take off his weight.


    His regrets.


    His anger.


    His sadness.


    "We are Umbra."

 Early years

    Lloyd


    <hr>


    "Nervous?"


    Lloyd looked to his right from his seated position. His father was leaning on the entrance hall to the prep room. Merely calling it a room didn''t do it justice. Lloyd was told that shortly after he was born, his father made it a point to furnish every and all rooms with weapons and armor. No matter if it was the bathe house, latrines, or cook house. It didn''t matter if you didn''t know how to use the weapons like a swordsman. So long as you knew which side was the pointy end, that was enough.


    Needless to say, theprep roomcould likely equip a small army.


    "No, pa," Lloyd said, shaking his head. "If anything...I''m excited. It''s not every day one gets to match a hero swordsman." He clasped his shaky hands tightly.


    Arthur nodded solemnly. "As you should be. He said you were a little young, so you don''t have to get any points."


    His father peered at him. "Win. Or lose." Arthur came to offer his hand. "I''m proud of you either way."


    Lloyd grabbed the extended hand. He rose to give his father an embrace.


    "I know pa," he whispered.


    "With that being said." Arthur held him out at arms length. "Go kick his arse!"


    "Yessir!"


    The match was coming. He knew. They say the jitter always come before a match. Sometimes it was to the death.Other times it was to first blood. Thank Ultor,his was only until he gave up or scored a point.Otherwise, he would have just fallen on his own sword to save himself some time. Knowing who his opponent was, that''d be a mercy. One point on a clean hit. Sounds easy enough. Against the greatest swordsman he''s ever known, heard of, or maybe even of all the dukedoms...it should only take him a few cycles.


    Or maybe a lifetime.


    Each step he took through the hall, he walked a little straighter.


    Each step, he stood taller.


    His heart beat quickening, but his pace steady.


    His hands shook, but only slightly now.


    HIs mind filled with anticipation.


    "Ladies and gentlemen!" an announcer yelled off to the side. "Here he comes! Our last challenger of the day!" His voice amplified and carried by the wind of the gifted. Silencing the crowd.


    Lloyd stopped briefly at the sudden loud noise. He could see the arena. Perfectly cubed cobblestones formed a square wide enough to sit twenty men on each side. It was cordoned off by miniscule walls, merely aprecaution for the little ones. His sight was blinded momentarily by the high shines of the day. But then, he saw him.


    In all his glory. A giant of a man. Tall and lithe. Graceful and beautiful, although his attitude could use some work. He wasn''t vain. Didn''t compete to gain honor or prestige. Not for coins. Not for the loyalty of others. Nor was it to win the hand of a fair maiden.


    He fought for justice.


    "Stop staring and go kick his arse son! Any more ogling and it''ll go straight to his giant head!" Arthur yelled from his bench.


    "Stop that," Alice scolded beside Arthur. Lightly cuffing him on the head.


    Lloyd breathed again. Coming back to himself from his daydream. Seeing his parents together always put a smile on his face. Whether bickering or warming together. Just seeing them here. Watching over him.


    Watching him walk the gallows, but that''s beside the point.


    It made him felt good.


    Proud, to be their son.


    Lloyd walked to the center of the arena. Facing off against a man. A man of legends if the stories were true. And he''d bet his father''s virtue, they were. He''s seen enough to believe every one. Unbelievable feats. Slaying hundreds with no injuries. Fighting off savage animals with nothing but his hands. Bedding thousands of women in a night...


    Well...that last one may be a bit of a stretch.


    The way he walks.


    The way he moves.


    A god among men.


    "Stare at me any longer and I''ll poke your eyes out," his opponent cried.


    His opponent hopped from foot to foot. Tossing his sword from palm to palm. As if an arm length of steel was nothing but a toothpick.


    "I thought we were using wooden swords?" Lloyd asked confusely. Holding his own.


    The manshrugged. "My last opponent had a different idea." Gesturing to a corner in the arena of somone being carried off in a stretcher.


    Lloyd gulped. "He''s not dead is he?"


    "I doubt it. He was still cursing my name until just a moment ago."


    Making a face, Lloyd decided to ask no further and leave all else out of his mind. Focusing on his match.


    "Pleasure to have a match with you, Sir!" Lloyd bowed at the waist.


    "Well, well. Aren''t you all grown up." His opponent walked totheside to retrieve a wooden sword. "Last time I saw you." He made a gesture to his hips. "You were about yee high."


    "Aye, Sir!" Lloyd saluted. "It''s all the meat and greens I eat, Sir! Ma said they will me big and strong as you someday. Sir!" He finished with another salute to his chest.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "Should I be worried about our son?" Alice asked Arthur with furry brows. "He doesn''t talk like that to me, much less you."


    "He''s fine, dear. He just really admires the guy. Give it a few cycles. It''ll go away." Arthur shrugged his shoulders. "Boys will be boys."


    Alice didn''t look convinced. Instead she raised a hand to let Lloyd know she wanted to speak with him before the match.


    Looking around the crowd from his opponent''s head gesture, Lloyd saw his mother. He bowed to his opponent again to apologize for the delay and lightly jogged to her.


    "Yea, ma?"


    "Are you okay, hon?"


    It was her eyes.


    Deep.


    Soulful.


    Like she was afraid he would disappear.


    "Yes, ma." Lloyd reached over the wall to embrace her. "Don''t worry. I have a plan."


    Not a brilliant one, but it was a plan.


    Sort of.


    He let the embrace go on for a bit longer than necessary before he gently pulled back. Giving her a nod, he turned around and attempted to jog back into the arena.


    Alice reached out and stopped him. Grabbing his arm and forcing him to turn around.


    She looked at him again.


    Gah! I''m melting!!!


    "I''ll be fine, ma. I promise." He tried to give his most serious face.


    Alice covered her mouth to deny a chuckle.


    He blushed and quickly jogged back into the arena.


    "You have a wondeful mother."


    "I know..." Lloyd responded. "Thank you."


    "A fool of a father though."


    "I think he gets it from you..."


    His opponent laughed. A big one from his throat.


    "Bwhahahahahahaha!"


    The laughter seemed to ring all around the crowd. Hushing the whispers. The incessant foot taps and dallyings. The whole crowd seemed to be in a trance, holding its breath. Waiting for release that would never come.


    Then, the laughter stopped abruptly.


    "Let us begin."


    Lloyd woke upat the edge ofthe arena, the base of the wall. Sitting with his back to it. He shook his head this way and that. Confused and disoriented. He flexed his hands.


    Good. He didn''t drop his sword. He''d never hear the end of days fromTim if he dropped it here. Not having used it once.


    The crowd didn''t know if to applaud or scream at the display. "Th-th-the winner is-is-" the announcer stuttered to finish.


    "Drop the rules. This match isn''t over until he gives up or scores a hit on me. I gave the duke my words."His opponentwasn''t laughing anymore. No mirth on his face. It was a deadly beauty of sorts.


    "Get up."


    Lloyd struggled to move his legs. His head hurt, but not too bad. He needed a moment. To slow his breathing. To focus on his legs and hands. He focused on his will.


    His determination.


    His drive.


    His reason for being here.


    To be in this arena.


    For a chance to be with the best.


    To show his father how far he came with his training.


    He stood up slowly. Wobbling at first, but then he straightened out.


    Lloydinhaledin another slow, agonizingly sweet, breath. Then he charged.


    "Arthur...," Alice slowly pulled onhis sleeve. Not looking away from her son. Every time he was struck down, he got back up. Every time he flew to one corner, he charged back in.


    Never dropping his sword.


    "I know, dear," Arthur whispered. He clasped both her hands. "I know."


    This time!


    Lloyd woke up in the corner again. His body hurt all over. If he didn''t hurt so much he''d have thought himself dead. But Death was never that kind.


    This time for sure. He can see it now. The nuance in his opponent''s swordplay. He sucked in a breath. Running head long back into the grinder.


    Two more steps and I''ll be in his reach.


    Lloyd made the second step and then he pre-emptively jumped and pivot right. Just as he was in mid jump the ground trembled where he once stood. The tremors no longer froze his heart. The devastation he''d felt for the past blows were no longer as terrifying. He brought his sword up for an arm strike. Aiming for just the tip.


    His sword passed through nothing. He already knew. He planned this.


    His momentum carried his slash through, but he was already dropping his knees. Bending them to lower his frame.


    He felt it then.


    A hurricane of force above his head. A gale of mass destruction.


    Lloyd finished his spin rotation and brought his sword over his right shoulder to transition to an overhanded strike. Pleased with himself for a moment he could actually get one successful hit.


    He struck nothing, again. He despaired. He thought for sure he got him this time.


    Lloyd felt the sensation again. His skin tingled. His hairs standing up on ends. The incoming blow. The natural disaster. The might of a thousand men. His opponent was simply too strong. Too fast. Too..., everything.


    He couldn''t win.


    Even though he trained so hard. He trained until he bled. Until he collapsed. Until he couldn''t move.


    Day in and day out.


    He didn''t have time to make real friends. Who''d want to be friends with the child of the most powerful person in the city. They''d be terrified of saying something out of turn and being snitched on. Or they''d tried to coerce him and use him for their own ends. Some of the nobles were no different. He knew his father was a good person. A good duke. He''s made a lot of good changes in the city. He allowed for the people''s voice to be heard. He paved ways for the poor to have a chance at redemption. But nothing''s perfect. Lloyd thought he saw what was wrong with their city. The source of the corruption. It wasn''t entirely the nobles fault. He didn''t blame them.


    You don''t blame a wolf for eating a sheep.


    Instead Lloyd wanted to grow up and be the strongest and righteous person ever. His father was only one man.


    He will be many.


    He will be the man to call for help if someone needs it.


    When someone needs a hand to tend the farm.


    He''ll be there to pay for the healing brews when a sick person needs them.


    Redeem those who were forced to commit themselves to a life of crime.


    He''ll dole out punishment tothe unjust and give them reprieve.


    Show them the light.


    The world doesn''t have to be a cruel place.


    He will be many.


    Lloyd saw the blade coming. He didn''t see it with his eyes though. Nor was it a feeling either. It was a weird sensation he couldn''t describe. It''s like when you toss something up and you know it must come down. One does not need to see or feel it to know it is inevitable.


    If he''s fast enough. A side-step. That''s all he need.


    Lloyd struggled with his mind. Making it tell his legs to move faster than he''s ever tried before. Just a step.


    Just one step!


    The blow came. It thundered onto his leg. A piercing crack could be heard if he wasn''t deaf to all outside noise.


    But he didn''t cry out.


    Instead he used that as thecrutch his body needed to spring into action. On his way down he used as much strength as he could muster for one last swing.


    Do, or die.


    Lloyd stirred awake at a slapping on the face. Forcing his head this way and that.


    "Owwwww..."


    "The slapping or...everywhere else?"


    "Boootthhh," Lloyd moaned.


    Lloyd attempted to open his eyes. Tilting his head to and fro.


    Upon inspecting his opponent''s shin. He smiled.


    A mark.


    "Hehe...I...win," he chuckled lazily.


    Ancile smiled warmly. "That you did, lad."

 Early Years End

    Luke


    <hr>


    Another day, another silver.


    I wonder what that means, thought Luke.


    He would hear it every so often from the villager folks when they pass nearby. They would wake up early in the mornings and recite that phrase to themselves or others. It would seem to be a regular greeting of sorts. There were a few variations such as "Hey! cow@$$** ****" or the more common "Son of w****, how you doin." He figured the former was a more polite greeting due to the warmth he felt radiating off those who used it. While the latter, more colorful, greetings seemed to inspire eitherdestructiveactions or rough rapport. He''s still not surethere was a difference.


    Goooo...


    "Fine. Fine. Fine. I''m not actually trying to stall if that''s what you''re thinking." Luke arched his brows and spoke to no one. "I''m just preparing myself. Who knows what goes on in the Strangers'' lands."


    He was naked from the waist up. Wearing only a dirty pair of rags that covered to his knees. His skin tone had gone a bit more tan and his hair a shade darker. But he was still slightly pale but not to the point of emaciation. His hair still a shade of silver but no longer blindingly lustrous. He had opted to travel through the smaller forests, but the trees would not allow it. He was tasked to visit a nearby village to gain "benevolence" toward his "kind."


    Whatever that means.


    Luke has lived in the forest for as long as he can remember. His first memories were of chasing wildcats through the base of trees and hollow grounds. The wrestling of giant bears. And his cahooting with the mischievous aves.


    Now, though, he was a man on a mission.


    Puffing up his chest Luke declared loudly, "And I''m off! Say bye to Deke for me!" He began to walk out of the Dead Forest.His home.


    His haven.


    His place of adventure and livelihood. He''s never left his home before. Sure he roamed the outskirts, but never actually left the confines of the greens. His new adventure will start here. Walking this path. Toward a more exciting escapade. He walked until he found the first dirt road. Seeing one is as good as another he took to it and followed it away from home.


    Luke was still close enough to sense his home, but far enough he would dread thewalk back, when he smelled it.


    Smoke. Lots of it. Where there''s smoke, there''s fire.


    Luke quickened his pace up the road. Not a sprint or a rush, though. Only speeding up his walk to sate his curiosity. Being far enough from his home had diminish his concern of fires. Since he had nothing on his back or person, there was no harm in checking it out.


    As Luke neared the last bend of the road, he saw what was causing the extensive smoke. Homes that caught on fire. Quite a few by the amount of smog coming out of the village. It was a small village. Enough to make a close knit community where every neighbor knew one another by name, if not, then by association.


    When Luke came close enough to the village to see the blazing homes,he was confused. He''d have thought the Strangerswould be working together to put out the firelike his family when they had forest fires. He recalled more than his fair share of those memories.


    Stupid Strangersfor trying to put his home on fire!


    The folks around the homes were staring at the fire in a trance. It seemed like the whole village was here. Men were standing idle with buckets held loosely in their hands. Women embracing and covering others'' eyes. Even children stopped their unceasing wails to stare at the monstrous inferno. Blazing back and forth as if the demons of old were running amok. The crisp wood and stones shook and shattered to pieces. Each burnt offering led the villagers into truly believing, nothing good lasts forever.


    "What do we do Grayson?" a villager asked. "The waters not working!"


    "Forget the house! What are we gonna do about his wife and son!" another villager cried.


    "Just give them what they want! Please Grayson!" a woman screamed.


    Grayson looked up from his perch. He sat on the dirt against a nearby wagon. He looked to his right arm. Broken by the elbow. He may never use it again. His left leg. Twisted at an odd angle. He may never walk either.


    "Leave me alone," Grayson murmured. "Let me die here with my wife."


    "No you don''t you big oaf," a villager ran to him and held him by the cuffs. Breathing in his face. "We''ve come too far to throw it all away! If we can''t save your wife then we''ll sure as hell save your boy!"


    "Just go! Dammit!" Grayson yelled abruptly. Rage on his face for a moment. He stared at the other man''s eyes. But then, he deflated. "You''re a good man, brother. But all of us here," he indicated with this only working hand,"would not... COULD NOT stop those monsters." Grayson looked to the skies. He tried to stare through theheavy smoke. The clouds. The despair he''s brought on to himself and his family.


    Grayson remembered it like it was just the day before. When he and his son were so desperate they had to hunt into the Dead Forest.Their meeting with the Guardian. The gift bestowed upon them. He thought it a trick at first. A jest from the Guardian.


    But no.


    When he got home and planted the seeds he was surprised the next day. He woke up to an abundance of fruits and greens he''s never seen or heard of. He was ecstatic. All shapes and sizes and colors. He woke up his son and together they gathered up as much as they could and took them home to sample. His wife couldn''t be happier with their good fortune. Everything was mouthwatering. When he sold them to the villagers, they too, took to the delectable fruits and greens. News and rumors spread, by word of mouth, from village to village. Before long they were getting trade caravans coming to their remote village in hopes of trade arrangements or just simply to sample the unusal delights. Grayson made a fortune and bought himself the land and home itself. Next he moved to develop their community. Better carpenters to build their homes sturdy and better roads to travel. He was even abled to hire a few gifted and swordsmen to help teach the unlearned and better the men to defend themselves. However, when word of hissuccess reached the duke, his downfall came shortly after.


    The duke had issued orders to "share" his good fortune. He regretfully, could not. Grayson was not able to give up his secrets because even he knows not how they worked. When he tried to give the seeds to others to plant and grow, they did not. And when Grayson explained it so, he did not receive a compliable response. The soldiers returned not long after with a new order that "demanded" he give up his secrets or becharged of treason. Yet again, giving the same explanation to the soldiers. He could not give what he simply does not have. And the next time they came back.


    They came in force.


    They took his son and burned his home. With his wife still inside.


    "Please," Grayson begged. "Just leave me be."


    He bled tears then.


    It was at this moment the villagers seemed to notice one not familiar among them. One who was in deep contrast to the hysteria circulating around. One who was extremely underdressed.


    "Hello Strangers!"Luke called out.


    The villagers turned heads by the dozen to seek out the strange hollering. When they laid eyes on the owner of the voice their eyes bulged. Each of them recognized him by the color of his hair, the pale like skin, and the stories Grayson had told of him. The rumors and gossip from nearby villages of his sightings throughout the cycles. The tragedies and miracles people have seen from the Guardian. The people knew enough about the Dead Forestto not excuseanyrumors as baseless tales. The villages haddecided to ward off any association with the unknown forest and its inhabitants with extreme caution. Most likely because of fear. However, whatbaffled and scared them most, perhaps, was the otherwordly aura that seemed to surround him.


    Wherever he walked. Whatever he touched.


    Life bloomed.


    The dirt made way for seeds to ungrow unhindered. Plants that never had the chance to grow on the road, rosed from their despondency. Animals would grow lively and vibrant around him. Wagging their tails and calling out to one another. The sky would part ways for his sauntering. As if shining a light onto him alone.


    "Why aren''t you tryin'' to put out the fire?" Luke asked to no one in particular. Looking from one villager to the next.


    The village stood terrified. The rumors and gossip never mentioned the Guardian leaving the forest. They stood still and tense as if any movement would scare them away.


    Grayson was the first to speak after watching all his villagers turn heads to stare at something behind the wagon. "What''s the matter? Did thosewhoremongeringpigs come back already?" he said trying to pull himself up with his good hand.Upon reaching over the wagon and seeing what everyone else was seeing, he rushed forward then. Hobbling and weaving his way through the frozen villagers.


    "I would think if you don''t put out the fire soon, it would eat all your homes, no?" Luke questioned the villagers again. His face a puzzle.


    "Your Guardianship!! Please!" Grayson cried upon reaching Luke. All his energy left him then and he started to collapse.


    "I''ve got you, brother," a villager bent a knee to hold Grayson under his arms.


    "Please..." Grayson whimpered. "Save my wife and son," he mumured so quietly even his brother seemed to not have heard it.


    Luke looked at Grayson. He peered into him. Moving his head ever closer to get a better look at the Stranger squatting before him. Trying to remember something.


    Has he seen this Stranger before?, Luke thought.A hand on his chin seeming in deep thought.


    Mehh...probably not.


    Luke wondered maybe if this is what Terra was telling him about. His task out here. The reason for his adventure away from home. To learn "benevolence" and some other shenanigans. To teach him the values of other life. To learn the ways of others. To broaden oneself. To expand. To trulyLive....


    Or maybe Terra was just tired of his antics and wanted to be rid of him for a while. Either case seemed plausible.


    "Why aren''t any of you doing that then?" Luke questioned. He seemed to be doing a lot of that since he arrived. "And again, why isn''t anyone putting out the fire?"


    "We''ve tried," answered the gruff villager carrying Grayson. "But no matter what we do. No matter how much water we douse the fire with, it won''t stop! It can''t be stopped! It was made from a bastard gifted!"


    "Have you tried asking?" Luke replied.


    "W-what!?" both Grayson and his brother responded at the same time.


    "Ya'' know. Ask them to stop burning the house. I think it would work. They seem to only be small ones." Luke approached the blazing home.


    Each crackle of fire seemed to burst forth and tried to whip at him. But each time they would sway away at the last moment. Steering clear as if he was apython and the fire, a rodent. Luke came within arms reach and layed a hand onto the burning home. It was cool to the touch.


    Please...stop.


    Grayson couldn''t believe his eyes. He looked around and everyone had the same reaction. They were awestruck. They all thought the boy meant asking the gifted that started the fire in the first place. Not the fire itself.


    The fire started to dwindle down to a small crackling blaze. Each crack of firedrewless life than the next. In time, the only sound was of the small twitches of the burnt home and rolling wind.


    "See," Luke pulled his arms back. "I told ya'' it''d work." Raising his hands in triumph.


    "My wife, brother!" Grayson cried weakly.


    Grayson''s brother layed him down gently, "I''m on it." He rushed into the home then. Knocking over wood and stones that had fallen. Kicking and turning over furniture that was burned beyond recognition. The breaking and smashing noisesbroke the villagers out of their reverie and hurried into action. Each turning to a different section. Tossing over refuse anddebris, the villagers looked for the likely dead woman burned alive.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "She''s over here!" a villager yelled off on the second floor. Each of the villagers dropped whatever debris they were carrying and rushed over to the voice.


    Grayson got on all fours and dragged his useless leg and arm with him. He needed to hurry. He could picture it already. Her face marred of its beauty. Her arms and legs burned to a crisp. Her body showing only charred meat and bones. He weeped and grimaced at the horrifying image.


    Noticing the villagers bringing out a body Luke thought to stroll away with a job well done, until the gruff villager from earlier called out to him.


    "Wait! Stranger!"


    Luke stopped in his tracks and turned his head stiffly. "I am no Stranger," he replied evenly. His voice a mask of rage. A stark contrast to his earlier version. He slowly sweeped his gaze across all the villagers.


    He stared them down.


    "Never call me so again," Luke''s voice betrayed an array of emotions.


    Rage. Anger. Hatred at the mention that hecould be like them.


    Rage, at the idea of suggesting he could even be mistaken forthe likes of them.


    And anger, that he should be upset so easily.


    Luke knew he wasn''t a Stranger.He wasn''tviolent like most of their kind. He didn''t know envy or jealousy. He didn''t make wars when peace was but a chat away and he didn''t make tools of destruction.


    Luke was of the forest. He was of the earth. The sky. The wind.


    He was of Terra.


    The villagers felt the difference in pressure around them. The air seemed to still and the earth grew warm. Even the sky seemed to have darkened since their escapadeintothe homes. They grew confused at first. Not understanding Luke''s change in nature. The gruff villager that called out to him stepped forward. "I meant no disrespect strang-"


    A wind blew then. Knocking the gruff villager to his knees. Plants sprouting from everywhere and nowhere to grab and entwine onto his limbs. The more he struggled the harder it pulled.


    "W-what is this!?"


    Some of the villagers stepped back while some stepped forward, thinking of how to help.


    "Stop!" Grayson clambered from behind the villagers. Leaving his wife covered in cloths on the dirt road. He was carried on either side by two young men. "He''s my brother. Please," Grayson bowed his head.A difficult task in his current predicament. "Spare him."


    Asquickly as the plants sprouted, they were gone. Retreating and hiding away again. Leaving the gruff villager gasping for breath.


    "W-what in the three-hells-"


    "Forson. Let me do this," Grayson spoke sagely. He made a gesture for some of the villagers to help Forson up.


    "Do not call me that again," Luke spoke with his otherworldly voice.


    "Yes, your Guardianship. I''ll see to it," Grayson attempted to plead his case. "Can you see to my wife? I''ve seen you do healing magic before." The rest of the villagers stared profoundly.


    Luke stood squarely. Crossing his arms. He shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not," he replied with his happy-go-lucky voice again.


    "Anything helps. Please this way." Grayson hobbled along back to where he laid down his wife.


    Deciding he might as well since he was here already, Luke followed behind Grayson. He ignored the stares. Upon reaching the woman, he grew contemplative. She was horribly disfigured. Her arms and legs charred to crisps. Her body was covered by cloths but he imagine it was in a similar state. Her face covered with soot and dirt. But despite the extreme damage to her body, somehow, she was still alive.


    Grayson shooed away the young men suspending him. He was gently lowered to his knees and he cradled his wife into his one good arm. He tried to caress her face, but his broken arm wouldn''t allow for it.


    "Is there anything you can do?" Grayson pleaded. Slowly looking up from his position.


    "Like I said," Luke shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not."


    Lukeasked himself if he should help these Strangersany more than he already have or not. In his experience with them so far, he knew they weren''t all bad. When heconfrontedStrangers in his forest for hunting his family or just trying to cut down wood most would leave with little to no trouble, albeit with a little persuasion. While others outright refused to do so. He made sure those ones paid dearly.


    In the end, Luke decided he should. Seeing as how Terraalready deemed this Grayson worthy. He hunkered down and placed a hand onto the woman''s forehead. He closed his eyes.


    If you will it, help me.


    Help her.


    Luke felt the tingle. Starting from the earth. Then to his feet. Then throughout his body. It was a merry feeling. Full of jovial laughter and a warm carefree embrace. He directed it onto the woman. Feeding as much as the earth would allow.


    "W-what is happening!?" Forson cried. Trying to move closer to see the strange light.


    "It''s okay, Forson." Grayson gave him a heartfelt look. "It''s gon'' be okay." He cradled his wife closer.


    The light continued to glow around Lukes'' hands. Then encompassing all around the woman. The flakes of burned skin peeling off. The marred face returning to it''s former glory. Each of her limbs regaining their healthy color. Her frizzled hair falling away to reveal a smooth baldness. When he felt the earth give. He stopped.


    Grayson took to her immediately. Inspecting her from head to toe. Using his one good hand as best he could. He gently shook her.


    "Martha, dear...can you hear me," Grayson whispered. "Just give me something. Anything to know your alive."


    "...."


    Grayson sat straight up. "W-what did you say?" Leaning his ear to her mouth.


    "Yo....si....n...nd"


    "She''s alive!" Grayson yelped. "She''s alive!" He repeated for the rest of the villager''s sake. It didn''t matter what she was saying. She was alive. That was all he cared about. All that mattered to him. The rest of the dukedom could turn over for all he cared.


    "....."


    "Shush, dear. Don''t speak. I''ve got you. You''re okay now," Grayson attempted to mollify Martha.


    "I said you''re crushing me hand with your oaf arse!"


    Grayson quickly shifted from his perch to reveal that he was, indeed, crushing her whole hand underneath. "Ahh...apologies dear. Heat of the moment and all that." He blushed. Grayson fumbled with her half nakedness and tried to adjust the cloth covering her.


    "W-what''s wrong with you. Why are you...moving like that?" Martha struggled to get out. Flexing each part of her body. Turning her head to get a look at her surroundings. She noticedhis lack of use in some of his limbs.


    "Oh dear Ultor,what happened to your arm and leg!" Martha cried. She turned her head this way and that. "And where''s Harrison..."


    "He''s gone...I''m so sorry honey," Grayson lamented. Bowing his head. Unable to bare his shame of being unable to protect either of them.


    "What do you mean he''s gone?"


    "They...took him away...and burned our home."


    "W-what...?" Martha gasped. "NO!" She tried to stand then. Causing the cloth covering her to slip away revealing her semi nakedness.


    "Martha please, cover yourself. I know how you feel. We''ll go after-" Grayson spoke quickly.


    "NO!" Martha yelled. "We need to go right now! My clothes be damned!" Once again trying to shrug off the cloths. "They have my boy."Martha weeped then. Heartbreaking sobs followed. "My only son." She collapsed onto Grayson. "P-please. We need to get him back." Martha continued her deep sobs. Sniffing her heart out.


    Grayson turned to Luke. "Will you help us?"


    "Maybe. Maybe not."


    Luke stared at the display. The woman was clearly hysterical. The healing he done should have put her whole again. However, she seemed unstable. He did it the way he always had though. Maybe she was always like this, Luke thought.


    Understandable. Nobody''s perfect.


    "Who are you talking to Gray," Martha asked from his shoulders. She looked up then. Into the shines of a mysterious body bathed in light. She noticed his skin color. His odd hair.His choice of rags. She gasped.


    "The Guardian?"


    Luke didn''t care that all the Strangers called him Guardian.He''s heard it enough times and stopped trying to correct them. It was either that, or a monkey''s bastard.


    He liked Guardian a lot more.


    Martha stared at him. He was used to the stares now. That''s all anyone has ever done when they saw him for the first time. They just stare.


    "Please, help us," Martha beseeched. "I know we are not the friendliest neighbors you have, but we only make do. We keep to ourselves and never bothered you since my husband intruded on your home." She bowed her head. "If you can help us once again. We would forever be in your debt."


    "Mmhm."


    "I-is that a yes?" Martha querried.


    "Yes. Yes," Luke decided.


    "Yes!" Martha exlaimed.


    "Okay....I think that''s enough yes'', what are you planning to do Guardian?" Grayson asked.


    "Can you tell me which direction they took him?"


    "Forson?" Grayson called out. "I was outcold for that bit. I didn''t see. My apologies."


    "You have nothing to apologize for brother. If anything, it''s those bastards that burned your home and took my nephew away that should be on their knees begging for forgiveness," Forson seethed.


    "Forson, I''m grateful for you indignation, but please. Which direction did they take my son?"


    "Yes...of course," Forson pointed to the way towards where Luke was headed. "They took to that road and if I had to guess, making their way back to the castle."


    Grayson looked to Luke. "Can you help us?"


    "Sure. I already agreed didn''t I." Luke replied casually. "Now let me see if I can do this before lunch."


    Luke faced the direction Forson pointed out. He closed his eyes. Steeling himself. Rooting himself onto the ground with impeccable nimbness. Sinking into the earth up to his shins.


    Hear me. I call for redemption.


    Hear me. I call for retribution.


    Hear me...if you will.


    Luke felt the earth''s awareness. Increasing his own. Wrapped in its warm embrace. Coddling his being. Caressing his soul. He embraced it.


    Leagues away. Metal soles tapped the earth. The continuous drum of travel. Among them he felt a slight distinction. The soft tappings of bare feet. Slower and less controlled. Luke can only assume that this was the boy. He gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, coiled his muscles, and then, he let go.


    "What in the name of Ult-"


    "Ahhg, my legs-"


    "I''m sinking!"


    Soldiers, some leagues away, screamed and panic in various situations. Some sunk only to the knee while others, to their hips. Some made grabs for the road around them to pull themselves up. And others were pushing and pulling the rest for a sip of sanity. A fruitless effort.


    Lukesoftened the earth all around the soldiers. Encasing them in what was essentially, quicksand. Eating them up. He didn''t plan to kill them. Just to submerge them long enough so the boy can get away. The soft tappings of earth following behind the metal soles seemd to have panic and stopped moving.


    Luke whispered to the wind. His eyes still closed.


    "What''s he doing?" Forson quietly whispered to Grayson who was struggling to cover Martha with the cloths.


    "I don''t know." Grayson replied succinctly.


    "Stop it!" Marthayelped suddenly. "I can do it myself." She began to wrap and tie the cloths around her. She looked to Grayson''s arm and leg and she softened. "I''m sorry."


    "No. It was my fault. Everything was-"


    "Stop it!" Martha hissed. She engulfed him then. Bringing him into her arms. "I am okay now. And our son will be too....I think."


    "Shouldn''t we gather our men to launch a rescue or..." Forson asked.


    "No." Grayson spoke fervently. "We wait."


    "Okay. I''ll trust you," Martha pecked him on the lips and returned to holding him.


    "I don''t know brother. He''s not doing anything...aside from sleeping on the spot," Forson spoke worriedly.


    "Trust me brother." Grayson tried to convey his reasoning to trust the Guardian.Somehow heknew the Guardian would not fail. "Trust him."


    Luke opened his eyes. Stretching his arms over his head. He shook himself a little. Doing that always made his body stiff like a tree. Yawning, he felt famished.


    "Alright! My job is done here folks," Luke called out. Twisting and turning his body.


    "W-what do you mean?" Grayson asked. "You''ve rescued our son?"


    "Sure did," Luke smiled brilliantly.


    "Are you daft-" Forson started.


    "Enough Forson," Grayson commented. He looked to Luke. A solemn vision crossed his face. Grayson nodded.


    "We wait," Grayson spoke firmly.


    Luke just realized he can smell something delicious in the air. Aside from the smoke that is. It had a heavy huff. A bit of sweet tangyness. Some sour dew as well. He abruptly followed his nose to wherever the aroma was coming from in the village. Unconciously skippping away. When he could practically taste the smell he reckoned he was in the middle of the village now, considering he was surrounded by stalls and wares of all kinds.


    He breathed in the wind again.


    There!


    Behind a couple of stalls he saw it then. Coming from a window. A house of stone and wood. A big chimney chugging the continous aroma. Luke dashed as quickly as he could. Hopping over and through stalls and wares alike.


    "Where do ya reckon he went?" a villager asked. "He seemed awfully in a hurry."


    "I don''t know...should we be worried?" another asked.


    "Relax, the lot of you. Calm yourselves," Grayson spoke with as much authority as he could manage in his tired state. "Wherever he went, he has done us a service already. We will simply thank Ultor and hope for the best now."


    The forest started rustling then. Barely noticeable at first. Some villagers turned heads as if hearing something.


    "........."


    "Do you hear that?" a woman asked.


    "I do."


    "Me too!"


    "What is it!?"


    "Shhh!" Forson quieted. He listened then. Assuming at first, the rest of the villagers having lost their minds from the recent events. "I hear it too...."


    "What is it brother?" Grayson asked from his perch. Still holding on to Martha for dear life.


    "I...I''m not sure...it seems like...," Forson tried to explain. "The wind....is speaking..."


    Grayson looked to Martha. Her face must have mirrored his own. They both helped each other to stand and slowly walked towards the sound of the wind. Making their way through the crowd. Listening intently. Weaving to and fro.


    It first came as a tiny mumur. A soft whisper. A hushed melody.


    Then, they heard it.


    Repeating itself from ear to ear.


    A vestige of a voice one couldn''t be sure they were actually hearing it.


    Everyone saw it then. A shape emerging from a speck through the woods. A rustling of the wind. A sound of brave joy.


    Their boy, Harrison.


    He''s back!


    When Grayson and Martha finally laid eyes on their son they rushed forward then. Grayson hopping and bumbling. Martha holding onto him and trying to hurry or else the vision be a trick of the gods. When they finally collided, theycame into an embrace.


    Son holding on to mother as if he''s never known a mother so kind.


    Mother covering son as if she knew him to be her life itself.


    Father shielding them both as if life''s miserycould not take them away.


    Holding on to each other and crying shoulder to shoulder, they now knew what the wind was whispering.


    Come home.

 Intermission

    ????


    <hr>


    "Did ya'' hear about the place?" a rough whisper.


    "Aye, I did at that," another equally rough voice answered.


    "Whole place just up and disappeared! If ya'' asked me I''d say the duke gutted ''em and tossed ''em to the wolves," the rough whisper coming from a table in the bar. "Good riddance of the snobbish lot I''d say."


    "Aye, let ''em kill each other. ''Nother one goes down, ''nother will take its place," sloshing his drink the other man peered into his mug.


    Interesting. The rumors seemed to have spread this far. Being so close to the capitol, he''d have thought every citizen knew no bounds of the duke''s benevolence. It seemed like the only thing the people knew to talk about.


    His Grace is so kind!


    His Grace is so charitable!


    Pfffft.


    If he had to hear another sermon in the streets about how great and mighty this duke of theirs is, he may have to rethink his original plan. He had already heard of the village disappearing mysteriously. That''s why he came all the way here. To the Neos dukedom. He had to make sure.


    The two men at the table continued their conversation. He listened intently.


    "Ya know what else is strange," the drunk man went on.


    The other man perked up. "Ya?"


    They both lowered their heads as if speaking a great secret. Glancing around to note the half-filled bar room. Cupping their mouths.


    "They also said it was the work of the Dead Forest,"the man whispered.


    "No way!"


    "Yes way. But ya didn''t hear it from me, ya got it," ambling his way out and back to wherever his home lie.


    Looks like the information he recieved is similar all over the dukedom. A village gone and no one truly knows what happened. Not even the soldiers that were sent to investigate the empty homes. No tracks. No signs of a struggle.


    Very interesting indeed.


    Downing his mug of pissed-ale he tipped the bartender and sauntered out. No other choice then. He''ll simply have totravelto thevillagepersonally. On his way out of town he noticed he picked up a few stragglers. Not even full dark yet, they would have to be incredibly foolish to attempt what they were thinking, or truly desperate. He''ll handle it depending on the case. If they left him alone, then no harm done, otherwise he can spare the time.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    When he finally passed the last bend of the homes and towards the exit gate he felt them then.


    Three.


    No, four.


    Two in front. One behind. And one on the roof.


    "Halt stranger!" one of the two hooligans called out.


    He shook his head and sighed audibly. "How can I help you gentlemen?"


    "We know you''re not from around here."


    "And so...? Carry on. I''m a busy man."


    Both hooligans slipped out small knives. "I don''t think you understand the situation you''re in." Spitting out the last part as if a curse. "Sir."


    "Yes, yes. You have weapons and I''m at an incredible disadvantage with four of you against myself. O woe is me, I don''t know where I am and don''t know the danger of traveling alone in these godforsaken lands. Boo hoo," He made a deadpanned mocking face.


    Confused, the hooligans stood tensely. Not sure what to do. They looked to one another asking questions silently.


    He continued to stare at these men. Thugs or thiefs, maybe, making do with stranger''s purses. There were likelycutthroats out there as well taking bounties on less fortunate men. And the small women out there selling their bodies on the streets. He grimaced internally. Was it always like this in Neos?


    He was disappointed.


    All the tools at their disposal and the Strangerschoose self-destruction.


    How pitiful.


    "Don''t let these finery fool you fellas," he flourished his coat adorned with buttons and lace, likely worth a silvera piece. Twisting to show his defenseless attire. In the process of doing so he lodged up a pebble on the road with his foot. Relaying the pebble to the other he kicked up to the roof.


    A crashed sounded. The home''s roof, on which one of the hooligan sat atop, gave way to a crater. Moments later a thud was heard on the side of the home. Likely, the fool fainted and fell from the blow being so close.


    He didn''t plan on killing any of these pitiful creatures.


    The three men surrounding him stared in shock at the display. Staring wide-eye, unable to move. They suddenly realized how large he was. Towering and domineering over them all. Making them feel unworthy to be in his presence.


    He walked to the two in front.Backhanding them each on the cheek before they could even comprehend his sudden arrival. He carried them to the last member who turned his head to stare at him as if he had appeared out of nowhere. The thug''s eyes bulging even more and his face a stroke of panic. Falling onto his behind and scurrying away.


    He gently laid down the two men he was carrying. Attempting to make eye contact with the last conscious member. Sighing, when he noticed the man may have a case of shock.


    He waited a breath.


    Then another.


    "Take your friends and stop doing this. Work an honest job. Build up your community. Nurture it. Grow with it. Make real men of yourselves," he spoke firmly.


    Deciding he was done with this town he continued his trek toward the exit gate again. To find the mysterious imperri he felt some days ago.


    Perhaps this time he will find the other half. The one they lost. The missing piece to stopping Umbra.

 Academie I

    Lloyd


    <hr>


    A grand building. So tall thattheir race couldn''thave built it. Of course, he hadn''t seen the whole world in his sixteen cycles, but one doesn''t have to be a prim wizard to know that. Plus, humans weren''t the only ones that had lived on Erra. There were evidence of bones, ancient structures, and very, very, veryold scripts detailing signs of past civilizations. Lloyd tried not to recall their pungent and musky smell whenever Anton showed up with them. "Delicacies" and "Exquisite" were two choice words Anton repeatedly used to describe those old tomes.


    Bleh.


    Lloyd was supposed to branch out his knowledge outside of "mindless stick fighting" due to the fact that he is the son of a duke and, therefore, one day be responsible for the dukedom. The scripts tell of past cities and stories of unbelievable magnitudes.


    Yup, Lloyd remembered how to use that big word just recently too.


    Wars that changed the course of history. The love and hate that had fueled those wars. Names were written down to be remembered as heroes or villains. The brave few. The corrupted many.


    People with four arms. People as tall as two full grown men with wings on their back. Heroes fighting and riding on unimaginable mounts in the sky. The names of such creatures have been lost to time. Nowadays people refer to them simply as demons of old.


    Oh no...He was getting sidetracked with all these useless information! Ultor damn Anton.


    Staring at the heavenly building seemed to take its toll. And to think it''s only the library. One small part of the Academie. The library was the first thing you would see when approaching the city of the Academie. Reaching high into the sky and when you get away as far as possible to look if it would ever end, it doesn''t. It simply keeps on going up.


    "Ain''t that a sight, lad," Lloyd''s partner remarked from beside the carriage they were traveling with. Both of them were part of a larger group traveling towards the Academie. Five large carriages and five smaller ones in all. The larger carriages housed nobles or anyone willing to pay for the price to travel in comfort. Five rooms per carriage and up to two beds per room. The smaller carriages were for food and supplies. Any mundane belongings too heavy or too lavish to carry went in them. The rest of the dozens of souls traveled on foot.


    "Yea. It''s amazing," Lloyd responded absentmindedly. His gaze locked on the tower reaching into the endless sky.


    "I can''t even remember the first time I laid eyes on it," his partner said. His eyes turning wistful.


    Lloyd broke out of his reverie at those words. Turning his head to face his partner. Confusion adorning his face. "What? You don''t look older than my pa and he still remembers the one time he saw a woman''s naked breasts when he was five."


    Lloyd pointed excitedly at the endless tower. "How often do you see towers reaching into the sky that you can''t remember such an occasion?"


    "Time flies."


    Lloyd waited for more. If his partner would continue. They didn''t have much conversation throughout the trip because he didn''t know what to ask. This was one of those times.


    "It must be nice. Being young," a soft whisper Lloyd barely heard. He perked up.


    "How old are-?" Lloyd started.


    "We''ll be at the city in half a days sun!" the carriage driver yelled from the front "For all those interested in the registration for the Academie, tough luck! They only have signups on Muun and Tune days only. That''s the days after tomorrow for you illiterate monkeys back there! We would have reached the Academie five days ago and on time for the first wave of registration if someone here wasn''t so bloodthirsty!" The carriage driver stared at Lloyd''s partner in crime who smiled devilishly. They were forced to take a detour to stop some petty bandits along the way and help some farmers rebuild. The lead carriage driver attempted to stop the whole carriage altogether and turn around...but no one says "no" to Lloyd''s partner.


    Noticing more than a few stares, nods, and grumbles, Lloyd sank into himself and continued walking while staring at the endless tower. What creatures of the past could have built it. Was it magic? Or simply long lost knowledge. Perhaps it wasn''t creatures of this world at all. Maybe the Gods themselves built it. Who knows...


    Dammit!


    Anton''s influence was creeping up on him again. Lloyd prefered his world to be a lot more simple. You see bad guy. You smack bad guy. Or gal, for all intents of purposes. He''s been ruminating a lot more than he would like lately.


    He sighed. "Just great."


    "If there are no further questions! Shut your traps! And keep your arse on your behind!


    Lloyd''s attention came back to the carriage. He must have dozed off briefly and missed any discussion to be had.


    "Don''t worry. You didn''t miss much besides the grumbles and remarks on my superb character." Lloyds partner said off on his side.


    Lloyd stared dubiously. "Uh huh. Right then. Hey Anc-"


    All of a sudden a hand covered his mouth. "Shhh..."


    Lloyd jumped slightly at the sudden intrusion on his space. His mind jumping from zero to a hundred.


    "Peace. Young one." His partner whispered softly behind him. "And put that away before you hurt yourself." His partner held a firm grip on his left arm. The bright sun glistened on the small steel knife he drew. Somehow they managed to not draw any attention.


    His partner smiled. "Ahh. You''re quicker now."


    Lloyd calmed down slowly. Focusing his thoughts. Breathing in and out. Letting his instincts die down.


    "When we''re out here. You call me A." A let Lloyd down from his grip and returned to his post on the carriage. "Understood?" He said with eyebrows raised.


    "Sure." Lloyd managed to get out. "Why though?" Sheathing his small knife back onto his hip.


    "Why not?"


    "Sir. With all due respect, because that''s so confusing for obvious reason. First-" Lloyd started in his flabbergasted tone.


    "Oh. Look at the time. I think that fair maiden over there is giving me the ''look''." A put a hand over his eyes to block out the bright sky. "And you know a gentleman, such as myself, cannot refuse the blunt forwardness of such a beauty."


    Lloyd cut off his words mid sentence with his mouth still moving and no words coming out. Instead he stared at A''sback as he sauntered over to said woman.


    Lloyd let out a deep sigh. "Ma did say he was supposed to grow out of it eventually." He rechecked his equipment. Patting himself quickly. Knife on the hip beside your left hand for easy and fast draw. Only used for emergencies where you could not access your main weapons for whatever reason. His Ma said the reason for the knife not being on your dominant hand''s side was because in the worst case scenario where you lose a battle with your dominant hand holding your main weapon, there would be no point to wield an "inferior" weapon to defend yourself. Instead you use your non dominant hand to use the knife only in surprise attacks either when you initiate it or your opponent does. And if you didn''t have your main weapon on you when duty called, well...he can''t repeat the colorful words his Ma scolded him with.


    "Knives are inferior weapons." Alice paced back and forth. "Why?"


    Lloyd tilted his head in thought. "Because they require you to be extremely close to your opponent...and that can open yourself to any number of dangers." He answered happily.


    "Good enough." Alice nodded and stopped pacing. "Now tell me why they are also superior to other weapons."


    Lloyd crossed his arms and scrunched up his face in thought. "Well...because they can be concealed easily?" He finished with his higher than normal voice.


    "Exactly."


    Alice sat down across the small table from him. She flicked her right hand and a small glimmer of steel appeared. She flicked her hand again and it disappeared.


    "See?"


    Lloyd nodded. "Oohhh."


    He winced. He regret thinking about his Ma and knives in the same thought. Remembering the countless occasions where she would poke him so many times with a quill to "train" him. If you want to defend against something, you must first know how it works. That was a lesson his Ma taught him. Probably just an excuse to torture him though.


    Lloyd continued checking all his gear. Making sure everything was strapped on firmly or in its rightful place. His canteen of water. Check. His dried rations. Check. His sword tied on his right hip. He looked at all the others and noticed how they had most of their weapons on their left hip or back.


    Huh. He thought. Scratching his head. They must all be left-handed.


    A loud crack was heard from the front of their carriage group. All heads turned forward and some rushed quickly to see what happened. Lloyd heard the sound and some loud cursing up front following afterwards.


    Likely just a wheel living out its time.


    "Dammit! This wheel. I already told ya if you break down again I was gonna maul ya! Did''ja not heard me the first time!" The lead carriage driver was pointing to said wheel that had broken down.


    "Is he okay....?"


    "Should we stop him...?"


    "Is anyone hurt inside?"


    Countless voices.


    The lead carriage door opened and a girl stepped out. She was dressed in travel clothing. Dark hair tied in a tail past her shoulders. A tight woolspun shirt with wraps around her mid section. The wraps were in her house colors of blue and white. Loose trousers and boots completed her ensemble. All immaculate. She made it look regal.


    The girl looked to the captivated heads in her direction. Her sight passed from each of the Academie hopefuls briefly before settling on Lloyd. She gauged him intently before turning to the carriage driver.


    I thought she would have grown out of it by now. Lloyd internally sighed.


    "Sorry Madame. I''ll have this fix and proper shortly." The lead driver bowed at the waist.


    "See to it." The girl nodded and returned inside.


    "Come, come! You there! Give me a hand!" The lead carriage driver started barking out orders to replace the broken wheel.


    Lloyd was glad they were accompanied by a few gifted. Otherwise they would have to manually lift up the carriage to set in the new wheel and break a few backs in the process. The gifted were able to suspend the carriage by using the earth and creating a pillar to steady the carriage while others worked on taking apart the wheel and ushering in a new one.


    "You know her?" A voice asked.


    "What?" Lloyd turned his head to the stranger.


    "Lady Susanna." The guy motioned with his head toward the lead carriage.


    "You mean Suzi." Lloyd shrugged. "Sure."This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    The man-no! The boy glared at him.


    "Watch your tongue. I''m sure even the serfs of wherever you''re from has more manners."


    "We don''t have serfs anymore." Lloyd shot the guy with a grin and thumbs up.


    The other boy tilted his head and stared at him like he was a fool.


    "Which dukedom are you from." The boy asked in a demanding way.


    "Over there in that-a-ways." Lloyd pointed off to a random direction behind him.


    The boy craned his head to look beyond Lloyd, but when he turned back Lloyd was no longer standing in the same spot. He fumed. Turning his head this way and that.


    "I told you not being on the carriage and wearing your house colors will get you didn''t I?"


    "I know." Lloyd replied.


    A seemed to have popped out from behind him when he made a get-a-way around the boy that tried to questioned him. Probably got the gal''s name and where she lived from his prideful smile. Lloyd snickered.


    "Why refuse the commodities?" A asked walking besides him and ignoring his snicker.


    Lloyd blushed slightly. Turning his head straight and continuing their walk around the carriage perimeter. A was patient. He didn''t pry. He didn''t insist. They were on their third lap when Lloyd decided to just let it out.


    "I want others to treat me for me. I don''t want anyone''s respect or "good-intentions" unless I''ve earned it." Lloyd continued walking a few more steps slowly. "I''ll do things my way. Without the authoritative pressure from my bloodline. I want to change the system." Lloyd stopped then. He held one hand on his blade''s hilt and the other to salute. He spoke with the most earnest voice.


    "I want to be like you."


    Astood with arms cross next to him. Looking intently upon his smaller frame. Not speaking for some intermittent amount of time. A started to casually walk around and seeming to inspect him from head to toe. Completing a few rotations Acame to a stop in front of him and nodded his head a few times. He looked over Lloyd and turned his head in different directions.


    "Well, to start with. See that gal there." Aclamped down on Lloyd''s shoulder and pointed behind them. "The one with the red hair and black coveralls. Get her name and invite her on a stroll once we hit town and you''ll be one step closer to my manliness."


    Lloyd couldn''t hold back his muffled laughter. "You haven''t changed."


    "Neither have you." A smiled warmly.


    A horn blew.


    Both A and Lloyd turned their heads.


    "That''s the signal. Back to formation for you." Asaid while continuing on his perimeter stroll.


    "Yes sir." Lloyd saluted. "Where will you be heading?"


    "Scouting ahead for a bit. I''m sure our carriage driver will miss me lots."


    Lloyd smiled.


    A took off in a direction he could not tell. Fast as always.


    Lloyd turned around back to their group. Hustling his way. He didn''t know anyone besides Suzi and A here. Only the best of the best were allowed to enroll into the Academie after all. But it wasn''t like he had many friends back home either.


    The brave. The courageous. The wisest. The most cunning. The strong. The quickest.


    Now, he was on his way.


    It''s his turn.


    Lloyd patted his face twice. No time for distractions. The Academie lay in wait. This was his journey. His story started now. He looked upon the horizon. Past the carriages and its gathered occupants. Towards the endless tower in the sky. What would lay in wait?


    A glimmer.


    A halting of the wind.


    A snap of sticks and bones.


    A silence following.


    "You all fail!" A voice boomed.


    It was quick. So fast...but not as fast as he was used to.


    Everywhere Lloyd looked all his group were either down on the ground groaning in pain or on their backs unconscious. Lloyd met his opponent''s eyes.


    Clad in a mix of green and brown clothing from top to bottom. A hood covering all but the eyes. All the intruders were dressed as so.


    "You''re...quick." His intruder spoke so softly he barely heard. A high-pitch voice.


    "Thanks." Lloyd smiled back.


    He was holding his blade in a reverse grip bending slightly at the knees. Feet firmly apart and rooted. Only unsheathing half way, just long enough, to block the wooden blade that had attempted to strike him. His left hand near his concealed dagger.


    "You pitiful lot." The voice droned on. "Did none of you see." He was a tallish man with a deep timbre voice. He strolled from person to person. Looking at each one and passing through the throng of groans.


    All the carriages opened and an intruder would step out carrying a body or leading out the occupants within. Suzi among the ones being led out with a heavy bruise on her lips and a cut of cloth opening her side leg for all to see.


    Huh. She looks good...Ahh head.


    Focus.


    Lloyd hoped the carried ones weren''t dead.


    When the booming voice reached the middle of their whole carriage he spoke again.


    "We had agents within your group and none of you even noticed. We didn''t even have them with you from the start of the journey. We had just infiltrated your group when that "accident" occurred and none of you even botched an eye when your numbers suddenly increased." He shook his head. "That tells me a lot. None of you are serious. None of you are even trying. And most of all."


    The man took off his hood to reveal a handsome face aged with time. A jagged scar on the right cheek didn''t mar much of the man''s beauty but instead pronounced his more revealing quality. His soulful dark eyes.


    "None of you are worthy."


    The intruder swept his gaze across the road. "You all failed the Academie-" He started and paused. Dumbfounded. His eyes fell on Lloyd''s still standing form.


    Lloyd felt the man''s stare. It was uncomfortable, to say the least. Like a predator watching it''s prey. He hoped he wasn''t looking too tasty.


    He remained calm. Lesson number one.


    Asses the danger. Lloyd returned the stare at the taller and older man.


    Very high.


    Options. Fight back.


    No.


    Too many.


    Run away then. A tactical retreat.


    No.


    He can''t leave these people to their fates.


    Diplomacy it is.


    The man took a step towards him and his rationale took a dive. He pulled his blade with his right hand from its reverse grip all the way free from its sheath and flicked it into an upright position.


    The man stopped suddenly. Alarmed. "Peace." He spoke boldly. Dropping his makeshift weapons. Raising both hands. Gesturing lightly for the other intruders to not make any moves. Shaking his head to stop the intruder that had attacked Lloyd.


    Still, Lloyd did not drop his stance.


    The standoff continued for another respite.


    "Can you hear me?" The man spoke loudly and calmly.


    Lloyd couldn''t hear the man, whatever he was saying. He had to concentrate.


    Focus.


    The man was a strong opponent.


    His senses told him so and he trusts them implicitly.


    Do or die.


    The man didn''t move again and neither did the other intruders. Surprisingly, none of Lloyd''s group that were left standing or that had been struck down moved or made any sounds either. It was eerily quiet. Everyone was made to look between Lloyd and the older man, holding their breaths.


    Eventually, the older man spoke again. "Can you hear me?"


    Lloyd unfroze from his cocked position. He spoke slowly, like the passing of time was redundant. "Yes."


    The older man smiled then. Lighting up his face. "Very impressive."


    "What?" Lloyd tilted his head in question.


    "Did you hear what I said from the beginning." The older man articulated clearly.


    "No."


    "This was a series of tests. One of the few different exams we give students striving to attend our prestigious Academie." He smiled warmly. "I was of the opinion you lot were a bunch of babes still sucking on your mother''s teats."


    The older man dropped his arms to his sides. He started walking slowly towards Lloyd. "I daresay, I stand corrected." He came within respectful distance. "I''m impressed."


    "Thank you, sir." Lloyd regained his composure. Standing upright. His boiling blood receding. His head becoming clear.


    "My name''s Xifos." Xifos took out his badge and showed his armband. A trio of colors from red to white and black.


    "Oh!" Lloyd yelped suddenly. "The Blade of the Academie!"


    "Or something like that," Xifos smiled humbly. Reaching out his hand.


    Lloyd could do naught be shakingly reach out with his hand and losing the battle.


    Xifos reached out and firmly grabbed his hand. "What''s your name son?"


    "It''s Lloyd. Sir."


    Xifos raised both eyebrows. "As in Lloyd Ka-"


    "I''m here as just Lloyd, sir," Lloyd quickly interrupted.


    Xifos frowned momentarily, but his smile came back in an instant. "I won''t pry. It''s none of my business." Xifos let go of their shaking of hands that Lloyd hadn''t stopped shaking.


    "You''re blade style. I don''t see it very often. In fact, I haven''t seen it used since the last war." Xifos rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    Lloyd shrugged.


    "So what happens now?" Suzi spoke loudly through the silence.


    Xifos didn''t turn around to respond immediately. Instead he inspected Lloyd thoroughly. Suzi scrunched her face in annoyance at being ignored.


    "I''m glad you asked Miss Susanna." Xifos returned to his loud timbre voice.


    He strolled back to the middle of the gatherings. "As I''ve said earlier. You all fail the first Academie exam and therefore are not eligible for enrollment."


    The crowd grew silent.


    Disbelief on some. Rage on others.


    "That''s not fair!"


    "My father will hear about this!"


    "How did we even fail!"


    Xifos smiled condescendingly. "I''m glad you asked!"


    He paced slowly. Watiing for the throng of outrage to die down. "The first reason is obvious as I''ve already stated. Failure to notice the infiltration meaning lack of awareness of your surroundings. Second, not familiarizing yourself with a group that you must travel with. That can lead to all sorts of problems."


    Xifos stared down the outrage eyes and some tearful ones. "No teamwork. No communication."


    He paced for another prolong period of time. "That can mean life or death in some situations."


    "And third." Xifos now broke out of his pacing to stand tall. Sweeping his gaze across the whole crowd to make sure they knew they were included in his judgment. "The most foolish of all."


    He glared hard at a few particular indivduals that had no weapon whatsoever on their persons. "Not having a weapon or being able to defend yourself."


    The boy that had accosted Lloyd earlier seemed about to make a remark when Xifos continued again.


    "That is my final verdict upon you all. You failed." Xifos spoke calmly this time.


    The boy, again, moved forward and seemed about to shout.


    "However, you disgraceful lot are in luck today." Xifos continued. "One of you did pass."


    Most heads started turning this way and that. Seemingly searching for who may have passed. But not Suzi or the agitated boy. Both their looks focused on Lloyd who was leaning on the carriage.


    Lloyd was eating from his dried rations when he felt the sudden death stares of the gods above. He shivered. Lloyd looked up from putting his rations away into his pouch when he noticed Xifos was gesturing for him. All of a sudden he also noticed the stares from Suzi and the boy from earlier and smiled outwardly. What was his name?


    "Yes, sir?" Lloyd saluted.


    "He is the only one that passed out of you shameful lot. That''s telling. Either you bunch are really bad or he''s really good. I''ll let you decide." Xifos patted Lloyd on the shoulder while smiling mischievously.


    Lloyd groaned inwardly. He knew what was going to happen.


    "He will be the standard for you failures. Rise and meet it." Xifos started pacing slowly. Good god Master Blade loves to pace.


    A few grumbles and angry stares pitched in Lloyd''s direction.


    "You all failed the first two tests, but that''s reasonable as you''re all still young and ignorant. But the last test." Xifos stared the crowd down again. Pitching his voice deeper and louder. "That''s inexcusable."


    "You are not here to learn culinary arts. You are not here to learn pottery. Woodworking. Masonry. Or any such mundane skills. You are here to learn to be a swordsman. A warrior. A leader." Xifos droned on steadily.


    "Now can any of you tell me. How did he pass." Xifos searched around the quieted mass.


    "Luck." The agitated boy from earlier sputttered.


    A few snickers and laughs followed.


    "Yes. Mister Mendax. Luck does have a play in it. Why don''t you and I demonstrate."


    "Draw." Xifos suddenly moved in a burst of speed.


    A snap of a bone was heard.


    "See. I can do it too." Mendax smirked. A crossguard of his arms blocking the blow.


    Xifos shook his head sadly. He had picked up a wooden sword dropped on the ground and used it to strike.


    "If it were a real blade. You would have been one arm and head shorter." Xifos'' face became one of disappointment. All that time and the boy didn''t think to grab a weapon off the ground himself. "You''d be dead and Erra would have one less fool."


    Mendax blushed slightly and stepped back into the crowd. Brushing his arm.


    "Draw."


    Fast.


    Lloyd pivot and drew his blade partially to parry just as the wooden blade struck. He let out a quick breath. "Phew. Is this going to be a habit?"


    "See." Xifos smiled. Turning around to face the crowd again.


    "Look how he holds his blade. Look where his scabbard is."


    The crowd gather a bit closer to Lloyd and craned their heads to look at his person. His scabbard tied on his right hip.


    "It''s on the wrong side?" Someone said in questioning tone.


    "Is he left-handed?" Another voiced.


    "Why does that matter?" Suzi demanded and asked both. Her voice louder than all.


    Xifos smirked. "Now that''s the more important question Miss Susanna. As you can all see his scabbard is on his right side. Meaning he is likely left-handed. But on both occasions today, when we have tried to strike him, he has retaliated by drawing from his right hand. Indicating otherwise."


    The crowd crossed their arms in thought. Some tapping their foot. Some speaking to others.


    "Allow me to show you all again." Xifos made a come hither to Lloyd. "Watch closely."


    As Xifos methodically raised his wooden blade to strike, Lloyd used his right hand to grab hold of his blade to parry.


    "See how he holds his weapon. A reverse blade grip. Not ideal for all combat, but for the exams'' purposes it''s on point. You''ve all failed, but seeing as how there is an actual student that had come prepared and willing to learn our ways, you all will be given another chance."


    Breaths were released simultaneously. Some giving others hugs and pats on the back. Others jumping and bopping one another.


    A boy from a group off the left side of the crowd spoke, "Doesn''t that make it harder and slower to draw your weapon for actual use? I mean drawing from your opposite side with your dominant hand is faster isn''t it?"


    Lloyd had thought the same thing a while back. How wrong he was. He had made the same notion against his pa and Ancile. They both proved him wrong by wacking his behind multiple times by drawing a switch from the same side as their dominant hand while he drew from his opposite. The lesson was that by doing so you had a faster reaction time. If your dominant hand has to cross sides or over your shoulder to reach for your weapon, you may already be dead. By having your weapon strapped in the waist on the same side as your dominant hand, you can reach it instantly, and draw if need be. A reverse bladed grip draw to defend yourself. One of the most important lesson he learned from his pa and Ancile.


    Defend yourself at all costs.


    "Usually, yes, that would be the case o'' wise one. But not in this context of a situation. Let me demonstrate again for those of you rather slow at the uptake."


    Xifos gestured for Suzi to come forward.


    She frowned. "I''ve realized the lesson. Master Blade."


    "Ahh, but not all these fools have milady." Xifos bowed. "Humor me."


    Suzi stepped forth and her right hand unvoluntarily reached for her blade strapped to her left hip.


    "Not yet." Xifos spoke testily.


    She froze.


    Xifos reverted back to his deep timbre voice. "In battles. Duels. Wars. Bouts for survivals. Whatever the case it may be. Your life hangs in the balance of mere moments. A fraction of a moment even. When every moment of each moment counts. You do not....waste a single one."


    Xifos focused on Suzi. "Are you ready Lady Susanna?"


    "As I''ll ever be." She straightened.


    There was no signal. No outward cry of battle. In one instant Xifos had crossed the boundary and struck Suzi''s midsection. She had barely just reached over and took hold of her weapon.


    "In battle, when each moment counts the most. When each instant could be your last. You must prepare yourself. How?" Xifos stood up straight from his striking positiion. "By being smarter. Faster. Whatever it may be. Use what you have to your advantage. And if you have nothing."


    "Well." Xifos nodded to the group. His face a solemn determination. "We, here at the Academie, will give you something."


    As Xifos raised his voice the other agents gathered around behind him. "Once you enroll into the Academie you all will be tested in areas you are not accustomed to. Would you face a dozen foes to save one or kill one to save a dozen innocents. Leverage the welfare of the few against the many. Establish the cunning to decimate a hundred foes with ten. And many others, but before that..."


    Xifos smile evilly. His face turnng a bit too sadistic for Lloyd''s liking. "You all must first reach Academie City with your sanity intact."


    He flourished out his arms. "Welcome to the Academie."