《The Lost Crest》


 Prologue: Endless Sands

    The two men shaded their eyes, squinting at the cloudless sky. Birds danced in the scorching rays of sun overhead, stalking them like prey. The tiny specks created dark shadows that swirled disconcertingly in circles around the travelers'' burning feet.


    Many hours ago they had awoken in the unfamiliar desert and set their course towards the southern mountains in the far distance. Now every step on the shifting golden sands drained their rapidly depleting energy. Sweat ran trailing rivulets down their dust-covered, naked bodies. Blisters pebbled the tips of the ears and shoulders. The only thing that kept them pressing forward through the seemingly endless and undulating dunes was the hope that they could find help with their desperate situation.


    "We''ve been walking for hours now, are you sure this is a good idea, Finn?" The man whined in ahigh-pitchedtone, sweat sliding down his bare chest.His short curly hair plastered to his forehead.


    Glancing athim,Finn continued to walk ahead of his overweight friend. "How many times do I need to tell you?" He sighed, "If we stay in this heat for too long we''ll die Leo."


    Moaning Leo followed far behind Finn, his short legs sinking into the sand with each step he tookcausing him to slightly stumble.His best friend wasn''t what most people would call popular, he was short, fat and a moment didn''t go by where he wasn''twhining. But he was loyal to him, and that was enough not to leave him stranded alone.


    That is, for the moment...


    "Slow down Finn, you''re going too fast I can''t keep up, man."Leogasped, clutching his wobbly knees.


    "We need to find Aurora!"Finn spat in anger, as he continued to stomp through the desert, determination shining in his clear violet eyes. "We wouldn''t be wandering through a desert naked If you hadn''t taken us there in the first place."


    "I''m sure she''s fine," Leo muttered,his tone low."She''s a smart girl I know she can take care of herself until we find her."


    "She''s only 7!" Finn retorted.


    Without saying a word Leo followedsilently, a solemn look plastered on his face as he continued to stumble in the sand. The question of where they were and what had happened wasn''teasilyexplainable.Thinking back on it now Finn still didn''t know exactly what happened and he remembered every event that took place.


    Leo had taken him and his sister to theO''HarInstitute of Research and Discovery, they were celebrating the completion of some spatial phenomenon they had achieved.Before they could celebrate the alarms sounded and the building started to fall apart, then the hole appeared. It sucked in everything including him, Leo and his sister Aurora.When he woke in the desert without his sister he had thought the worst, but if he and Leo were here then he knew she was alive somewhere.


    Looking over at Leo histhroattightenedin disgust, sweat seeped in places he wouldn''t let his eyes wander. The fear of whatever beast hung between his legs, he left a mystery.


    "I can''t go on anymore." Leo groaned, collapsing in the sand. "We''ve been walking for hours and those mountains aren''t getting any closer."


    Stopping, Finn stared at him for a moment in annoyance."Get up, or I''m leaving you behind." The words seeped outin a cold tone. It was an empty threat, but he knew how dependent Leo was on him. He had clung to him ever since they were kids, he wouldn''t let himself get left behind.


    *KAW* *KAW*


    Shifting his eyes towards the sky, he could see birds approaching from the mountains at a high speed, as they screeched in the distance. "Leo get up! Something''s coming!"The birds dove down towards the surface as they continued their fast approach gliding over the sand. The closer they got the bigger they appeared, the wingspaneasilydoubling his height. Squinting he could see shadows mounted on top of the large birds.


    "What the hell is that?" Leo muttered as he stood beside Finn his eyes widening at the sight.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there."I don''t know but whatever it is, it doesn''t look friendly."


    "Do you think they know where we are?" He whispered, "We should ask for help when they arrive."


    Slowing in the air the man-sized birds descended onto the ground as two shadowy figures leaped from their backs. Cloaked in black their eyeswerethe only thing visible.One manheld long chainsthatdropped into the sand,their heads darting around until stopping in our direction. Beforehecould speak the man darted intheirdirection moving in sync with his partner.


    "Leo, get down!" Finn screamed as the chains whipped in his direction wrapping around Leo''s neck. Struggling Leo pulled at the metal to no avail as the man dragged him into the ground.


    "What the hell... get off of me." He yelped as he struggled against the chains. Dashing through the sand Finn tackles the man as he begins tounleasha barrage of blows athisface.Raising hishand, the air crackles as the shorter figurereveals his whip before snapping it in the air towards him,yellingfuriously.He studied many languages but he didn''t recognize the words, confusing Finn even further as he struggled against the whip that clung to his wrist.


    * * * * *


    "Get the fuck up! We can''t let them get away."His boss bellowed as he restrained the human that straddled his partner. Tossing himin the sandhe proceeded to chain the chubby one who squirmed against his chains.


    "Stop movingyoufat fuck!"He barked as he began to beat the little human. It took a few hits until he stopped resisting. Blood leaking from his head he laystillas he snapped the shackles around his hands and feet.


    "Don''t damage himtoo muchPeewee."His boss muttered as he continued to lash at thewilderhuman, keeping him from interfering withhiscapture."Hurry up over there, this one''s going to be trouble."


    Getting more chains frommysaddleIadvancetowards the wild human, the bastard had beatenmyface in. Lickingthebloodfrom mylips in gleeIswingthe chain overhead before whipping them at his feet. The human fell with a *thud* as he struggled against the restraints.It took no time to shackle him,he stopped resisting aswebegan to approach him in his defenseless state.


    "That wasn''t so hard now was it Salk?"Isaid,smirking underneathmyhood.I told you theBloodrowwas a good investment,maybeyou''ll start to listen to me more from now on."Tying the chubby human to theBloodrowIwiped the blood frommyhands.


    "Okyou stupid bastard you got luckyonce,"Salkretorted, feelingamused. "Tie them to the birds andlet''sget out of here. We don''t want to attract anyBurrwom."


    Approaching the other nakedman,Istopped to see him glaringat me, his violet eyes pulsing in rage as his face formed a scowl."Let me get a fewhitsin on this one it doesn''t look like he''s going to comewillingly."Ichimed with excitement,Ididn''t like the man, the look in his eyes and his attitude pissedmeoff, and the fact he had punchedmein the face.


    Looking atSalkhenodded before proceeding with the beat down. The human had shouted something inLintheinasIrammedmyfoot into his stomach.He didn''t cry like most humans, whichwas unexpected,simplygrunting with each hit before his body went limp.Ihad avoided the face for financial reasons, Salk would nagmeifwelost coin over the appearance of a slave. Examining thehuman,Ihadn''t noticed but his skin was pale for someone who lived in theLayfrontDeserts.A thin metal chain hung around his neck supporting a strange symbolIdidn''t recognize from any village. Was he a foreign slave? His build was pretty average for a slave but his eyes,he had never seen such a color before.


    "Hey Salk come and look at this human for a second, he''s different from the others."Ibark.


    Kneeling beside thenakedman Salk grasped his chintightlyas he stared into his eyes."Sowhat do we have here,"hewhispered as he examined the human, his eyes sliding across his bodyslowly taking him in. Salk was an old timer who knew how to gauge the value of a slave much betterthanme, which was why he was put in charge of the capturing department.


    "He''sdifferent,right? He spokeLinthein.Wheredo you think he''s from?"I said,attaching him toSalksbloodrow."He''s definitely not from around here,"Salkmurmured mounting his bird, looking at the strange pendant that hung around his neck. "We can talk later when we get back tocamp, where it''ssafer."


    Nodding to each other,I whistle to the birds and we take off through the skies. The feeling he got from this capture was different from the others, the price for foreign slaves was much higherthanthe usual slave. Staring at the mountains I wondered what Salk knew about these men, and I feared how the witch would react if they returned with another failure. Glancing at the men strapped to our birds I pushed the thoughts aside. "I hope she''s pleased with this..."

 Chapter 1: Ruthless

    "What the hell is going on?" Finn thought as heawoke to the bustle throughout the camp, his legs being dragged through the sand, his body ached all over. The smell of manuredrifted through the large encampment as he beganto glance around.The sandy dirtroadswerepavedwithbooths of traders, the goods ranging from food toweapons. Looking around most of the people worethe same blackcloaks as his captors,only a fewwore shackles around their necks, just likeLeo and I.Thesunlight bouncing off their bare bodies,theyhad a darker shade ofskin.Iturned away before realizing I was in the same situation as them,their eyes followedusaswewere draggedthrough thecamp.


    The mountains stood tall around the camp giving off an isolated feeling, and the images of a prison cell immediately came to mind. The thought that Aurora could be in a similar situation or worse didn''t help with settling my nerves.Findingmyvoice,I attempt to speak to our captors with no success, the short one simply tugged on the chain while grunting to his partner.


    "Leo, you alright?"Iwhispered, looking straight to not attractunwantedattention. Hehadn''t stopped sobbing since he regainedconsciousness, causing the taller one to beat him savagely.Sniffling he raises his head,


    "What''s *hic* going on Finn? Where are *hic*we? Why are they doing this to us?" He whispered in short sobs, tearsdripping down his cheeks. His facewas swollen,with dry blood plastered all over his body, it was hard to look, making me feel guilty for some reason.


    "It''s going to be alright," I whispered reassuringly. "Just don''t do anything stupid." Tugging on my chains the small man glared at me."It''s not like he understood what I said..." I remark.Thetwo men begin talking in their strange language before pulling us into a small tent in the back of the camp. Insidea single stone slab lay in the centerwhere an old woman sat.Drapedin the same black that the men wore, her ancientgrayeyes trailing from Leo and then to melingeringslightly before beckoning the two men inside.


    The men nodded before letting down their hoods revealing their faces. "What the fuck is that," Leo whispered staring wide eyed at them. Not that I blamed him. Theirmouth was that ofa scorpionreplacingtheir nose and mouth, it sent shivers down my spine. They conversed with the womanbrieflybefore she strode over to where we sat.


    "Stand up." She said calmly her voice crackly, and uneven as she stood before us.


    "You speakEnglish?You have to help usthere''sbeen some sort of mistake we didn''t do anything wrong!" Leoshouted indesperationjumpingup from the floor standingonlycentimeters away from the oldwoman''sface.


    The woman grasps his facetightlyher grip looked surprisingly strong for someone whoappeared to be so old.Examining himwith a disappointed look she slapshim away. Stumblingback,he glares at thewomanangrily. "What are you doing? Didn''t you hear me! There''s been a mistake let us go!" He shouts. "Leo calm down," I mutter, glancing at the other two standing in thecornerof the tent.


    "Why did you bring us here?" I ask in a demanding tone, staring down at the short woman. Looking at me briefly she shows a toothless smile before speaking, "They were right, you are a defiant one."Tracing my cheekwith her handitdropsdown to my chest,shegraspsthe metal that hungfrom my neck."And you are indeed a special one.....tell me, boy where did you come from,how is itthat two foreignslaves speak the language of our people?"


    Her eyes lingeredon the trinket,grasping it in her palm. "We aren''t slaves." I proclaim, "We were traveling before getting attacked by your men." Grinning widely the woman strides away quickly rummaging through her bag. "Not slaves," She mutters."Do you take me for a fool boy! What man travels these lands with no food, or water. No clothing, weapons or mount." Pulling out a small dagger from her bag she wanders over to us.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Thetwoman-beastslook startled at her approach, speaking ina low monotone voice. The woman barkedin their native tongue beforeproceedingtodrag the blade along my arm, Blood slowlydrippinginto thesand."I''ll find out who, and what you are boy." Shehisses, tossingmy arm aside, causing me to stumble before falling ontothe ground.


    "Let us go!" Leo shouts in fury, struggling to free himself from his chains. The two men scurryover to subdue him. The hag begins speaking quickly to the men before leaving the tenthurriedly, the two of them beating Leo with no restraint as she leaves.


    I wantto help him,but knew I would be reduced to the same fate if I resisted.I simply watched as the two beast menassaultedmy friend. Stewing in my own anger until they finished and began to drag his limp body away leaving the sand soaked inhisblood. Sitting alone in the drafty tent I fiddled with the chains my mind racing from the past events.Idon''t want to be a slave! What is this place! What are those strange men?


    Reappearing thebeast-mendrag me outside the tent, squinting the sun still shines brightly in the sky. I look around for Leo with no success,only small droplets of blood trailing offin the sand. The men now with their hoods up pull me to the back of the camp, towards the base of the large mountains. A strange stench drifts through the air as we head into a small cavern, the sunlight slowly fading from behind. The air was dry as they led me through the dark, rocks stabbing into my bare feet as I stumbled in the darkness.


    The two beast-mendidn''t stumble once simply gliding through the cavern unfazed,chattering away to themselves. Even if I somehow managed to escape, I had no idea where I was in thesedark tunnels. I would be caught eventually and getting beaten wasn''t something that wasveryenjoyable.


    It tooka whileto get to the destination, my eyes adjusting to the dark, we had walked through countless tunnels only to arrive at a wooden door. The smell ofrot,decay, and blood floated in the air as the door creakedrevealing a dimly light room. The fire from the torches flickeredrestlessly,enteringthe room,on the far wall chains hung from the ceiling.


    Pushing me to the ground the two man-beastswalked through a corridor leaving the area. Whimpers flooded the tunnels from what I could only assume were from other slaves. "I''m not a slave." Imurmur, picking myself up, the thought of trying to escape entered my mind briefly, but I couldn''t leave Leo alone in this place.


    Where did they takehim, maybe they kidnapped Aurora and she''s been down here all thistime?My faceburnedattheimage ofthe beast-men attacking my defenselesssister.Theslowechoesof footsteps float throughthe room,andaman emerges from the shadows of the corridor.Awhipin one handandaknife inthe other,his hair spiked in every direction."So you¡¯re the one thewitchis so fascinated by." He hisses,raising the knife to histongue,slowlylicking the blade.


    Backing against the wall I stare at the manmy face forming a scowl, "Where is Leo,why did you bring us here?" I bark inanicy tone, trying to look intimidating. Laughing he continues his approaches snapping his thin whip in the air, "My, my you are arebelliousone, I don''t know what sheseesin you. Why don''t we start with whoyouare, and how you managed to sneak past the border? If you answer me I promise it''ll be nice and quick unlike with the other man you came herewith." Dartingat him as fast as I canroarwithrage,refusing tolet him intimidate me.The man grins as he snaps his whip furiously,knocking meon theflooras it licksmy legs.Glaring,I rush in again my legs burningas I push off the floor.


    The man continues to laugh as he twirls his whipcontinuouslyknocking meto the floor, my arms and legs burningfrom the lashes. "Are you done? Come on get up you can''t be finished already...we just started." Beckoning in a mocking tone the man continues hisassaultlashing at my back as I curl into a ballon the ground. "Get up! Get up! You piece of shit! Get the fuckup!"Warmwater streams down my face leaking through mysqueezed eyelids.My minds indisarray, withonly asingle question repeating in my mind, why is this happening to me?


    Pantinghedropshiswhip and starts towipehisface.Theburning feeling overcomes my body as fearparalyzesmy heart and mind, I can''t bring any strength to my arms or legs so I just lay there, defeated.Withnothing but my own thoughts to keep me company, and constant pain to keep me awake."We aren''t done yet," he says in gasps as he twirls the dagger inhis hand. "It''sgoing tobe alooooongday."

 Chapter 2: Friends in Low Places

    I''ve never cried so much in my life, swallowing my screams I wallow on the hard floorknowingit wouldn¡¯t change what had happened. After what felt like hours or days they had dumped me with the rest of the prisoners. I wastootired to move so I just lay there, I thinkLeosaid something to me but everything justsounded hollow for some reason. They had left us in a smallcell room at the end of one of the corridors, no light justother slavesanddarkness.


    "Shit, manyou ok? That looks like it hurts." Leogrimacesas he looks at the many lashes that covered my body. "Why the fuck are they doing this to us?"


    The sick bastard had glided the knife allalongmy torso, making sure to stab in places that wouldn''t kill me of course. He wanted to cause as much pain as possible, he told me himself. "I don''t know man," I whisperstrugglingto wipethe tears from my face. "Are you alright?"


    Sighing Leo sits next me staring into the darkness of the room, "Should you really be worrying about me? Look at yourselfman."StrugglingI prop myself along the wall next to him. "You were gone for hours what did they do to you?"


    Laughinglightly,I feel the water well up in my eyes, "Just a beating same as you, he wanted to know where we came from. When I told him it just seemed to piss him off."


    "Well, what did you tell them? Why did theyimprisonus we haven''t done anything we''re innocent." Leoretorts, his voice cracking.


    "It doesn''t matter if you''re innocent, you¡¯re a slave now. Resist and they''ll beat you, talk back and they''ll beat you. If you had a life before coming here it would be bestif youforgetabout it."Ahigh-pitchedvoice mutters, looking I could see she was a woman but the room wastoodark to make out any of her featuresthe shadow stayed onthe floor,clutchingher knees tightlyand staring off into space.


    "And what would you know?" I mutter. "Have you even tried to escape?" I canheartheshufflingin the dark as the shadow crawls towards us before sitting next to Leo. "No, but anyone who has tried was either tortured or killed. Theskorpionerhave no other entertainment thantorturingslaves. Although it''s pretty rare for them to kill one. Youcan''tsell a dead slaveafterall."


    "What are theskorpioner?" Leo whispers, scooting closer to not attract the other slaves. "What aretheskorpioner? You must be from the Capital." She responds in anamusedtone. "skorpionerare partscorpionpart man,theyonly liveinLayfront. They don''t mix too well with full-blooded humans anymore, not since the disappearance of magic."


    Leo''s eyes widen, "There was magic here? What happened to it?" Even in our situation, he couldn''t keep hiscuriosity at bay. "No one knows what happened to magic, itdisappearedabout 50 years ago around the time the late king vanished." Sighing the woman leans her head against the wall, "That''s the basic history of Kies anyone on the continent would know that,sowho are you exactly?" Sitting up quickly her voice slightly raises beforedroppingagain. "Are you guys from another kingdom? How did you get here?"


    Glaring at the woman I retort, "Why does everyonekeepasking us that? Why is it so damn important!" I snarl my voice echoing in the small room. Patting my back Leo tells me to calm down. Breathingheavily,I control my breathingbefore briefly apologizing for snapping at her. "It''s fine,ifyou''regonnasurvive around here you need to have thick skin,you don''t want to talk about it, it''s fine. It''s not mybusinessanyway." Scratching herhead,she chuckles awkwardly.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    "I''m Celeste, I''ve been down here for close to 3 months now."


    "What are they going to do with us?" Leo asksworriedlyas he rubs his arms. I guess there''s a chill. "Well" letting out a deep breath, Celeste continues. "Until they have someone who wants to buy you, you''re stuck in the mines. This encampment produces most of the more theskorpionerusethroughoutLayfront. Some of it evengetssmuggled passed the border."


    "I see." I, mumble "Celeste,was it? I''m Finn, and this is Leo." Her eyes sweeping from Leo to me her mouth forms a grin. "Well Finn, Leo, even in the dark I can see your bare ass." She snickers, before beckoning in the shadows.Three figures stand up and begin stumbling in our direction, sitting down next to us forming a small circle. They reeked of sweat, but I wastooweak tocomplainabout it.


    "Ren, got any extra scraps for the new guys?"Celeste said.


    The smaller guy reached into his pants pulling out 2 rolls. "Who did they piss off to look like that on the first day?" Ren snickers,handingus themoist bread,layingon his backheyawns softly.


    "I don''t care they seem like trouble, Celeste why are you wastingyourtime on these guys, they''re already half dead anyway." The bigger guy grumbled his muscles flexing as he crossed his arms. Even in the dark, I could feel his piercing gaze, trying to intimidate. After what I went through it would take morethanthat to scare me though.


    "It''s not like we wanted this to happen to us!" Leo protests in frustration.


    "Ah, don''t worry aboutBaltorhe''s always going on and on aboutstupidstuff." Ren pipesin, giggling softly. "You seem happy for someone who''s a slave," I say, lying on my back staring at the ceiling. "Life is what you make it mybruised friend, I''m not going to die in these mines one day I''ll be a free man."


    "Enough of all that!" Celeste barks, "Baltorjust give them the extra rags, will you? They won''t last a day here walking around nude like that,especiallywith wounds like that." Reluctantly he hands over the scraps of cloth, grunting under his breath. "Well as you can see the largemanthere isBaltor, and the rolls came fromRen," Celeste mutters.


    "And I''mZefire" Glancing at him he seemed to be observing me, hisfigurewas tall and thin. "Those are some pretty nasty slices there, they''ll start to fester if you don''t do something you know." Looking at the wounds the bloodhadstopped flowing. It didn¡¯t make it hurt any less though. "You know what''s good for cuts like that, urine." Ren snickers, giggling to himself.


    "Pee? That''s disgusting, were not peeing on him." Leo whines in disgust.I wasn''topposedto it if it made the constant burningstop. "Listen," Celeste whispershuddlingcloser in the circle. "This is a brutal place, theskorpioneronly let us out of here to sell us, or for us to work. We get food once a day if you call the slop they feed us food. You don''t only have to watch out for theskorpionerbut also some of the other slaves here."


    Leo glanced around slightly at the information, "Why would slaves attack us?" I mutter in a low tone, twiddling his thumbsZefirelooks down at the ground. "I said theskorpionerdon''t kill slaves but thatdoesn''tmean they won''t get another slave to gut you in your sleep.Some slaves have been trapped down here for years you''d be surprised how deranged they are." The circle went quiet for a moment no one looking at each other, stretching my sore arms and legs I sit up. "Telling us that,why should we trust you?" I proclaim with a smirk.


    Raising their heads everyone looks up at me,Baltorwith an icystare."Mypoint is you''ve done us afavor, for that thankyou."Standing up, I bow in gratitude. The sound ofBaltorsdisapproval is noticed, but I ignore it raising my head. Looking around the circle, there was only one last thing to figure out."So,who''s going to be the one to pee on me?"

 Chapter 3: The Rising

    The wounds have mostly healed, the pee didn''t work,causing me to slap Ren over the head countless times.He simply laughed it off though.There''s no bathing in the mines so I smelled like piss for days before it was replaced by the stench of the mines.


    I hadn''trealizedhow brutal the beast-men were, you''d think after being tortured I''d learn, Iguessthat¡¯s what happens when you were raised like I was, expecting the best from the worst situation.


    Leo isn''t adjusting so well, who would under our circumstances. He received several beatings a day, sometimes barehanded, usually with the whip. They liked to leave a mark after fucking with the slaves, Leo was acrierso he was their favorite. There wasn''t much me and the group could do about it, sometimes Celeste would disappear with one of them only to return hours later with bruise marks all over her back.


    I expected the hot headedBaltorto say something, but he and the rest just stayed quiet. Being one of the few women here they usually watched out for her. Glaring at any slave that came in her direction, if we weren''t trapped down here I''dthinkhe was on steroids. No one left the mines, so we hadn''t seen the sun in days, walking through the desert hadn''t made me miss it alltoomuch though.


    At the start of the day, we are taken through a tunnel leading through thetothewest, withno light, of course, causing us to stumble throughout the corridor. Our group stuck close most of the time, just the other day a slave''s head was bashed in on our way to mine. No one had heard a struggle he just lay there brains, seeping out of his skull, I still have nightmares about it.Of course,theskorpionerwere furious. The beating wasespeciallyrough that day.


    Being the newest members of the group me and Leo were kept in the dark about most things, they would often whisper to each other. Leo andIcould watch our backs though nothingtoomuchto worry about. The only one really wary of us wasBaltor, and he let us know iteveryday, theprick. After mining for about 12 hours we would head back into the cell, apparently, there were multiple cells with different groups ofslaves. I had asked Celeste how many slaves were down here exactly, but she had just looked at me and said, "What does it matter?"


    They fed us our food a hard bread roll with soup, well what they call soup. Ren is convinceditsurine mixed with left over bird food just boiled, I noticed he has a strange obsession with pee. I thinkLeo''snoticed it too.


    Sitting in the familiar circle we ate our food in silence, talking often led to getting beat. The only time we actually spoke to each other was when we were crammed in a cell together. We all saved our rolls stuffing them in the rags we called pants until brought to the cells. Huddling in acornerwe chatted away as if nothing was wrong, being sure not to gettooloud. The other slaves wouldmumbleundertheirbreath, somewouldeven complain to the guard who ignored them.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    It made the placelivable, through all the beatings we turned away from, or the tears we shed at the end of the day we would all gather in our samecornerand share stories of our lives, hopes, and dreams. But before I closed my eyes to sleep I would think of Aurora and if she was okay. Is she hurt? or even alive, and if she was,wherewasshe inthis bizarre land.


    Ren was rambling on about his family before Celesteinterruptedhim, "Guys, Ithink it''s time we start thinking about a way to get out of here." The group went silent at her silent declaration, before Ren pipes in, "It''s about time if you hadn''t suggested I was going to leave you guys behind."


    Staring at Celeste, Leo was the first to speak, "Escape? Do you know what they''ll do to us if we''recaught?They won''t just beat, who knows what they''ll do!" He shrieks. "Leo keep your voice down!" I screech, staring at Celeste, "What did you have in mind?"


    Leo stared at me in disbelief. But I ignored him, if I was going to get out of here and survive in this lawless world I would need allies, and If I stayed here I would never find Aurora. If there was a chance, no matter how small I was going to take it if it meant my freedom.


    "I need to know now, are you guys in or out?" With a smirk on my face, I nod before turning to Leo. His face had gone white, being the one to endure the most beatings there was no mystery as to why he was afraid but, he couldn''t possibly pass up a chance like this, could he?


    Nodding his head slowly Celeste continued with her plan, apparently, BaltorandZefirewas already up to speed about it and simply listened silently. Even Ren wassurprisinglyquiet as Celeste went over her idea on how we could escape the mines. Leo had a worried look on his face as if just talking about escaping would get us beaten, which it probably would but I didn''t tell him that.


    The telling of her plan left me stunned my mouth slightly parted as she went in detail of the escape. The unraveling of the things she had done for survival was a shock on its own but actually hearing her say it so absentmindedwas asurprise. Even Ren didn''t bother to say his usual jokes from the serious tone of the ideas she had already put into motion.


    "There are still somethings I can''t do on my own, which is why I''ll need your help." She muttered in a low tone, her eyes sliding across the group, "If this is going to work everyone needs to do their part if we can pull this off we''ll be free." "I can''t do it" Leo muttered, his voice quivering. "There''s nowaythat''ll work,you''regoing to get yourself killed."


    Glaring Celeste looked in Leo''s direction, "I rather be dead than to continue to live like this, I''m not going to sit here and wait to be sold off like cattle." Placing my hand on Leo''s shoulder I look him in the eye, "Leo, this is the only way we can do this."Baltorgrunted with a disapproving look on his face, "Everything she''s done to save your hide it''s the least you could do unlessyou''reacoward." Shuddering Leo glanced at Celeste before confirming his approval of the plan.


    "Ok, I''ll do it."

 Chapter 4: Divide

    The sounds of snaps and shouting stir my sleep waking me up, theskorpionershouting in their strange language as they forced us through the cells towards the main room. Glancing at Leo he had a fearful look on his face, which wasn''tunusualfor him now that we were slaves. Following the crowd through the gates whispers catch my ear, "What''s going on?" Followed by "I hear they found one of theskorpionersdead." It was chaotic, looking around I couldn''t find any of the others and wondered if they were already outside the cell.


    Exiting the gates into the large room we are met by dozens ofskorpionerall wielding the familiar whips, they formed a wall around the exits andsurroundedus, their faces remaining hidden under the dark hoods. Looking towards the center thefamiliarman stood, a dagger on his hip and a whip clutched tightly in hand. He was knownthroughoutthe mines asWickumLeader of the mines.Also,the one who had tortured the majority of the slaves me included.


    A deep frown covered his faces,unusualcompared to the sadistic smile he wore when watching the slaves. At the silence of the room, he shouts his voice being carriedthroughthe tunnels,"Why is it that I''m woken up to the death of askorpioner? Found in the mines with a pickaxe lodged through his throat." Trailing his eyes among the crowd he swore furiously tapping his foot in impatience. Thesurroundingslaves were restless, yet silent for fear of being singled out and beaten for the crimecommittedagainst his men.


    "Upon investigation, it was discovered that a SLAVE, a filthy fucking slave killed him, now I''m only going to ask this once. Which one ofyouwas it?" Glancing around the slaves didn''t say a word, possibly looking for the culprit yet no one said anything, it would mean your own demise. "Noone''sgoing to come forward?" He says while pacing around the circle looking each slave he passes in the eye. "Ithoughtso, you may be slaves butyou''renot stupid..." Speaking to theskorpionerhe leaves the room his footstep echoing through the tunnels before disappearing into the darkness.


    Silenceensuedthe room the guardsmurmuringto each other before they startedseparatingus into small groups of 10, by the time they were done 17 groups sat in the room all accompanied by 2 guards. With my luck I gotBaltorin my group, likewise, he didn''t appear to be happy about being placed in the same group as me. Sneering at the sight of us chained together. The other 8 in our group were all unresponsive staring at the ground not making eye contact with anyone, they reminded me of Leo.


    Linked together they ushered us into the mining area, although they didn¡¯t give us pickaxes. Glancing atBaltorhis face was stone, unreadable and I immediately gave up on the thought of asking if he knew anything about the murder. I don''t think he wouldhavetold me if he didespeciallyif it had anything to do with Celeste. One by one the guards unlocked the chains sending a slave towards the torturing chamber. Coming back minutes laterbarelybeing able to walk and covered with blood. The soft whimpers sent chills down my spine causing me to shiver slightly at the sight.Baltorsimply scoffed at the sight as the guards began to unlatch his restraints.


    Even with his brutish attitude, Icould see the fear in his eyes as he strutted through the darkness of the tunnel. Returning moments later being dragged by 3 guards he layunconsciousand soaked in blood, only fortifying my fear of being next. Unlatching thebuckles,I wandered through the darkness to the familiar room. The memories of my first torture session flashing through my mind, making my body stiff, walkingintothe roomWickumstood leaning on the table. Wiping the blood from his many knives, the room feltdampthesilence slowly suffocating me.Icould hear my heartbeat thundering in my chest as he turned around.


    "What do you know about myskorpionerbeing dead?" He said looking at me with an expressionless face. My body was riddled with sweat as I spoke, "I don''t know what happened to your pet." Pushing off the table he glided towards me a knife in hand placing it at my throat with quickprecision, his eyes were piercing as if baiting me to try to resist. I had learned my lesson the first time and wasn''t going to be tempted again. "You see, what I don''t get is how did a slave get out of the cell, unseen by anyone and unheard by anyone." Hemurmurs, the blade digging deeper into mythroat. "No slave has had the balls to go against us not one until you got here."


    "Like I said before I don¡¯t know what happened to him." Staring at him unwavering, his eyes didn¡¯t blink as he watched me. Releasing theblade,he walks away, his cloak gliding through the air as he strides away. "Go back to the mines, I''m done with you." With no pause I scurry out of the room, the guards escorted me back through the dark tunnels to my group. Why hadn''t he beaten me? The question probed at my mind, he hadrelishedin the pain of others, he didn''t seem like the type to mourn a lost beast-man.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    The two guards whispered to each other beforehaltingabruptly, I glanced in a confused manner before feeling a bone shattering strike in the pit of my stomach causing me to reel forward gasping for air. I didn''t have time to think or resist as blow after blowcontinuedto rain down on me, compared toWickumit wasn''t nearly as brutal or bloody. Still being caughtoffguard left me clutching my stomach. Finishing theirassault,thetwoskorpionerlet outearshattering shrieks which Iassumed to be laughter astheybegan dragging me back to the group.


    I was just as confused as them, killing askorpionerwasn''t part of the plan. If a slave had found a way to escape from the cells maybetherewere morethanone? Or Celeste had done something the rest of us weren''t aware of. The division of the slaves would makecommunicationdifficult slowing down our plan for escape, honestly, the beast-men''sdeath couldn''t have happened at a worse time.


    Arriving at the cells I was greeted by the grunts ofBaltorand the scared eyes of the rest of our group. Locking the cellbars,the two guards walk away, I listened for the echo of their footsteps to fade before whispering in a low tone,


    "Have you heard anything from Celeste or the others? What about the plan?" Crouched on the floor he glared at me, even in his injured state he wasanintimidating figure. "Now isn''t the time for that,let''sjust hope no one cracks and spills our plan." His voice was weary, and Isuspected he thought me or Leo would betray them. With that he faced the wall and went to sleep, the other slaves simplywhimpered to themselves silently.


    Huddling in a dark corner I roll into atight ballbefore the pulses of painwhiskme to sleep, only a few more days and we could be free.


    *******


    The boy had been interesting she hadn''t seen eyes like his for a long time, a very long time. Pacing around her desolate den she continued to stir the cauldron adding the ancient ingredients to the bubbling blue soup. It was a tantalizing sight but couldn''t help looking back over at theblood-soakeddagger. It hadcenturiessince such an opportunity presented itself, and having finally found what she was looking for she giggled in glee while licking my dry lips.


    Knowing more about the boy than he knew about himself was entertaining to her. Remembering the fierce spirit that burned in his eyes brought back memories of a similar man, who she both feared and admired, although he has long since passed. His disappearance leading to the absence of magic, causing him to be known throughout all of Kies as, The Dark King. It left many lands ruined, some speculate it''s the reason nothing ever grows inLayfront, leaving a vast sandy hell that hasn''t seen the dark sky or the godly stars in over 50 years.


    Interrupting herthoughts,the familiarskorpionerappeared at the entrance of her cave, he wasskittishand often watched her in curiosity as she performed what they called miracles. "What brings you to my den Peewee?


    "I don''t mean to interrupt your meal witch but I bring bad news, the Liberators have killed all the beast-men inAlhmarvillage destroying the mines and freeing all of the captured slaves, we''ve lost control."


    Pausing, she spared a glance at the incompetent beast-men, causing him to flinchbeforeentering the cave. "What do you expect me to do about it boy? That is no matter of mine, as long the camp at Row''s Peak is intact I will not interfere." She muttered looking back into my pot, it looked nearly ready.


    "The king''s shipment was to be sent days ago! He won''t wait idly by if we don''t deliver the slaves if this keeps up he''ll also stop providing us with supplies and your precious ingredients, his army may even come to the deserts just to purge us from existence. " His tone slowly rose, she could sense his anger and urgency, but didn''t fear him or man. He was after all just a beast-man.


    "I no longer require the supplies of the king, I''ve found what I need. If you wish to stay in my good graces I suggest you correct your tone before you lose your tongue." Her voice fell over the room in a chill. Peewee''s eyes instantly falling to the floor in submission as he apologized for his rudeness.


    "What exactly is it you were looking for? Is it the foreign slave we found days ago? What''s so special about him?" He pipped in curiously wandering over looking down into the pot. The strange blue liquid resonated a bright blue, a was a beautiful sight.


    "Foreign yes, but he is no slave." Gripping thedagger,she plunges it into the pot the mystical blue morphing into purple."


    "How is it you are capable of using magic when it''s disappeared for centuries now?" Peewee muttered staring down into the pot.


    Grasping hermug,the witch spared him a glance an amused look plastered on her ancient face. "Foolish beast confusing witchcraft and magic,ithas been around much longer and carries far more restriction, but when doneright. "Dippingthe mug in the purple goo she begins gulping down the purple liquid, gasping in relief with the empty mug. "It can be much more powerful."


    I see," He muttered in a low tone before looking at the witch with a confused look. "If you''re not going to be helping us with the eradication of the Liberators then I''m leaving" Turning heel Peewee rushed out into the sun, not sparing a single look back at the witch.


    She didn''t care for the thoughts or actions of the beast because now she was a step closer. Now he washer''sand he could never escape the fate she had formed between the two of them. For now, she possessed the very soul of his being. An ancient soul, and hopefully powerful enough for what she planned to do.

 Chapter 5: False Hope

    I felt lethargic. Day by day in the mines I had smashed big rocks into smaller rocks. Theinterrogationscontinued and the restrictions were now tighterthanever. Wiping the sweat from my face continued to attack the rocks.


    Luckily Ren was in the cell closest tome, it was the only communicationwehad with the rest of the group.Baltorbeing uncooperative had left me feeling hopeless until I heard Renmutteringswears at the guards. When everyone was asleep Ren and I would talk about the progression of the plan, Celeste being the only one capable of getting themap andher "secret weapon". The last he spoke to her was 2 days ago she said she got the layout of the mines, what she did in exchange for it I didn''t ask. All that mattered was today was the day. The day we would escape from this hell.


    Noone''sheard from Leo ever since the lockdown happened, I thought maybe he was in acompletelyseparategroup, at leastthat''swhat I hoped,the latter was somewhereIdidn''t letmymind wander.


    The signal for our shift being over sounded and the beast-men attached the shacklesto usas usual,escorting us to the feedingroom. Eating thefood,I couldn''t help but think about how I would eat normal food again. Human food,itwas hard not to smile andBaltoroften gave me an icy look when that happened. He warmed up to me, even if only a little, only asking about how Celeste was doing. Ren''s constant chatter oftenput him in a bad mood, although he was always in a bad mood.


    Finishing ourmeal,we were taken back to our cells, removing the shackles they shoved us inside one by one. Finally locking the door and leavingthe area. It was only a matter of time now, Celeste had said we would know the signal when it happened. AndIdidn''t sleep, forfear of missing such a thing. The anticipation was jolting through my body. For onceBaltorapproached me and sat down.


    "Listen, I don''t want you messing this up for us. You listen to what I say,keep up and stay alert." Hemurmuredin a low tone.


    Nodding my head in agreement we waited patiently in the dark. minutes dragged on into hours and soon we could hear the silentmurmursof the other slaves. Their nightmares torturing them in their sleep. It was the first time I hadn''tslept in the mines at this time.


    The earth shook violently as a large explosion could be heard throughout the tunnels,theshifting of rockgrindingagainstrockcontinued to echo throughout the mine, causing myheartto jump in my throat. Was she trying to bury us alive? Darting up,Baltorstairs at the cell door,his muscles tense, waiting. A few moments passed before the echoingof yellscould be heard.


    Frantic footsteps approached the cell before Celeste showed her face through the bars, "Didn''t waittoolong did you guys?" A smirk plastered on her face.


    "It''s about time get us out of here!"Ibark with excitement, rushing towards the door.


    "What the hell Celeste let me out first,fuck that guyyou''ve known me longer." Ren barksin the next cell, even if he was joking it still stung a bit.


    "Getback! And cover year ears," reaching into a pouch she revealed adarkpowder pouringit around the cell door before trailinga wireto the far side of the room. Grasping astone,she strikes the ground sendingsparks flying,before another explosion sounds. I could feel the earth above us shiftunnaturally, as rocks began to descend on us. The other slaves screamed in despair, pleading for their lives. Half of the cell caved in killing the ones too slow to get away.


    Running through the door,Baltorclose behind we''re greeted byCeleste. "Long time no see, gladyou''reok." Looking smug we rushed over toRen''s cell. Arms folded he stood there waiting in the darkness. "Hurry up and get meouttahere, these depressed slaves are really starting to bore me."


    "Goodol¨¦Ren," Smiling Celeste places the powder around the gate causing another explosion to rumble throughout the mines. The shouts grew louder along with the clatter of footsteps. "We have to go,follow me!"If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Running through the tunnel Celeste takes off, the rest of us close behind. "Where''s LeoandZefire?" I shout as we turn into the mining area. "The last I heardLeowas in the torture chamber,Zefire''sfine. Grab a pickaxe, you getLeoand we''ll go to the exit."shoving the map in my hands she looks up at me."We''ll see you on the otherside."Nodding,Idartoff towards the chamber. Angry shouts and cries rangthroughoutthe mines and fear slowly crept into my body as I approached the chamber.


    Pushing through the wooden door slaves lay riddled throughout the room, the walls andfloor weredrenchedin blood. Holding my mouth briefly,I search for Leo through thedismemberedbodies. The blood sticking to my feet as I walked through the room. I could see some had survived, yet too weak or scared to move, I try not to look in their eyes as I walk over them deeper into the chamber.


    Anotherexplosionvibrates through the mines, causing me to jump stepping on the corpse of a young woman. "Leo, where are you?" I shoutthrough the loud bangs of collapsing rock.


    Scanning theground,I see him buriedunderneatha small mountain of corpses. Scrambling I begin tossing the light bodies. "Get up, I knowyou''renot dead." Opening hiseye''s,he stared at me as tears welled up in his eyes.


    "Finn....just go leave me here." He whispers. Looking over his body he was slim, I could hardlyrecognizehim, aside from hiscurlybrown hair. "We don''t have time for that shit, get the fuck up were getting out of here."


    Dragging him to his feet we stumble through the corpses out of the room, glancing at the mapbrieflyI turn down an unknown tunnel. The foreign shouts ring throughout the mine behind us as we run through the darkness, stumbling over jagged stone and falling debris. Leo continued to mumble as he went in and out ofconsciousness, the only word I could make out was "I''msorry..."


    We arrive at anempty room, two tunnels going in opposite directions, looking at the path Celeste drew out for us I start down the left path before I see the dark figures emerging from the darknessin frontof us. Tightening my grip on the pickaxe Iapproach slowly, keeping Leo close behind.A snap soundsthrough the tunnels asa cut burnsmy face. "I don''t have time to play around here." My voice shaky as the words leave mymouth. Hurling the ax at them we turnheelandrunback into theroomturning down the only other path.


    The shadowsroaredangrilyas theyclosedinbehind us, "Hurry up! Their catching up!" My voice frantic. I couldn''t help but think he was slowing me down. I could be free by now with the others. The tunnel is long and winding, the licks of their whips sounding off close behind. The familiar light of the sun glimmered in the distance as we stumbled through the final room.


    "Light it now Zefire!" The shout rings out through the room as an explosion shutters through the mines collapsing the tunnel, the sound of stone crushing flesh could be heard as the ceiling rained down on the unsuspectingbeast-men. Looking up towards the exit three figures stood illuminated, "It''s about time man I wasgonnaleave you." Ren proclaims, triumph plastered on his face.


    "Even though you were the one saying to wait just one more minute?"Zefirepipped inanamused tone, silently chuckling. Wandering from behind a boulder towards the group. "It looks like you found Leo, good work nowlet''sgetout of here" Celeste barked in a demanding tone, turning her back walking towards the exit,Baltorin tow close behind. As I approach the group Leo tugs on my shoulder, his eyes frantic riddled with fear.


    "Let''s go, Leo, before they catch up." Tugging him forward we advance towards the exit before hearing roars and the clatter of metal against metal.


    Swinging his pickaxefranticallyBaltorgrowled as he struck thebeast-menin the chest, lodging it through the heart. The group formed a small circle back to back with Ren in thecenter clutching his bloody leg. Dozens of skorpionersurrounded them and as we exited the minedrawing their attention.


    "Run Finn!" Celeste shouts, swinging her weapon back and forth not making any contactwiththe approaching skorpioner. Myinstinctsto rush in and help was stopped by the thought of Leo, I knew he wouldn''t survive if we went to fight and with that, I resolved to leave them behind until a figure emerged from the minesbehind us.


    "So,it was this bunch who killed my men, and now you''ve destroyed my mine." The words flung from his mouth in anger asWickumplunged his dagger through my back. It went in cold, then was replaced by a throbbing heat. Withdrawing hisblade,he kicks me forward into the skorpioner.


    Looking back at him in anger I see Leo standing at his side, his face was riddled with guilt. And the pieces all came together in my mind, yet I didn''t want to believe it. He looked away in shame as he uttered the same words,


    "I''m sorry, Finn."

 Chapter 6: End of the Line

    "I can''t believe that fat bastard!" raising my head I look at Ren as he hung on the wall across from me. My eyelids heavy as I float suspended in the air. Closing my eyes, I picture the look on Leo''s face, heat and regret bubble in the pit of my stomach. The question of why he did it didn''t matter to me, for I could already guess the answer. He was spineless and a coward, yet I didn''t expect him to betray usand tell Wickum of our intentions.


    After being stabbed by Wickum the beast-men subdued us and dragged us through the east end of the mine, away from all the destruction we had caused. Celeste said they only keep rare and troublesome slaves in this part of the mine, her voice sounded fearfuland by the look on her face, I knew it wasn''t good.


    The room was pitch black absent of any light or sound, when the beast-men hung us upthey unleashed a savage beating. The snaps of bone resounded throughout the room leaving all of us silent. Baltor had attempted to break free from his restraints roaring furiously leaping at Wickum, and was met by a blade through the chest. His lifeless body dropped to the ground leaving us all stunned, I still can''t believe he''s gone.


    I can still picture the small grin that formed on his face as he walked towards the exit. After his death, none of us resisted and surrendered ourselves to the torture. No matter how many beatings I received the empty feeling that''s been growing in my chest didn''t disappear and as the days dragged by my hope of escaping this place vanished.


    The constant screams of agony keep me awake, the skorpioners have come up with different ways of torture causing usto scream through the night. Yet,each night I looked forward to those screams, it verified I wasn''t alone and wewere still alive. Having noteaten in days, I often can''t tell the difference between the pain from reality and frommy dreams. leading to an endless cycle of viciousness I couldn''t escape from.


    None of us could look Celeste in the eye, what they had done to her and how was the cause of my many nightmares. Her bloody thighs forever burned in my mind, her eye''s void of the light they once had when we first met. My body still covered in the bile I released at the sight of it, the beast-men simply laughing in enjoyment,my ears burned with rage at the sight.


    The only thing keeping me sane is the image of my sister, and even that is starting to fade. Itry to picture her faces, and the face of my family but, a silhouette in place where her face once was. That facelessfigure calls to me every night asking me why I haven''t found her. What am I doing in a place like this and not searching for her? And when I wake up my face is covered in tears and I have no answer for her. For I too don''t know what crimes I committed in my world to endure such pain.


    The door creaks open as the beast-men wander in, conversing with themselves. The smell of rawbeef floating through the air as they walked intothe room carrying handfuls of raw meat. Me and Zefire being the only ones awake, saliva slidesdown my drythroat slowly as I take in the sight. Snickering to themselves they approach Zefire, his bones exposed through his skin and his blonde hair covered in dirt. He watched them through hollow eyes as they waved the meat in his face before dropping it on the ground.


    He simply stared at the raw meat before they unchained him. Crawling on the floor he began devouring it, hardly chewing simply swallowing the meat whole. Laughing the beast-men began kicking at him driving their heels in his boney ribs, but he ignored the pain, ignored the laughs and simply swallowed his meal before vomiting all over the floor. And it went on like that for hours, eat, kick, vomit.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    I turned my eyes away, not in disgust or pity, but out of jealousy of him having such a meal. I guess the laughter stirred Ren awake because he began to mumble to the beast-men. " Get your hits in now, because when I get out of here, I''m going to return the favor." His voice was silent, hardly audible, but a firm declaration and his eyes shimmered with a ferocity I thought he lost days ago. "Zefire, you gonna hog all of that or are you gonna share? Greedy bastard."


    The beast-men paused the assault and looked at Ren with confusion, not understanding the insult before another figure wandered through the door speaking in the skorpionerstongue. Looking at the man the beast-menfreeze in place. Wickums presence dominating the room, with avoice full of fury, the beast-men began to babble only to be cut short with a slap to the face. Scurrying out of the room they fled leaving Zefire kneeling on the ground and Wickum in the room.


    He simply glanced at Zefire forming a frown on his face before snatching him up and attaching him to the wall. In a slow stride, he approaches me, a small grin on his face before murmuring, "You''re not looking too good Finn, Leo''s getting worried about you down here in the dark." Pulling my downcast head up by my hair his face mere inches from mine. "His will wasn''t as strong as you, see all I had to do was break a finger and he squealed like a pig, he told me everything I wanted to know except one thing."


    Maybe a few days ago I would have felt something, back before we tried to escape. Now I just felt glad Leo had suffered in some way for what I had to endure. Ifit was evident on my face I didn''t know. I peeked into his eye''s filled with madness before he lets go, my head dropping to my chest. "What is this design from.... your friend doesn''t even know where you got it." Grasping the necklace, he snatches it from around my neck.


    "Give... it back." I uttered raising my head. The weightlessness causing a strange sickness to swirl from within. I haven''t taken it off since It was given to me all those years ago, it was all I had left of my grandfather. His words still solid, strong and firm in my mind, "protect our family." It was the crest of our noble bloodline handed down through generations, presented only at the coming of age ceremony at the age of five.


    "Oh, so you do have some fight left in you," tossing the necklace on the table he leans in close whispering in my ear. "By the time I''m done with you, your spirit will be broken. So, resist as much as you like it makes it all the more entertaining to watch. Don''t worry we''ll be sure to find your sister for you." Gathering the little moisture, I had in my mouth I spit in his face causing him to proceed with an enraged beating before storming out of the room.


    "Did he just kiss you? Who knew he was into guys" Ren mutters silently chuckling to himself. "Is now really the time to be laughing Ren, we''re going to die down here you know." Her voice was hoarse and low, not hearing her voice in days, it felt distant. Lifting her head Celeste stares at the food that lay scattered on the ground.


    "Ah, what I would give for a nice meal, why''d Zefire get so lucky?" Babbling to himself Zefire stared off into space, his body covered in vomit and bruises before he began to shout aloud. "No more, please no more! Kill me! Lord Meme, hear my prayers and end my suffering now!" Laughing loudly to himself tears flood down his face as his mind drifts further and further into madness.


    "Why the fuck did he have to be next to me?" Ren groans aloud while yelling for Zefire to shut up. "It''s not his fault..." Celeste says, "they most likely drugged his food with frost, just leave him be."


    "What''s frost?" I mutter looking at Celeste, "Frost is an illusionary drug given to troublesome slaves, it''s also highly lethal. Introducing it to a single person has ruined countless villages first, they succumb to madness. Then it''s rage and an insatiable appetite, and finally.... there''s death."


    Shuddering I can''t help but feel sorrow for the inevitable death of Zefire. Yet, slight envy probed my heart wishing for such a fate to be rid of the nightmares that cometo me in my sleep.


    I couldn''t help but feel this was it and wished my death be swift and painless whenever the time came.

 Chapter 7: A Witchs Tale

    Thetastewasstrong, taking another chug from the purple mixture I gag in disgust,happy to finally be done with theaccursedbrew.If the craft worked for me like it did in my younger days, everything would go as planned. "Mother I don''t understand why this slave is so important to you, there isn''t anything special about him as far as I can tell." Sitting upon my stool my son sat lazily, arms folded behind his back.


    "You wouldn''t understand the value in araresoul such as his, maybe if you had listened and learned the craft you wouldn''t be asking mesuchfoolish questions." The stubborn boy refused to learn the ways of ourpredecessors, he was just like his father carefree yet sadistic. What she both loved and hated about herson. "Nevermindthat, didyou remove thependant likeI told you?"looking up with the familiardevilishsmileWickumrespondedin a casual tone, "Of course mother,thenecklaceis no longer around theboy''sneck,you are free to do whatever craft you like."


    "I can do no suchthing!" Isnapped, "His will remains unbroken, stilltoopowerful to control. You''resupposedtohavebroken him by now." Sitting uphestridesbehindme, placing his hands onmyshoulderstenderly. "Youneed not worrymother;his spirit is nearly broken and if you command it,I''ll be sure he doesn''t last the day."Withagrin, Wickumwrapped hisarms aroundmefrombehind,before I slaphis hands away. "Well,be quick about it, we don''t need another escape attempt costing us precious stones."


    Sitting down I feel the fatigue from the brew and knew it was beginning to takeeffect. "What news do you have of the Liberators? What is their current location?"A deep frown sat upon his face as he satupfrom his chair. "The beasts losttheirtrail, the incompetent fools. We have no clue where their hiding, or where they''ll strike next." This couldn''t be happening at a worse time, gazing into my crystal ball I search the void for clues to the fate of the boy, and ifthere will be any interruptions with the ceremony.


    Watching me theboyhoversoverlooking intotheclear crystal,sighingwith boredom,"There''s nothing to worry about mother, I''ll tighten the patrol around the camp. They won''t slip past us." Peeking up from myball, I look at my na?ve son for a moment before continuing to gaze into the void, "Do yourememberthe stories I would tell you as a child, about the 7moons who possessed 7 stars."


    It was a warm memory, before the war, before his father was taken soabruptlyfromhim. Whenhis eyes still carriedradiance. Walking over to the table he sat beside his mother awaiting the remainder of the fable he had long forgotten. "No, I don''t think I do. There are no moons inLayfrontmother, night never comes. It hasn''t for over 50 years.


    Lightly chuckling I halt my search andcaressmyson''s boney face,"Of course, it was the time beforemagic.When crafts were learned from gods,over 500 years ago." Giving me a strange look, I could see he didn''t understand. He was such a bright boy growing up, I don''t know where I went wrong. Sighing I continue to tell the tale, "It''s said that before the age of magic there were 7moons, who eachpossessed7stars. The people of the land worshiped these moons as they each radiated a different cooler in the night, each day a different moon would glow lighting up the sky, until the 29thday where all the moons would glow at once."


    "On this day it''s said the moons would pick a faithful being and teach them thebasic''sof the craft,whiskingthem away in the night and granting them the abilities. But soon it was realized that each moon granted different abilities for the 7 stars theypossessedwere thebeaconsof different crafts." Pausing I watched as he seemed too quiet, strangelyhe seemed to be intently listening to the tale, unlike hisusualbrash and hot-headed self.Smiling Icontinue,"It''s said that our ancestor waschosenby the moon of Crimson, alsoknownas Zazeland was placed on star 4. Granting her the ability of witchcraft. With it, our family has never suffered from misfortune for nearly 300 years."Stolen novel; please report.


    "What happened? Why do we suffermisfortune then?" He replied a small grin on his face, slightly rolling his eyes. Adjusting mystool,I mutter, "It''s said that the beings had neglected to worship mother nature. The lands of the people became jealous of the moons for having theirdevotion and love, and it''s said through that jealousy, magic wasborn on our planet."


    Laughing aloud he pounds the table frantically. "Youcan''t be serious mother, youactually,believe such fairytales?" Standing up while chuckling he walks towards the exit, "worry not mother the boy''s spirit will be broken tomorrow, and then you can play with your spirits." Laughing one last time he exits the cave.


    "Foolish boy" If only he believed perhaps he would survive, themisfortunethat she saw present in his future. What appears throughthe crystal cannot be changed or altered, this I know alltoowell.Forthe boy''s spirit would not break tomorrow.


    *****


    "Da''inwe can''t just run in and slaughter all of them, not all of them are slave handlers!" Folding her arms indefiance,Da''inrefused to agree to herfather''sterms. "Like I said we should handle it the same way we did inAlhmarVillage, save the slaves and purge the sick fucks in the mines!!"


    "Watch your mouth! You may bea warrior but I''m still your father and you will do as I say!" Glaring at the old fool I storm out of the tent into the sun, ignoring all who watched me as I kicked through the sand. If he wasn''t so stubborn maybe he wouldn''t have lost his arm all those years ago, and mom would still be with us. Plopping in the ground I take a deep breath trying to calm myself.Itwas always like this the night before an attack, yet they always were successful with her plan.


    And the one time they had listened to her father, they had lost morethanhalf their men. He still refused to own up to his mistakes, which was the reason many of the Liberators came to her, although she was only the 2ndin Command. Brushing off the sand from her sword she unsheathed it raising it to the sun. Her brown skin, slightly blending in with the yellow sands around her. Looking at the black metal she could see her eyes shining back at her, the bright emerald that many people seemed to remember about her.


    The sword, a relic of hermotherswas all she had left of her. The raiders had abducted her along with herfather''sright armwhen she was still a baby, and her father has been looking for her ever since. Turning around a subordinate approached from camp, wearing theLiberatorsusual uniform, "Da''inthe infiltration meeting will start soon, yourfath..the captain requests your presence." Following the man into the tent, everyone gathered around the table where the map ofLayfrontdesert rested. My father hovering over it, his eyes glued to the table.


    "Listen up, thepreparationsfor the liberation of Row''s Peakareready. Unit''s 1 and 2 will wait on standby north of the mountains, while Unit 3 infiltrates the camp''s mine''s, releasing the slaves. Once the mines have collapsed, we repel the enemy until all the slaves have escaped the camp. From there we head east towardsUmbakVillage, it''simperativethat we do not engage the enemy until unit 3 has successfully made it out of the mines. Is that understood?"


    Looking at the small group of 50 men and woman they allrespondedin unison, "Yes Captain!" I simply scoffed silently at the plan. It was dangerous, and far more riskthanneeded, yet they followed his orders blindly. Even if it resulted in their deaths. Ending the brief meeting they all exit the tent leaving me and my father alone.


    "Are you sure this plan will work? the last time we did this we lost 25 men." I mutterfoldingmy arms his eye''s continuing to trailover the map. Looking up at me he wore a tired expression, "this is the planDa''inend ofdiscussion, now get some rest we''ll beleavingin a few hours. "Puffing mychest,I snarl at him, "how do you know they aren''t expecting us? This plan has too many risksinvolved!"


    Sighingdeeply,he walks over placing his hands on my shoulders, "I didn''t tell the men this but we have a spy on the inside. They won''t be expecting us for at least a few days, everything will be fine." A spy? In a slavecamp? My eye''swidening,Imurmurto him, "A beast-men? Are you putting your trust in a beast-men? Areyoucrazy father? What if this is a trap!"


    Pushing his arms away I stare at him indisbelief, but his gaze remains firm as he looks back at me. "This doesn''t leave the tentDa''in." Walking out of the tent I stare up at the blazing sun, gripping my katana in my right hand firmly.


    "No matter what happens, I''llslaughterall of them, for the crimes they havecommittedagainst my people.Not onebeast-man will escape my wrath..."

 Chapter 8: The Price of Freedom (Part 1)

    How long had it been? Through hazy eye''s I look through the room in disappointment. Thepainsfrom hungerstirringme awake. "Ah, you''re still alive Finn? Good, I was starting to feel lonely talking to myself in here." Looking at Ren hiseyesstill resonated, as if being stuck here wasn¡¯t that big a deal. Yet when my eyes fell ontoZefireI gagged.


    His corpse still hung next to him, the smell of death suffocating the room. If My stomach contained anything I might have hurled. Looking at the corpse Ren frowned, "he died just a few hours ago, Celeste made sure to give him a proper prayer to the gods after his passing." Looking at him I could see the pain in hiseyes, yetgrievingfor someone here was something we never had time for.


    "Don''t worry, we won''t die down here, there has to be a way out of this." His voice didn''t match his optimistic words, it was unconvincing but I didn''t have the heart to tell him that we would, in fact, most likely die in this room. "You shouldn''t talk so irresponsibly Ren," her words were cold void of emotion as her headcontinuouslyhung. "We all know it''s only a matter of time before it''s our time, you should make peace with it while you''re still sane."


    Looking at Celeste I couldn''t help but pity her butrespectedhertoomuch to express it. Keys jingling, the door opened asWickumentered the room followed by a single beast-men, carrying a wooden wheel. "Hello your highness, care to join us in our discussion?" Ren muttered, earning him a punch to the gut. "Quiet filth unless you want to end up like your friend." Reaching for the wheel he placed it on the table, atop of my necklace.


    Undoing my restraints, I fell to the floor my legs weak from the lack of use or simply from being starved and beaten, I couldn''t tell. "You see, I was going to starve you out longer, but time is of theessence." Hoisting the wheel up he attaches it to the table while the beast-men attaches me to the contraption. My bones bend awkwardly as they''re wrapped around the wheel, Ren staring in anger at the sight. Celeste refused to lift her head, I feared she knew what they were goingtodoto me, and didn''t want to see the result.


    Unsheathing his dagger his eye''s slid across my body as I laystrappedto the wheel. "I''ll let you choose where we start," sliding the blade along my back his voice was filled with joy. Yet I accepted my fate, my only regret is not finding Aurora and taking her home from this unfair world. Giggling to himself, the room shook slightly, as screams sound off in the distance. Clicking histongue,he sheathshis weapon before muttering to the beast-men. Nodding hishead,the beast-men scurries out of the room. "What now!"


    "Duty calls your majesty," Ren snickers before he gets an angry glare fromWickumas he stormed out of the room. Seconds later the room shook again much stronger than before, sending swarms of questions in my mind. "What do you think that is?" I mutter. Letting out a breath Ren looks towards the door as if looking for the answer, "I don''t know, maybe there''s some kind of rebellion going on." Looking back at me a small grin forms on his face, "You know, you don''t look half bad in that position, maybeWickum''sinto S&M."


    A low giggle escapes Celeste''s lips as she raises her head,revealinga smile I hadn''t seen in what felt like years. It brought in emotions I had thought I lost, sniffling slightly I show a small smile before the frantic clatter of footsteps can be heard outside the room, racing through the halls, and the sound of blades clashing in the distance. "That doesn''t sound like a rebellion," I say as the fighting grows louder.


    The door creakingopensa familiar figure stands in the doorway, causing mixed emotions to turmoil from my heart. Parting mylips,I mutter, "Leo?"


    He was the same from the last time I saw him, yet different. A light shined in his eyes, yet I didn''t let myself trust him. The betrayal still fresh in my mind, and the death of our friends brought me back to the reality of where we were. "Hey, porky! Let me downsoI can beat your ass!" Ren hissed his anger all too obvious. Did he really expect to be set free by someone he just threatened?The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Looking around the room Leo''s eyes stopped onZefire''scorpse, making his lips quiver slightly before entering the room. "We don''t have much time, we need to escape before the rest of them show up." Digging in his rags the keys jingled as he unlocked the restraints that held us, Celeste stared at him her icy rage one plastered on her face. "I know you guys don''t trust me but this is our shot to escape, aren''t you going to take it?" Glancing at each other we grit our teeth as we struggle to stand, grabbing my pendant, welimp out of the room.


    Looking through the tunnels it was swarmed with dead beast-men, blood splattered allthroughoutthe area. Yet the sight didn''t faze me and we continued to stumble through the blood. "What the hell happened here? Did you do all of this porky?" Ren barked, being hoisted up by Celeste. Lookingback,he shook his head in denial, "I had nothing to do withtheirdeath if you want to thank anyone it should be the Liberators." Letting out a gasp, Ren shouted with excitement "the Liberators? Are they here? Holy shit oh man I wish I could see the look on thatbastard''sface when they put a blade through him."


    Confused I asked the question, "Who are the Liberators?" Looking at me dumbstruck Ren blurts, "Areyou somekind of a moron, obviously they Liberate people. Butman,I didn''t think they would strike here, talk about lucky!" Chuckling in delight we continued through the tunnels of corpses meeting up with other slaves along the way, before coming to the exit. A tightness in my stomach formed as the sunlight gleamed through the hole, "If this is another trap I''ll kill you myself," I mutter before walking through the exit.


    It was a sight I had only read about that appeared on the other side, war. The black robed beast-men roared as they fought against what I assumed to be the Liberators.Theirname not matching their appearance, the armor of all the men cracked and rusted.Wickumroared throughout the battlefield in anger as he plunged a blade through one of them before oureyesmet. And a scowlslowlycrept onto his face, and fear shined in his eyes before he yelled at the beast-men. All their attention turning in our direction before racing towards us.


    "Quick towards the foot of the mountains!" Leo squealed as his raced ahead of us, he obviously didn''t know the full extent of what weexperiencedin that room because we couldn''t keep up with his pace. The Liberators low in number struggled to repel the enemy, that only seemed to be growing in numbers. "The other slaves freed from the shackles of the mineswastedno time in their escape and pushed each other aside to get away, trampling some of the weaker slaves.


    And behind all of them me Celeste and Ren struggled to keep up, the impending mob ofbeast-men behind us led byWickum. Stumbling Ren falls in the sands, his legs collapsing from under him. "Fuck, get up!" He screamed to himself as Celeste struggle to lift him. Looking back at the sight I could leave them, I had gone back before and It ended with a knife in my back. I don''t owe them anything right? Turning away I continue on before forgottenemotionsprobemy heart "FUCK," I scream before scrambling back to them.


    "If I die because of this I swear I''m going to haunt you!" I bellow as I wrap his arm around me, smiling he pats me on the back as we hop towards the base of the mountains. "And here I thought you didn''t love me," The gasps escaping Ren''s mouth. "Just shut up and run," Celeste retorts just before the crackle of leather wraps around her neck pulling her into the sand.


    "Go!" She bellowed thrashing in the sand.Tighteninghis grip on my shoulder Ren blurts, "I can make it, just make sure you get her! I''m tired of losing friends." Looking in his eye''s I could see the regret in his eyes. Knowing if he was in my position he would go back without hesitation. Nodding, I turn around toWickum''sapproach the aura of battle radiating off of him, his grip tight on the whip.


    Limping back, Celestegreets mein anger, "I told you to go! Do you want to die?" Tugging on the leather I retort, "Just shut up and help me!" But it wastoo late andWickumhovered overheadunsheathinghis dagger he mutters in an angry tone, "If she can''t have you no one can." My body to slow to leap away I could only watch at my impending doom

 Chapter 9: The Price of Freedom (Part 2)

    The splatter of blood rained down on us, soaking our skin. Looking up his bony body shielded us from Wickum''s attack. I could only stare as a smile formed on his face before falling into the sand. gasping for air as he lay on the ground. The sand turned dark as Leo bled out on the ground, Wickum''s face turning red in anger as he howled.


    The rumble of footsteps vibrated through the sands, pausing Wickum looked at the group of men as they closed in from the base of the mountain. Leading the mob, a girl zipped through the sands, a single braid trailing down her back whipped through the wind as she sprinted ahead of them. Unlike the other Liberators, she wore no armor, only a lone blade attached to her hip clad in black. "Fucking Liberators!" Wickum muttered slashing his blade towards us cutting through my arm.


    Laying on my back a shadow darted over head as the sound of metal clashed, the girl striking her blade at Wickum with a ferocity I had never seen before. Wickum dodged like I snake sliding through her attacks stabbing his dagger with precision only to get deflected by her blade. Staring each other down the girl panted slightly. "You sick, how could you be working with the beast-men," she snarled her voice echoing over the thunderous footsteps.


    Wickum retort with vindication, "working with the beast-men? Little girl, you don''t know how wrong you are." Crouching slightly, he resumed his continuous assault on the girl, roaring louder and louder with each strike. She struggled to keep up with his pace, the dagger slicing through her brown skin. "tch, you traitorous bastard." Slipped from her mouth before she touched the blade of her sword, muttering in a low tone,


    "I am the voice of wrath"


    "Both purityand wickedness shall tremble in fright"


    "Violent carnage for all who fight"


    "Void of compassion"


    "Nor known to cruelty"


    "Soaked in the blood of my enemies"


    "Yetmy hands will remain unsoiled"


    "Please, hear my vow


    "Saying your final prayer to the gods?" Wickum remarked as he swung his blade. Opening her eyes, she utters,"Equipoise"


    The sand shot up around her as the words fell from her mouth, a bloodthirsty aura dominating the area. Fear covered me like a blanket as they continued to exchange blows, kneeling in the sand I clutch my blood-soaked arm as I feel a nudge. Celeste mouthing the words, "let''s go" I begin to crawl away before Leo''s body came into my sight. He wasn''t dead, but he wasn''t moving either "we can''t just leave him." I mutter, rolling her eyes Celeste continues to crawl away before standing up and limping through the sands.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Grasping his arms, I drag Leo''s body through the sand using every ounce of my strength, the girl continuing the fight with Wickum. The rest of the Liberators arrived and began to do battle with the beast-men, chaos ensuing the area. Yet, through all that chaos I could still feel the heat dripping off the girl as she plunged her sword through Wickum''s flesh, the sword slicing through his arm sending it flying through the crowd. Bellowing the beast-men swarmed the girl as Wickum clutched his missing arm retreating into the crowd.


    Reaching the bottom of the mountain, I could see Ren with the remaining group of the Liberators. There were only 6 of them and they had put him in the back of their carriage. Reaching him panting I drop to my knees in front of our saviors, "Please, help my friend." Panting Leo''s eyes were shut as he held his shoulder. The blood trailed through the sand behind us. looking at each other, two of the men shrugged before carrying him away towards another wagon. Rensat up in the wagon a big grin glued to his face, Celeste had crawledinto the wagon,collapsing the second she sat down. Not responding to any of our calls or nudges.


    "Where are the rest of the slaves?" I ask looking around the area. There was nothing but sand in the distance. Shrugging his shoulders Ren laid back without a care in the world, "Don¡¯t know, don''t really care the sooner we get out of here the better." The two men that carried Leo away appeared, the look on their faces told me something was wrong. "Your friends not doing well, with his weak body he already lost to much blood, he also has Lockrot in his body.There''s nothing we can do for him if you want to see him, now''s your chance.


    The words shocked me, did they not have blood they could give him? A transfusion would save his life, wouldn''t it? What the hell is Lockrot? I swallowed my frustrationknowing it wasn''t their fault for his condition and left the area. Approaching the wagon, I didn''t know what I should say or what face to wear. He had betrayed me and saved my life, and my heart was at conflict at how to approach the death of my best friend. Approaching the wagon, I see his brown curly hair covered in sand.


    Sitting up he gives me that familiar smile, "Hey Finn, we made it out." Sitting on the wagon I nod in agreement my mouth unable to move. I sat there for a few minutes before he spoke up, "Listen, you should know I didn''t betray you if I didn''t tell Wickum, none of this would have happened." Staring at him with wide eyes, I didn''t understand what he meant, "what are you talking about? All of this, you''re telling me the Liberators are here because of you?"


    Chuckling lightly, he spits up a pool of blood, "No they were already on their way here, that''s what the beast-men told me. If you guys had escaped they would search for you, and with the Liberators on the way, it was a big risk for them. So, he gave me a choice, either I find a way to keep you all here." He paused for a moment stuttering to finish his sentence. "Or what Leo."


    "Or he would kill you all, and make it look like an accident. Kill a few to save the majority, he''s also the one who released the slaves before the Liberators attacked. No one knew where they were holding you guys so I had torun through the tunnels searching every room." The telling of Leo''s story left me stunned, a beast-men had helped him escape? Was this some kind of joke? Looking at his face I could tell he was serious. Sitting up he vomited more blood before smiling again, "Of course, I couldn''t take the chance he was lying so I told everything to Wickum."


    Warm water ran down my face, the guilt heavy on my shoulders. "Don''t cry man, I know I''m dying. Tell Celeste and Ren I''m sorry, I know Baltor and Zefire died because of my actions."


    Closing his eye''s slowly he stopped talking, and I knew my friend was gone.

 Chapter 10: Gazing in the Abyss

    ¡°Mother! Mother!¡± His desperate cries echo through me cave breaking my concentration. ¡°What boy?¡± Barking, I look up out of the crystal at the sight of my son clutching his arm as blood pooled onto the hard stone floor. His face was pale, but not absent of anger. ¡°That bitch cut off my arm! My fucking arm.¡± Scurrying over to him I examine his wound, the questions I had about the boy pushed to the back of my mind. ¡°Lay down on the floor, if we don¡¯t stop the bloodyou¡¯regoing to die.¡±


    Laughing, he sits on the ground inobedience, for once without replying with a snarkyremark. Examining hisbody,they were in rags, and the smell of a craft rolledoffofhim. Looking intently at him I mixed my herbs into a bowl grinding them quickly into mush, ¡°who did this to you?¡±


    Closinghiseye¡¯s,he let out a breath, perhaps trying to calm himself. ¡°The Liberators, a young girl wielding a black blade.¡± Humming to myself I applied the mixture to his missing limb, stopping the endless bloodflow. ¡°Youwere right, we were attacked by the Liberators. All the slaves at Row¡¯s Peak are either dead or have escaped.¡±


    Pausing thewrapping of his arm for a moment I continue with the bandage, subduing the rage that slowly crept over me. ¡°What of the beast-men? How many of them doyoustill command?¡± He looked away without saying a word, perhaps tired from the walk here. Ididn¡¯tpress the matter further, for it was only a minor setback. Our souls werebondedtogether now and the boy couldn¡¯tescapeno matter how far he ran.


    What keeps buzzing in my mind was theresiduethat came from his body, it was that of a craft I haven¡¯t seenbefore. There were indeed 49 crafts and I only knew ahandfulof them. I could count the number on a single hand, yet it was a lost art. Since the dawn of magic, crafts were long forgotten often confused with being magic. Yet a young girl was able to use the craft? An art form long forgotten hundreds of years ago, it didn¡¯t make sense. Through my many lifetimes, I haven¡¯tencountereda single person who could use it, let alone stillbelievedin the stories.


    Moaning on the ground the boy continued to roll around, he was always a big baby when it came to getting hurt. ¡°Stop moving, you¡¯ll undo the bandage!¡± I bark, wanderingover to my trunk I dig throughall thejunk I¡¯vecollectedover the years. ¡°I know it¡¯s in here somewhere,¡± I grumble. In the bottom of my trunk, I pull out the ancient jar, memories surfacing in my mind of a simpler time as I place it on the table.


    Eye of aBloodrow, a common ingredient in a locating spell. Simple to use, yet vague only giving the direction of whoyou¡¯researching for. ThedesertsofLayfrontwere vast, but not unending. With the king¡¯s guards at the border it was a small task locating the boy, however capturing him was another matter. He was with the Liberators, and they possessed a user ofthe Craft. A user strong enough to cripple my son and slaughter the beast-men force. If she was similar to me it would be very troublesome, but if she is a new userthat would be a different story.Smiling I place the eye in the center of the table,lighting the candles, I begin drawing the ancient symbol.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°Boy, get up! You¡¯re not dead, make yourself useful and come here,¡± I snap. Jumping up he wanders over still clutching his arm, he moaned slightly only grinding more on my nerves. ¡°Stop whining, It¡¯s only a scratch!¡± The boy boastedstrengthbut didn¡¯t trulypossess it, another trait he inherited from his father. Unlike the slave, he possessed truestrength, that of will, mind, and body. It was foolish to have my son try and break such a man, I could see that now and cursed myself for lacking such wisdom after living in this land for so long.


    Finishing the symbol, I begin the chant for the incantation of locating. Each craft specialized in chant, once called prayers to the gods asking for permission to use our gifts. The intentions youpossessedwhile requesting this power,noble or evil dependson the god you follow. If your craft was one of the noble you could not use it for evil, the conditionsvariedbut they always followed the rule of prayer.


    ¡°Seek the man from another land,¡±


    ¡°Whose will unlike another.¡±


    ¡°Eyes of one unfazed,¡±


    ¡°The heart which cannot lie.¡±


    ¡°A mind that¡¯s forged in steel¡±


    ¡°Andflesh that¡¯svoidof color.¡±


    The eye pulsed red as it lay in the center of the table, picking up the dry eye with a grin, itlooked west towards the sea where a single villagelay. In that village, we would find the boy, but also the craft user. We would need more information and man power if we are to take him. ¡°Wickum, gather as many beasts that are still under your charge, I¡¯ve found the boy.¡± Looking at him he lay asleep as he sat beside the table, still clutching his missing limb.


    Such a useless boy, I thought staring at his face. There was no need to rush into battle just to lose more men and possibly my only son. Fornow,we will prepare for the attack,ifthis Craft user was indeed an ancient like myself, I would need every spell Zazel has granted me. Even that might not be strong enough to stop this unknown girl, she did, after all, stop my son. He may be useless at times but he was far from incompetent, having the beast-men under his control was no easy feat. Even with the small influence I still possessed over them, they were a prideful bunch.


    Storing theeye,I look into the crystal for clues, any sign for the days to come and what fortune awaited me. Yet the ball remained swarmed in clouds, the premonition of disaster. Since they had captured the boy the crystal only showed disaster, nothing more, nothing less. It left me uneasy but not undetermined, slowly the clouds began to clear. Staring intently at the image my eye¡¯s widened indisbelief. Because what the ballforesawwas something that disappeared before the age of magic, before the stories of the moons and Craft.


    It was the image of thelong-forgottenoak, whose branches stretched to the skies. Branches that gave birth to the moon, to the stars. The fruit that gave both life to the faithful, and damnation to the rotten. Whose roots connected the worlds of therighteousand ugly, to the future and passed, yet disappeared from the present. The grand creatorshowed in mycrystal balland initstrunk, a mark lay carved, a markIhadtouchedwith my very fingertips,I dared not look away as a realization occurs,


    ¡°Perhaps the boy is far more important than I realize.¡±

 Chapter 11: Umbak Village

    "You''re telling me the bastard got away?" Ren muttered as the carriage rolled through the hot desert. I hadn''t realized being underground had been so much cooler, then beingabove. Our sweaty rags smelled now morethanever, the looks the other mengaveus were often filled with disgust. The rotting corpse of Leo didn''t help with the looks, Ren and Celeste had voted to just leave it in the middle of the desert but I had the final say. He wasafterallmy friend,afterhis death the feeling of being alone in this world felt crushing. If not for Ren I would have probably drowned in despair.


    Even in death, Celeste refused to forgive Leo, when told he had passed she actually smiled while giving a shrug. Not that I didn''t understand, but it left a bitter taste, I hadn''t really talked to her since. The most we could do was talk, our bodies made us look like skeletons and it was hard to move let alone walk. Ourstomachsnot use to the constant food had us vomiting quite often from the unnatural intake. On our way through the desert, we picked up a few slaves thatescaped. They were frightened at first before realizing that is the Liberators caravan.


    After the battle at the mountains, the Liberators returned victoriously, but I couldn''t help but notice a lot fewer men returned than what I saw on the battlefield. The girl who had saved us and slicedWickumleading theremainingfighters, her face forming a scowl. Seeing herappearance,I felt chills as I remembered the bloodlust that radiated off of her. Yet she was captivating, her emeraldeyescarried a fire.From mysmall observations of her, I could tell she was someone in charge of the group, often giving orders to men much bigger in size. I wondered why they took orders from such a small girl until I remembered the scene just a few days ago.


    "Oh, checking outgirls,are we? We haven''t been free 3 days and already looking fora woman? Shame on you Finn," Ren teased sticking out histongue. "It''s not like that," I replied. "She''s the one that almost killedWickum, and I''m pretty sure the reason we''re free, we should thank her." Lookingoutsidethe wagon Ren glances at the girl for a moment, "Don''t bother, she looks like the type to bite your head off for even talking to her, maybe if another girl went over it''d be a different story." Turning to Celeste a sinister grin crept on his face as he began to poke her. "I''m not in the mood Ren, fuck off."


    "You''re never in the mood," he pouted his head dropping down. Ignoring him Celeste returned to her slumber, the past few days that''s all she did eat and sleep. Watching her sleepingface,I couldn''t help but be envious, I hadn''t been able to sleep the past few days. It was still hard to believe we were really free, and I couldn''t helpbut think,that if I were to go to sleep I would wake up chained to the wall in a roomvoidof light. The sun never setting helped with my fear of the dark, and when everyone went off to sleep I would talk to Leo never expecting an answer from his lifeless body.


    The Medics of the Liberators had bandaged our wounds, they seemed to be in shock from the damage that showed on our bodies. Celeste had refused treatment for 2 days before they had to subdue her to finish the bandaging, with her frail body I didn''t think it would be too difficult.


    We pulled through the gates arriving at a village, the scent of salt water drifted through the air and I knew we were close to the sea. The building all seemed to be made of stone and reminded me of thepyramidsI had seen pictures of, only not as big. The wallssurroundingthe tiny village were only about waist high, and I wondered what purpose they served it wasdoubtfulthey kept anything out. Ushering us out of the wagon we stood in the center, a small statue lay erectthat of a human frog.Thevillagersall stared as we stood in the rising heat. The former slaves said nothing, their faces void of emotion and I wondered just what they could want after freeing us.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Striding through the crowd the familiar girl strutted towards the center, her presence seemed to grasp the attention of anyone around her, placing her hands on her hips, "Hello and welcome toUmbakVillage, as you know we are the Liberators freedom fighters battling against the Evils ofJigokuO''har. Our mission is simple yet difficult, to destroy the border thatseparatesus from the rest of the continent, if you wish to join our cause and fight for liberty step forward now."


    The air was silent as the slaves looked around, not a single one stepped forward. It was disappointing, after the battle we had lost many men.I had hoped for at least a few warriors from them, yet itseemsthe mines had broken them. Cowards, "That is all you are free to go," Turning heel I head towards the Capt. building to inform him of the news. He wouldn''t be happy, yet if he had listened to me we wouldn''t be in such a desperate situation. Our forces dwindle to a measly 20 people, and the remaining supplies we had saved for the uprising has dried up.


    I have never seen such broken people, they don''t even look you in the eye. Walking through the crowd I felt an odd sensation causing me to whip my headsharply. Scanning the area, "What''sthe problemcommander?" Mylieutenantasked."I could have sworn someone was watching me," I mutter before I lock eyes with the culprit. They were a strange color, now that I think on it everything about the man was strange, his skin and hair he was the shabbiest of all the prisoners they freed and yet, I could see he hadn''t broken like the rest. Realizing I spotted him he quickly looks away before talking to a shorter boy and walking off through the crowd.


    "Hooker, keep an eye on that man." I mutter, salutinghe carries out my orders scurrying through the crowd in their direction. Walking through the village I finally arrive at our HQ inUmbakvillage, also my home growing up. It was shabby andworn downfrom years of neglect, yet it was a vital place for us to plan our next move. Walking through the curtain my father sat at the far table, finishing a mug his favorite meadbeforelooking up at me. "It seems the prisoners won''t be much help in the rebellion."


    Scratching his disheveledbeard,he releases a sigh, "We won''t be able to take the border with so few troops, we need to find morevolunteersin the neighboring Villages, perhaps they would be interested in our cause." I shifted my feetcontemplatingthe idea, "We would need to convince the Village Chiefs for such an idea to work. Not many people will go against their villages wishes, how will you convince them?"


    Pouring another mug full ofalcohol,he sips It slightly, savoring the flavor,"I''ll worry about convincing the Chiefs, what I need you to do is head out toDenebay. There''s a new shipment of supplies coming from the King from the port, with it ,we might stand a chance if we can rally a big enough group."Denebaythe City on the other side ofLayfront, itwould take 12-14 days travel. "You''renot suggesting that we split our forces? We hardly have 20 men." Yet another stupid Idea from my father, *sigh* shaking my head I could feel an incoming headache from his half-assed plan.


    "I''m notsplittingour forces, but we do need to get those supplies. Our weapons are dull, and our armor is rusted.I''m sending you with Hooker after we''vesecuredsupport from the other villages I''ll send a small squad to the city. You have 2 days to prepare, don''t draw attention toyourself and if possible gather more men there." Finishing his second drink with a large gulp he slams the mug on the table before standing up, "I know things seem hopeless now, but we will take the border, just do as I askDa''in."


    That was a big request, even if it was from my father. Nodding, I head towards the exit before Ihearthe mutter, "be careful."


    Walking through the village, the people were merrilychatting to each other. If you take a closer look you could see the former prisoners hiding from the crowd, hiding in the shadows it was a pitiful sight. Which brought me back to the man with the strange eyes, he had retained his sanity. He also didn''t belong in these lands, it was obvious at first glance. Stopping in the street I pondered what to do with my speculation, perhaps that prisoner was from beyond the border. If so, I need to speak to him.

 Chapter 12: Never Again

    I¡¯m lost. A breeze whistled through the silent village shifting the sands at my feet, all the villagers had gone to sleep leaving me alone to my thoughts. Beside me, his lifeless body lay, my best friend even in death. I was free, nothing to stop me from starting my search and yet, I was lost. I thought and thought about where to start, but the mines had made it painfully clear to me about this world. If you were weak death awaited you, Leo¡¯s body was proof of that. Many things kept me from sleeping, the nightmares, and the unknown direction I would have to take if am going to find Aurora.


    Although the sun shined brightly in the sky it was night for the village. Novillagersto roam the street whispering about my patheticappearance, no merchants giving me cold eyes for looking at their wares just the sound of the wind shifting the sands.Grunting, I drag the body outside the small village the farther I walked the heavier it felt,whetherit be from the weight of his body or the pressure that suffocated my heart. But I walked on until I was far away from anyone or anything.


    The sheet slips from my grasp and as I fall to my knees I begin to dig. The sand hot in my hands, this was something I had to do, something only I could do and as the hours went by the moundgrew bigger beside the hole. My arms burned and as I dropped his body into the hole another weight falling upon my shoulders. Looking into the smallhole hisbody seemed small, and thememoriesof another time surface in my mind. ¡°If only I had believed in you, the way you believed in me.¡± Maybe he would still be alive.


    Death, it wasn¡¯t something that I thought on in my previous life, but in thisworld,it was something that I had grown accustomed to. It didn¡¯t make this any easier, the longer I looked at his corpse the less I knew what to say. The only word I could think to say was ¡°sorry,¡± sorry for blaming you for everything that happened, sorry for thinking you were holding me back, sorry fordoubtingyour loyalty. Sorry for being a bad friend.


    If myeyesweren¡¯t so dry I might have cried, my body felt heavy yet my heart felt hollow. Each handful of sand carrying meaning as I dropped it into the hole and when I finished it was as if he wasn¡¯t there. There was no gravestone, no flowers, nothing. If I prayed to God would hehearme? Did he exist in this world? If he did or not my wish would be the same, ¡°May you rest in peace.¡±


    The walk back to the village was long,giving me plenty oftimeto adjust to my new reality, although I had friends they didn¡¯t carry the same goal I had. They didn¡¯t even know I wasn¡¯t from this world, making it clear that I was trulyalone in my search. If I was going to find her, if I was going to survive and return home, I would need power. Power, the word bringing the image of the girl who had battledWickumsurfaced in my mind and I knew what I had to do.


    The village was lively when I returned walking up to Ren he wore his usual carefree smile, ¡°You missed breakfast, and before you ask no I didn¡¯t save you any tough luck.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not all that hungry,¡± I replied. The small camp they had set up for us was composed of tents, the Liberators said they would provide one meal a day. The rest we wouldhave to do odd jobs around the village for a meal, but that didn¡¯t matter now.


    ¡°Have you seen the girl? The one that spoke to us yesterday?¡± Looking at me his mouth was full of food, shaking his head he returned to his meal, stuffing as much food into his mouth as possible. Swallowing he continued, ¡°By the waywheredid you go? Why are youreyesred?¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    I couldn¡¯t look him in the eye with my reply, ¡°I went to bury Leo¡¯s body.¡± He looked at me confused before Celeste joins in, ¡°bury his body for what?¡±


    ¡°He deserveda proper burial, it was the least I could have done for him.¡± I bark. She didn¡¯t seem angry but confused and wore the same look as Ren. ¡°Why bother to bury his body? You didn¡¯t you just burn his corpse?¡±


    The question left me speechless and I stared at the two as they looked at me with curiosity. ¡°Why would I burn his body! That¡¯s inhumane!¡± The two looked at each other and just shrugged their shoulders, Ren scratching his head awkwardly, ¡°Well ifyou don¡¯t burn the body won¡¯t he just rot in the ground? It¡¯s bad if aBurrwomgetshis scent and comes to attack the village. Everyone living in the desert knowsthat man.¡±


    Now I was confused and looked at them absentmindedly before a man approached us wearing the Liberators uniform, ¡°Hello and Good morning,myname is HookerOndra, 1stlieutenantof the Liberators, our commander would like to speak to you promptly.¡± The man¡¯s hair was tied in a smallponytailwhich I didn¡¯t think suited his age. ¡°Why does your commander want to speak with me?¡± I askedsuspiciously. Had she known of my intention to ask for her help? Or perhaps she was like the witchWickumhad spoken about and had other intentions.


    Hooker coughed slightly before continuing, ¡°She has formally requested your aid in joining the Liberators and wishes for you to travel towards the port ofDenebaytomorrow. Now if you would follow me she isn¡¯t one you want to keep waiting.¡± Ren and Celeste both shrugged their shoulders in confusion as I glanced at them. ¡°You were looking for her anyway why not just see what it¡¯s about.¡± Ren replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry if someone kidnaps you I¡¯ll be sure to come and save you.¡± Exposing agrin,he pats my back before pushing me towards Hooker.


    I peek overyshoulder as they wave at me, walking close behind Hooker as he leads me away from the camp. He brought me to aworn-downbuilding, walking through the curtain the room is covered in sand. A single barlayon the far side of the wall opposite of it 2 worn couches sat surround by broken tables and stools in the center of the room. Sitting at the bar the girl looked over, her green eye¡¯s watching me, perhaps taking me in before she motions for us to join her.


    Sliding in my chair the girl sips her drink, slowly washing down the brown liquid before placing it on the table. ¡°Who are you? What are you doing in this desert?¡± She didn¡¯t bother to look at me as she asked thequestion whichfelt more like a demand, shesimply sippedher drink as Hooker stood behind her watching me. I wanted this woman¡¯s help, she was strong and I want her power, ¡°My names Finn Alister, I was searching for my sister when I was abducted by the beast-men.¡±


    ¡°I was hoping you could teach me how to fight.¡± The girl twitched before looking at me, ¡°teach you to fight? That¡¯s what you want?¡± Chuckling she slides her glass away causing Hooker to jump after it, ¡°Ok Finn Alister, I¡¯ll teach you how to fight, but you must also agree to what I¡¯m about to say.¡± My mind screamed trap, but I ignored it. If I couldn¡¯t even protect myself, how could I find, let alone protect my sister? If I had her power Leo would still be alive, so wouldBaltorandZefire. ¡°What are your terms?¡± I mutter.


    She wore a devilish smile as she spoke, ¡°That¡¯s not how this works. You either agree with them and I teach you, or you don¡¯t andleave.¡± The girl may have looked younger than me but she was clever, perhaps she knew I wouldn¡¯t agree to her terms if I heard them. Or perhaps she just liked playing mind games, unlike Celeste this girl had,similaritiesto how woman back home would act. Letting out a breath¡°Ok, I agree to your terms.¡±


    The girl didn¡¯t look surprised and simply poured another drink, this time in two mugs. ¡°Well Finn, my namesDa¡¯inKirin, Commander of the Liberators.¡± Finishing theglass,she slides itin frontof me before a grin spreads on her face. ¡°Welcome to the Liberators.¡±

 Chapter 13: Weight of Resolve

    ¡°Wait, waitso you actually decided to join the Liberators? I didn¡¯t take you for a freedom fighter.¡± Renmurmured, his face didn¡¯t seem all that surprised from the news. I shrug in response, it¡¯s not like I joined for the cause of Liberating the deserts, or fighting to free other slaves. It was simply the only way I could see myself getting the power I wanted, needed to survive in this world. AndDa¡¯inhadpromisedjust that but first, she told me to prepare for our departure. Which wasn¡¯t for another 24 hours, how they could tell the time with the sun always in the sky I had no clue.


    Her terms were simple yetdictatorstyled,questioning about where I came from and how I had supposedly crossed theLayfrontborder. I figured explaining my situation honestly might help me, having a powerful ally on my side to help in mysearchhad its merits.But after explaining to her I had come from another world through a black hole she didn¡¯t seem to believe me and assumed I had either gone crazy in the mines or simplyjustdidn¡¯t want to tell her.


    Her other terms were as followed, Imustjoin the Liberators, I must obey each and every rule enforced by her and the Captain, I must listen and obey to any and everything she says, and finally, I have to travel toDenebaytomorrow. Some of them seemed a littlestrictbut considering I had already agreed to them I didn¡¯t complain, I was getting three meals a day and a fresh set of clothes so there really wasn¡¯t a reason to.


    ¡°Why not join? You could get rid of those rags and enjoy a decent meal for once.¡± I ask slurpingmy soup, it tasted of beef something I hadn¡¯t tasted in weeks, yet it felt like a lifetime. ¡°Well¡­¡­gray is my color, and I would be known throughouthistoryas thehandsome prince who saved the desert.¡± Pondering theofferhe glances over at Celeste, ¡°what do you think?¡±


    Listening to the conversation she gave a small shrug, unlike before in the mines her hair wasn¡¯t disheveled and fell to her shoulders in a clean manner. The rags she had worn were replaced by a leather tunic that stopped at her knees, ¡°doesn¡¯t matter to me what you do, but you can count me out. I already found a job here atthe blacksmith, Taro offered me the job this morning.¡±


    ¡°You got a job with the blacksmith?But¡­aren¡¯tyou a girl why would he offer you a job?¡± He said it jokingly but she was notamusedsimply scoffing at him, ¡°because I¡¯m a girl I can¡¯t be a blacksmith? Anything you can do I can obviously do better Ren.¡± With that she stormed away, walking through a crowd of villagers. ¡°I think you made her mad.¡± Imurmurpatting his back, ¡°so you are you in or what?¡±


    For once Ren seemed unsure of himselfI could see thatas he staredintothe crowdwhereCeleste haddisappeared. ¡°You know Finn, both you and Celeste are the only friends I have.¡± It was surprising hearing Ren talk seriously for once. ¡°But I don¡¯t think I can join, you¡¯ll be leaving and if I go Celeste will be here all alone. I don¡¯t worrytoomuch about you but Celeste¡­¡­she hasn¡¯t been the same since we left the mines, she needs me. And I know it¡¯s whatBatorwould want.¡± He looked meinthe eyes as he spoke not looking away for a moment.


    I knew he had thought about it and accepted hisdecision with a nod followed by a pat on the back, ¡°I think it¡¯s for the best. For both you and for Celeste.¡± I knew the path I would walk would not be void of blood, and I was glad they wouldn¡¯t get mixed into the violence that I knowwas ahead of me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll be sure to see you off tomorrow, but I¡¯ve got a job to get to.Apparently,someone left the pig pen open last night.¡± With that, he ran off leaving me to mythoughts.


    Da¡¯inhas given me coin to buy supplies for travel, although I didn¡¯t understand fully how the money system worked here. From what I observed in the market and from thehagglers,thetriangleshaped coin wasworth the most, the square is worth only a quarter of a triangleand the smallcirclecoin only being worth 1/10 of a square.I didn¡¯t know what the names were so I called them Tri,Sqa, and Circ. There were other shaped coins which I assumed were worth more than the triangle but I hadn¡¯t seen many of them and figured no one wanted to spend that much money onanything.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    She had given methree Tri pieces and told me to buy a weapon and as many bandages, I could carry, I¡¯ll admit itfrightenedme a bit but my determination wouldn¡¯t flinch fromthe talk ofpain so easily. With only 3 Tri pieces I couldn¡¯t afford a weapon made from a blacksmith so I walked through the market until I came across arun downshop, a majority of the weapons covered in rust. ¡°Welcome to Rudy¡¯s wares we sell anything from knives to swords how can I help you?¡± The man was scruffy, his hair droppingover his eyes and hisbeardwasgrizzly, he sat on his stool and his eyes seemed to be lost in the clouds as he spoke.


    He didn¡¯t seem too interested in helping so I simply nodded andrifledthrough the junk he had, looking for something that wasn¡¯t rusted or above 2Tri. Thereweremostly broad swords in the shop, and Iimmediatelydismissed using one. With my thin arms and body, there was no way I¡¯d be able to useit, there were old whips but that brought backunpleasantmemories. The knives anddaggerswere in the best condition but I didn¡¯t want to use anything thatremindedme of my torture sessions withWickum,Ifelt cold just looking at them.


    There was a wide range of weapons, from sticks toboomerangs, staffs, axes, swords. Some I didn¡¯tevenknow how it could be used as a weapon. Nothing felt right, thenagain,I suppose I¡¯ve never gone shopping for something to possibly kill someone with. It was gnawing at the back of my mind, I had to commit murder in order to survive. The choiceseemed to get heavierwith the realization, that I would possibly to a life, many lives if the need arose to accomplish my goal. ¡°I guess if I¡¯m going to be a killer, I might as well be the best killer I can be,¡± with that I decided and walked away from the shop towards the main building.


    Walking through the curtain a smokyaromafloated through the room, sitting at the bar a man sat talking to a hooded figure. The armor he wore unlike the other Liberators was polished, revealing your reflection when glanced at. His short black hair was neatly trimmed absent of sand surprisingly, even hisbeardwas neatly trimmed around his face. With hisbulgingmuscles he could easily over power me, that¡¯s what I thought until I realized his arm was missing. Right below the elbow, nothing was there and I wondered what a cripple could possibly due in the Liberators.


    He puffed on a short pipe, blowing smoke throughout the room causing me to cover my mouth. The smell brought back memories, and mygrandfather¡¯simage surfacedvaguely. Entering theroom,I could see he was talking with the hooded man, the black cloak reminding me of the mines kept me on high alert.Da¡¯inwas standing behindher father staringdeeply at the man, she seemed jittery andcontinuouslytapped her foot, before seeing me at the entrance.


    ¡°Over here Finn, come and meet the Captain.¡± Striding over I could feel the eyes of the cloaked man on me, he made noattemptsto hide his obvious fascination. Standing besideDa¡¯inI look at the armless man, his eyes were sharp but his smile friendly as he pulled out the stool, ¡°I hear you joined theLiberators I¡¯m CaptainRafuel,come on have a seat lad I¡¯ll pour you a drink.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to drink, we have to prepare for our departure tomorrow.¡± The air seemed thin in the room, evenso, I responded,¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Captain.¡±


    The captain released a sigh before looking atDa¡¯in, ¡°you never were one to take iteasy,thereason I brought you here was to meet thebeast-menyou¡¯ve been so skeptical about.¡± Nodding his head towards thecloakedman he let down his hood revealing his face.


    Perhaps if it had been any randombeast-manit would be fine, for I wasn¡¯t expecting to come face to face with my demons so soon. Because when he dropped his hood I knew who he was, he was the one who had captured me in the desert, the one who had introduced me and Leo to our horrible fates.

 Chapter 14: Picking a Partner

    There was no mistake, it was the same beast that had captured me and Leo when we first arrived in the desert, his beady black eye¡¯s stayed on me even after taking off his hood. My palmsdrenched in sweat as the memories began to surface in my mind, followed by an insatiable anger.


    ¡°Whatthe hell is this?¡± I mutter, ¡°Why is he here! He¡¯s the one who got Leo killed, he¡¯s the reason why so many people have died!¡± Joining in beside me Celeste barks in agreement, ¡°You brought a beast-man back to our village! Have you gone mad father? They can¡¯t be trusted.¡± The Captain took another puff from his wooden pipe before exhaling the smoke sending a haze throughout the room, ¡°He¡¯s the reason we were able tosucceedin the mission at all if it wasn¡¯t for the intel he provided we wouldn¡¯t have made a successful attack.¡±


    The beast-man wore a smile as the captain defended him, only seeming to increaseDa¡¯in¡¯sanger. ¡°If we had just done what I said you wouldn¡¯t need to rely on such a disgusting thing! You trust that thing more than your own daughter!¡± A thud rang out at as the captain slammed his fist onto the table, creatingsilencethroughout the room. ¡°You¡¯re still just a childDa¡¯in, noteverythingcan beaccomplishedwith brute force. Peewee has been giving us information for a long time now. He may have to do vile things to keep the trust of the beast-man but it is asacrificeneeded in order to purge the deserts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of this,¡± I mutterbefore dashing towardsthe unsuspectingbeast, my hands clenched as myknuckles tore into his face. I had told myself I couldn¡¯t beat him, that I wastooweak, but I didn¡¯t care ifhe beat meor killed me. I just wanted him to pay., for all thebruisesand brokenbones, all thelashings and tears, forBaltor,Zefireand Leo, forwhat Celeste had to endure, forthe nightmaresthat kept me awake at night, for everything. He didn¡¯t budge even as I continued to throw fist after fistat him. Grabbing my armDa¡¯inshakes her head at me.


    My face burnedas Istridetowards the door, Da¡¯infollowing close behind surprisingly. I didn¡¯t expect her to disagree with the Captain and it was reassuring I had an ally on this matter.Walkingout of the building we¡¯re greeted by Hooker, raising a salute toDa¡¯inasking how the meeting had gone. She scoffed at the question as we continued through the village heading towards the carriage we would be riding in tomorrow. ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea about us, not all the things that the Captain does we support. If you have a problem with anything you bring it to me first, then I¡¯ll address the Captain.¡±


    I nodded, thinking about the right words before asking my question ¡°why is that a beast-men is working with the Liberators?Isn¡¯tour job to free all the slaves?¡± Looking up at the skyDa¡¯inresponded, ¡°freeing the slaves is just something we do to rally supporters. Why my father decided to trust a beast-man I will never understand, but don¡¯t get me wrong, we enjoy saving people, but our mission is to destroy the wallseparatingthe desert from the rest of the continent.¡±


    ¡°Why would the beast-men create a wallseparatingthe desert from the rest of the land?¡± I ask, turning towards me her expression was grim, ¡°the beat-men didn¡¯t erect the wall, the King did.¡±


    ¡°The King builta wall? That doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°I¡¯msupposed toknow thethinking¡¯sof a King?¡± She retorts, ¡°It was built before thedisappearanceof magic, I think the King is behind everything that¡¯s gone wrong in Layfront, including the absence of magic. Although many peoplethinkTheDark King is the reason why it vanished.¡±


    ¡°Then what part do the beast-men play in all this?¡±


    ¡°The King sends a unit to the desert once a month, to collect new slaves from the beast-men. It¡¯s the reason why so many people are abducted regardless of race, sex or age. If we can stop the king the beast-men will have no reason to attack the villages.¡±


    ¡°Then what about the witch andWickum? How are they leading the beast-men?¡±


    Looking at meseriouslyDa¡¯inasks, ¡°witch? What witch? Ifyou¡¯retalking about the man that was working with the beast-men he¡¯s mostlikelydead.¡±


    I sawit with my own eye¡¯s, it was impossible to survive from that in the middle of the desert and yet, I still felt uneasy. The Witch had known something about me, and her presence had a slimy aura to it.Da¡¯in¡¯sstory had helped me focus more towards my goal, if the King was truly issuing from slaves then going to him would be the quickest way to find Aurora. ¡°It seems our goals are somewhat the same.¡±


    Smirking slightly,hereyebrowsraise slightly ¡°didn¡¯t I tell you to get a weapon? We leave early tomorrow no shops will be open for you to buy one. Perhaps you need Hooker to help you find asufficientblade?¡±


    Hooker simply stood with his arms folded shrugging his shoulder, ¡°I don¡¯t mind commander, I was going tohave my bladesharpenedanyway.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know which weapon to choose,¡± I responded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worryHookeris one of the finest warriors we have, he¡¯ll be sure to help you pick a fine weapon.¡± Nodding in agreement Hooker pitched in, ¡°Youneedn¡¯tworry Finn I am a master of combat and will be sure your first weapon is one you can carry with pride.¡±


    Hooker leading the way the two of us began our way back into town,Da¡¯ingrabbing my arm before whispering ¡°We¡¯ll deal with that beast-men eventually, don¡¯t get yourself killed on the first day.¡± Her face was close, so close I could see the small freckles on her brown skin and couldn¡¯t help but think she wasdefinitelyattractive. ¡°Now hurry up before the stalls close, unless you want to do battle barehanded.¡±


    Walking through the Village Hooker went on about the different swords and the uses and how toeffectivelypick a proper blade, ¡°Your first weapon is important, it¡¯s the foundation of your learning if notchosencorrectly yourfightingstyle will never be toitstruest potential.¡±


    ¡°Just take a look at my dearClaudith,¡± unsheathing his sword he smiled with admiration his eye¡¯s shining. The polishedgentlemanimage I had of him shattering in my mind, he was obsessed with anything about weapons. ¡°We won¡¯t find a blade as remarkable and perfect asClaudithbut we will surely find you an excellent blade.¡±


    The shop owner was in the same spot, looking up briefly recognizing me and nodding us towards his wares. ¡°Not even an introduction this time?¡± Entering the shop Hooker, talked with the owner about sharpening and polishing his blade. Allowing me to search through the endless piles of weapons, I had seen everything they had to offer before and didn¡¯t want to waste my time looking through the same stuff. Until something caught my eye, it was in the back of the shop, behind thecounter. A greenhiltedbladelayin the corner leaning against the wall.


    Unlike most swords here it had a thin blade and was a single-handed weapon, the tip of the sword was sharp and void of any rust. With Hooker talking with the owner I slid behind the desk picking up the sword. ¡°It¡¯s light¡± Imummerswinging it back and forth. Itfeltright in my hand, stabbingthrough the air I looked at the price and had no clue how much it would cost, all I knew was I couldn¡¯t afford it. ¡°now how am I going to get this out of the shop.¡±

 Chapter 15: Temple of Meme

    I had never needed to steal before, being from a wealthy family I never had toexperiencegoing hungry, desperation or the need to take something without paying. But being here, in this world had changed me. Before I even realizedit,I was planning a crime for my own survival. Whether it wasperceivedas good or evil in the face of others didn''t matter. Looking down at the thin sword my grip tightened around the sheath, my resolve clearing as I stepped through the door exiting the building.


    Hooker continued his cheerful chatter with the owner, gloating about his sword no doubt, making a good distraction as I walked away from the store. I felt no guilt for what I did and the farther I got from the store the less tension I felt. "Now that I have a weapon all that''s left is, the medical supplies." Medical bandages and wrappings would be expensive, having only three Tri pieces I wondered howDa''inhad thought it was enough to buy anything let alone a weapon and bandages. Asking around the market many of the residences seemed more relaxed with my appearance. Not being in rags or smelling possibly helped with that.


    After asking around for about an hour no one seemed to know where I could buy bandages for only 3 Tri pieces, some even laughing at the question until they realized I was serious. One man had told me that the temple gave free medical attention to those that defended the village from outside threats, and they might be willing to sell me their supplies for a lower than market price. Pointing me in the direction I thanked him before weaving through the dwindling crowd of people. It was getting late and many of them were packing up theirbusinessfor the day.


    The people of the village called it a temple, but it looked just like the other buildings on the outside. although a little taller thepyramidshaped building had novisible windowsfrom the outside, walkingthrough the curtainI''mgreeted by a dimly lit room and many bald men and woman silently bowing their heads. and on the farther side of the room, the same statue that was erected in the center of the village was also here only a smaller version.


    I stayed in the back of the room hidden in shadow, I wasn''t areligiousman personally and I felt awkward intruding in on the prayer.Lookingaround I recognized some of the former slaves, their heads also absent of any hair. How they could still believe in a God after what we had suffered through I didn''t know, perhaps it was the only thing keeping them going in this cruel world. Raising theirheads,the devotes clap their hands once in unison before chatter starts to fill the room. Walking out of the shadows gets me the attention of a few of them, walking up to me with a wide smile on their face.


    "What brings you here Liberator? How can we be of service to you?" The man wore many rings on his fingers, I assumed him to be in charge.


    "I''ve come looking for bandages for my journey through the desert tomorrow, the supply shops sell themfortoomuch money and my budget is low at the moment." Tapping hischin,the man thought for a moment, "I''m sorry to tell you this Liberator, but our bandages are reserved for anybattle that may arise, there strictly for healing the warriors who risktheirlives protecting our home and loved ones."


    "You can''t spare a few of them?" I ask, I wasn''t going to beg for their help but I had nowhere else to turn. "I''m afraid not, you are more than welcome to come for any treatments needed for a fee of course, but I cannot permit the selling of our bandages inlargequantities." The bald man seemed trouble at hisinabilityto provide any help, his wrinkles forming a deep frown before a smile surfaced onhis face. "We may not be able to provide you with any medicalequipmentbut perhaps you would be interested in lettingourhelbrederaccompany you?"This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Yourhelbreder? How does that help me with my problem?" I ask, the oldman laughed heartily before pointing towards the statue. At the base 3people lay kneeling in prayer, they all wore white gowns cut off at theanklesrevealing their bare feet. Finishing, they all stoodthe candlelight gleaming off of their hairless heads. "Come myhelbreders, this Liberator requires your assistance." They looked at each other briefly before striding over, it seemed like aglowemanatedfrom them.


    Each of them bowed in unison as they arrived not saying a word, "Wehave three new pledges with us that have started the path of being ahelbreder, although they received the mighty blessing from our Lord Meme they are stillinexperienced in the waysof the world and I wish for them to venture along with you in your travels."


    Looking at the group they didn''t look any differentthanme and I didn''t see the benefit of taking anyone of them along with me, and I doubtedDa''inwould be happy that I decided to bring along someone from the temple without her approval. "How willme bringing one of these men along going to solve my problem?" The words came out muchharsherthan I intended.


    The three men didn''t seem to mind or react in the slightest. They gave offanemotionless presence which gave me the creeps. "Ahelbrederwill do far better than any bandage or medicine could do, they practice the craft of divination healing the mind, body, and spirit. Although new in the craft they are still quite an asset if taken with you on your journey."


    I was a bit shocked, I thought magic haddisappearedfrom the lands yet here were 3 men capable of healing wounds, I thought on it briefly before agreeing to take a man with me on our journey. I figured I could question him later about how he was able to use magic. The old man nodded in approval a smile plastered on his face before beckoning to the shorter of the men. He wasthin,his skin not as dark as most people I''d seen in the village, standing beside the old man he bowed towards me, "thank you for allowing me to join you on your travels, my name is Orie a disciple under the charge of masterShidaum.


    So,the old guy''s name isShidaum,Ithought before the other two men stalked off. "He is only a disciple but his skills in the craft are superbamongthe others, do treat him well and return himsafelyto us." I nodded, before speaking with Orie explaining where he would meet for tomorrows departure and what he would need. He simply nodded at my instruction without saying a word, after which he walked away to whichIassume was to prepare.


    After thankingShidaumI headed back towards the camp looking forward to seeing the familiar faces of my friends. Walking through the tent I''m greeted by Ren covered in sand, "where have you been I was getting worried. Do you have any idea what time it is?" He spoke while giggling, "Oh shut up,where''sCeleste shouldn''t she be here by now?"


    Looking down Renmurmured, "She still at the blacksmith''s, she''s been working none stop ever since she left earlier. She''ll be at your departure tomorrow so don''t worry."


    Nodding myhead,I lay in the sandy straw staring up at the tent, my mindproddedwith the uncertainties of tomorrow before whispering,"One thing is certain tomorrow everything begins."


    Before hearing Ren snap, "Shut up! I''m trying to sleep."

 Chapter 16: Pushing the Limits

    "Don''t stop until I tell you to!"Da''inroared angrily, the wagon zipping through the sands as I sprinted beside it. Inviting Orie with us without telling her pissed her off, at ourdepartureI wasn''t allowed in the wagon and had to run behind them. She said it was a form of training, but I had my doubts. Panting far behind my weakness was alltooobvious, Hooker''s face was filled with pity as he watched from the wagon. The light sword strapped to my side got increasingly heavy, and as the minutes dragged intohours I felt my heart would implode if I continued any further.


    BeforeourdepartureRen and Celeste had said their goodbyes, Ren telling me to visit once I''ve found my sister. Although I doubt I would have theluxuryof visiting again, Celeste had given me something she made at the blacksmith. It was her first creation, a dagger. It wasclumsilymade but I accepted it, all the same putting it in the small sackDa''inhad given me. With that we left thecomfortof the village, afterward, Da''inhad begun her training by kicking me out of the wagon into the sand. Hooker had shown hisdisappointmentin the sword Ichoseclaiming it was fartoothin and was only useful for stabbing and parries, and would be difficult to use for a beginner.


    Orie sat in the wagon quietly reading a thick book he had brought along, onlylookingup if asked a question which only Hooker seemed to do.Da''inhad ignored thehelbrederstill upset that he was with us only spurring on the harsh punishments she threw at me. Becausethe sun was always in the sky we didn''t need to stop to set up any camp and continued on through the sands it was a flat plain absent of any vegetation, only the occasional bird would fly overhead beforedisappearinginto the distance.


    "I need a rest, I can''t keep running like this I''m starting to cramp," I complained, looking at me briefly she rolled her eyes before signaling Hooker to stop.


    "We need to feed the horses anyway," with that we stopped. Collapsing on my back as she dumped water on my face.


    "How is thissupposedtohelp me learn how to fight?"


    Her face formed a scowl as she looked up and down my body, "Your body is pathetic, I can''t train such a weak and fragile body. You need to build your stamina andstrengthweshould break a few bones, it might speed up the process."


    Ichuckledbefore realizing she was serious, "that''s just a bad idea, it won''t make me any strongerbesides It''llinterferewith my training."


    "We have ahelbrederhe can mend bones in a day or two, you said you wanted to get stronger, this is just one of the ways for that to happen."


    Looking at Hooker he shrugs, "We don''t have theluxuryof time to wait around for his bones to heal, it maystrengthenhis body but his skills will still be poor."


    "I will notutilizemy gift from Meme for such brutish ways." Orie murmured from the wagon, he didn''t look up from the book he was reading and turned a page. "What he needs is healing of the mind body and spirit, not to be broken again. This trainingyou''redoing will be of no use to the boy, if he''s to have true strength he needs to fight his demons and put his mind at ease, only then can he begin to pursue truestrength."


    I stared at Orie as he continued on, looking over him he was of average build but his presence always gave off a strange aura and I wondered if it wasbecausehe could use magic that he felt so different. Looking up from his book our eyes met sending ashudderthrough my body. "Perhaps I should teach him the ways of Meme."


    ScoffingDa''instrides over to the carriage, "He doesn''t need any training from ahelbreder, your just here to do your job that''s it, leave the training to me."


    "Hooker, teach him the ways of the blade before we depart I wanthimto know the basic stances of the sword." With that she began feeding the horses, approaching blade in hand Hooker motioned for me to stand.Mylegs still burned from running and I struggle to stand. "Listen well Finn for we don''t have much time but these stances will be the basis of your skill, the more familiar you are with using the stances the moreproficientyour growth will be when it¡¯s time to learn techniques."


    "Seeing as how you chose a saber, such a flimsy blade, youmustmasterthe basics of footwork and movement.When in a battle youare constantly maneuvering in and out ofrange, accelerating, decelerating, changing directions, blocks,parries, bluffs as well as the unknowns from others outside the battle.All of these skillsmustbe done with minimum effort and maximum grace, which makes footworkthe most important part oftraining."This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Bending his knees Hooker holds his wrist lightly in the air pointed towards me, "Do as I do," nodding my head I imitate his stance feeling the awkwardness in my legs and arms. "From today onward you will walk, talk, eat do any and everything in this positionuntilIt''s asnaturalas breathing and until I see you have mastered moving in the basic footwork we will not be learning anybladework." With that he left me to myself in the awkward position, holding the sword with only my wrist for support got heavy quickly and soon I was struggling to keep my arm lifted.


    "Seems likeyou''rehaving trouble, perhaps I can be of assistance." Walking over, Orie''s face remained buried in his book as he sat on the ground. "What exactly did you have in mind," I mutter struggling to hold the blade, my knees beginning to throb.


    "Light conversation," hesaid lightly turning another page.


    "You think talking going to make this easier?" I groan.


    "You''d be surprised how simple things like talking to one another can changeone''sperspective on a situation."


    "Ah, is this where you tell me to open up to your savior Meme and all my sins will be forgiven?"


    "You assume that our Lord would forgive the sins of man?Lord Meme is the focus of equality in all things."


    Orie muttered in a low voice, he now sat cross-legged in the sand and briefly looked up from his book looking at Finn as he struggled to maintain his posture. His God Meme wasn''t arighteousGod nor was he a devil, hesymbolizedequalityin all things good, bad evil or good it didn''t matter. Somemightcall it thebeliefof karma but the teachings weren''t that simple.


    Dropping his posture Finn plopped in the sand in exhaustion, frantically gasping for air. He didn''t spare Orie a look perhaps he was too tired or simply didn¡¯t want to for the subjects of God was touchy for him.


    "Is believing in this God Meme how you''re able to use magic?"


    He said through his gasps, folding the page Orie closes his book before giving Finn his full attention.


    "Magic? There''s a word I haven''t heard in a long time. Magic is not something Lord Meme grants, the gift he gives is only for the most devoted to his teachings, those willing to follow his path between good and evil and walk the straight line."


    The man wasspeakingin riddles making it hard for Finn to follow, but what he did understand was whatever ability he was able to use it wasn¡¯t magic but something else. Unlike in his world, the godsplayedan active role in those who remain faithful giving gifts to them. God was something that wasneverproven in his world to exist, making it hard for him to simply accept the words Orie spoke.


    "What can you do? These giftsyou''vebeen given by your lord, how does it work."


    Orie''slook was serious unlike his usual expressionlessness, "that is something I cannot teach, my path is to simply aid you on your journey while remaining a neutral party. The teachings of our abilities to outsiders isfrownedupon by the temple and will be met with punishment, or exile."


    Clicking histongueFinn swore under his breath, he had hoped he would learn whateverpowerthehelbrederwas able to use. Being unable, he felt that bringing the man along was a waste of his time and he had endured the ruthlesspunishmentsofDa''infor nothing.


    "Of course,spreading the teachings f or Lord Meme is one of our many jobs perhaps listening to his tale you will come to understandtheways of our abilities, of course, unless they are granted to you, you''ll be unable to use them."


    Sighing in reluctance Finn sat up, hearingthestory about some religion wasn''t something he believed would make himstronger. But perhaps Orie was right and it would help him understand how the abilities worked.


    "Alright that''s enough slacking, we need to head out!"


    Hooker yelled from the wagon, followed by a swift glare fromDa''in.


    "Another time perhaps, it seems we are leaving. Think about whatI''vesaid and if you wish to learn about the origin of our God I will be happy to share with you his history."


    With that he sat up and wandered back to the wagon,reopeninghis book as he sat.


    "Seems like you''ve had a long enough break."


    Snapping herwhip,the horses began sprinting off, leaving dust kicked up around the area. Finn could hear heryellingas the distance began to increase between them.


    "Hurry up,wedon''t have all day!"


    Finn wanted to cry his body still exhausted fromitsoveruse before he beganrunningafter the wagon again.

 Chapter 17: Thoughts of Orie

    It felt lessawkward, was what Finnthoughtas he moved into the stance.


    It was their third day traveling and everything was going according to schedule, that''s whatDa''inhad said earlier that day. Noweveryonewas asleep inside the wagon. He hadn''t told them he hadn''t slept in nearly a week.He would catch himself dozing throughout the day, which led to ascoldingfromDa''in. Yet if he kept hiseye''s closedtoo long the familiarpanicof the mines would surface in his mind causing him to bolt upright flustered.


    The strain from the lack of sleep was starting to doitstoll on him yet he continued topushit out of his mind, not having the time to stop or falter he continued on with the stances Hooker had taught him. Dusty and dirty he continued on until a familiar voice surfaced in his ear, "why are you still awake at this hour?"


    Turning around quickly, Orie stood his arms casually placed behind his back, they hadn''t had a chance to continue their discussion a few days ago. More like Finn had avoided the topic altogether. He didn''t want to hear anhour-longlecture about why he should worship a god he didn''t believe in.


    "I couldn''t sleep so I thought I''d practice, what are you doing up?"


    Theunusualaurathat Orie emitted seemed to dominate the area, stopping Finn from his training.


    "This is the third night in a row you''ve practiced this stance, perhaps something else is troubling your sleep."


    For an emotionless follower, he was sharp, Finnstutteredwithwhat to say grasping for any reason that wasn''t the truth. It was a reflex, anaturalreaction, to the statement and although he wasn''t in the wrong he still felt the need to defend his actions.


    "M...my sleep? I''m fine, I just want to get the stances mastered so I can learn blade work."


    Orie didn''t look convinced and walkedover to Finn, his footsteps were slow yet he appearedinaninstant. Presentingan almostotherworldlypresence making it hard to believe he was only man.


    "Whatever trouble you''re having, you can talk to me about it, the bodycannotprogress if the mind is stunted. Whatever power you''re seeking cannot be obtained if you''ve lost your way, Finn, it''s not a matter of which road isright,butwhat direction to walk."


    The man was speaking in riddles again, but Finnunderstoodthat he meant well. For thatreason,he felt he could trust in telling Orie his problem, sitting outside the wagon Finn told his story. About the other world, about Leo and the other slaves about what had happened to them, and about hismissionof rescuing his only sibling. The more he talked the lighter he felt and the heavier hiseyesbecame until nothing but darkness engulfed him.


    The tale Finn had told before going to sleep was indeed hard to listen to, even for adevotee like Orie who had to abandon his emotions when heproclaimedto be a follower of his Lord. Looking at the boy as he lay unmovingin thesands he could see thestreaksof water trail down Finn''s face.


    "Anothernightmareperhaps." Orie murmured before placing his palm on Finn''s forehead.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    A faint light glowed before the restless sleep ceased, a relaxed expression spreading over Finn''s face as he descended deeper into slumber.


    Even if he wanted to help theotherworlderOrie knew he could not stray from his path, for he is only there to provide sideline assistance, interfering in the path of another would incur the wrathof his Lord.


    "Perhaps this is the trial masterShidaumspoke of."


    His master had spoken of many trials that would test his faith in the Lord, if it was sensed that your will wavered, your abilities would forever be lost. Thereasonhe was traveling with the liberators was a test, to test his faith in their Lord.


    "I will not waver, not for any man."


    Orie spoke aloud hisproclamation, to himself and to his God. Having the boy rest easy was payment for telling him such aheart-wrenchingstory, staying within the lines of gray his religion called for.


    Liftingthe boy out of the sand Orie places him in the wagon, Finn had been much lighter than he thought. His height not equaling the weight he should be carrying. The story Finn had told him surfaced in his mind once again shaking something inside of him, causing him to question himself.


    If I had been in such apredicamentwould I have survived? Even to survive such a thing if you were broken in mind, body, and spirit could you really call that survival? Many of the former slaves had come to the temple seeking help, some so far gone there was nothing MasterShidaumcould do for them.


    How? Was the question that repeated in Orie''s mind. How could one endure andcontinueon such apath?Unlike the path between good and evil, Finn walkedanincreasingly bloody path, filled with anguish and heartbreak.


    Bowing his head Orie began his prayer, to his lord that controlled karma from the sidelines. If such a boy had suffered through such hardships, then great fortune also showed in his future. How far in hisfuturethat was something he couldn''tforetell, or how much more suffering he would have to endure before his luck would turn around. Perhaps his Lord would allow him to assist suchanunfortunate man, yet asking to do so would stray from his path.


    Ending the internal struggle thatprobedhis heart Orie closed hiseyesas he began his silent prayer,


    "Walking up towards the light,"


    "One step in front of another."


    "To descend into the darkness"


    "For each sincommitted"


    "I will remain undecided."


    "Lord Meme, I request your wisdom."


    Requesting for guidance wasn''t something Orie had ever needed to do back in the temple, but now that he was adventuring away from his master and his comrades, hisfirstobstacle was troubling him and he didn''t know where else to turn for help.


    The familiar voice echoed through his mind, deep and powerful.


    "What ails you in your trials young devote?"


    Meme often spoke with those he haschosento be his faithful followers, with only a handful who actually passed the trials successfully MasterShidaumincluded on this list


    "Lord of Balance, O Great Meme, I request your knowledge about a man I am traveling with, he has suffered greatmisfortuneand walks a path filled with despair and carnage."


    "Men must always suffer because ofman, after enduringmuch suffering fortune is always on the horizon. Never suffering at all, despair lurks behind everycorneruntil it consumes them whole. This is the wisdom I offer."


    Bowing his head inappreciationOrie spoke, "Thank you for your divine wisdom Lord."


    The voice faded before the familiar silenceensuedthe area.Looking over at Finn his sleeping face was peaceful. Something Oriehadn''tseen on his face since the day he met him. It reminded him of a child who had cried themselves to sleep. In a low tone, he spoke to the sleeping Finn,


    "You have suffered much misfortune, sleep well and dream big. Your future treads down and an unknown path. Paved down a gold road riddled in blood."

 Chapter 18: Awakening the Ancient Oak

    There was a tree, it stood tall thesurroundingslush with flowers and a subtle breeze. Looking around Finn was confused, his last memory of traveling through the harsh desert causing him to look around forDa''inand the others, to no avail.


    "Where am I?"


    The thought of being captured occurred to him but unlike before, this place was peaceful and he felt at ease in the presence of the tree that was void of leaves. He found itpeculiarsince thesurroundingsshowed so much life besides the lone tree that stood atop the hill, the smell of grass floating through the air.


    Approaching thetreeit looked familiar as if he had always known of its existence and as he stood underneath the large oak his chest burned. Looking down his pendant glowed a strange blue causing him to panic briefly. Thrashing around Finn removed thependant staring at the strange glow. Looking closely he could see the symbolreplicatedthe oak and to hissurprise, afamiliarman walked through the tree. His formetherealas a warm smile lay plastered on his face.


    "It¡¯s been a long timesonny, how have you been?"


    It was unbelievable, and Finn could only stare indisbeliefas his mouthlay gaping at the sight of his grandfather.


    "Grandpop? Is that you?"


    Lightly chuckling the etherealbeing materialized in front of him revealing his familiar gray hair and long beard, his clothes the same as Finn remembered all those years ago when he was just a boy.


    "What are you doing here? How are you alive?"


    Finn was ecstatic, his grandfatherhad died when he was nine in the other world, his world. Finn still remembered the sorrow he felt at the news of his death, he had cried for months.


    "All that will be answered shortly, firstly put your emblem back on."


    Nodding slowly Finn obeyed his grandfather placing the burning pendant around his neck.


    "Good now follow me, we have much to discuss."


    Turning around his grandfather walked through the treedisappearingfrom sight,hesitantlyFinn followed. Unsure how to "walk into" a tree. Placing his hand on the rough bark itbeganto sink through before he fell into the trunk.


    He stood on nothing, simply floating in a space, a void absent of groundand sky. His grandfather sitting mid-air watched Finn amusinglyas he continued to wave his arms frantically trying to steady himself.


    "Are we floating in space? How can webreatheup here?"


    Finn asked before his grandfather chuckled again stroking his long beard.


    "No sonny, this is what our ancestors call The Root, we are within Rootthe beginning of everything."


    His answer only confused Finnfurther adding another question to the growing list he was making in his head. A dumbfound look formed on his face causing his grandfather to laugh even more.


    "Are you really my grandfather?ArkarianAlister?" Finn continuedsuspiciously,


    "Yes sonny, it''s been a long time you''ve grown into a fine young man. I''m glad you still bear our family crest upon your body."If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Looking down at the pendant it haddisappearedleaving a mark initsplace, that of a tattoo. The chain simply dangling around his neck.


    "How did you bring me here?" Finn asked,


    "Your soul has come toitsbirthplace Finn, you being here is not due to my interference, but ofyourown craving for power. Now that your physical body is able to rest your spirit is now free to search for that power."


    The conversation was making Finn''s head throb as he tried to put the pieces of hisgrandfather''swordstogether. It was just as confusing as listening to Orie speak in riddles.


    "I''m not understandingyouGrandpop, how are you alive? I thought you died years ago on Earth."


    "That is correct Finn, I did indeed pass away but my soul returned to Roots to guide the next generation of Alisters."


    "And what is Roots exactly?" Finn asks, finally balancing himself in the groundless void.


    "There are many answers for that Finn, but themost simpleanswer is the beginning of birth, the creating of life and death, time and space. All matter that exists in the limitless realms that span the many universes, for it is the creator of those very universes. Rootsarethe Origin of both magic and craft."


    "Craft? Is that some sort of magic?"


    Lightly chuckling Alister floated closer to his grandson,


    "If you are to understand craft Finn you must understand thedifferenceit holds when compared to magic."


    "There"sa difference? They both allow you to do things younormallywouldn''t be ableto doright?"


    "This is true Finn, but listen well Craft is a blessing bestowed only by gods of this realm. Therearemany rules toitsuse and depending on the god and worship it can become very difficult to use such a gift. But magic is the manifestation of the worlds spirit, absorbing the very spirit of the world within your own body andemittingit externally, a cycle of giving and taking between man and earth."


    It was easy to understand and Finn nodded as hisgrandfather continued with the explanation


    "Whichis stronger? Magic or Craft?"


    Pondering the thought briefly Alister continued.


    "They each have their demerits sonny but that''s not of importance to us, for we are the creators of both magic and craft wepossessthe power of Origin."


    "The power of origin? How is it we have such a power? We aren''t even from this world,howis it your soul is here?"


    Alister let out a deep breath while scratching his frizzy gray hair,


    "that is a long story sonnyperhaps another time. Let us first begin with the soul pact."


    Reaching in his robes hisgrandfatherreveals a pure whiteacorn. Finn stared at the tiny seed with disdain as it dropped into his hands.


    "What am Isuppose todo with an acorn..."


    "Eat it, of course, beings ofour bloodline we are the only ones able to use Origin but without the seed of origin we cannot awaken our abilities it provides you with a link between yourself and the ancestors of Origin."


    Examining the white acorn, Finn throws the seed into his mouthand swallowsit with a heavy gulp. staring at his grandfather he waits for something to happen yet feels no changes.


    "Isn''t somethingsupposed tohappen?" Finn asked curiously.


    "Origin is only a seed within you sonny, and like a seed, it must be nurturedconsistently if it is to grow. As you gain power so will Origin and when it has begun to sprout we will meet again."


    The echo of voices rang throughout the endless void, "Finn....Finn wake up! It''s time for yourtraininggetup!"


    Opening his eye''s Finn''s greeted by Hooker looking down at him, "CommanderDa''inwant''s you up practicing your stances before we head out, put on your gear andlet''s start."


    Sitting up Finn felt strangelyrested and stretches his arms and legs before he throws on the leather armor he''s grown accustomed to wearing. The fatigue from the days before a memory as heattached theblade to his hip and exited the wagon.


    The sun didn''t feel as hot, nor the armor as heavy and as Finn crouched into the familiar stance his body moving with ease.


    "Tresultsulsofa good nightrest." Orie muttered from the wagon as he watchedFinn,hismoves much more fluid then than the day before. Looking over at Orie a smirk spread across Finn''s face as he continued to dance, forming a circle in the sand.


    "Yeaha good nights rest."

 Chapter 19: Investigation

    The corridors were brimming with light as the candles flickered restlessly. The echo of a single man''s footsteps resonating through the large building, slowly increasing speed until bursting into a full sprint. The walls blurring as he raced through the hallway until stoppingin front the large main door, raising his hand he pushes the red door open entering the prince''s chamber.


    "PrinceBlake, we bring news from theborder."


    The room was filled with thecontinentsmost valuable treasures, collect over the many years the royal family had ruled over the continent. He sat atop the throne his crown glimmering with colorful jewels, followed by thescepter wielded in hand that many feared for it was one of theonly sign of magic the people had seen since its disappearance.


    "Speak quickly! I haven''t all day."


    "Yes milord,Itseems that the weekly slave trade fromLayfrontdesert has failed to come in."


    The slaves were already a day late, the dealers were vile and disgusting beast-men but they were usuallypromptwith making a delivery to the royal family. Any resistance would be met with a swift andunpleasantend by their militaries forces.


    The prince stood tall from his throne tracing the gold lace that trailed along his scepter, a brightgemilluminatingatitstip. His blood red cloak dropped to the ground, trailing against thestonefloor, eye''s showing no rage, nor mercy his intentions often unreadable making anyone who had the misfortune to approach him tremble.


    "Send word forCaptain Finch in the gatehouse, I demand his presence in thesolarimmediately," the Prince''s voice resounded through the chamber as themessengerscurried out of the room leaving the doors ajar.


    My father will not be pleased by this, Blake thought to himself as he descended the steps heading towards the private quarters. Entering therooma small fire flickered in the fireplace sending a warm draftthroughoutthe room. His father sat in front of the fire reading from one of the ancient books he was always so intrigued about, picking up his glass he pauses while looking up at his son.


    "What brings you here at this hour Blake? Do you not prefer the company of slaves?" He talked in apompoustone as he finished his drink, gasping loudly as the liquid burned down his throat.


    "Now is not the time to fool around with slaves your majesty, a messenger has come with interesting news fromLayfrontdesert."


    "FromLayfront? We only have one relationship with that part of the continent! It''s only good for producing slaves nothing more if itweren''tfor thatsingle-use I would have the lands burned to ash."


    "That seems to be the problem, they haven''t delivered thisweeksshipment of slaves it''s more than a day late."


    The king closes his book giving Blake his full attention, "We have heard no news from the Witch or her son?"


    "That I do not know, I have sent word for Finch he will give us theinformationwe desire."


    As if the mentionof his name was a summons a knock rattled on thewooden door as the Captain strode through the room, even in the dark of night he wore his shiny armor polished toperfectionthe symbol of theking''sarmy branded proudly on his chest. Look at the prince with sharp eyes thecaptainsalute briefly, "You havesummonedme, your highness?"Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Finch what news do you possess about the absence of slaves fromLayfront? Whyhaven''tyou told us about such an important matter?"


    The man looked up his eye''s piercing into the young prince at the accusing tone he displayed before turningto the king, "I was madeaware of the news several hours ago KingJigoku, after verifying the absence of slaves from the merchants I sent amessengerto notifyhisHighnessimmediately."


    "Come have a seat captain, pouryourselfa drink, ignore thenaivetyof myson."


    Raising hisheadthe Captain sat in the chair opposite the king leaving the prince standing, with a smirk the Captain pours himself a drink with a before gulping it down quickly. "There''s no need to apologize, your majesty, perhaps Prince Blake needs moreexperiencein the worldto learn its ways."


    "Yes,yesperhaps you are right,"Jigokureplies through hearty laughter. A grin plastered on the captains face as Blake''s face turns red.


    "As for the merchants your highness, they have informed me that thebeast-men fromLayfrontdesert failed to arrive at the exchange at the appointed time, they also failed to send any message as to why they haven''t sent the slaves. I was planning to send a scouting unit to Row''s Peak at day break, it will take about a week."


    "Be sure to examine the border and make sure it is being properly maintained, we don''t need any of thefilthfromLayfrontleaking into the rest of the continent."


    Nodding his head in agreement thecaptainpours another glass before slurping it down, his eyes glued to the fire that flickered making the shadows dance on the walls. It was enticing making him remember the time before his time in the army when he was a child living on the streets of the capital.


    "Of courseyour majesty." Standing up he heads towards the door giving a final salute. "We will depart at first light."


    The prince sneered at his words as he left the room, his footsteps echoing off into the night. "Why do you put so much trust in such a manfather? He is street filth!"


    The Kingsigh''s, an oldman''ssigh, full of wisdom and exhaustion from thenaivetyof his son, "You speak beyond your years Blake, the more damaged a man the more power that manpossesses. That man has suffered morethananyone I have met, it makes him a powerful ally and also a fearful enemy."


    Looking from the door to his son the king looks long and hard at his son, his golden hair falling into a small ponytail at his shoulder as his crowned glimmered. "Stay away from thecaptain,Blake, he is not an entirely stable man."


    The young prince nodded his head slowly, trying to process hisfather''sstrange words. He hated the Captain, he had arrived and rose through the ranks tocaptainin aslittleas 5 years. The countless stories of his feats in battle have made him almost legendary yet whenever he asked the men under his charge about such stories, they evaded his questioning. Being the prince that never happened yet the mere mention of the name Finch would make the men pale, some even trembled.


    "I understand father, but is itnecessaryto send the Captain to scout the deserts for mere slaves? We can simply purge the desert of all the filth that reside there."


    "That won''t do Blake, the steady intake of slaves is our top priority at the moment."


    "What use do slaves possess besides to do our bidding and releases us from our physical desires father? We havemorethan enough slaves, there is no need to waste our time and mensearching through the desert for filth."


    The king shakes his head in disapproval as he stands up from his chair striding over to his desk.Unshelvinga book he flips through itcontinuouslystopping on aparticularpage, blue eye''s turning icy.


    "You aretooyoung to understand young prince, what I am looking for is not a mereslave.It is the descendants of a single man that hasdisappearedwith the passing time, the only ones with the power to resist againstmyambition."


    The young prince looked puzzled as she stood next to his father looking down into the book. On the page, the very first page there stooda loneman shrouded in shadow void of all detail except his eyes that glowed a mysterious purple. The man stoodin fronta large tree void of leaves as the moon shined overhead. Looking at the words that showedbeneaththe picture he couldn''t read the text.


    "What language is this bookfather? I haven''t seen this story in the library or the castle''s archives."


    The king remained silent as he stared at the picture his eyes unblinking before looking at his son, "It is of no concern to you, now out of my chamber. I havemuchreading to do."