《Eyes of Ashes》


 Chapter 01

    Victory brought no solace to Tark, the weary-eyed soldier. Though his sword had sung the song of triumph in the battlefield, his heart bore the melody of despair. Returning home, the sight of smoldering ruins greeted him where his cottage once stood. The ashes carried no answers, only the screams of his family lost to the flames. He hunted for justice, his blade thirsty for vengeance. Yet justice was a cruel jest. The local guards grinned as the men responsible swung from nooses in the town square, their lifeless bodies swaying mockingly in the wind. Justice was done, they said. But Tark''s heart remained heavy. Grief-stricken, he turned his back on the world and disappeared into the wilderness.


    Years passed. The wilderness became his sanctuary. Tark¡¯s home was a hollowed-out cave nestled between thick oaks, a refuge of silence. The only interruptions came from the occasional dirt-dragons slithering in search of prey and the rustling trees dancing in the wind. Peaceful, solitary, and unchanging¡ªuntil the day the girl came.


    She burst from the treeline like a frightened deer, collapsing at the mouth of the cave. Her dress was tattered, her face smeared with dirt and tears. ¡°Help,¡± she gasped. ¡°They¡¯re coming!¡±


    Between frantic breaths, she explained her plight. Her family had been tasked with collecting taxes for the Crown. Bandits ambushed their convoy, slaughtering the escorts. She alone escaped, running until her legs gave out.


    Tark¡¯s weary eyes studied her. ¡°Find another savior,¡± he muttered, retreating into the shadows of his cave.


    The girl¡¯s cries were drowned by the arrival of her pursuers. Bloodstained and sneering, the bandits emerged from the trees. ¡°Give us the wench!¡± demanded their leader, a portly brute with a crooked grin.


    One heavy bootstep crushed a bed of wildflowers at the cave¡¯s edge¡ªhis wife¡¯s favorite. Tark¡¯s grip tightened on the hilt of his Eastward sword. He sighed deeply and stepped into the clearing.


    The portly bandit barely had time to react before Tark¡¯s blade smashed into his jaw, sending shattered teeth flying. Above Tark¡¯s head, glowing numbers flickered briefly: _[Precision Strike: 15 (DEX)]_. Chaos erupted as the remaining bandits rushed forward.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Tark reached into his belt, releasing a handful of orbs. With a whispered command, the orbs glowed faintly before erupting in thick, choking smoke. The faint flicker of stats hovered in the haze: _[Smoke Bomb: +10 Stealth, -5 Vision to enemies]_.


    Blind and coughing, the bandits swung wildly. Tark moved like a shadow through the haze. _[Shadow Step: 12 (AGI)]_. A backhand sent one bandit sprawling into the dirt. Another flew over the girl¡¯s head, landing in a heap. A third crashed into a rock, the impact silencing his groans. Above each defeated foe, translucent words appeared: _[Stunned: 3 turns]_.


    As the smoke cleared, only one bandit remained standing. Trembling, he dropped his weapon and fled into the trees. A faint prompt flashed in Tark¡¯s vision: _[Intimidation Success: 18 (CHA) vs 12]_.


    Tark exhaled slowly, rubbing his sore arm. His health bar pulsed briefly, showing a slight drop: _[-5 HP: Minor Strain]_. He turned to the girl, now unconscious in the dirt. A glint of light caught his eye. By her head lay a circular pendant etched with blue and gold markings. He picked it up, brushing away the grime. His breath hitched. The double-folded silver and Wings of Grace emblem marked it as a royal signet¡ªthe King¡¯s. A new quest alert shimmered faintly in his periphery: _[New Quest: Protect the Princess]_.


    The smell of roasting pig roused the girl. She opened her eyes to find herself lying on a crude cot inside the cave. Tark sat nearby, tending the fire.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a tax collector¡¯s daughter,¡± he said, holding up the pendant.


    The girl¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°And you are neither lord nor sovereign to address me in such a fashion,¡± she snapped. ¡°I am Princess Luna of Zelotrum.¡±


    Tark raised an eyebrow. ¡°What does a princess want with a hermit?¡±


    ¡°My father is dead,¡± Luna said, her voice breaking. ¡°My mother is missing. Before the bishop sent me away, he gave me this.¡± She reached into her pocket, pulling out a crumpled map. ¡°This map leads to a sanctuary, but I cannot make the journey alone. I need your blade to protect me.¡±


    Tark took the map, studying it briefly before tossing it into the fire. ¡°This is a dead end,¡± he said. ¡°Leave me be.¡±


    Luna¡¯s eyes filled with tears as the parchment curled and blackened in the flames. ¡°You coward,¡± she spat. ¡°You hide here while the world burns.¡±


    Tark¡¯s jaw tightened. Memories of his burning home flashed in his mind. He stood abruptly, his shadow looming over her. ¡°The world took everything from me,¡± he said, his voice low and cold. ¡°I owe it nothing.¡±


    Luna¡¯s defiance wavered. ¡°Then let me repay its debt,¡± she whispered. ¡°Help me reach the sanctuary. Let me restore what¡¯s been lost.¡±


    Tark¡¯s gaze softened as he saw the desperation in her eyes. He turned away, staring into the fire. Finally, he spoke. ¡°We leave at dawn.¡±

 The Bridge

    "We need to pass under the mountain" Tark said with a low growl


    Tark and Luna had just reached the edge of the river after leaving the cave.


    "How long will it take us to pass under the mountain-side"? Luna asked with a hesitant voice.


    "About 5 days if we are not deterred" said Tark


    Luna tightened her boots. "Okay good sire, lead the way". Tark sighed and began walking toward the bridge.


    The River of talons was not popular due to it''s recent infestation of GearBats. These creatures were notorious ripping gear from your back while releasing a super-sonic screen which would leave you deaf for a month. Timing was the trick. As the GearBat dove to snatch a pack, just before they grab a sharp whistle is released as they brake the air. Striking after the sharp whistle proves to have a fatal effect.


    Tark asked Luna about her proficient with the magic-arts. Luna replied to have study under her old master at the castle to learn just enough about defensive magic. Tark''s ability lay in his Shadow step which allow him to sneak behind enemies undetected.


    Their first challenge lay just ahead. A swarm of GearBats blocking the first quarter of the bridge. They seemed unbothered eating their recent catch. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "I''ll flank them for their right. When I give the signal release a fright-flask to stun them".


    "What is a fright-flash"? Luna asked puzzled?


    "Did you not learn basic ma--" A GearBat dove over Tark''s head nearly shaving off his ear.


    The gaggle of beast now alarmed took to the air. One after the other they took turn diving bombing Tark and Luna.


    Tark''s voice rang out over the commotion. "Wait for the whistle"! He demonstrated by dodging an incoming diver and striking the beast squarely on the back. The GearBat screeched and the evaporated before their eyes. Luna tried to emulate the motion, but her timing was a fraction late. Instead the bat claws became entangled in her hair. The beast panic and began to gain elevation taking Luna with it. The side rail of the bridge was near was and Luna''s cries for help rang louder than the swarm. Tark was five bats away before he utter the words [Shadow step] and immediate appeared behind Luna. In one motion he cut the beast feet and struck it down. The newly freed Luna feel to the ground bottom first and bounce. She stood now with hair the length of her hair missing and yellow [Fright-Flask]. A piercing ray of light emitted from her left amulet. Seeing his opportunity Tark spoke softly [Sword of Shadows]. Six dark blades simultaneous swiped the air. The beast in the path of the attack exploded, while the rest fled the bridge. The path across the river lay in clear sight.


    Tark nodded toward Luna. "Seems like you didn''t forget everything".


    "I...I...can...take care of myself, thank you very much." Luna said as she rested against the guard-rail.


    She motion her fingers through her hair, then let out a small shriek.

 The Town

    Luna had never been further than the river border before. Most of her life was spent inside the castle bounds. The air surrounding the river town was marked with a stench she was particularly not fond of, fish. She found fish to be repulsive. Why eat a slimy sea creature when morsels like ham exist. She could not comprehend why anyone would consume such meals, much less devote their lives to catching them. Her mistress warned her not to visit such river-side establishments. Fishermen tend to stare. Luna''s blue and white dirt ridden royal dress did not help averting their eyes. The town was structured in a hurry. Wooden building with green streaking paint. Lamp posts decorated with the local fish. At the center of the town, a fountain was established. The crude mold of the town founders'' face spewed water. The inscription below the bust read, "Pour your riches and I will give you everlasting water". Luna had never felt so out of place.


    The crowd grew strong of shuffling fishmen. A fresh cart of the daily catch was being transported through the street. As Luna was reading the inscription a gangly armed man ran into her. She fell head first into the fountain. It was bad enough that her hair was misshapen after the recent bat incident, now her clothes were ruined. She was indignant. In appropriate society she would have been offered an apology consisting of a new wardrobe and a flogging of the offender. The gangly fisher man only scowled and spit on the ground as he continued walking.


    "Your dress is not imbued with water resistance?" Tark asked, puzzled. Most of his equipment was lightly enhanced. It was cost effective and kept him from conversing with the local repairman. Who, in Tark''s opinion, drank too much to mend any armor.


    "Pull me out of this fountain, then maybe I''ll listen to your recommendations" she snapped back.


    "We need to update your wares, quickly." Tark grabbed her forearm and pulled her back on the muddy road.


    "If the demons don''t destroy this town, I will have my father tear it down." Luna hissed.


    "Let''s find a shop, then you can plot your revenge, Lady Luna." Tark nodded in the direction of the business district.


    Walking through the forest in the customary royal boots was thought to be an honor. The boots were elegantly crafted by an esteemed tailor. After two miles, the footwear proved to be more show than support. Walking through the muddy streets, soaked wearing those same boots was light torture. After a brief trek and several inquiries, Tark and Luna found the doorstep of MARS & MANOR Tailor. Luna trudged up the staircase and burst through the door.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Welcome, welcome friends!" said the slender attendant behind the counter. "How can I assist you on this beloved day?" he took the eye-glasses from his forehead and then placed the spectacles on his long nose.


    "Oh my, it seems like you received the customary welcome to the town," said the tailor.


    "She needs a traveler''s cloak, deer-boots, and water-resistant outerwear." Tark said sharply. He threw a pouch of gold to the table.


    "Right away sir," the tailor bowed. "Please discard your outfit in the bin madam, I''ll have a fresh change of clothes for you while you wait".


    "Please hurry sir, the garment is beginning to weld to my skin". Luna said with as much dignity as she could muster.


    "I¡¯m going to purchase food and supplies for the journey," Tark said as he headed for the door. "Stay here. I''ll be back shortly". He descended the stairs and began marching back into town.


    Luna never shopped for herself. A servant would present her with the latest fashion options approved by her father''s advisors. The tailor''s shop was refurbished from an old inn-lobby. The smells of leather and hide filled the air. She was fascinated by the hanging pieces of armor, cloaks, and boots. She ran her hand along a narrow gauntlet. It had a particular weave that reminded her of clouds running across the sky at dawn.


    "You have a good eye," said the old Tailor from around the corner. "That is an adaptive gauntlet made from Twin-Fang deer." He motioned for her to try it on. The gauntlet was four sizes too big for her small forearm. She slipped the gear over her hand. The gauntlet began to hum, and then shrank to a snug fit just over her wrist.


    "It also reads your magically affinity to help focus your power. I made it for my granddaughter" said the tailor as he hung his head slowly. "She did not last the winter." he said and sat down.


    "It is beautiful," said Luna.


    A crash at the door caused both Luna and the tailor to leap to attention. Three men who were apparently engaged in an inside joke, hollered as they entered the shop. Two of the men resembled fishermen, but the third man was well dressed and his hair neatly combed. They knocked over stands and mocked the craftsmen ship of the wares. As the third man was swigging a newly found belt over his head, his eye caught Luna at the edge of the room. He squared his shoulders in her direction and began to advance.


    "Manor! You a sly little dog." The well-combed man said with his arms raised. "You received a shipment of new wares and did not announce the product." He dropped his hand behind his back. "And here I assumed we were as thick as thieves?" he said with a curled smile.


    "Baleck, I promised I would deliver your new spear handle in the morning..." said the old tailor as sternly as he could.


    "Pay no mind to the spear, you have an excellent item right here." Baleck said and moved the chair between him and Luna. Luna''s eyes widened and she glanced at the tailor. His head now hung even lower to the floor. Baleck''s men begin to encircle Luna and the tailor. Baleck snatched her armed and tried to lick the length. Luna quickly brought the gauntlet arm across the bridge of Baleck''s nose. [Skybreaker gauntlet. +2 Physical] He stumbled backwards using his cohorts for support.


    "This item is sharp!" He laughed as he wiped the blood from his nose.


    Baleck''s men drew their daggers, paused, then lunged toward Luna.

 The Son

    Tark was originally from the Central Region. He only traveled West with his family after receiving new orders and a chance at promotion to captain. Traveling chances a man. His time in the Central Region reaffirmed to him that most vendors were decent people. Tark understood, people had their own mouths to feed and kingdom taxes to pay. So an extra service fee rarely rubbed him the wrong way.


    While on the road to his new post. He came across a vendor at the side of the road. The vendor motioned his hand over the displayed leather bags. Tark quickly surveyed his inventory and realized that in fact some of his travel bags were torn. He stopped his horse and cart. The vendor jumped into his pitch. These special handcrafted bags. Bags imported from the neighboring kingdom. These sacks could hold the weight of a winged-elephant. But there was a catch. The vendor lacked larger coined currency. If Tark paid with a larger coin, the vendor could provide him with a smaller coin change in return. The deal was struck. Tark paid with a larger coin for the bag. The vendor quickly turned his back to Tark and fled deep into the forest. Tark was shocked and began to pursue. As he was about to give chase, he looked at the bag in his hand. The illusionary based magic had worn off. Tark was left handed a handful of vines. The vendor''s tent also returned to its original form, vines and mud. Tark never shopped the same way again.


    After careful inspection of each vendor''s offering Tark was able to find the supplies and food needed to pass under the mountain. "May I also interest you in our crawfish special today?" said the market vendor. He presented an oversized blue crustacean. "Its meat regenerates up to three times, you can eat on it for a week," said the leather skinned vendor.


    "This will be all I need, thank you," Tark said with a nod. He threw his newly filled satchel over his shoulder and began to head back toward the tailor shop. A familiar scream rose over the air. He heard glass shatter and a commotion broke out. Tark sprinted through the crowd at full speed. When he rounded the corner, he saw the tailor lying in the mud surrounded by pieces of glass. Still running, he could hear the scuffle still taking place inside. One man was huddled in the corner double over while holding his crotch area. A man with a bloody nose and too many ointments in his hair barked at his cohort to hold Luna still. The lesser lad, pinned Luna''s arms behind her back.


    "Two of you against me and yet you still struggle, how pathetic." Luna said. "As soon as I get my hands free, I will scratch your eyes out!" She yelled. Baleck became indignant. He sent a back hand across her face to soothe his pride. "Be still, pretty item, let me inspect you before my purchase." he said as he hand slid her check. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "That is enough," Tark interjected from the entrance of the shop. "Release her, now." he placed his hand on the hilt of his blade.


    "Oh, who is this?" Baleck said as he cocked his head to one side. "A traveling boot-licker, here to ruin my fun perhaps?" he said with a sneer.  "Do you know what I am!" his voice cracked under his strained vocal cords. He approached Tark as if they were friends. "Turn around, leave, and get out of my sight old man." Baleck was face to face with Tark now. Baleck patted Tark''s check with his bloodied hand. "Did you hear me, you old fool I said leave-", before Baleck''s could pull back his hand Tark grabbed his wrist.


    Tark rotated Baleck''s forearm, until two audible cracks were heard. Baleck''s had never broken a bone before, let alone a single bone in several places. His first sensation was shock. Like a doll assembled by a child, his arm was now situated backwards. In a flash, the pain shot through his whole body like lightning. Baleck screamed in horror, and stumbled to the door. To mend the pain, Tark swiftly placed his right boot heel squarely into Baleck''s chest. The force made Baleck''s shoulder blades clap. The airborne Baleck struck his head on the staircase, before tumbling into the road like a pile of dirty laundry. Tark turned from the door and set his gaze on the man who still held Luna. The fisherman drew his dagger to Luna''s neck. As he shielded himself with Luna''s body he yelled. "Come one step closer, and I''ll cut her throat!"


    Nitric knives are known for their light weight maneuverability. The knife now lodged in the fisherman''s head was confirmation of the blade''s reputation. Luna could even track the motion of Tark hand moving from his hip to release the blade. The fisherman dropped to the floor in the same fashion as a lifeless fish.


    "Are you okay?" Tark said as he crossed the room and retrieved the blade. [+2 Precision]


    "I''ll be fine, please leave me be for a moment." She found a broken rod on the opposite end of the room. She brought the rod to the lifeless man, screamed, then beat his body until her arm tired.


    Tark hurried to attend to the old tailor still in the street. By the time Tark reached him, the tailor had recovered from his unconsciousness. Taking in his surroundings and brushing the grass from his head the tailor sat up. "Did you do this?" the tailor pointed at Baleck laying on the staircase.


    "He was presented with two options, and chose poorly." Tark said sternly. The tailor held his finger to Baleck''s neck. "He''s dead." said the tailor with a low voice. "Listen to me carefully," the tailor said with sharp eyes. "You have done a service for this town, take anything you need from my shop." he said and found his eye-glasses in the mud.


    "Collect what you need, then leave the town immediately." the tailor began walking back into the shop. Luna emerged from the doorway. The tailor placed a gentle hand on Luna''s shoulder and smiled with relief.


    Beaten and bruised the tailor stared at his sign above the door. He faced Tark with hollow eyes and said. "You just killed the Baron''s son."