《Conviction of the devoted》


 1 Leaving the Frigus empire

    Today is a great day, the start of my first real job. My uncle arranged this for me, he is an ambassador himself. I start as a royal messenger, it''s a splendid task because you get to travel and the state pays for it. My older brother is a carrier too and he told me lots of stories about visiting warm islands in the south. Hopefully I get to go there too. It''s also an important job, they only use royal carriers for confidential information of high importance. My best friend Baldric will travel with me, he is older and works as a guard, so he will escort me. Our first task is to deliver a scroll to a representative of the Ocilon empire, about 2 weeks and a half travel from here. It will be exciting. I have never been outside of the northern lands, in fact I''ve barely even left the city ever since I moved here as a child. It was a difficult decision to make but it was necessary, although I''m sure my uncle would''ve been delighted to have me work with him, I desire to explore the world. I can always settle down later, when I''m old. First I should visit my uncle to say goodbye.


    Kilian, good to see you my boy. I was most pleased hearing the news. It seems like only yesterday that you arrived in my house, you were just a small boy, and look at you now, you''ve grown so tall. It will be a lot quieter here without you and your friends around. But before you go I have prepared a gift, when your brother left I too gave him such a gift. Here, open it.


    Kilian opens the long wooden box. Inside it is a large sword with a gem encrusted above the hilt.


    It''s a frost enchanted sword, expertly crafted. Usually only noble warriors can afford these. For you, to protect you on your journey. You will need to get used to the enchantment, but it''s fine for regular armed combat like you''ve been used to all your life. Your father would''ve been proud of you Kilian, and your mother too. They always spoke to me about how you were destined to do great things.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Wow. Thank you uncle! I will carry it with honor! Kilian hugs his uncle and then he leaves.


    Time to pick up Baldric. He lives near me, but in a smaller wooden house. We''ve been friends for as long as I can remember. We both survived raids on our villages as children. Growing up we had a hard time fitting in because we were used to a different culture and we spoke with a different accent. That naturally drew us to each other. One of my earliest memories of our friendship is going ice-skating at a frozen lake as kids. It was the first ice of the winter and I was so excited I had gone early, Baldric hadn''t arrived yet. Because it was the first ice it was quite thin and not most people avoided skating on it. Evidently a crack had formed and a larger group of kids had tried to push me into it but I managed to stabilise myself without falling in. But they were determined to get me into that pool so they started to chase me and when they caught me they tried to drag me into the water. It was 3 against one so I stood no chance although I tried my best to break free. Then I could feel the ice vibrate as Baldric started running at them, even then he was already quite built for his age, he picked up the largest kid and threw him right into the ice. The other 2 ran away, I will never forget that they didn''t even help their friend get out of the water. Baldric had always been less well off so he couldn''t afford proper ice-skates, but I had my uncle buy him a pair. We always helped each other out like that. He''s such a close friend. My uncle called him a family member, we see each other pretty much daily. Baldric! Today is the day, let''s get going! Look what I got from your uncle Kilian.


    Baldric reveals a massive shield, in the center is a purple gem. It''s a shield with anti magic properties! This will make guarding so much easier! Baldric''s adoptive parents were never that well off, and Baldric often stayed with Kilian and his uncle, he was practically extended family. Well let''s get going. I packed a ton of spirits for us!


    Spirits?! We can''t live on that, what about food! Sure, there''s some food too! But we can get food anywhere, but the finest spirits only exist here! Baldric was never a particularly good planner, so Kilian makes sure to stock up on dried food for travel as well.


    Then they leave, the kings delegates have given them 2 horses, they are strong and excellent runners. First they will travel by ship to the small port town of Pinehalt. From there they will travel by horse to the Ocilon empire, it should take about 2 weeks.

 2 Crossing the Cavas region

    The Cavas region is hilly and dry, with few signs of life. It has an earthy smell, and a chilly climate at this time of the year.


    The only notable cities are on the northern coastline, and besides some small villages, nobody lives in this region. It has nothing to offer, no flat lands, no particularly fertile grounds, and more importantly no sailable rivers to make transport easier. It used to be more populated a few centuries ago, but due to the wars with the Arcana kingdom, at its time still in its infancy, most of the locals were displaced. But even before that, the Cavas region had never been a highly populated region. Yet some wood elves make their home in the forests, and criminals use it as a hide out particularly because of its remoteness.


    It is still considered generally safe to travel, due to the sparse population few bandits find it worth their time to stalk the abandoned roads. Yet the odds were against Baldric and Kilian, and after a couple of days they are ambushed.


    This isn''t looking good Baldric.


    Four elven archers surround the two, bows drawn ready to fire. The tallest one, presumably the leader speaks with them.


    Those horses look healthy, we could use those. Step off them! Baldric and Kilian step of their horses, four to two with a range advantage; they don''t stand much of a chance. The leader approaches them, but his walk looks unconfident and weak. Unexpectedly for a bandit.


    You''re really going to rob royal messengers? You know that if we don''t show up on time they will send search parties to search the area right, you and your gang wouldn''t stand a chance. This is supposed to be a safe route for communication. Kilian says.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I don''t care, we need anything we can get. The elven bandit scuffs at them.


    All the more reason for you to care about these roads then, if you''re that desperate you can''t afford to lose control over this area. I''ll tell you what, let''s have a duel, if we win you escort us out of the Cavas region and then you can have our horses, if I lose you can have them right now. It''s a win-win for you, these are royal messenger horses, they''re bred for expert stamina and pace.


    How do I know you''re a real royal messenger and not just travelers? Everyone we rob says the same thing. No search parties ever show up around here, this place is a no-man''s land. Baldric reveals a set of scrolls with gold imprinted noble seals pressed on them.


    Alright alright, maybe you''re the real deal. Look, we don''t want any trouble around here, we''re just looking to survive, I''ll be honest with you, it''s not as safe as you may have been led to believe. Most of my brethren slaughter any non-familiar passerbys. For some gold I''d be willing to guide you through these lands safely. By the way, the name''s Foley.


    Although it would be difficult to trust someone who just tried to rob you, he''s only asking for gold now instead of their main transport, so this is a much better deal.


    After about a week of travel they make it to the edges of the Cavas region and are nearing the borders of the Ocilon empire. Foley was a surprisingly good guide, they managed to arrive 3 days early and found plenty of fresh fruit and fish along the route. So Foley, why don''t you join us in delivering our letter, then you can guide us again on the way back later. We''ll pay you extra.


    Foley considers the offer. He''s been in the Cavas region for so long it''ll be nice to leave it, plus he''s with royal messengers, that will counteract all the negative attention he will likely draw as an elf.

 3 Castle Blauwald

    After another week of traveling the more hospitable roads of the Ocilon empire they make it to castle von Blauwald. This is the most eastern stronghold of the Ocilon empire and thus forms a direct line of communication with the entire eastern half of Essanys. It is a more recent addition to the Ocilon empire, a mere 10 years ago they still acted independently but now they are fully subjugated. The main castle von Blauwald sits on a hill watching over the nearby city, Hazzlefrust. It is merely a couple of weeks of foot travel removed from the city of Lynn, the modern capital of the Ocilon empire. Between these two cities lies a thick forest known as Blauwald, that is difficult to traverse and has lots of wildlife and the occasional bandit, although in recent years, Ocilon patrols have severely limited bandit activity on the main roads.


    They enter the large castle, its walls and towers are pristine, having never seen any actual combat in its centuries long existence. It may be one of the most beautiful castles they''ve ever witnessed. Its height is immense with many large towers, some connected by elevated bridges. This area was heavily fortified long ago as a pre-emptive defensive measure for future Arcana kingdom expansion. This is the final choke point before entering the Ocilon empire, and as such perfectly suited for defensive measures. However the Arcana kingdom has always expanded south and east, never bothering to go north, not yet at least. Presumably they won''t expand north or west till they subjugate the northern kingdoms, after which they will control every region surrounding the bottled sea, since the Cavas region is mostly empty anyway.


    The main gate is large enough to fit three carts through it at the same time. four guards greet them, they are wearing beautiful ornate armour with gold trimming. We''re a party of royal messengers, we were sent on behalf of the Frigus empire. Kilian says. Then he shows his scroll and a royal seal. What''s with this elven boy? One of the guards asks. Foley gives him a frustrated look. He''s our local guide, we''d be nowhere without him, Kilian replies. Well alright then.. he can pass.


    Greetings on behalf of the Blauwald kingdom, please continue to our main hallway where you will be directed to our guest room for a hearty meal before meeting with our king. Even though they''ve been subjugated, the guards still speak in the name of Blauwald kingdom instead of the Ocilon empire, which must be their pride.


    Well I don''t say no to a good meal, Baldric says.


    After a longer than expected walk they make it to the main hall where a castle maiden directs them to one of the many, many dining rooms. This one is on the 8th floor and has a beautiful view over the entire city. A wooden lift powered by horses saves them the hassle of walking all those stairs. Princess von Blauwald specifically requested you to meet her in her private dining room. They walk inside and there''s a long table with many delicious exotic foods on it. At the head of the table is presumably the princess von Blauwald, surrounded by 2 guards in even more impressively decorated armour. The princess rests her head on her arm but perks up when she sees them enter the room. She wipes some imaginary dust of her lap then stands up to greet them.a good feast, Baldric says, already watering at the thought of a delicious warm meal.


    Welcome to the Blauwald castle! My name is Alina Ayla Tristana von Blauwald, the eldest and only heir of the Blauwald family. But please call me Alina. Please have a seat and eat our food, we had it specifically prepared for you. So what is it like traveling the Cavas region?


    Well it''s quite dangerous, Kilian starts, we almost got robbed, and you have to constantly be aware of attracting bears and such since we have to carry a lot of dried food with us. And on our boat trip in freezing temperatures, Baldric here got seasick. If we didn''t run into Foley, our guide, I don''t know if we would''ve made it here in one piece.


    Wow, really? Sounds exciting. My dad never lets me leave this stupid castle. I have to sit inside and read boring books all day and practise etiquette. We rarely even get any guests anymore since he''s been subjugated. He''s so unimportant and irrelevant these days. Did you try any special fruits along the way?


    No.. not really. But we have frost berries from Frostpoint with us, here you can try some. Baldric give her some of those.


    Sorry I ate the last of them on the way over here, he says, whilst stuffing himself with the various fruit filled pastries on his side of the table.


    Oh that sucks. Well we''ll save you some next time.


    The princess looks a little disappointed.


    Kilian takes one of the slices of meat from a platter, he has no idea what it is, but it looks delicious.


    This food more than makes up for the 2 weeks of horrible conditions they travelled in.


    Two royal guards enter and start to play their trumpets briefly. Please stand up for our royal highness, who will now enter thee presence, one of them speaks. They all stand up except Alina, who sighs and starts tapping her fingers on the thrones'' wooden armrests in her impatience.


    You are dismissed my guards. The king walks in, he''s a chubby and tall man, wearing a large red cape with golden trimmings. For a king he has a rather friendly looking face, the type of face you''d find on an overweight baker who is a little bit too fond of his own creations yet all too pleased to share them with his customers. Most kings are rather stern or more mean looking, I always thought it was a requirement of such an important position, having to balance many powers and making many enemies, one has to have a certain outward appearance.


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    Alina, what are you doing, this is supposed to be my seat, the king sits at the head of the table.


    But you always sit at the head of the table, this is MY dining room so I get to sit at the throne. The guards nervously look away. This isn''t the first time it''s happened.


    But Alina, this isn''t proper etiquette. No dad, you said this is my room, I get to sit where I want, or is this your room after all?


    Come on Alina, you''re making this more difficult than necessary, our guests are waiting. He starts pulling on his daughter''s arm.


    You never let me have anything, first this was my room and now you want the throne seat, this is unfair! She pushes a bottle of wine off the table so it shatters and spills.


    Alina! How could you do this, that''s my favourite wine!


    But you lied to me!


    Alright alright, I''ll sit over here. Does that make you happy?


    The king places himself next to his daughter on one of the guests'' seats, which looks rather silly since his large posture doesn''t really fit on a normal chair. The chairs legs are visibly bending and under a lot of stress. If this chair had a consciousness it would surely want to kill itself right now.  The king nervously looks around the table to see if anyone was looking, but they all quickly look away and pretend as if they somehow didn''t notice the previous argument. Then he breaks of a leg of the large roasted foal in front of him and takes a bite. He turns to Kilian, and starts talking with his mouth stuffed with food.


    Anyway, my apologies about that. Thank you for coming all the way to Hazzlefrust, I hope you enjoy our pastries, it''s a local speciality. But let''s address the real reason you came here. Of course sire, Kilian hands over the scroll.


    The king starts reading it whilst eating, nothing is important enough to interrupt his meal. Hmm. I see, I see. This is not good news. The Northern alliance is requesting shipments of anti magic materials. The Ocilon empire has indeed started mining pyrite and they''ve been tending forests of trees with anti-magical properties but still, this is in its early stages.


    Dad, nobody wants to hear your boring logistics talks! Let them talk about their travels!


    The king looks around nervously, my apologies, I will spare you the details. Anyway we will honor their request. You don''t need to go back to deliver a return message, the first ships will arrive in a couple of weeks, you can travel with those.


    Although I may have another mission for you, are you related to the Tanholt family by any chance?


    Yes indeed, I have an older brother, Kilian says.


    I knew it, you have the same face as your brother. The king smiles.


    I asked your brother to perform a recon mission on the way to the city of Sassafreud in the former Serpenius empire, the Ocilon empire requested me to keep an eye out on the state of affairs surrounding the bottled sea and its islands, many of which are still technically neutral. But he stopped sending back messages. Now I do not fear the worst has happened, delivery of messages is notoriously unreliable by airmail around those areas, but still, it''s been several months since his last update. I can give you a map with the route he was supposed to take and you should be able to track him down.


    Kilian isn''t worried, it is normal for scouts to disappear for longer periods of time and he knows his brother can hold his own. It will be interesting to trace his footsteps and explore the southern areas, he sees it as an adventure.


    Sure we''d love to go, right Baldric and Foley?


    Foley didn''t really sign up for any of this but still, an adventure with all expenses paid for sounds way more fun than just going back to the Cavas mountains and living on whatever they can steal from those unfortunate enough to run into him and his crew.


    Sure, I''ll join. An expert archer could be of great benefit on your journey.


    Dad, I want to travel with them. I hate this stupid castle. It will be good for my development.


    Alina, you couldn''t possibly go with them. It is far too dangerous, and you''re the only heir, you need to attend your royal duties.


    I don''t like it here! If you don''t let me go I''ll never speak to you again.


    Alina.. how could you say such a thing. The king''s eyes are visibly teary. He seems to be easily manipulated by his daughter, being kind of a pushover. Even though he''s a king, he''s also just like any father, having a soft spot for his daughter.


    I don''t know if traveling is all that fun for a princess, it''s dirty and the food is pretty bad. We sleep in tents, in the cold and rain, you wouldn''t like it. Kilian says, not looking forward to babysitting a spoiled child. Besides he really isn''t that experienced himself, there''s no way he could guarantee her safety.


    I don''t care, anything is better than staying here!


    At least sleep a night on it, this is a big decision, you can''t easily go back if you don''t like it. Maybe try a diplomatic trip through the western kingdoms first? You get to stay in nice mansions and the roads are safer with many inns. You wouldn''t have to sleep in the wilderness.


    But that''s boring! And I don''t like diplomatic trips, it''s so formal and direct. I want to go on an adventure. Plus I can take care of myself. I''ve been studying Light magic for 7 years, I could heal you guys if we get in trouble.


    So far we had been relying on potions but of course a healer would be nice, they cure wounds way faster. Still, a princess like this would probably break the moment they first encounter hardships. She''s lived her whole life with a silver spoon on a gold embroidered pillow.


    The following day after a good night''s rest in the castle''s guest rooms they are at the front gates preparing their leave.


    The king has tears in his eyes, take good care of my daughter, son. I know she can be a bit difficult at times but she''s very delicate. Here take this sack of gold, use it to rent the finest inn rooms and take these seals as well, if you ever find yourself in trouble you can give them these and they can be exchanged in my kingdom for a hefty sum of money. And be sure to write my letters every week about how my daughter is doing, if you need anything I''ll instantly send a royal party to attend to your needs. Stay safe! She''s my only daughter. It''ll be so quiet around here without her around. He wipes the tears from his eyes. Don''t tell her I gave you this, she''d get upset with me. The party leaves and makes their way east, traversing the southern parts of the Cavas region safely thanks to Foley''s helpful guidance, before heading south along the western coastline of the bottled sea. This is a no-mans land at the edges of the Arcana empire.

 4 The bard

    Finally, look in the distance, it''s a village. Oh great, I can''t wait to sleep in an actual bed again, Alina says. These past weeks she barely had any sleep, she was unaware of how many bugs one would find in the wilderness at night, and sleeping in a bag was something she had never experienced, but in retrospect would''ve been glad to have never experienced at all. Yet she pushes through, anything is better than being inside her boring castle all day learning about etiquette. She has plenty of time to sit around when she gets older.


    Who might you be, fair maiden? A sleazy looking bard asks her.


    I''m princess Alina Ayla Tristana von Blauwald. And I''m not entertained by your escapades.


    Maybe this will cheer you up, the bard starts playing some upbeat song on his exotic instrument and he signs along with it. It''s a song about a beautiful lady. Alina isn''t charmed by it however. She sees herself as above these types of guys, a mere bard, just a lowlife homeless person in her eyes. They party and drink and lack any sense of intellectuality, usually. And she recognises the instrument, it''s from the Hiatum republic. I never liked the Hiatum republic''s culture. They despise monarchs and value nothing above technology and democracy. Yet their cities are crime and disease infested hell-holes, lacking in beauty and purpose. She had to go there once on a diplomatic trip and the awful smells is all she remembers.


    I''d be most delighted if you would play that music somewhere where it wouldn''t reach my ears, maybe the outhouse would be more suitable, she tells the bard.


    The bard, not used to rejection, makes another attempt. Hiatum songs not your taste princess? He says jokingly, not realising she is actually a princess. How about something more local, I recently wrote this song after an encounter with a barmaid.


    I''m not interested in tales about barmaids.


    Kilian decides to get involved. Maybe you should play for someone else, she''s a real princess, you''d just annoy her, he whispers in the bard''s ear.


    Oh a real princess you say? The bard makes one more attempt and starts playing a classical piece that''s quite popular in the former Ocilon empire, written by a famous composer; it is often played in theaters across the empire.


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    Alina recognizes it, she sways a little to the music.


    Ah see, I got something for everyone, I accommodate all tastes, the bard says, and he winks at her.


    Alina looks away and turns her subtle smile into a stern, annoyed expression. She''s too proud to admit defeat.


    What''s a princess doing all the way over here in such a small town? he says, trying to strike up conversation.


    Nothing, she replies. And she walks away to the bar to buy a drink, but more importantly to get away from the annoying bard.


    Kilian involves himself again, it''s not going to work, don''t you know how these princess types are? They think it''s degrading to conversate with people below them. You don''t stand a chance, just try someone else.


    Why does she travel with you then, you aren''t nobles either.


    She wanted to go on an adventure so she travels with us. But she doesn''t see us as equals you know, we''re just like servants to her, we get the minimum amount of respect. Anyone that''s not a servant to her might as well not exist.


    Honestly I think she will grow bored of our travels soon enough, she hates sleeping in the wilderness or eating dried meats and fruits instead of the freshly prepared warm meals she''s used to.


    So where are you going then? the bard asks.


    We''re looking for my brother, we''re tracing his steps, he''s a scout but he recently stopped communicating.


    I see. Well the name is Ennius. I''m from the Hiatum republic, I traveled the Pheoqaviel isles, the Ocilon empire and now I''m on my way to the Serpensius empire, to amaze people with my music. Especially the ladies, if you know what I mean. I''ve heard that the Serpensius empire has plenty of golden haired beauties.


    I''m from there, originally, but I grew up in the northern regions. Kilian says.


    Oh really, you got any cousins you could introduce me to, Ennius says, before laughing.


    It''s true what they say about bards, they really only care about one thing, and it''s not music.


    We''re actually heading the same direction, Baldric adds.


    We should travel together, Ennius says. I''m not a fighter so I always have to be extra careful around bandits, but I could help you guys too, I''ve never been rejected from an inn, as soon as people hear my music they welcome me with open arms. Well most people anyway, except that princess friend of yours I suppose.


    Kilian and Baldric don''t have to consider his offer for very long. This bard may be a bit annoying and overbearing, but his songs and stories would be a great source of entertainment on their boring travels. Although Alina.. she probably wouldn''t like it.

 5 Sanoran troublemaker

    They make their way to a small port settlement named Azento on the outskirts of the former Sanoran empire, supposedly Abbarang went there before he visited Halipawa island. You can still tell by all the symbols that they''re in former Sanoran territory. The people are said to be fond of pranks and a little too direct for some tastes. But directness is often valued in merchant societies, and the Sanorans are no different, their former empire was built largely on trade, not military strength. After they find a hostel, Foley decides to go out on his own. He knows it''s bad but his hands are itching, itching to steal. He hasn''t stolen anything in a long time and he wonders if his fingers are still slippery enough. Normal people wouldn''t get it, but there''s a sense of pride in being able to take items without anyone noticing. Knowing that you could get caught any moment, it''s exciting. He makes his way to the market. As is the case in most port or border towns, there''s quite a diverse cast of people. But catfolk are clearly the dominant type here, being native to the Sanoran region and all. Still he shouldn''t stand out too much as a wood elf.


    He checks out the various stalls. There''s all sorts of wares, tapestries depicting recent war scenes or famous bards, paintings of beautiful buildings and nature, and food, plenty of exotic food.


    But he''s only interested in one thing. He''s been looking for new daggers for a long time. His old daggers growing blunt from fletching and practise. There it is, a weapon stall. Sanoran fighters are revered for their dagger and bow skills, so finding a good one shouldn''t be difficult. He spots a set of beautiful twin daggers. "Twin scorpio desert stalkers" the sign reads. The handles are encrusted with green gems, which provide an enchantment boosting one''s strength. A big, broad mean looking man wearing a towel on his head and another covering his mouth looks attentively at his wares.


    How much for these daggers, he points at a set of different daggers, "Serrated twin claws".


    Make an offer, the man says. Hm how about 5 gold pieces.


    The merchant starts laughing, you''re going to have to do better than that. How about 50 gold pieces. Well I''ll be honest they''re not that good. If that''s your budget I recommend a different set. What sort of purpose are your daggers for, do you want something flashy or more practical? Are they going to be poisoned or not? Hm I need something that quickly gets the job done but also looks impressive, Foley says. He knows how this goes, he has to distract him and lower his guard with friendly conversation first. What region are you from, you''re not from around here I can see that.


    Mainly the Cavas region, but I travel far and wide. The Cavas region? My cousin goes there, he sells bows to the elven tribes. You heard of him? The name is Rashnar. As he talks with the man he directs the conversation to the swords behind him. Right as the man turns around he tries to snag the daggers. But they''re gone already. He turns to his side and catches a glimpse of a young hooded catfolk rushing off. What the hell, those are supposed to be my daggers, I did all the setup.


    He runs off, while the merchant is still busy with his swords.


    The hooded figure runs through the crowds. He''s small and fast, it''s hard to keep up with him. Hey, come back here! He decides not to yell thief, knowing that would attract similar unwanted attention to himself.


    The catfolk quickly climbs up some barrels and makes his way up one of the flat roofs, but right as he tries to jump the ledges, Foley strikes his cape with a knife, which removes the balance from the guy and he trips, falling backwards. Foley grabs his chance to catch up to him. Hey those are my daggers, you think you can just steal them from me after I do all the setup? Don''t thieves have a code around here?


    What does it matter to you, you''re not from around here, if we get the authorities involved they''d side with me! the catboy replies, now that he can see his face it''s clearly another young thief.


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    Well I''m not so sure about that, they despise thieves no matter what race. He tries to grab the daggers and they struggle over it.


    Hey, give me back my daggers. It''s the merchant, he chased them all the way.


    Shit, this isn''t good, let''s get out of here. They make their escape over the rooftops, jumping from one to another before he finally loses track of them, becoming lost in the crowd.


    Why did you spend so much time talking to the merchant then, if you''re a thief? The cat boy asks.


    The trick is to distract them first, then once they turn around you disappear along with the loot. That way they have to take a moment to adjust which allows you to get away.


    I just smash ''n grab usually. The name is Zadkiel, but you can call me Zad.


    Smash ''n run is way too risky in my experience, Foley says.


    How about we team up? Zad suggests. You talk, then I come in and run off with the items, unnoticed. They won''t expect an elf to have allies around here. Here, you can have these daggers, there''s another weapon stall just two streets from here.


    They go to the weapon stall and try out their new tactic. It works flawlessly, and Zad is the proud owner of a new pair of expensive twin daggers. I don''t know about you, but I''m feeling hungry Foley, there''s a nice bakery stall over there.


    Let''s go for it! A few moments later they are stuffed with cake. Then they try a clothing stall. And a tapestry stall. Neither of them even cares about tapestries, but they wondered if they could get away with stealing a large tapestry. Then they try a jewelry stall. As Zad snags several chains and prepares to run off he bumps into a large man.


    Alright kiddo, I saw what you were doing. Trying to snatch jewelry are we?


    The guard takes him away and brings him to an open cell on the market square. He puts up a sign in front of him that says: Thief, caught stealing jewelry.


    People passing by throw rotten fruit and tomatoes at him.


    Foley walks over to the guards and asks them how long it will take before he will be freed.


    Why does it matter to you? You''re friends with this scum? After the market ends today we''ll throw him in jail, at least for a few months. That ought to teach him a lesson about stealing. If you want to see him sooner you''re going to have to pay his bail, 50 gold coins.


    Foley walks over to Zad.


    Foley, you should go to my family''s house, my little brother can help me.


    He gives him directions to his house.


    Foley arrives. It''s in the bad area of town, you can tell by the amount of trash on the streets and the poor condition of the houses. Lots of them are made from junk wood.


    He knocks on the door.


    A young cat boy, about 8 or 9 opens the door. He looks almost exactly like Zad.


    Hey, I''m a friend of your brother Zad. He got captured by city guards and he said you would know what to do.


    Really, not again. The little boy is shocked.


    Don''t worry, think about what your brother told you. He said you know how to get him out of there.


    Maybe.. maybe he means this. The boy disappears for a short while and returns carrying a vase.


    What''s in the vase?


    Coins. They count 50 gold coins, put it in a bag and return to the market square.


    Alright Zadkiel you''re free to go, but if we catch you one more time there won''t be any bail. The stall owners have been complaining about thieves.


    Thank you Foley and Zerach. He pats his little brother on his head. These are for you by the way.


    He gives him his old set of daggers.


    Wow, so cool!


    Be careful though, only use them on the strawman for now.


    You know if we had smoke bombs I could''ve escaped. It''s a must have for a thief or assassin. I know a guy who can hook us up. Come visit me again tomorrow morning, and we''ll buy a set of them.

 6 Wise merchant

    The following morning Foley wakes up early. But to his surprise Alina and Kilian are already up, eating breakfast, whilst Baldric and Ennius are still asleep. Especially Ennius likes to stay up late and sleep in the mornings.


    Guys, a friend of mine says he can get me some smoke bombs near here, I''ll be back before the morning is over, then we can move to Halipawa.


    Mind if we go along? We got nothing better to do anyway, ships don''t sail this early.


    Sure, I can introduce you to my friends.


    They make their way to Zad''s house. Zad is already prepared, along with his younger brother.


    Hello Zad, these are my friends Alina and Kilian. We''re traveling together to find Kilians brother.


    Nice to meet you guys. I''m Zad, and this is my little brother Zerach.


    I''m not little! Zerach says clearly annoyed.


    Nice to meet you two, so where are we going?


    We''re headed just south of here, there''s another market at the ports where many merchants sell their wares. A friend of mine stays there, Amaru. Let''s get going.


    Zerach looks at Foley''s twin daggers and bow with his large eyes.


    Wow cool daggers sir, what are those?


    They''re twin scorpio desert stalkers, they enhance your strength.


    Cool, I wish I had those.


    Well if you work hard you can save up money to buy a set for yourself, that''s what I did, Foley says.


    What type of job do you do then? Zerach inquires.


    I''m uhh.. an adventurer.


    Zad looks at Foley and signs with a flat hand toward his neck, shaking it.


    I mean, I work as a uhh.. fisherman.


    Zad nods.


    Is it fun to work on the ships?


    Yes I suppose it is.. catching fish, sailing the seas. Plus you get to eat the freshest fish.


    Have you ever caught a kraken?


    I don''t think I have, those are quite large and dangerous aren''t they? I''ve never even seen one.


    What do you want to be when you grow up Zerach? Alina asks.


    I want to be a soldier like my dad! Protecting the people of Sanora! Dad will teach me how to fight, right Zad?


    Yes I''m sure he will the next time he returns.


    After a short walk and some more carefully made up stories about Foley''s life as a fisherman they make it to the crossing.


    Zad introduces them to his friend, Amaru.


    This here is my friend Amaru.


    His fancy clothes immediately stick out. Alina recognises this attire.


    You''re from the Hiatum republic aren''t you? She asks.


    Yes indeed I am.


    What brings you all the way to the deserts of Sanora? Kilian asks.


    The Hiatum republic and Arcana empire recently became allied, exchanging their magical knowledge for our craftsmanship. So I decided to take the first boat I could to Sanora harbour, and ever since I''ve just been traveling around and selling my famous smoke bombs.


    Ah I see, so it''s a commercial endeavor.


    I suppose you could call it that.


    I''d like to buy some of those myself, how much do they cost? Foley asks.


    1 gold piece per bomb. They''re very effective. Here, take a look at them.


    Amaru hands him a smoke bomb, it''s a small glass ball filled with smoke.


    Can I see? Zerach asks.


    Foley hands him the smoke bomb.


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    Zerach attempts to throw it in the air and catch it but he fails and the bomb shatters on the ground.


    The area fills with thick white smoke. Foley can''t see anything, not even Amaru anymore, who should be no more than 3 paces in front of him.


    Sorry! Zerach says.


    As you can see by this demonstration here, they are quite effective, Amaru says, laughing.


    Yes there''s no doubt about that.


    After about 15 seconds the thick smoke clears and they can finally see again.


    That''s a cool looking spear mister. Can you show me how you use it?


    What do you say Zad, are you up for a friendly skirmish?


    If you are okay with getting defeated?


    Hahaha, confident today are we?


    Foley you will be the judge. Alright then.


    The rules are simple, the first one of us to have the other in a lethal position wins. Let''s go!


    Go Zad! You can do this! Zerach cheers from the side.


    Amaru engages fist, thrusting his spear forward and using it''s range to his advantage, but Zad quickly dodges to the side and backwards to dodge the incoming attacks.


    Then he rolls forward right as he thrusts, attempting to counterattack. He strikes forward to Amaru''s thigh, but he swings his spear and blocks the attack with such force that Zad loses his grip and one of his daggers falls in the distance.


    No Zad! Zerach yells, upset at his brother''s failed move.


    Zad prepares to jump to the dagger and Amaru prepares to intercept him with a spear thrust, but at the last moment Zad jumps forward and places his dagger on Amaru''s chest.


    Zadkiel wins! Foley yells.


    Yaaay! Zerach runs over to hug his brother.


    Alright, you got me. I didn''t think you''d go for the attack after losing a dagger. Nice work closing the distance. Amaru says.


    It''s difficult fighting a spear with its extra range, but my agility allows me to outmanoeuvre your movements. That disarming move was skilled on your side!


    Next you should battle Foley, Zerach says enthusiastically.


    What do you say Foley, are you prepared to lose?


    Foley attaches some cloth to the tips of his arrows. I only know victory!


    Alright then. Amaru will be the judge.


    They take their positions, roughly 15 paces removed from each other.


    Ready, go!


    Foley quickly fires several arrows with his shortbow, although Zad is very agile as he draws closer he fails to dodge two of them and they strike his abdomen.


    Keep going Amaru says, you would be weakened but not unable to fight.


    Then he rolls closer for an attack, however Foley simply walks back whilst continuing to fire his arrows. Another strikes Zad''s left arm. He drops his dagger as if he is unable to use that arm. This isn''t going to work, there''s no way to close the distance on Foley. Zad throws a smoke bomb at Foley''s feet and he is covered in smoke. When the smoke clears Zad has his dagger on Foley''s back.


    Zadkiel wins! Amaru yells.


    My brother is the strongest! Zerach cheers.


    That''s bullshit, we didn''t agree to using smoke bombs. I would''ve won easily.


    It''s just a friendly skirmish, don''t be upset about it Foley, Kilian says.


    Zad shakes his hand, Foley returns to shake his hand with some reluctance.


    Me next, I want to fight the man with the sword, Zerach says.


    Are you sure about that? Zad says.


    It''s alright, Kilian replies, and he winks at Zad.


    Okay then if you''re sure about it.


    Kilian keeps his sword sheeted to fight without causing harm.


    They take their positions.


    Zerach charges at Kilian who swings in Zerachs direction. Despite being so small, Zerach is quite agile and actually manages to dodge the first strikes.


    Then he rolls to the side to flank Kilian, but in his speed he loses his balance and falls, scathing his knees, Kilian strikes at his previous position, as if he had successfully dodged the blow.


    Keep going, Zerach! Zad yells from the sides.


    Despite the pain Zerach stands up and jumps forward to place his dagger near Kilians chest.


    Okay, you got me now! Kilian admits defeat.


    Zerach wins! Amaru yells.


    Good job Zerach! You did it!


    Foley and Alina clap for him.


    Then Alina walks over and casts a minor healing spell to heal his scratched knees.


    Thank you miss!


    No worries.


    Did you see Zad? I managed to dodge his sword strike!


    Yes I did, you did very well! I''m proud of you, Zad says, and he rubs his brother''s hair.


    So where are you guys going next? Amaru asks Kilian.


    We''re supposed to be heading to Halipawa island today.


    Ships don''t sail there often from here, we''re just a small port. I think it''s another 2 weeks before the ferry stops over here, Zad says.


    Aw that''s a bummer, I don''t look forward to waiting so long.


    I don''t want to stay here for another 2 weeks. I can barely sleep in these hard beds and there''s no other rooms available. Let''s at least go someplace else. Alina says, frustrated.


    You could just rent a small fisherman''s boat and sail there, Amaru says. I know how to sail, I''d love to help out. I wouldn''t mind a change of scenery myself either.


    Yes let''s do that, how long will it take to sail there? Alina asks.


    About a day maybe with favourable winds, Zad replies.


    Okay well, then it''s settled, we''ll sail there.


    By the way Zad asked if he could come along with us, he thinks it will be good for his training.


    Anyone is welcome to travel with us, Kilian says, and he places his hand on Zad''s shoulder.


    Can I come too? Zerach asks.


    I''m sorry Zerach but we''re going to travel quite far, you''re too young. And someone has to watch the house with mom right?


    I want to go with you guys! I''m pretty big too. You saw how I fought Kilian earlier!


    No Zerach, sorry. I''ll bring you some nice daggers when I return alright? As long as you behave over here and don''t cause any trouble. I''ll promise to take you on a trip somewhere after I return to make up for it.


    Tears form in Zerach''s eyes but he remains strong and withholds from crying. Only kids cry, men don''t.


    It''s unfair! Then he runs off to his house.


    Zad follows him to take his savings and say goodbye to his mother.

 7 A hooded figure

    The next morning they arrive at Halipawa island. A tropical island known for being a trading hub and relaxation spot. It has long mild beaches, and a significant population.


    Wow, I love this place. I''m hungry after that long boat trip, so let''s buy food! We will finally be able to get some fresh food, let''s find a fish restaurant at the pier! Zad says enthusiastically.


    Yeah I''m starving, Baldric agrees.


    It''s nice to be on solid ground again. I say we find an inn first, I desire a good bath. Alina says she didn''t enjoy the sailing trip on the way there, the cramped rooms and lack of hygiene is a horrifying experience to a girl of her status.


    Well let''s have some food first since we''re at the piers anyway, then we can find a room afterwards in the center and relax. We don''t have anything else to do today anyway, Kilian suggests. They agree with him and walk over the piers.


    Well you guys can go ahead without me, I don''t like fish. Foley doesn''t want to pay for what would probably be in his eyes an overpriced meal, there''s fishing ships docked here everywhere, nobody would notice a fish missing. However the fishermen seem to unload their fish first and finding a suitable moment to slip in unnoticed would require more time. He''s not in a rush and considers different options. Walking over the piers Foley spots a medium sized transport ship, seemingly unattended. It''s got a Sanoran design, you can tell by the prominent use of geometric decorations on its hull. It''s bound to have leftover food aboard, although fresh fish is unlikely. He enters the ship and makes his way downstairs to the storage room. Rats everywhere move aside to hide in the darkness as he enters. Using his knife he pries open a crate. Ores, bummer. He pries open several more crates till he eventually finds dried and salted sausages. Finally, the good stuff! It tastes great, whatever meat this may be. He starts stuffing his pockets when he hears the sound of a wooden board hitting the floor, quite loudly. Shit, they must''ve caught me. I''ll just tell them I''m here to check for contraband.


    He turns around and sees a hooded figure climb out of a crate and fall to the floor. They''re carrying a staff.


    Oh a freeloader,  if I turn them in they''ll reward me handsomely.


    That''s it freeloader! Drop the staff and show me your hands! You thought you could get away with this huh? Little did you know justice would be served! Foley shouts confidently, drawing his bow at the figure. The hooded figure faces him and shows its face. It''s a teenage girl, bags under her eyes and stains on her face and clothing. She looks in poor shape. Strangely there''s a large crow resting on her head.


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    I''m sorry, please, is there any way I could convince you to look the other way? I can help clean the ship or if you give a day I can come up with some money to pay for the trip. I had to run away and I was- Foley cuts her off, you''re a mage, I recognise those symbols on your staff. You''re from the Arcana forces! There''s no way I''m letting you get away, your people are horrible.


    Please, I didn''t do anything bad. I deserted from my military service, I don''t want to harm anyone. I didn''t have any money and they were looking for me so I hid on this ship, please don''t turn me in. The girl remarks, with tears in her eyes. She falls to the floor on her knees and locks her fingers to beg.


    Before they can continue the door to the storage room opens. It''s Kilian and the rest.


    Hey Foley, we saw you enter this ship and we knew you were going to steal food, we decided to pay for you, you shouldn''t get into trouble here.


    I don''t want anyone to pay for me, I can take care of myself. I don''t need anyone''s help. Besides there''s a different problem now, look, I caught an Arcana mage. She was hiding in a crate, let''s turn her in to the authorities, we might get a handsome reward. I hear mages are extra valuable because they''re higher ranked.


    Please don''t turn me in, I''m not affiliated with the Arcana kingdom anymore, let me explain. I''m Desdemona, I''m an arcane mage and I was part of a group of mages. My group was mostly tasked with crushing rebellion uprisings in the Sanoran lands, but these coastal towns kept rioting and never wanted to submit, so they sent us to make an example out of a town called Teradona and ordered us to kill everyone that lives there, even children. Most of the people there weren''t fighters, they were just scared civilians , trying to hide, so they set buildings on fire to lure them out like rats, and then we had to murder them. They said it would be good practice for our skills.


    I didn''t agree with it, but I knew that if I disobeyed they''d torture and kill me, so I ran away under all the chaos. I didn''t know where to go so I just kept going North because of the sea, but I knew they would come after me. After several days I made it to a port, under the cover of night I sneaked into this ship. I don''t agree with what the Arcana kingdom does, I''m not evil, I don''t want to harm the innocent, please give me a chance, if you turn me in they will send me back to the Arcana kingdom, Halipawa has a treaty with them, they would torture me to death.


    Well I think it''s not right to turn someone in if they''re trying to do the right thing, Kilian says. We should help her. Zad, Alina, Ennius and Baldric agree. But Foley isn''t happy about this. He doesn''t trust her. Moreover he despises anyone affiliated with the Arcana kingdom. People don''t change. But he chooses to stay silent for now. It''s useless to argue at this time. You can come with us Desdemona, we were just going to visit an inn to get some food, I''m sure you''re hungry too after what you''ve been through. Desdemona smiles a little, she is relieved, she has made it to neutral territory and already made friends, this is the start of a better life. The group enjoys a nice meal of locally caught fresh fish together mixed with fruits. Then they look for a room and they offer Desdemona a bed too. At night when everyone has fallen asleep, Desdemona remains awake. She can''t sleep. She decides to head to the lobby and starts writing a letter, which she gives to her raven Avias who then flies off into the night.

 8 A break at paradise island Halipawa

    The following day the group decides to relax and visit the famous Halipawa beaches, famed for their multi-colored glassy sands, and their gentle sloping which is perfect for swimming or just bathing in the calm waters. The man they are looking for is a ferryman and he''s currently out at sea, and won''t return till the following day.


    They''ve barely made it to the beach and Ennius has already ran off to talk to a pair of Sanoran catgirls, to charm them with his music.


    Baldric starts setting up a parasol. Today is a hot day like any other at Halipawa, but the gentle breeze and oceanic smell make it a comfortable one. Alina slathers herself in a special cream to protect her from the sun''s warm rays and Mona does the same. It''s especially important for Mona, her skin is pale from wearing robes all the time.


    Hmm, these fruits are really delicious Zad, tastes like jelly.


    What are they? Alina asks.


    They''re known as Plileple, it''s a desert fruit but they sell them at the markets here, it''s my favorite at home! Great and it hydrates you well.


    Here, try one Foley and Kilian.


    Foley reluctantly tries the fruit. For some reason whenever he has to try something unknown to him he does it with hesitance.


    Hmm these taste good, so sweet and flavorful! Kilian remarks. Baldric has already started to eat his 4th.


    So Mona, what''s it like, growing up in the Arcana kingdom, Foley asks, whilst sharpening some arrowheads with his sharpener.


    Pretty normal I guess.. I went to school before being recruited.


    I''m sure it''s normal to you, but you''re from Satharak right, is it true that they eat human flesh? Amaru inquires, he too wants to know what it''s like on the inside.


    Wait, what do you mean? Human flesh? No, we rarely eat meat and we mostly eat pork but sometimes beef.


    Are you sure it was pork? Rumor has it the people of Satharak are cannibals. He playfully pokes Mona in her side. But she doesn''t laugh, she seems rather shocked.


    Well how would I know, I''ve only had pork I don''t know what human meat tastes like to compare it to, obviously.


    What cut of meat was it?


    I don''t know really, can we talk about something else. Mona says, becoming visibly uncomfortable.


    How about the religions, is it true that they perform sacrifices to the god of light even though the sacred texts clearly state he''s against it?


    He''s against it? Yeah they perform sacrifices all the time.. but I''m not a follower of light, I''m a follower of the god of wisdom myself. We didn''t do any human sacrifices that I know of, just animals occasionally.


    Good choice! I follow the god of wisdom too. So could you leave Satharak freely to explore? Zad asks, to him the prospect of being stuck in a city seems horrible, no matter its size.


    Well, I never really tried to leave the city. I was just a kid so it''s not like I could travel alone. We went to forests and some old village ruins for combat practice sometimes though. But when I was sent to war we had to stand on a huge teleport platform and we were instantly transported to some old Sanoran city. It was quite exotic looking and very hot. And all the food tasted very different but not necessarily better..


    Wow so it''s true about the teleporters, that''s crazy, imagine the potential. Kilian remarks.


    Well I can teleport on my own too! Mona says. But it''s very energy intensive, I can do it maybe three times a day.


    Really?


    Yeah, look! Mona touches the palms of her hands and recites a long spell, then she starts to materialise into a bright lilac energy and instantly reverses the process about 20 meters away, the whole process doesn''t take more than about 5 seconds.


    Wow, that''s so cool!


    Thanks! It took a really long time to learn that, its one of the more advanced Arcane spells. But its range is limited, I can''t teleport back to our inn for example, that''d take an insane amount of mana I simply do not have.


    Still, you can easily traverse buildings or get behind walls that way, I wish I could teleport, Zad says with a slightly saddened tone.


    But you''re exposed for a good 5 seconds, Foley scuffs.


    Can you create magic portals to let others teleport? Amaru asks.


    No I can''t, that''s extremely difficult and I think that requires multiple powerful arcane mages, I''ve never heard of someone doing that by themselves.


    What about the festivals, do they even have parties in Satharak? Baldric asks, whilst still stuffing himself with the Sanoran fruits. Hey I would like to save some of those for tomorrow too Baldric, don''t eat all of them! Zad says, somewhat panicking.


    Mona uses her magic to magically float the basket of fruits away from him.


    Hey, my fruits! Baldric says, it''s barely comprehensible because his mouth is stuffed.


    Everyone laughs.


    There''s few festivals, but we celebrated the day of peace and kindness with family each year.


    Peace and kindness? I guess they don''t celebrate harvest seasons in such a large city, since there''s no farms and all. You missed out, Zad says.


    Well it was fun with the family.


    So what about politics, who rules the Arcana kingdom, rumor here has it your king is just a puppet, Amaru further inquiries.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    I don''t really know anything about politics, we met the king once before we were sent off for combat he blessed all of us. Almost nobody talked about politics that I know of. I think that''s something only old people do.


    Ah I see, well that''s unfortunate, I would''ve liked to know. Still, what a fascinating experience it is to meet someone who grew up in Satharak. Here on the outside we never meet anyone from there, I suppose they are all in the military. Satharak doesn''t really export anything either besides combatants.


    How big is your family?


    I have a younger brother and sister, Zad says.


    I''ve got a brother and 3 sisters, and 2 younger brothers and another sister, but she''s just a baby. I haven''t seen them in a long time. I hope they''re alright.


    In Satharak the first 3 girls and first boy are exempt from military training, but I can''t complain, they paid for my education so they got me a safer job as a mage, and I did so well in school I was added to a special program to become an arcane mage. My siblings won''t be so lucky I''m afraid.


    That''s quite insane, in most kingdoms every family just has to supply 1 or 2 men to fight when there''s recruitment going on. I suppose it is because the Arcana kingdom is relatively small in size that they are so militarised, Kilian thinks aloud.


    The gentle and pleasing sounds of a string instrument draw closer, the group turns around and its Ennius, he''s returned, with the two young pretty cat girls on his arms.


    Hello guys, sorry it took so long, this here is Kiki and this is Cici, they''re my new friends. One of them winks at the group. They''re tall and slender, with long dark brown hair, but Kiki wears her hair in a ponytail and Cici wears it straight down, they''re twins and you can tell Kiki is the serious one and Cici the more adventurous playful type. It seems like everywhere they go Ennius manages to befriend some young ladies, sometimes it''s like that the only reason he travels with them.


    They say there''s a magic show over there we can check out together. And afterward we can have a banquet at Kiki''s and Cici''s place, their father owns the inn we stay in and much more around here.


    Nice to meet you guys! They say at the same time.


    But first, let''s go swimming!


    Baldric jumps in the water and nearly causes a tsunami, splashing everyone, especially Alina who didn''t want to get wet.


    Baldriiiiiic. You should watch out!


    Don''t be so uptight Alina, Zad says, before splashing her with more water.


    This magic show is bound to be something, it''s got a REAL magician, says on the poster he''s a retired wizard who fought for the Arcana kingdom. You know this guy Mona? His name is Magicus. Probably a stage name. Ennius says.


    Yeah we went to the same school together, he cheated on the tests. We used to be friends.


    Wow, really?


    No of course not, the Arcana kingdom is huge, and he''s way older than I am.


    They take seats at the wooden tribune.


    The show starts with the man magically floating in the air, although to those with functional eyes it is clear he is using ropes painted in the same colour as the background to mimic flight.


    Ah this sucks, it''s going to be one of those boring fake magicians. I feel scammed. This stuff is for kids.


    But even the children sitting on the floor in front of the front row don''t seem entertained by the man''s lackluster attempts and illusionary magic.


    Next I''m going to make someone disappear. Any volunteers?


    Alina sticks her hand out.


    They only pick beautiful volunteers, you''re wasting your time Alina, haha.


    What''s that supposed to mean Zad? I''m sorry Alina, I was just joking! She slaps him in his face. She doesn''t take kindly to insults, playful or not.


    The "magician" picks one of the girls on the front row.


    He carefully places her above a carpet on the stage.


    There''s a trapdoor under the cloth! One of the children yells.


    Damn this is boring, why did we pay for this?


    Mona you should teleport the volunteer back to her seat, that''d be so funny, Zad says.


    I don''t know, I can''t really teleport someone unless they stand still.


    Ah come on just try it, please Mona!


    Alright then I''ll try.


    Right as the "magician" prepares to hide his "random volunteer" Mona starts casting her spell.


    The volunteer looks shocked as she dematerialises into purple energy and reappears at the other side of the tribune, hidden in the darkness. She plays along however and just hides, thinking its part of the show.


    Wow amazing, the kids on the floor stand up in excitement.


    The entertainer looks shocked with an expression of horror on his face.


    Ehh.. where did she go? Then he bows, trying to play along, although he is clearly deeply frightened.


    Okay.. Ehh next.. next I''m going to summon a rabbit out of my hat.


    He walks over to a wooden stand and places his hat on it.


    Why is it always rabbits or doves? Wouldn''t it be more exciting if he summoned a tiger out of a hat or a dragon?


    That''d be a tough fit now wouldn''t it, how would you hide one of those in a box?


    Mona, can you-


    Look I can''t summon animals and especially not dragons, they taught us combat spells at the academy, not party tricks.


    Be a lot cooler if they did though. Imagine a squad of mages entering your village and they start performing all sorts of magic tricks like summoning dragons and what not. I''d join them in a heartbeat, no fighting necessary, Zad imagines.


    I could teleport Avias, my pet raven into his hat though, that''d be silly.


    Yeah go for it Mona!


    Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: A rabbit!


    As the man reaches into his hat Avias flies out and back to Mona.


    The crowd starts laughing and clapping.


    You''re saving his show Mona, keep going.


    For my final trick.. I will saw someone in half. I''m going to need another volunteer.


    He "randomly" selects another girl from the front row.


    Then he places her in a large box that he saws in half, but as he starts sawing Mona teleports one of the boxes to the back of the tribune.


    The crowd is amazed. They start clapping. They don''t even care about the other half of the woman anymore.


    He bows and quickly closes the curtains. He has no idea what the hell just happened to him.


    You saved his show Mona. You ever thought about doing some magic acts? Imagine it, I''ll play music and tell stories, then you use your magic to perform tricks, Kiki and Cici could be our beautiful assistants.


    I don''t really like being the center of attention, I''d get embarrassed. And I don''t like crowds, they''re scary, I''d get way too nervous and anxious.


    You have stage fright? Don''t worry, you''ll get over it soon, and alcohol can help with that.


    I''d rather not Ennius, I''m not cut out to be an entertainer.


    Consider it, let me know if you change your mind.


    Let''s go back to the hotel, dinner should be ready by now! Kiki says.


    Great, I''m starving! Baldric says. Well you don''t look like you''re starving Baldric. Alina says.


    They walk back to the hotel where a feast has been prepared.


    There''s all sorts of delicious local specialities on the table, mostly seafood related but there''s meat too.


    Here, try some of these pork rolls Mona, they''re roasted in a sweet honey sauce, its delicious! Baldric says, before stuffing another one in his mouth.


    Anyway, as I was saying, Kiki here told me we should go north on the island. There''s a special school for lightmages, it could really help you out Alina! Supposedly it was set up recently, people are really becoming far more accepting of magic users aren''t they?


    What''s the matter Mona? Are you getting sick? Baldric inquires. Mona tries to contain her vomit with her hand covering her mouth and looks disgusted.


    These rolls.. they don''t taste anything like the pork I''ve had.

 9 The school of light

    It''s another bright warm day at the island of Halipawa, after a good night''s rest, this time in the luxury suites of the inn, they make their way up north by horse. The warm breeze makes it a comfortable trip, it''s warm year round at Halipawa, thanks to the southern desert winds from the Sanora desert, which carry heat all the way to the island.


    They have rented some horses and the trip should take a mere half a day.


    I already spoke with the ferryman this morning, Kilian says, riding upfront. He knew exactly who I meant, he says not many tall blonde northerners come here so he stood out like a sore thumb. He said he ferried my brother across to the east, where he was going to visit the city of Sassafreud. Tomorrow evening he will make the trip again and we can join him.


    Alright, sounds like a plan then, Ennius says, he''s riding at the back of the group with Kiki and Cici next to him.


    After a while they make it to the school of light. It''s a large building complex, there''s dorms, a small temple, and a school area. The buildings are made of beautiful marbled white, and because of the lack of wear and tear you can tell it was fairly recently erected. Kiki speaks, these were built recently, tolerance of magic users has become more widespread with the expansion of the Arcana kingdom, and it''s no different here. This is the first magic school of light. Young recruits from wealthy families come here to practice light magic to become healers, which will ensure them a bright future either inside or outside of the military. They''re also thinking about opening a school for water magics in the south of the island, Cici adds.


    It''s quite expensive to take lessons here, are you guys sure that you have enough money?


    Money shouldn''t be an issue, Alina remarks, with her nose high in the air.


    Cici and Kiki are from a wealthy family but it still pales in comparison to the Blauwald fortune.


    An old man wearing bright white robes greets them. Welcome to the first college of light, we have prepared a special lesson for princess Alina. We are honored to have a royal guest attend our lectures. My name is professor Illuminus. No doubt that''s not his real name, but it fits perfectly for someone teaching light magicks.


    By the way, what are we going to do while Alina takes lessons? Foley asks.


    Let''s take a tour and look around, it''s quite interesting don''t you think? Amaru suggests.


    Foley sighs, he should''ve just gone to the beach. He''s not interested in magic or spirituality.


    First they have Alina demonstrate the spells she already knows. She casts her defense barrier, which is comparable in strength to those of an intermediate light mage, and her healing spells, which are almost at an advanced level. But the professors are shocked to learn she hasn''t learned a revival spell. This spell can revive a recently deceased person and bring them back to a healthy state. It is of course of vital importance for any aspiring light mage. As such they decide they will focus all their efforts to teach her that spell, and give her extra scrolls so she can continue to practise her revival magic after they leave. After all, a single day of classes isn''t enough to master such a powerful spell.


    During the break period professor Illuminus and Alina rejoin the group for some snacks.


    By the way, this girl over here, is she a magic wielder?


    He points at Mona, who positioned herself furthest away from the professors in an attempt to hide herself.


    I uhhh... I had a private tutor teach me Arcane magic, my family is quite rich. She quickly makes up a believable back story to hide that she escaped from the Arcana forces.


    Not as rich as my family though, Alina adds, fearing damage to her status as the richest person in this vicinity, something nobody else cares about.


    Could you show us some spells, I''m sure our students would love to see different kinds of magic at work.


    I really.. I don''t know if that''s a good idea, Mona says. She doesn''t want to show off, she doesn''t like being the center of attention, especially not since she has to keep a low profile anyway being an escapee.


    I suppose I am asking for a lot. Magic is not easy and energy intensive. If you show us some spells we will give Alina our most recent educational material, it''s supposed to be for advanced next year students only, but you can have an early copy.


    Can''t I just buy it? Alina says. This is next level material, normally I wouldn''t share it no matter the price, we had to painstakingly craft these spells ourselves, you could republish it for massive profits in other areas, it''s the result of state of the art research.


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    Come on Mona, show them some spells.


    I really don''t want to, please. But Alina grabs her hand and drags her forward, sure she will join.


    Okay well what type of magic do you specialise in.


    With a very soft voice Mona says "Arcane magics"


    What, I couldn''t hear you? She said arcane magics Alina adds, she''s good at teleporting and combat.


    Okay then well let''s have a small skirmish, you can go all out, we have expert healers, so no matter what you throw at me I will be fine.


    After a few short moments they gather at a small stadium in the school''s yard. Professor Lumius and Mona stand at the center. Mona looks very out of place in her dark purple robes with runic symbols, with her deep purple staff.


    Okay Mona, attack me with everything you got.


    Mona hesitantly throws forward a weak, slow moving arcane bolt. The professor easily blocks it with his simplest light barrier. The crowd is amazed, but professor Lumius isn''t. Come on now, I can tell you are going easy on me. You think that just because I''m an old man you should hold back? Give me everything you got.


    I don''t really want to fight you, Mona says. She feels very uncomfortable already, the thought of harming this old man in front of all his followers and friends makes her cringe.


    Well alright then, then I''ll have to force you to defend yourself.


    Professor Lumius starts citing a long spell and raises his staff in the air. Then a beam of sunlight from the sun focusses on his staff and strikes forward at Mona''s location, she instantly teleports away, having anticipated the blast.


    What the hell, she predicted the blast, Foley says, feeling cheated, he doesn''t like the thought of Mona being so strong. Mona starts reciting another spell and purple geometric seals appear around the professors ankles, locking him in place, but before the seals have finished materializing she throws an arcane blast next to the professor, who reflexively tries to dodge it, but due to the arcane seals trips over himself and falls to the ground. His staff rolls away and Mona floats it to her side of the stadium, effectively disarming the professor.


    Wow, incredible. I was no match for you. I surrender. All the students and other professors start clapping.


    It''s not really a fair fight Mona says, light magic is mostly defensive. Arcane magic is far better suited for combat. And I can tell you haven''t fought many mages before, because if you kept moving I wouldn''t be able to seal your ankles.


    That is true Mona, I''ve only fought other light mages. Our only offensive tools are light blasts and blinding auras. Your magic is so powerful, it''s almost like you''re from the Arcana military forces. I was expecting you to just know a few illussionary spells, what else have you got?


    Ha-hahaha, Mona laughs nervously. Then she turns to Kilian and makes a face that suggests she wants to get out of here as soon as possible.


    Ehh, Mona is only an intermediate Arcane mage, and battles tire her out very easily, she really needs to rest now, Kilian says, hoping to save her from any further demonstrations.


    Hmm not a lot of stamina I suppose, perhaps that is their weakness, professor Luminus contemplates. Well I made a promise, here is the first edition of our special textbook. It contains extra material on strengthening your light barriers, and a special spell we call radiating light that can blind enemies. There''s also a chapter on thoroughly healing broken limbs, something most healers struggle with.


    Ennius takes the moment to take to the center of the stadium and he starts playing some tunes, with Kiki and Cici as back up dancers. The crowd is entertained. Amaru decides to take this moment to talk to the aspiring light mages and learn more about them. He approaches a student on the side of the tribune, so, what is it like studying light magic?


    I really don''t know, I don''t really pay attention, I just came here because this is on Halipawa island.


    Oh okay then, I''ll try someone else. What made you interested in studying light magicks?


    Eh, I just came here because my friend wanted to study here. I don''t really care about light magic, to be honest, I''m probably going to drop out soon. Okay, alright then..


    He tries a third student.


    What made you decide to join the school of light?


    Well it''s located on Halipawa island, so I thought there''d be lots of partying!


    Amaru sighs.


    After the break is over, they spend the rest of the day practising more light magicks, and they spend the night recovering in the empty dorms.


    The following morning they leave early to make their way back to the ports, but Kilian spots something in the air.


    Hey look over there, that bird is carrying some sort of item.


    Oh that''s my pet bird Avias! Finally! I wonder why it took so long.


    The raven lands on Desdemona''s right shoulder, but just barely, the string and attached jar covered in brown paper as well as the letter in its claw make the landing more difficult than usual. Desdemona starts reading the letter. Then her hands start shaking. Then her entire body starts shaking. What''s wrong Mona? What does it say? Alina asks her. But she doesn''t reply and slowly whilst shaking releases the jar from the attached piece of string and unscrews the lid. She takes a peak and then instantly drops the jar and falls to her knees. She starts crying. WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS! She yells. Desdemona falls to her knees and covers her eyes with her right arm, tears fall to the ground. The jar falls on its side and brown slimy liquid leaks out of it. A feeling of dread and emptiness enters her. Everything she lived for is now gone. What happened? Killian remarks. Zad grabs the scroll from her hand and reads it aloud: "Your shameful betrayal of the Arcana kingdom, your unit, and your family has consequences. Your family was likewise displeased with your disloyalty. We give you the opportunity to look them in their eyes one more time" Then he picks up the jar. Oh god, there''s eyes in here on pickled water. Alina runs over and puts her hand on Desdemona''s back. They killed my family. They''re all I had. They didn''t have anything to do with this

 10 Turmoil of the weather

    They''re on the ship heading east. It''ll be a 3 day trip. The place is packed and the cabins aren''t anything impressive. Kilian decides to lie about the circumstances in his letter to king von Blauwald, neglecting to mention the rats and over reliance on dried food they experience. He writes about the fact that they enjoyed a small break at Halipawa island, and how Alina practiced her magics, and how she is making new friends.


    Mona has barely spoken since she received news that her family was tortured and executed, she hasn''t smiled at all since, and she barely eats or drinks. They practically have to force feed her. All she does is lay in bed in her cabin all day and try to sleep. Zad tried to cheer her up with his comedy routine, but all his jokes fell flat. Amaru tried to talk with her and direct her mind towards her future, but that didn''t work either. Alina tried to comfort her and even bought her some expensive food and clothes, which also didn''t accomplish anything. Occasionally Ennius will play some sad songs for her, which seems to be the only thing she enjoys. All she had said was that if she could do it again, she would''ve just killed herself so her family wouldn''t have had to suffer. But she can''t go back in time and the only thing they can focus on now is the future.


    They''re walking between the roads of some unimportant towns. The locals always seem happy to have visitors this far inland, and Ennius always draws crowds, especially female ones, with his entertainment, but most of the group is feeling rather down because of Mona. As bad as it may sound, they need a distraction, something to direct their minds attention to, away from the sadness. Sometimes when you face problems you can''t solve, distraction is all you have.


    But the distraction they received wasn''t one they hoped for. Out of seemingly nowhere, it starts to storm. Heavy winds followed by thunder and later even hail plague them. They spot the abandoned ruins of a large farmers house on the side of the road.


    Let''s take shelter in this farmers house, Kilian suggests.


    They light the fireplace as Mona makes her way to the bedrooms to lay down.


    This isn''t good, Amaru tells the others. She''s clearly deeply depressed. We should try to get some medicine in the next settlement we come across, honestly, I have no idea of what to possibly say that could help someone who lost their entire family because of actions they undertook. It''s not the sort of thing anyone prepares you for, this isn''t regular grief.


    The rest agree. Besides us she doesn''t even have anyone or anything left.


    The storm grows in intensity. A section off the thatch roof is blown off and taken high up into the air.


    We should wait this out.


    Not long afterwards the storm becomes unexpectedly calm. They look through the window and spot a middle aged wizard wearing grey robes with runic symbols. Similar in kind to the ones on Mona''s staff. This guy must be from the Arcana forces, we should fight him, there''s no way he''s up to any good around here.


    Mona, there''s a dangerous wizard outside, come help us! They rush outside. Foley opens fire with a hail of arrows in the air, but the wizard summons strong winds and knocks them away before they even get near him. Then he runs forward in an attempt to get up close and personal but another wind blast sends him flying back into a tree. Alina, I need healing! Yeah I can see that, why did you rush in? Clearly that wasn''t going to work. She starts casting her healing spell on Foley.


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    Kilian and Baldric try to rush forward next, but a combination of instant rain and frost spells muddy the terrain, slowing them down, then the frost spells freezes Baldric in place, who blocks the remaining attacks so Kilian can be move freely.


    This is difficult, his elemental skills make defensive maneuvers far too easy for him.


    Mona arrives outside. Defend me! She starts chanting a spell to teleport Baldric out of the frozen mud.


    The wizard throws a volley of fireballs in her direction but Alina manages to block it with her defensive light barrier. Right at that moment Amaru throws forward his spear, hoping that he is currently too distracted to anticipate it. However the wizard uses a strong gust of wind to make his body dodge the spell.


    Next he faces the sky and chants some words, he smashes down his staff to the ground and several thunderbolts follow in their direction. Baldric and Amaru use their shields to instinctively protect themselves but the iron conducts electricity and Amaru is instantly electrocuted. Baldrics shield has anti magical properties and its protective gem breaks. Amaru falls over on his back and stops moving.


    Amaru! Say something! He doesn''t move. This doesn''t look good. But they don''t have time to address Amaru''s situation with the enemy still close by.


    He starts conjuring up a large tornado filled with flames.


    We have to act fast, put me closer to him, Mona! Killian yells.


    Kilian stands still, Baldric in front of him shielding him and preventing the wizard from seeing what he is doing. Mona teleports him right behind the wizard, then she casts a flurry of arcane bolts in his direction, he dodges them but it''s over for him. His back is pierced by Kilian''s frost enchanted sword. The frost sets in and freezes his lower legs and hands. He coughs up some blood. Impossible, how could this happen? How could I be defeated by a group of brats? Amaru ties his hands to prevent him from further casting up magic. The weather calms down again.


    Alina rushes to Amaru. This isn''t good. I''ll have to try and cast my revival spell. She starts reading from a scroll. Amaru''s body grows a bright yellow and white aura. Then he slowly opens his eyes. Oh my, everything hurts. She further heals him with healing spells, but Amaru is still not in great condition, however he is alive. We will bring this wizard to the prisons of the next town.


    What were you doing here anyway?


    I was hired to kill or capture a girl named Desdemona, going by her description, she''s the arcane mage in your party. She betrayed the Arcana kingdom.


    Well tough luck, you''re going to go to jail now. The man starts laughing.


    You won''t find peace Desdemona, they put a bounty on your head, you aren''t that difficult to find, Essanys is a small place, someone will get you eventually. I suggest you guys turn her in if you don''t want to deal with more of this. I''m a powerful mage but I work alone. Most assassins work in groups, you''d be no match for them. She will only cause you trouble. Zad punches the wizard in his face. You better shut up if you know what''s good for you!


    He''s right though, Mona says. I''m a liability to you guys. I don''t want to bring more danger to you than you already draw upon yourselves. Maybe it''s best if I leave and you guys can travel without me.


    Don''t say that Mona, without you we wouldn''t have defeated him, think about it this way, you helped remove another bad guy. Think of all the lives you potentially saved. If he killed us or escaped, he would reign terror on so many more folks, and you helped prevent that, Killian says. We need you, and you''re a good person, the world could always use more of those, Zad adds.


    Foley just stares off into the distance, refraining from speaking what''s on his mind.

 11 Fallholt

    They make it to the town of Fallholt. A medium sized town, it was just small enough to evade direct capture by the Arcana kingdom, instead being ignored, but of course, they submitted, the surrounding cities were directly captured so they never stood a chance. The place has grown recently due its relative safety and bountiful harvests. Not long after they arrive, they deliver the elemental wizard to the authorities which put him in jail. It could be nice to take some rest and stay in a town for a couple of days, all this walking has made their feet hurt and their legs are tired. First we should check out the local tavern, Ennius suggests, although regardless of the circumstances a tavern would''ve been the first place he''d visit anyway. They enter the local tavern. It''s decorated with hunting trophies on the walls, and there''s a small stage for performers, which Ennius immediately takes to and he starts playing some tunes from the Hiatum republic, amazing all the patrons, and especially some of the women, much to the dismay of the local men, who aren''t to keen on having more competition, although the good music makes up for some of it. Zad orders Mona a strong drink, maybe it will make her feel better if only for a little while. Kilian decides to talk with some locals and Baldric is approached by a woman, a rarity in his case, his large posture not conventionally attractive to most women.


    This sucks, I''m not interested in drinking in some run down tavern. accompany me while I look for a good place to spend the night, Alina orders Kilian. It''ll be fun!


    Can''t you go on your own? I kind of like it here.


    You would let a princess go out unprotected? I thought you were a gentleman, but you are just like the other guys.


    Alright then, I''ll go with you. Kilian says, knowing that if he refuses she''s just going to sour the mood for everyone till she gets her way anyway. They step outside and follow the main road of Fallholt. On the sides are mostly taverns, some bakeries and butchers, a general store here and there. Everything is in quite good shape and clean looking, this town isn''t doing too bad.


    What about this place, Kilian says, pointing at a small, cozy looking inn. It''s got those traditional wood with plaster walls.


    No, I can already tell it''s going to have small rooms, I desire luxury, it''s been so long since I''ve had a comfortable bed.


    But this is just a small town Alina, I don''t know if they can accommodate your tastes. I doubt they get a lot of wealthy visitors around here.


    Every town has something for noble people, I just know it.


    But how many towns have you visited Alina? Don''t they usually know beforehand when a princess arrives, and then they make sure there is something to accommodate royalty? We just stumbled into this town, they don''t prepare for this type of stuff.


    We''re going to find a good place to stay, you will see, she says.


    They walk around for an hour without finding anything. It''s getting cold and dark outside.


    What about this place then? He points at a large, tall hostel.


    It looks like a place for poor people. I''ve had it with these subpar places.


    Come on Alina, we haven''t even checked out the rooms yet. Plus we''ll only sleep there for a few nights, it''s not like we have to live there, is the difference in quality really going to matter that much?


    Yes. It''s important. Now stop questioning me.


    I like this place. She points at a large mansion, surrounded with a beautiful garden, and high metal fencing, the type with those spear tips at the ends to prevent intruders from climbing them.


    This is just a regular mansion, I don''t think they''d just rent us a room. You''d have to buy the entire thing.


    I want to stay here.


    We haven''t even been inside..


    She walks over to the guard post and starts talking to the guard.


    She returns about 5 minutes later. Alright it''s been arranged. We can stay here for a few days in exchange for 300 gold coins. We will have servants too!


    Kilian thinks it''s a waste of their money, and nobody would really care, but this stuff is somehow very important to Alina.


    I''ll take a quick bath then let''s check out the rooms Kilian!


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    I should really head back Alina, I don''t think Baldric and Mona can handle their spirits.


    Fine. You can go back to that dumb tavern now if you want to. Why would you want to spend private time with a princess anyway?


    I''m sorry Alina, but this is important.


    Kilian is far too focused on everyone''s wellbeing, he forgets to enjoy the moment sometimes. She reads a book as one the maids prepares a nice bath for her. It''s nice to live in luxury like this. Sometimes she misses the comfort of her castle. Yet it wasn''t perfect, she''d grow so bored. Nor did she have many friends. She only had her cousins and nieces and those never really had anything interesting to share, since they never left the safe confines of the castle walls either. At times it felt like a prison. She never got to go anywhere without guards. She always made it a priority to go on diplomatic trips to travel the world but it never fulfilled that true hunger for adventure, although the trips were quite enjoyable. The only reason she can travel freely now is because her family isn''t all that important anymore. They''re still rich, but they''re subjects to the Ocilon empire now; her dad hasn''t made any important decisions in a decade. And in time it will be the same for her. She''ll be forced to marry some noble, most likely a prince that''s more closely allied to the Ocilon empire and then she will have to perform boring ceremonial duties and trips for the rest of her life. The people are so boring. They rarely have anything interesting to share, it''s always just a brag fest. But at the same time, it''s a lot better than living like a poor person and having to work hard just to survive. And poor people can be so rude and unsophisticated. Really, she doesn''t know what she wants in life, but she certainly isn''t satisfied with what she has now. For now I''ll just focus on becoming a better light mage. Ideally she''d have many castles and estates across the plane, that she could travel between whenever one place would become too boring. But that''s too expensive and unrealistic, even for the wealthy Blauwald family. At least she doesn''t have to worry about etiquette now. She starts to read the book she received from professor Luminus. This blinding light spell seems rather dangerous to use, it could blind her allies as well. However this extra protective barrier spell could be useful. It summons a barrier of concentrated light energy which will block most projectiles and energy blasts, so most forms of magic.


    Princess Alina, your bath is ready, the water is warm. She takes the book with her to the bathroom. Time to relax.


    As Kilian makes it back inside the situation has grown quite dire. Mona is drunk, but unlike most drunks who either get way too friendly or just aggressive, Mona is scared and trying to defend herself.


    Baldric is similarly drunk and clearly being taken advantage of by some young woman, but he doesn''t realize it.


    Kilian is nowhere to be seen and Ennius is too distracted by a group of girls to interfere with anything, although even if he wasn''t, he''s not the responsible type.


    This ones on Kilian. First he walks over to Mona.


    Go away from me! What do you want to do with me! She yells, slurring her words, she drunkenly tries to cast a spell but her otherwise powerful arcane bolts look more like arcane puffs.


    You''re trying to set me up! You want to turn me in!


    Okay, this isn''t good. If she starts talking about her bounty, she will alarm everyone in this tavern, and there''s undoubtedly to be a few people desperate enough for some easy money to try and actually turn her in.


    He walks over to Zad. Okay Zad, this is bad, you shouldn''t have given her so much alcohol. We need to restrain her and bring her to the mansion. Oh yes, I forgot to mention, Alina rented a mansion where we can stay, about half an hour away from here. We have to take her there, she''s endangering herself.


    I hoped giving her some spirits would help her relax, but after only 2 drinks she became like this. Well of course she''d get drunk, does she look like someone who can handle a lot of alcohol? She''s small and thin, and never drinks, you should''ve known better Zad.


    I hate to do this but here, use this piece of cloth to tie her hands so we can take her home without her struggling so much.


    Okay then. Zad quickly ties her hand behind her back.


    Let go of me! I don''t want to go back! Anything but that! Mona starts yelling. She''s drawing a lot of unfavourable attention. Kilian covers her mouth with his hand. She''s drunk, she can get a little out of control. We''ll bring her back to our room, before she ruins this night, he explains to the onlookers. They carry her outside and then have her walk.


    Come on Mona, we''re not going to hurt you or turn you in, you''ve had too much alcohol, we''re going to take you back to a nice place with a soft bed where you can sleep.


    I don''t want to go anywhere! Let me go, she says. She starts screaming to draw attention.


    This is pretty bad. They cover her mouth again and try to drag her with them, but she keeps struggling because she thinks they''re going to turn her in.


    A towns-guard approaches all the noise. What''s going on over here, he asks, with a stern face and an even sterner tone in his voice.


    Well, our friend here drank a little too much, and now she thinks everyone wants to hurt or something, I don''t really get it, it''s not a normal reaction to alcohol. So we''re trying to get her to go back to the place where we''re staying for the night so she can rest till it''s out of her system.


    No doubt this situation looks suspicious to the guard, 2 guys and a partly restrained girl struggling to break lose.


    Well, carry on then. Make sure she stays quiet alright, those screams are a great nuisance.


    The guard just lets them go. It''s convenient at this time but a little weird at the same time.


    After a while they eventually make it back to the mansion, where they get Mona inside to a room. They give her some water.


    I''m not drinking your poison! Let me go! I don''t want to be here! Mona, if we were going to turn you in, we would''ve done so way earlier instead of bringing you here. Think about it.


    No, you''re scheming against me, I just know it! Alright, she really has to drink some water to help her sober up. Kilian keeps her mouth open so Zad can let her drink some water. Alina brings her some special herbs that are supposed to help against intoxication. Okay well you guys can take care of this problem, I''m going to go back and look for the others.

 12 Grudnut buns

    It''s early in the morning, the sun has just started to rise. Mona woke up early because she couldn''t sleep, so she decides to head to a bakery as soon as it opens to buy some breakfast for everyone. Fresh bread in these regions is delicious, it''s far better than the hard-tack bread that she ate when she grew up. Oftentimes they''d dip it in water or soup just to make it edible. And it tasted like dirt. It barely provided any sustenance. A lot of the girls here have far prettier and curvier bodies. Must be the better access to food. Alina is quite curvy and tall and she''s only a year older, I''m already 15 my body isn''t going to change a lot more. Most women stop developing around this age. But then again Alina is a princess, she''s got royal blood, her ancestors probably all married very pretty women, and she was served the best food available, it''s kind of unfair to compare a nobody from a famine stricken region to that. But regardless of how fair it is or not, the end result still kind of sucks. I suppose it''s similar for men, compare how sturdy and strong Kilian and Baldric are to Zadkiel. Then again Zad wasn''t really underfed was he? He grew up in a port town, so he probably mostly ate fish. But he''s also younger, he''s not fully grown yet. Men can grow all the way till they''re around 18. Still, he''s only a little bit smaller, he looks kind of cute regardless. She heads inside the bakery and there''s already a small line waiting to place their orders. There''s 2 girls in front of her and a large older man. They look to be family, there''s a similarity in their faces, they all have the same slightly upright noses. I''ll look at the selection of bread, I don''t want to be caught staring at people, they could get uncomfortable. There''s lots of breads, many with nuts, seeds and even fruits visible in their crust. I don''t know any of these, but they all look tasty. She overhears the conversation whilst staring at the breads.


    Back for more cupcakes are you, how is the little one doing? Yes, we can''t get enough of your cupcakes, they''re delicious. She''s doing great, in good health. And mom''s recovery is going fast, it was an easy birth compared to us she said! We''re going to throw a birthday celebration soon, so we need extra cake. Well that''s good to hear, you can have these cupcakes for free. Enjoy it while it lasts, they grow up so fast, seems like yesterday my boy was just a baby and now he''s already helping out in the ovens, I recommend to try these grudnut buns, they were his idea. The flavour of roasted grudnuts go really well with meaty flavours. Oh so he is already trying to help the family business! We''ll take 4 of them, might serve them this afternoon with some sausages. So how is he doing in school? Well, to be honest, not too well, but I''m not worried, as long as he can bake he can just take over the family business once he gets old enough. He likes to work with his hands, he''s not the type to work as a scribe for a lord or something. That''s good, it''s more honest labour. By the way, Lisa is getting married soon! Oh really? well... The mundane conversation about their families reminds Mona of her own family. She''s starting to feel sad again, she already regrets leaving the mansion. She should''ve just tried to sleep again.


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    The baker finally notices Mona, who is now staring at the floor. Oh sorry for the wait young lady, can I help you?


    7 grudnut buns and a loaf of haslebread.. please. She says with a soft voice. Around strangers Mona always speaks softly. The baker can just barely understand what she says.


    Coming right up. The baker packs it in a large paper bag and gives her back her change. Thank you for your purchase!


    Mona leaves with the breads and walks back, the other customers and the baker still engaged in conversation. She feeds one of the grudnut buns to her pet crow. At least I still have you. It''s going to be another sad day.


    After delivering the elemental wizard to the local authorities, they decide to visit a Fortune teller. Mona and Amaru are skeptical, but the rest insist.


    First the large one, extend your palms and hold this amulet.


    Baldric takes a seat and holds the amulet. The fortune teller looks into the glass orb. I see a lot of hearty meals in your future.


    You don''t need to be a fortune teller to see that, Zad says jokingly.


    Silence! I need to concentrate.


    Ooh, and I see a young lady with dark hair who will have a large impact on your life. Okay, its hazy again.


    Next! Zadkiel takes a seat. Hmm, you are a risk taker, I can tell that.


    Your future is hazy, but I can say this: you should avoid doing dangerous stunts. What a boring prediction. Anybody could''ve figured out those things.


    Alina is next.


    I see a lot of wealth in your future, in more than one ways, and you may have already met your future husband.


    Finally she says something exciting.


    Amaru takes a seat. Amaru, your travels will end soon.


    How did she know my name? He asks, but the lady shoos him away.


    Desdemona, takes a seat next. They all hope she will have something positive to say.


    The lady looks in the glass orb. She looks around a little then says, you will find peace from your torment. Your goals will be achieved.


    Then Kilian takes a seat.


    Kilian, you will live a long and prosperous life. But not without hardship.


    Foley doesn''t want to take a seat but the others force him to.


    Foley, you will find what you''re looking for eventually.


    What does that even mean? These fortune tellers are so vague no matter what they say it could be true or false.


    After paying her a larger than expected sum of money they leave.


    That night Kilian writes another letter to king Blauwald. He tells him of how they made many friends and defeated an elemental mage. How Alina seems to be doing well, and that they don¡¯t need any extra money. Alina rarely writes to her father.

 13 Unexpected visitors

    Traveling deeper through the former Serpenius empire really showcases the evils of Arcana kingdom. Most of the towns they come across are completely abandoned, occupied by nothing but corpses of its former inhabitants. The few remaining survivors must''ve fled long ago. They come across a farm that''s not different, empty, only a few animals grazing in peace, now living wild and free. The barn smells earthy and off manure. But these hay bales offer a comfortable sleeping place for anyone. Anyone that is except Alina.


    I''m going to sleep in the beds, I can''t rest like this, it stinks here and these straws will leave dents on my skin.


    Nothing is ever good enough for you is it Alina, Foley remarks. He''s more used to sleeping in tents and on moss-beds than regular beds at this point in his life, after all he lived in the wild.


    Well if anyone needs me I''ll be in the main bedroom of the farmers house. I''ll go with you Mona says, fancying the comfortable sheets too, besides she doesn''t want to be the only girl to sleep in the barn. Okay then we''ll it''ll just be us guys here then Kilian says, goodnight.


    Goodnight. Alina and Mona enter the house, it''s large, as are most farmers'' houses. The interior is scattered and covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. Several skeletons lie in defeated positions strewn across what was once a living room. The damage caused and their positions tell the story of a family who got taken by surprise and then slaughtered. It reminds Mona of the evils she had to commit in the name of the Arcana kingdom, but she tries to set her thoughts aside as they make it to the master bedroom. She can only change her future, not her past. The bed is still made and large enough for the both of them, after cleaning off some of the dust they enter their slumber. The guys are similarly fast asleep.


    But it isn''t long before the intense heat of a fire wakes them up.


    What''s going on, who dares ruin my slumber? Ennius exclaims.


    FIRE! There''s a fire! Baldric shouts, with his large booming voice further waking those who weren''t already.


    Climb to the roof exit, smoke stays near the ground, we could suffocate, Amaru says, thinking quickly. Zad makes it first to the ladder and climbs it rapidly, then opening a latch to the roof. As he exits an arrow strikes him in his arm from close range, another one zips right past him as his quick reflexes allow him to dodge.


    There''s assassins! he yells. But he can''t see anyone.


    And the bright fires make it hard to see into the surrounding darkness. He rolls off the roof and decides to hide in the nearby bushes. Baldric is next up on the roof, shield first. He quickly takes a defensive stance but he too is struck by arrows, this time from the back, piercing his thigh and 3 further arrows impact his back but don''t pierce his chainmail. He turns his shield around in the direction of the fire. Everyone get up, I can provide cover! Kilian hastily follows suit but as he exits more arrows are fired, and they strike him in his sword-carrying arm, disabling him for combat. Baldric is struck again.


    I don''t know where it''s coming from or how they''re moving! This is bad! Baldric says.


    Foley throws his smoke bomb against Baldric while climbing the ladder to provide cover from the incoming fire. Amaru follows suit, he is at the point of exiting the ladder when a dark magic blast strikes them through the smoke, hurting all of them and collapsing the ladder and latch.


    Amaru falls down again back into the blazing barn but his fall is broken by the hay on the second floor. Smoke is already making its way up this level. The others manage to dodge most of the blast but they are still harmed.


    This is bad! We need to try a different exit, Amaru tells Ennius.


    We need to spread out, look for where they are firing from, Kilian says.


    I can''t block anything without knowing their direction, Baldric exclaims.


    We need to get away from this blaze so we can see into the darkness! Try to get off the roof in different directions.


    Meanwhile Amaru and Ennius slowly make their way to the barns crane area, which has a large opening, he rappels down and takes a defensive position. His injuries are too great to physically contribute to this fight.


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    The rest make their way down the rooftops and then Baldric provides shielding for an injured Kilian. All of the main party is in a dire state, Zad is best off, relatively unscathed, he can still fight. Kilian is severely weakened and Baldric can''t properly offer protection due to the nature of the enemies attacks.


    At this point Mona and Alina run out of the farmers house and face Amaru and Ennius. Alina starts chanting some basic healing spells to heal their minor injuries.


    What happened? Mona asks.


    There''s assassins, we don''t know how many, or where, we woke up to the barn set ablaze and tried to make an escape from the rooftop, however they got us cornered. So far they''ve used dark magic and arrows. Everyone is injured.


    As they are talking Mona spots arrows appearing out of thin air and firing at them, Alina, cast your barrier!


    Ayla casts her light barrier but right as she does a bolt of darkness strikes them from the opposite direction. They all jump to dodge it but Amaru is slow and struck again, in his lower legs and feet. They''re invisible! He yells so everyone can hear it.


    They move around to strike from our weakest angles! Go join the others, I''m out of this fight, he says.


    Mona runs to the other side to regroup with the rest.


    We need to stick together, Kilian says, they will attack from our weakest side so if we all back into the wall they can''t attack from any unexpected angles.


    Go without me, they run back to Amaru and let their backs face the barn, forming a defensive half circle with Baldric and Ayla providing shielding, however, Ayla''s shielding is clearly limited at this point.


    The next time they fire we have to charge them, Kilian says.


    Pretend to focus on their future direction, so when they strike we can move rapidly in their direction.


    10 seconds pass but it feels like an eternity. The sound of a wooden beam collapsing in the barn behind them breaks the silence. Then it happens, a volley of arrows and a darkness blast move in their way, Baldric blocks the blast with his massive shield and it pushes him back half a meter, cracks start to form in the shield''s protective gem. This mage is powerful. Ayla manages to block most of the arrows and the rest are dodged. But the point of fire was from the roofs of the farmers house, there is no way they could make it up there in time to strike back.


    We need to move to the other side, so they are forced to attack us on even ground, only then do we stand a chance to fight back, Amaru says.


    Alright let''s move Ayla upfront Baldric will provide back cover. Me and Foley will help you walk Amaru, and throw a smoke bomb for good measure. They run and under a hail of arrows they make it to the other side. They wait again in their defensive circle. The enemy must know what they are up to, but at the same time they can''t withstand many more of these attacks, Ayla''s at her limit and Baldric''s shield is showing signs of damage.


    Then it happens, quite rapidly, a hail of arrows from the left and a darkness blast from the right, Baldric blocks the arrows easily but Ayla''s barrier is easily crushed by the force of the darkness blast and strikes Mona, who is now severely hurt. Foley shoots a volley of arrows back and Kilian charges in the direction of the mage, striking around him, but not hitting anything. Foley''s arrows clearly hit a target, because a blood-like substance is leaking on the previous location. However the trail leads into the darkness. They wait anxiously for the next attack. Mona is preparing an arcane blast and Foley keeps his bow ready to fire. Then it happens, a darkness blast from the front, and a rain of arrows from above, Baldric decides to block the darkness blast and Ayla does her best to provide one more shield from the arrows, but a lot of them pierce. Some strike Amaru, he dies instantly.


    They killed Amaru! Kilian shouts.


    All of them look distraught.


    However Zad was prepared for this attack, he jumps from his hiding location at the roof''s angle and slashes at the direction the arrows were fired from, he strikes the figure twice. He knew the injured enemy would look for a safer angle to fire from, and the only safe angle was the roof of the collapsing barn. Mona''s arcane blast and Foley''s arrows severely injure the caster as well. Through their injuries they reveal themselves, removing their cloaking. Both are reptilian like humanoid figures. Before they can reach the mage, he reveals a large dagger and stabs himself in the heart, killing himself. They regroup on the floor in front of the burning barn and try to talk with the injured archer. I won''t tell you anything, just kill me.


    You don''t have to die, we won''t kill you, Kilian says. No, I''d rather die than betray the Arcana kingdom. They won''t rest till you are dead Mona, he says, just let me die with honor, I failed my task. Ayla could heal your wounds, you''d make a full recovery in weeks, you can live in freedom! You don''t have to die, Kilian further pushes. There''s no freedom for lizardfolk, especially not those who served the Arcana kingdom, he takes his knife and pierces his own heart, nobody stops him.


    Ayla rushes over to Amaru and casts her revival spell.


    Wow, I''m so glad you could save me Alina, he says, shocked. His wounds have healed as well. But Alina is exhausted.


    I''m really sorry about this Mona says. They just want me. Maybe it''s better if we don''t travel together anymore. We barely survived this. They will keep sending more and more assassins till they kill me. No, we are a team. We travel together and we face the consequences together! You''ve helped us and we will help you in return, no matter what happens! Kilian says. Everyone else agrees, except Foley who just stays silent.

 14 Larafluff

    Traversing the hills in the northern outskirts of the Serpensius lands they make rest at a small temple to the god of light, on their way to Sassafreud. A priest accommodates them to some warm tea. The priest is old and has a long white beard, he''s wearing typical light attire with pristine white robes that are trimmed with golden symbols.


    This is really good tea, what type is it Baldric asks?


    I''ve had better, Alina says.


    It''s a herbal tea, grown locally, the priest says.


    It''s not often we get travelers around here, usually I only receive visitors when someone is in desperate need of healing. Didn''t used to be that way. Seems like just yesterday that we had a whole legion of worshippers living here, and many young ones aspiring to join us once they got older. Then of course the war happened. The priest sips his tea and looks off into the distance in silence. From this hill you have a beautiful view over the surrounding villages and woods, most barely scathed by the war. I see you are a follower of light too, he looks at Alina and her staff, which is golden colored and engraved with light symbols.


    That is correct. Is there anything you could teach me? I''m sure a priest with your experience has all sorts of things to teach. Well unfortunately young lady, I excel only in healing, I''m not a true wizard. You should talk to the head priest if you want to learn something new. He can perform revival spells, he even knows a spell called mass revival, that as the name suggests can revive multiple people at once. That would be amazing to have as our aid, Foley says. After all he likes to get a little reckless sometimes, assurance of being able to be revived would vastly expand his combat abilities.


    But the head priest is very ill, he doesn''t have much time left. He''s in no condition to teach you anything right now, that much is certain.


    Can''t he be cured with your healing spells or potions?


    I am powerless against his disease. It''s a disease we call Deleria fever, victims get a fever and become unable to do anything but lay in bed all day, as their body fights the disease. Typically in the later stages of the disease their toes and fingertips turn blue, before they eventually succumb and die. Some younger, strong people recover on their own, but I''m afraid for this old man it is a death sentence. Oftentimes in the final stages their entire body is blue. We think he has about a week left.


    Is there a cure?


    There is one that works most of the time, but the ingredients are difficult to obtain. In the bandit infested south a plant called Larafluff grows. It''s easy to recognize because around the top of the stems below the flowers it grows thick lilac fur-like hairs that it uses to trap insects. About 3 or 4 of those should be enough to brew a potent enough tea to cure him, but of course, his recovery is not guaranteed. His toes have already started to turn blue, he hasn''t got much time left. I should also add that it''s out of season, Larafluff is most prominent during the springtime, so there''s a chance there''s nothing left.


    Let''s give it a shot crew, I''m all for saving this man''s life, and the extra spells are a nice bonus. Kilian says. The rest agree. Without hesitation they make their way to the location marked on their map.


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    They travel through a small village and then enter the forest on the way to the hill. Although the place is supposed to be bandit infested, they don''t run into a single bandit.


    Yeah of course they don''t try to rob us, Foley says. We''re a full party, and besides Alina none of us look worth stealing from. Why would they go after high risk low value targets? Bandits aren''t idiots you know. Well some of them are, Alina says whilst looking at Foley, who ignores her comment.


    By evening they make it up the hill. But it''s too dark to see anything so they decide to camp for the night and continue tomorrow. Much to Alina''s regret, since now they have to share tents in the wilderness.


    The following morning they start looking around for Larafluff in pairs of two, but by midday when the sun is high they still haven''t found any.


    By noon they are preparing to head back, empty handed, only Amaru and Foley are still looking, determined not to give up, and motivated by the tactical benefit the new spell would offer, rather than just the old man''s life. As the sun is about to set they stumble on a cluster of Larafluff plants, six of them, growing not too far apart. They stuff it in their pockets then make their way back to the camp. They hurry back through the forest at night and decide to spend the night at a local inn.


    The following morning as they prepare to leave they are stopped by a young boy, around Zad''s age, and his younger diseased brother, whom he carries on his back.


    What''s wrong with that kid on your back, Alina asks.


    He''s got Deleria fever, I''m taking him to the hills to find some Larafluff, it''s the only cure for it.


    We just came from the southern hills and after looking for an entire day we only found 6 plants.


    Can I have it? My brother means the world to me, the young boy says.


    We should really take it to the monastery, Amaru says. We made a promise to the priest.


    But this is just a young boy, he should be full of life. He''s too young to succumb to such a horrible disease. Alina says. Being raised in a safe environment with the best medical care available to her, she is not used to seeing suffering, and it pains her deeply.


    Can we speak privately please? Amaru says. The young boy walks about 20 meters away.


    Well this is going to sound harsh but thousands of young kids die everyday from disease, we can''t save the world from disease. We need to save that priest, if he teaches you that mass revival spell you will be able to save many lives. You have a lot of potential.


    This kid could do great things in his future, he has unlimited potential, Kilian says, now joining the conversation.


    Yes that''s true, you never know what this kid might become, Ennius says in agreement.


    Most people don''t end up doing great things though, Mona says, now joining the conversation. They just end up helping on some farm and they''re easily replaceable.


    How unexpected, the arcane mage doesn''t value life. Foley remarks.


    How could you say something so banal, you know very well I care about life! It''s just a bad decision, Mona says, now annoyed.


    I think we should save the young boy, Zad says. He thinks of his own little brother, who he would save at any cost.


    Baldric has no comment. These type of moral questions are too complicated for him, he doesn''t want to get involved.


    A majority wants to save the boy, so that''s what we''re going to do, Kilian decides.


    They hand over the herbs and he brews a tea with it. The boy makes a quick recovery in mere hours. There is still some tea left over but unfortunately it is not going to be enough to save the priest.

 15 Sassafreud

    They make it to the city of Sassafreud, once the northern capital of the Serpensius empire. The outer walls are 4 lengths high and battle scarred, but outside of it several small wooden houses are placed. The city has grown beyond its borders, thanks to the more recent influx of refugees. The architecture is mismatched, as this city grew slowly over centuries, originating as a mere farming and trading hub in the valleys, owing to its fertile flatlands and moderate climate, compared to other areas this far north in the valley it is located in, it is usually shielded from the worst weather.


    It is by far the largest city they''ve visited, after Hazzlefrust that is.


    Look at these walls, have you ever seen anything like this? Zad and Foley are amazed.


    The walls on my castle are at least twice as high, Alina brags. And ours are a pristine white colour.


    Wow really, I''d love to see them.


    Let''s go find an inn Mona, I desire to rest and read some literature.


    I''m going to look around for some quests, Zad says.


    Ennius decides to find a local musicians store. He is running out of strings for his guitar-like instrument, and who knows, maybe they have something interesting to catch his eye. After asking around he makes his way to a store on the edge of the central market. Like anything in Sassafreud, the store is quite large. They have all sorts of instruments, but nothing quite exotic, just the usual.


    The shop clerk is a pretty young girl, as is usual. She''s got long dark blonde hair which flows freely and a slender, somewhat tall figure. Just his type. Also as usual, Ennius decides he must charm her. Behind her are the various musical supplies.


    So what can I get you?


    Ennius looks around, pretending not to notice her. Hmm let me think... Then he looks at her, and feigns an impression by first seeing her face. How about a dance with the prettiest clerk in Sassafreud?


    It''s a lazy opening line, but Ennius gets away with these sorts of things.


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    She blushes and smiles, well I''m afraid I only dance to music.


    I''d play some, but unfortunately my strings have been worn out. Can you suggest me some new ones?


    These are the best, they''re a little more expensive but all the best bards swear by them.


    She hands him a pack of strings. He quickly affixes them to his instrument and starts to play one of his more recent love songs, it''s cliche and about love at first sight, but cliches work for a reason. The clerk smiles and starts to dance, moving closer to Ennius. However, after only a few lines his music is interrupted by the loud cries of a little girl.


    Oh sorry, my little sister needs to be fed, the clerk says.


    She goes to the back and reappears seconds later with a small girl on her arm, around 3 or 4 years old, wearing pigtails. She looks adorable, but the expression on her face is that of horror. She feeds her some sort of porridge with a spoon, which finally calms her down.


    This is easy Ennius thinks to himself, all I have to do is make that toddler laugh and she will be all over me.


    What is your name, little girl? The toddler doesn''t reply. Instead she gives Ennius a mean look.


    Her name is Estrid, the clerk replies, whom he still doesn''t know the name of.


    Ennius starts playing a children''s song, it''s about a mouse who makes friends with a cat, it always does well with kids because of its upbeat tempo and comedic tone.


    But not this kid, the moment he starts to play she starts whaling again. Why is this kid so upset over music? Her family runs a musical instrument shop, you''d think she''d be more used to good music.


    Ennius stops playing, he can tell the clerk is now annoyed by his music. The clerk gently sways Estrid to calm her down again. Eat your porridge, it''s good for you, you will grow big and strong.


    This one is a tough nut to crack, he thinks to himself. Usually kids are easy to entertain. But if he can''t keep the kid happy, he won''t have any chance to seduce this clerk.


    Thankfully I have more tricks up my sleeve, Ennius reveals a toy from his pocket, it''s a small wooden bear, a souvenir from the Halipawa island. Look at this beary bear, isn''t it cute! He moves the bear up and down to mimic movement and brings it closer to the toddlers face.


    Estrid looks at it and starts crying again, she grabs a tiny fistful of porridge and throws it at the bear. I think you should leave, the clerk says, somewhat annoyed.


    This is making him look awful in front of the clerk. He''s embarrassed. Alright then, I''ll be taking my leave, by the way, come see me in your local pub tonight. He winks at the clerk but she doesn''t even look at him and is busy trying to calm down her little sister.


    Estrid looks at Ennius and sticks her tongue out. Ennius just leaves.


    Well that was awful. You can''t please every crowd I suppose. At least she forgot to charge me for those strings.

 16 Mysterious box

    It is midday in Sassafreud. Amaru is checking out the local market. There¡¯s all sorts of wares for sale, pots, swords, arrows. And a lot of food of course. But he¡¯s not interested in any of it. He¡¯s looking for something unique to the Serpensius empire. Something small. He could bring it with him on their way to the former Sanora region and sell it there for additional profit. He makes his way to a man selling various trinkets and the like. He has some beautiful watches on display, but many seem broken or are otherwise in need of repairs. The man looks short and chubby, and is middle aged with his hair starting to gray. Amaru asks the man if he has anything unique to sell.


    Unique? I¡¯m an antique salesman, of course I do. The man shows him a collection of antique knives. They look beautifully decorated. Some of them have Serpensius engravings.


    I¡¯ll have one of those, he says as he points at one of the knives.


    That¡¯ll be 15 gold pieces. You don¡¯t look like you¡¯re from around here son, am I correct?


    Indeed sir, I''m traveling myself. Got anything unique to this region to sell, other than the knives?


    The man strokes his chin and thinks for a little while.


    I have this old box here. Don¡¯t know what it does or what it¡¯s for. Probably some kind of safe.


    The man reaches under his table and lifts up a medium sized box. On it are several engravings and symbols that can be pressed, but it lacks a keyhole.


    I wonder what inside it, Amaru thinks out loud.


    I don¡¯t know either, I haven¡¯t been able to open it no matter how I tried, he says.


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    How much do you want for it?


    A mere 10 gold pieces will do. After all, I can''t seem to open it myself, the man says.


    Amaru buys the box and goes back to the group.


    Look guys, I bought this box, but nobody can open it. Does anyone have any ideas to find out what¡¯s inside?


    Baldric looks at it. Then he takes his shield and gives it a hard smack. The box flies against the wall, but remains sealed.


    Be careful! You might break it. There¡¯s probably an intricate mechanism inside. Baldric apologises.


    Then Zad takes a turn. He tries to use his picklocking skills, but there¡¯s no visible locks on the thing. He tries some random combinations of pressing buttons, but none of it seems to work.


    Kilian gives it a try and tries to pry it open with his sword, but the box is sealed so tightly he can¡¯t even get the tip through it.


    How about this, Mona, can you teleport it right? Perhaps if you teleport the box, the item inside will remain in place.


    Good idea Amaru!


    I don¡¯t know if it¡¯ll work, Mona says, usually things teleport with all their contents remaining in place.


    She teleports the box, but the item inside is teleported as well and it remains in place.


    I¡¯m out of ideas, what can we do? All that¡¯s left is to try the mechanism.


    Amaru takes a closer look. He notices that the patterns can be shifted on the box. Like a puzzle with the correct pieces falling into place. But shifting certain pieces around also shifts other pieces, so it is quite difficult. After a long time he finally manages to place the pieces in place.


    He opens the box.


    What¡¯s inside?! Alina asks.


    Amaru looks inside. There¡¯s some sort of thick cloth and inside that there is a musical instrument. It¡¯s a whistle.


    Damn, how useless. Do you want this Ennius?


    Sure, maybe I can use it sometime. He takes the whistle and blows it.


    It sounds awful. Like a screech of agony.


    This thing is useless.


    Amaru ponders, I¡¯ve read about these whistles, they¡¯re used by warriors to strike fear into their enemies.

 17 Farmers request

    Baldric, I got us a nice side job removing monsters from a farm, you interested in joining? This farmer said he gets tired of snails and slime creatures eating his crops at night, so me and Foley are going to be guards, Zad says.


    Sure I''ll join, Kilian is going around looking for information on his brother this evening.


    As the sun starts to set they make it to the crop fields on the outskirts of town.


    Well this is it then. The area is too large to overview at once, so we should do some patrolling.


    I haven''t fought any slimes in ages. I used to practise fighting water and earth slimes as a kid. Only the small ones of course.


    Similar for me, Baldric says. We used to fight ice slimes in their caves. Compared to other slimes they are stronger though, they are very resistant to piercing and slash damage, you had to crush them, because they were so hard of course.


    I guess everyone fought slimes then. I also practised on earth slimes in the desert.


    Look over there, there''s already some slimes. In the distance a green opaque blob of slime with a small sprout sticking out of its head is hopping its way forward.


    They look kind of cute, but they''re pests and they have to be removed. Sorry little slimes, Zad runs at one of the slimes and cuts in two. It pops into chunks of slime and ceases to be alive.


    Foley shoots the rest from a distance. This is good target practice but I had hoped they''d be a little more challenging.


    Young slimes are weak everywhere. But they are numerous and they can be a nuisance.


    Over there guys, it''s a giant snail. Baldric points at a snail in the distance, about 1.5 lengths tall with a large shell on its back.


    Foley fires some arrows but the snail retreats into its shell, which he can''t pierce.


    Damn, I can''t hit it.


    Zad walks over and tries to stab it with its daggers in its bottom opening but the snail has retreated so far into its shell that he can''t reach it.


    I''ll take care of this one guys, Baldric smashes his into the shell, breaking it open. Then Zad stabs the exposed snail. There''s slimy goo everywhere. Gross.


    Oh great, more slimes, a whole horde of them. Some are stronger, look at that big one, it must be their leader or something!


    Foley fires a volley arrows at one of the stronger, cone shaped slimes. But it absorbs most of the arrows.


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    You have to kill the plant on its head, then you will defeat them! Zad yells.


    Look at these guys! Zad is getting attacked by 4 weak slimes. They smash into him, but their blows are so weak they don''t do anything. Then he slices all four of them with one strike.


    Very nice. Look at this! Baldric uses his fists to pop the slimes in one blow.


    Look over there guys, it''s a big one! It must be their leader! I bet if we get rid of it they''ll stop eating those poor farmers'' crops.


    Foley fires some arrows at the plants on its topside but it easily tanks them.


    Then he runs over and tries to climb on it but he is swallowed instead. He tries to slash around with his knives to free himself, but the jelly like insides of the slime are hard to push through with any force.


    Baldric, throw me on top of it, I''ll deal with this! Baldric extends his arm and pushes Zad on top of the large slime. He starts hacking away at the plants, cutting the heads off. Baldric uses his shield like a large shovel to remove chunks of slime to free Foley.


    Wow thanks guys, that was close. I guess these large slimes aren''t to be underestimated.


    Lets head back to the farmer and tell him we took care of his problem already.


    After a while they make it back to their inn where everyone else has already made it.


    Look at this, we got a nice reward for helping that farmer. 60 gold pieces and a sack filled with fruits and vegetables.


    That''s not bad at all for such a short amount of work, Amaru says. Was it difficult?


    Not really, most of the monsters were easy to kill, except this one larger slime that swallowed Foley whole. We had to get him out quickly.


    I actually received another request. Amaru holds up a paper poster.


    I spoke with a man earlier, a refugee from the nearby village of Eanverness. He told me that a Daemon war-mage approached their village and set it ablaze, killing many. Even though it was just a peaceful farmers village. He managed to escape the fires and flee but he said the Daemon is likely still around. He calls himself Sassarak, I figure we should do something since we''re here anyway, we''re trained fighters, we could stop him and turn him into the authorities.


    Sounds like a difficult task then, if he''s out there slaughtering entire towns, I don''t see what we can do, Alina says.


    We already defeated that elemental mage earlier, he knew 4 different kinds of magic, and he wasn''t that difficult, Amaru replies.


    We shouldn''t mess with him, I''ve heard of him. Sassarak is extremely powerful, he''s one of the most powerful mages in the Arcana kingdom, he''s basically an arch-mage. And he''s extremely cruel and childish, you can''t really predict what he does next, Mona replies, with a look of seriousness on her face.


    How do we know you''re not just trying to defend your superiors, you Arcana mages stick out for each other don''t you? Foley says.


    That''s ridiculous! I''d love to defeat him if we could.


    Yeah Foley you''re just being paranoid at this point, you''re not making any sense.


    But Foley remains wary. He''s heard stories of Arcana spies ratting out entire towns to get them killed.


    I think we can do it, Kilian says. If he''s just alone we could easily outnumber him, the way I see it he can''t handle all of us at once, especially if we can surprise him.


    After we take care of that we should head all the way to the west of the Sanoran desert, I spoke with a man who said he saw my brother. He was heading to the former allied kingdoms, to infiltrate the Arcana empire and assassinate the king. He was travelling with a group of 5. No wonder he hasn''t made any contact anymore, there''s no messengers operating from there.

 18 A misstep

    It''s midday but it''s so cloudy that it''s already dark outside. It''s raining water diluted blood, and there''s a fierce wind. They enter the town of Eanverness. Or rather, what''s left of it. It was only a small village, home to around 20 families but most of the houses are on fire or collapsed with destroyed walls. Corpses litter the streets, some of them mere children.


    We''re too late for this town. I wonder where he could''ve gone. Let''s look for survivors.


    It isn''t long before they hear screams coming from one of the collapsed houses.


    Let''s get over there quickly. A child is cowering in a corner as an undead fighter moves closer to it.


    Kilian runs in and slashes the undead fighter in its chest, its limbs break off and it falls to the ground, defeated.


    Alina runs over to the small child, which looks to be around 8 years old.


    Are you okay little man?


    My leg hurts, the boy says, sobbing. His leg is blue and looks broken. Alina recites a spell and heals the most severe damage.


    Can you tell us what happened?


    We were having lunch when we heard these loud explosions. My dad grabbed his sword to look outside and this mean man shot fire balls at him and he got hit and burned. Then he destroyed our house and killed my mother, sisters and brother. The boy starts crying.


    Alina hugs the boy. We''re going to help you.


    Was there anyone else with him?


    I don''t know, the boy says. I was too scared to go outside and look.


    Zad and Foley return. We cleared the area of the remaining undead fighters. It should be safe now.


    We''re going to take care of him,  do you think you will be fine waiting over here? The boy nods yes.


    They give him some food to help calm him down. Then they continue following the path, which leads to another small village known as Garmsby, according to the signage.


    Sassarak should be on the way over there, he''s not a fast traveler. Ennius plays some tunes to help their mood but the gloomy nature of this day makes it difficult for him to play something uplifting, and he defaults to marching songs to set the mood.


    Along the way they run into various undead creatures, summoned by Sassarak as mere toys, they are easy to defeat, since they are not under any direct control and many of them are missing limbs already.


    Guys we really shouldn''t do this, we should just go back, Sassarak is far more powerful than any of us. Mona says. She yet again tries to convince them to give up their goal of fighting Sassarak.


    No, we have to stop her. We can''t just let him continue to reign terror on these people without consequence. People ignoring him is how it got to this in the first place. Kilian says, but he isn''t thinking rationally. All the destruction they''ve witnessed has made him, and most of the group, quite upset. They seek vengeance, they want a solution. But you can''t always get what you want, even if it is just.


    You have no heart Mona, you don''t want to defeat him even after you just saw what he did to that little boy.


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    Why are you so protective of him anyway? Foley says, casting suspicion on her.


    I''m not protecting him. How could you say that, I''m trying to protect you guys, we can''t defeat him, I''m sure of it. Why won''t you guys believe me? He destroyed that entire village.


    You said you didn''t meet him either Mona, you''ve only heard rumors right? Don''t you think they exaggerated it just a little bit at least? You know how these things go in war time. A city is defeated by 1000 men but the reports will boast and say it was only 500. A crew of elite mages destroys a town but their leader takes all the credit. You''re overthinking it, we got a decent shot, we''re a balanced and powerful party. And if he really did all of that on her own, then he has to be exhausted by now. Amaru tries to add some perspective. The others agree. But Mona still doesn''t feel right about it.


    Foley decides to walk in the back so he can keep an eye on Mona. He is expecting her to switch sides at any moment.


    After a while they spot Sassarak  in the distance. He''s walking surrounded by about 8 or so reanimated corpses, most are in a dire state, with parts of their bodies burned to a crisp.


    The group sneaks up on him and manages to cut him off by going off trail. Sassarak looks extremely pale with a greyish complexion. His eyes look dead and there''s grey patches on her skin. The rumors are true, he''s really just a reanimated corpse. He has a sinister looking smirk on his face, permanently. Must be because of the anticipation of what''s coming next, seeing as he is drawing close to the nearby village. Mona opens the fight by using her arcane shackles to lock him down.


    Sassarak instantly summons forth a barrage of darkness orbs that explode near the party, hurting all of them, before they have time to react he moves forward and instantly kills Ennius by forcefully ejecting all his blood through his orifices. It''s a terrible sight to behold, and probably an even worse way to die.


    Alina acts quick and successfully casts her revival spell, reviving Ennius, Baldric moves forward to defend him but before he has a chance to do anything meaningful Sassarak just does the same thing to Ennius over again.


    Hahaha, how many times are we going to do this? I''m sure your friend would rather be dead than experience that again, so thank you!


    Then Sassarak reanimates Ennius and has him throw his bombs and rocks and his former allies.


    Oh no! I don''t think he likes you guys anymore, he''s on my side now! Hahaha. Sassarak laughs. To him these are just toys.


    Mona throws a powerful arcane bolt and Foley fires his magic piercing arrows, but neither manage to do anything against his powerful shield.


    Stop attacking me, take care of your friend first.


    We should escape, he''s far too strong for us, Kilian yells. But as they start running he just teleports after them. It''s the exact same teleportation spell Mona uses, but unlike her, Sassarak seems to be able to use it faster and more often.


    Aw, you guys want to leave now? Am I that bad? We only just met. I don''t have many friends. I''ll tell you what, if you can kill your friend here, I''ll let you leave. But you have to promise not to interfere with me anymore, or I will burn all of you.


    The corpse of Ennius starts charging at them, Baldric blocks his path and smashes his shield against him. Then Kilian slices his arm off.


    Forgive me old friend, but there is no other way.


    Mona starts casting her arcane prison whilst Sassarak is busy talking.


    Make your escape now guys, my spell won''t hold him for very long.


    Zad takes a smoke bomb in his possession and throws it at Sassarak. Thick smoke surrounds him.


    They run away into the darkness off the forest, Sassarak is unable to give chase, or unwilling. He doesn''t look forward to playing hide and seek, there''s a village quite close and he can just slaughter the local townsfolk to satisfy his bloodlust and sate his never ending supply of anger. He prefers easy targets anyway, the more helpless they are, the better.


    As the group walks away they can hear the large banging sounds of magic explosions in the distance. Zad turns around, large purple lilac flashes from the arcane blasts light up the village in the distance. Every explosion represents at least one death.


    Rest in peace Ennius, he lived a short but happy life. Inns and bars everywhere have suffered a great loss with the death of this bard.


    There''s nothing we could do. Either all of us would''ve died and then he would''ve massacred that village, or we escape and he does the same thing, Kilian says.


    After returning to Eanverness they escort the child to an orphanage in Sassafreud. They stay silent for the rest of the day.

 19 Port city Rigowlows

    After a week of walking and half a week of travel by boat they make it to the port city of Rigowlows, one of the most western cities of the Sanoran empire. The city is divided by the river Rigow cutting it in halves. Once a commercial hub, its golden days are long gone, as these days the Rigowlows sees little sea faring traffic. Outside the main residential areas and city walls several canals lead to stone flooring built with farms that grow on mud, allowing the desert city to still have some sustainable agriculture.


    This is the last time we will see civilization since we are heading into the lands of the former allied kingdoms.


    We need to stock up on food and potions.


    You guys can buy food, me and Mona will take care of the rest, it''ll be fun, I''ve never been shopping in a Sanoran place before! Alina says, excitedly.


    Alina and Mona run off to the town centre. It''s small but there''s a large selection of tailors, bakeries, food stalls and all sorts of different speciality stores.


    First they buy some roasted vegetables and meat on a stick, a local speciality, although it doesn''t align with Alina''s more refined tastes. It''s cheap cuts of meat with lots of connecting tissue and fatty parts, but Mona enjoys it. One of the advantages of growing up poor is that a person becomes more easily satisfied. To her any dish with meat is a treat.


    Lets go buy shoes, I could use a new pair, these are so worn out after all the walking we do.


    Couldn''t you just repair them? It''s way cheaper.


    I want new ones! These are old and boring.


    They head into a shoe store. There''s all sorts of boots, beautifully crafted. Look at these Mona, Alina holds a pair of brown leather boots with hand stitched embroidery in flowery patterns, and bronze buckles for the belts that hold it all together.


    The store assistant, an older woman, compliments her selection. Those are fine boots, crafted from Tessken leather, they can withstand both warm and cold climates. But they don''t come cheap.


    Alina purchases the boots without giving it much further thought. What about you Mona, did you find anything?


    I don''t really have the funding for new boots, I''ll just send mine for repairs and I''ll walk on my feet for a day.


    But you always wear the same boots Mona, doesn''t it ever get boring. A lady should have a vast wardrobe. Pick out some new boots, I''ll buy them for you. Because you are smaller you should go for the cuter more childish options, men are all over that for some reason. Me I have to use my beauty and status, I wear clothes that accentuate my figure. Good clothing makes life easier.


    Alina sure knows a lot about fashion.


    Isn''t the fashion different in the Ocilon empire compared to here?


    Sure it is, we usually wear thick clothes because it''s so much colder, but when it comes to looking attractive I think men everywhere like the same things.


    Mona picks out 2 short black boots made of softer material. They are more suitable for running and quick movements, and thus for combat situations, and they are in fashion.


    Next we should buy some potions. Really our party composition leaves a lot to be desired, I have to do all the healing, we don''t have anyone that can provide buffs or curses, and we are quite reliant on melee.


    Yes I agree, strategically it doesn''t make a lot of sense. It''s because guys always want to fight up close, they seem to naturally drift towards melee weapons. They think it''s more honorable or something. To them it''s more of a game I think.


    Yes, men never grow up, it''s all games to them, Alina agrees. It was similar in my castle, all the men want to be assassins or sword fighters. If they all had their way, our forces would''ve consisted of nothing but dagger wielding assassins and short swords.


    Anyway we should get some potions too, let''s head to the potion store.


    A middle aged woman with black hair and a wizard hat greets them. Seems like no matter where you go, if there''s a lady selling potions she will look like a witch.


    We need some strength potions, stamina potions, healing potions and mana potions. Maybe we should get a generic anti-dote just in case? You never know.


    How about this? Flask of swiftness. The bottle is filled with a green liquid. The label reads: Drink for faster body movement, up to 50% faster than regular. Effective immediately. Lasts for 30-50 seconds. Do not combine with alcohol. Keep out of reach from children or cats.


    This seems quite useful for a melee fighter. There''s only one bottle left, let''s buy it.


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    Well that should be about everything. We can head back.


    Wait, let''s go to the tailors, I want some new robes. I''ve been wearing the same 2 robes since I left my castle.


    Most people just wear their clothes till they become rags and then ditch them but Alina wants new clothes, even though her current ones are still in good shape.


    As they walk outside they spot a weapon smith.


    Can we stop there? Zad mentioned he wanted to buy some nice daggers for his little brother, but I don''t think he has a lot of money left.


    Alright, I''ll pay for it then.


    They select a pair of beautifully engraved daggers that are supposedly imported from the southern kingdoms. They may not be very practical, but they make for a great souvenir.


    Then they enter the tailor''s shop, a young beautiful lady greets them, wearing an exotic outfit.


    My name is Lala, I''m a dancer and a fashion expert, my parents own this store. How can I help you?


    Do you have anything you could recommend to true royalty?


    Lala ponders for a bit. Hmm perhaps we have something you could try. She brings Alina over to the changing room and hands her a set of clothes. After a few minutes she reappears.


    What do you think of these Mona? Alina is wearing silken Sanoran white robes. It''s got beautiful patterns stitched into it with golden silk. It looks comfortable too.


    It''s so soft! It feels like I''m wearing nothing at all, yet at the same time it traps heat to prevent me from getting cold.


    Do you want these too? I could ask them to make one in a smaller size, Lala says, eager to make another sale.


    It''s beautiful Alina, but I prefer to wear darker colours myself. And I don''t want to ask you for too much, I''m fine just wearing the robes I wear now.


    No, I want to buy you new clothes. The ones you have now aren''t doing you any favours. It''s almost like you''ve been wearing them for months. And those patches on the back make you look shabby, Alina says sternly.


    But I have been wearing them for-


    What about these then? The material is very soft. And the hood has fake cat ears on them, you''ll look very cute! Lala says, whilst holding a set of said robes. It would really compliment your looks.


    They have arcane symbols on them, isn''t that your religion? Alina says, whilst holding the clothes. And it''s so soft.. Plus with those cat ears you''ll charm all the boys, no combat necessary!


    I don''t really need any new-


    I already bought them! Wear them or it will go to waste. She throws the robes at Mona who barely catches them in time.


    Alina can be quite pushy. Mona tries on the new robe in front of the mirror. It does really make her look cuter. Her old robes were supposed to be more intimidating. And the hood makes it so she can still hide her face.


    Lala is satisfied with her sales, although she''s unsure if she''s a good salesperson or if Alina is just a good client.


    What about this? Look at this scarf, it''d be great on Kilian. He''ll look so handsome. Alina continues, with stars in her eyes she looks at the scarf.


    Time seems to stand still as they spend what feels like hours in the clothing store, even Mona enjoys herself, shopping for accessories is a lot more fun when you can make so many purchases.


    Eventually they return to the rest of the group.


    Kilian, we bought some strength potions for you too! Alina hands him a bag of strength potions


    No thanks, I don''t like those. they make them from Wuzle roots, I can''t stand that taste.


    Why not? Just drink them, it''s really good for you in a pinch.


    No I really can''t drink them, it''s too gross to me.


    Isn''t there anything you don''t like Alina? Something you truly despise?


    Alina thinks for awhile. Then she answers. Poor people.


    What, why do you hate poor people? Not really the type of answer Kilian was looking for.


    Because, they dress awfully and oftentimes they smell bad. They disgust me. One time I went on a diplomatic trip to the Hiatum republic and this group of about 3 poor people approached me in the street right outside of the mansion we stayed in, begging for money. I was never so disgusted and afraid at the same time, I almost had to gag. I ran back to the mansion as fast as I could and paid the guards to remove them from the premises. Thankfully, I never saw a poor person around the place after that. That''s why I told my dad that when I become queen of Hazzlefrust, my first order will be to remove all the poor people from the city, so everyone can live without their hindrance..


    Alina.. that''s a really bad thing to say. It''s not like they want to be poor, they''d dress better and would clean themselves if they could afford to do so. You should use your power to help them live better lives.


    Can''t they get jobs then to make money? Why don''t they take care of themselves, they bother everyone else for no reason.


    You can''t always get a job or enough money Alina... usually people become poor because of things outside of their control. For example imagine if you''re a miller and your mill burns down. Now you have nothing to make money with.


    Why not buy a new mill then?


    Maybe you don''t have enough money.


    Why didn''t he save money then to buy a new mill?


    You know what, forget it Alina, I don''t think I''m going to be able to explain this to you.


    Okay, that''s fine. I also got you this scarf Kilian, look how pretty it is, put it on!


    Kilian puts on the scarf, but it looks rather ugly and feminine, with a weird floral pattern on it. Something old ladies would wear.


    He remembers what Ennius once told him, if a girl likes a guy she will sometimes buy him ugly clothing items so he becomes less attractive to other women, they don''t even realize it. He always thought it was just a myth but maybe he was right.


    But he can''t just throw it away, that''d look ungrateful. Let''s hope he loses it in battle.


    Here Zad, we got you some daggers for your little brother. Mona hands him a box containing the daggers.


    Wow, these look amazing, thank you guys!


    Don''t mention it.

 20 Sand sharks and ruins

    We''re going to have to cross this last stretch of desert before we make it through Pinella pass and then it''s just a day''s walk to the village of Pittmerden. It''s supposed to be a rallying point for Abbarang and his party, perhaps we can find more information there, Kilian says.


    They walk through the desert sands. At this time of the year the heat is bearable, even if it is still too warm for the comfort of Kilian, Baldric and Alina.


    They spot some ruins in the distance.


    Let''s make a rest over there, it''s going to be nice and shady, Kilian says excitedly.


    They walk over to the ruins and unpack some food. The ruins are of an abandoned outpost on a small hill. As they start to eat Amaru notices something in the distance.


    Sandsharks! He spots their fins out of the sand.


    Everyone get ready! They probably smelled our food.


    Before they have much time to prepare, a gigantic sandshark, the size of at least 2 men jumps out of the sand and snatches some of their food from the cloth it was on, cloth and all.


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    Its teeth the length of an adult male fist, their sand-coloured hide unmistakable.


    They can sense vibrations! Amaru says.


    Stand still everyone, Kilian orders.


    They all stand still in silence.


    Watch their fins for odd movements!


    They follow the fins. There''s three of them.


    Suddenly one starts moving rapidly at Alina. Baldric sees an opportunity, right as the sand shark jumps out of the sand to bite her, he jumps in and smashes its face with his shield.


    A full on hit. The sharks jumps back in the sand to hide itself.


    Then the next one jumps out of the sand at Zad, who uses his agility to dodge it, then stabs it in its side through its thick hide.


    The shark bleeds and also hides itself.


    Then all three of the sharks swim away.


    Phew, that was a close call, Kilian says.


    Sandsharks don''t mess around. We''re lucky these weren''t very hungry, or they would''ve fought much more aggressively, and they wouldn''t have given up so easily, Amaru says.


    They decide to continue their meals, although Baldric is already finished.

 21 Pittmerden

    We are drawing close to Pittmerden. These roads are so empty. Every village we pass is completely empty and desolated, but the buildings are perfectly intact.


    That''s the effects of the biological warfare of the Arcana kingdom. I read that they used a very potent poison to pollute the rivers in these kingdoms which genocided all the inhabitants many years ago. I doubt we''re going to find anyone this far south, these villages won''t be resettled in such a short amount of time, Amaru says.


    That''s horrible. Those people were just civilians, they had nothing to do with the war, and they killed them indiscriminately, Kilian says, somewhat distraught by the consequences of the Arcana kingdom''s biological warfare. He continues, can you imagine their situation, everyone around you starts dying from drinking the water, the only water you have access too. Even if they realised it was because of the water they would''ve died of thirst without it. What a horrible fate.


    But how did they defeat the southern kingdoms? They live on islands, they couldn''t just poison the water supply there. Yet they all died? Do you know what happened? Zad asks Mona.


    I don''t know what happened there, they didn''t really teach us any details about those wars, most of the history lessons focused on how they defeated the Sanoran and Serpensius empires. I didn''t know that they poisoned all those people.


    I know what happened, Amaru says. It''s even more horrible, they infected traders and prisoners with a disease called Beautido and then sent them home. It takes a couple of weeks to truly become effective, but it supposedly spreads through the air and feeds on happiness. Eventually the victims become severely depressed and they stop doing anything but laying in bed all day, usually in the final stages they end up killing themselves. Those who weren''t infected were afraid of joy for fear of getting infected. When large amounts of the population suffered from it it led to massive increases in suicide as well as famines from production loss and the southern kingdoms quickly surrendered. Estimates say they lost over 70% of their population. Those living in the mountain regions were mostly spared, and now it is suspected that it needs wet climates to spread faster.


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    Damn how could a ruler be so cruel, it''s like their king has no regard for life at all, Kilian says.


    It''s as if they''re just plain evil, their king is a tyrant, Alina says, whilst also upset over their acts.


    Why didn''t anybody stop him? Is the entire kingdom in support of such heinous actions? It doesn''t really make sense, he adds, somewhat angered by the realization of what the Arcana empire did.


    Isn''t it all about power? By showing how cruel they can be they make it very clear that you shouldn''t get on their bad side.


    The Mountain kingdom surrendered without putting up a fight and most of the Sanoran cities did the same, Amaru says.


    What do you think, Mona?


    I don''t really know anything about this stuff, I only know what they told us. They told us the Arcana empire had to expand because otherwise they would strike alliances to destroy us like they tried in the first war. They didn''t really tell us much about politics or the real reasons we had to do anything, I was just a low ranking mage, they didn''t really tell me anything important.


    The first war? What war? Zad asks.


    Before the Arcana kingdom attacked all those other kingdoms and empires, several of them had struck an alliance and tried to destroy the Arcana kingdom, because they did not like that they practised magic, something that''s forbidden in most kingdoms. But because the heart of the kingdom is a valley surrounded by mountains it was an extremely long and tedious war, it lasted more than 70 years and they were able to stall for a long time, even though they had a lot less soldiers, they were far stronger because of their magic and defensive positions. Then by a miracle the tide turned and they defeated all the opposing forces and secured the borders of the Arcana kingdom. So a lot of people I spoke to were very afraid that the other kingdoms would attack us again and that they''d kill everyone. I used to think that too.


    Well, it''s not entirely untrue. It''s only very recently that other nations have become more tolerant of the practice of magic, and the only reason they are tolerating it now is so they can stand a chance fighting them.


    What sort of miracle happened then that changed the tide of battle? Seems like an important detail, Amaru asks.


    I don''t know, there''s no details about it.


    I would love to read books on that sort of stuff from the perspective of the Arcana kingdom. I really wish I could enter their libraries. Amaru ponders, his thirst for knowledge not yet sated.

 22 Meeting Abbarang

    After the several weeks long trip to the territory of the former allied kingdoms, they make it to the town of  Sakudern. They just have to wait here, this is supposed to be his brother''s group rallying point. They wait for days before he finally arrives.


    Abbarang, brother, I was getting worried I''d never see you again. Kilian runs towards his brother and hugs him.


    What happened to your arm? He''s missing his left arm.


    Well I have a lot to tell you. As you know I was on a scouting mission. However in the former Serpensius empire I got recruited to join a group of assassins, looking to defeat the Arcana empire from within. They wanted to kill the king. To make a long story short, turns out the rumors are true, the king is just a puppet, he has no real power. The real leader is a bird-like demon named Karawan, or so we thought. We prepared for weeks to fight this demon and ambush him, which is also how I lost my arm. The elite guards of the Arcana kingdom use a special poison called ricin, if a single drop of it enters your bloodstream you will die within minutes. They used it to poison entire rivers, committing genocide to entire regions. It seeps into the rainwater and poisons the wells too. The western parts of the former allied kingdoms are completely desolated because of it. Nothing will live there for centuries to come. Believe me, we walked there. Midst of summer and we didn''t even see a single bug. All the trees are dead. Whilst we were making our way to fight Karawan I got hit in my arm by a ricin laced arrow. We had no choice, my friend saved my life and instantly cut off my arm, then sealed the wound with fire. They all died fighting Karawan however, and the worst of it is, Karawan isn''t the real leader either. He''s another puppet. The real head of the Arcana kingdom is a small demon girl called Misanthria. Rumor has it that she carries an amulet which grants her immense power, enough to rule over others. It''s said to provide a direct connection to the god of death. She must be incredibly powerful, considering the strength of Karawan. This is also why nobody has ever killed the king, he''s completely useless. I think if you manage to get rid of Misanthria the entire thing crumbles apart, because below her are groups of powerful demons, many of whom don''t get along. I suggest against fighting her however, we should wait for the empires and alliances to train significantly powerful mages that can stand up to them.


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    That''s incredible information. How do you know all this?


    We infiltrated the Arcana kingdom and lived as servants at times we pretended to be merchants or farmers from a different part of the lands, trying to gather intel. We wrote a lot of information on scrolls we hid all over the deserted towns we found, knowing that if we sent messenger birds back they''d just intercept them and figure out that there were spies. Life''s pretty bad out there for the average citizens of the Arcana kingdom by the way, but strangely enough, they have a lot less crime than we do in their large cities.


    What about demons? Do they have any of those? Amaru asks.


    Yeah there''s lots of demons, various sorts even. There''s too much to explain, here you can read this. He hands them a set of scrolls with more information.


    We have to defeat Misanthria then. That will bring peace to us all.


    They¡¯re preparing for a war with the northern kingdoms, there¡¯s been reports of troops massing near Snayport city.


    Well if you are intent on fighting her, she is supposedly in the midst of making a trip to the southern kingdoms, and she will pass a choke point known as Pinella pass. It is a narrow path that goes through a thick forest, surrounded by mountains. You could intercept her along the way. But I need to remind you again, she is extremely powerful.


    We can do it. It¡¯s six to one! We¡¯re experienced adventurers.

 23 Assorted assailants

    After a long trek they arrive at Pinella pass. But they are early, Misanthria is likely still a few days of travel away. They set up camp not far from the road and start preparing to cook some food. Foley and Zad are foraging for anything edible, some fresh vegetables or fruits would really add to the flavour up their usual meals consisting of dried fruits and salted meats.


    You know Zad, we should try to find a wild animal, some fresh meat would be delicious. I''m sure Baldric would be eternally grateful to us.


    Well good luck finding any, this place is barren, only plants live here.


    Zad, come over here, look at that.


    What, you found animals?


    Sort of. He points in the distance.


    Four shadowy figures dressed in dark clothing are moving through the woods, avoiding the main path.


    They''re carrying weapons and likely serve the Arcana kingdom.


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    We need to tell the others about this, it''s possible they''re scouting the safety for Misanthria, or something else, whatever it is, it can''t be good.


    Agreed. Let''s head back.


    They rush back to their camp and inform the others.


    We should ambush them, we can''t have them risk alerting Misanthria and sabotaging our plans.


    What about the food? Baldric says.


    We will eat later, we have to go now.


    I''ll stay here, my fighting days are over, Abbarang says. He used to be a sword fighter like Kilian but since he lost his arm his sword skills have been lackluster, possibly because of the lack of an arm.


    I''ll just do some foraging in the meantime.


    They walk to the road and wait in some bushes.


    As they are discussing their plans, Foley notices some shadowy figures in the distance.


    We have to attack once they get close enough! Kilian whispers.


    As they draw closer they all jump out from the bushes, and strike down the first melee fighter, carrying double swords.


    The other scouts panic and run away. They give chase.


    After a short distance they make it to a temple of light. Its yellow and white coloured stones stand out amongst the forest. It is partly overgrown with weeds and veins. It has likely been abandoned for a long time. The scouts rush inside.

 24 The temple of light

    Chase them into the temple, we can''t let them escape. They enter the overgrown old temple. It''s about 4 stories high and somewhat pyramid shaped. The inside is spacious with lots of wooden seats, pottery, and a large altar as the centerpiece. The place is poorly lit by radiating light crystals on the ceiling. There''s multiple doorways on the sides of the room and one behind the altar. The scouts have already made it to the altar. Judging by the decorations on the wall it is dedicated to the god of light, although it is a poor state, there''s cracks in the walls and tiles and most of the gold seems to have been stripped off.


    Baldric rushes forward with Foley and Amaru behind the cover of his shield. They fire a barrage of arrows and Alina uses her barrier to protect herself and Kilian. Then the fire mage casts a series of explosive spells around baldric. He manages to block them, but the floor can''t hold it any longer and the wooden panels collapse. Baldric, Foley and Amaru  tumble down first along with one of the melee fighters.


    Then the support pillars fall over and the entire place starts to fall. Kilian and Alina jump into one of the doorways on the side, Zad and Mona are less lucky as they were standing near a supporting pillar, and the entire thing collapses. The scouts are nowhere to be seen around the main floor, likely having fled the destruction themselves.


    Ah that hurt! Mona and Zad wake up on the lower floors in a pile of rubble. It''s too dark to see the higher floors but they can see the faint crystal lighting of the ceiling in the distance. Zad starts drinking his only health potion, here you can have the rest, he hands Mona half. It''s nowhere near as potent as Alina''s healing, but at least its something.


    Lets walk on and look for a way back up.


    They enter a narrow pathway that''s also lit by crystal signs.


    I don''t feel comfortable in enclosed spaces like this, Mona admits. Makes me feel trapped, we got nowhere to go.


    Don''t worry Mona, I''m sure it''ll be fine, the others must be looking for us too. Zad walks a little closer to Mona and in front of her so she feels safer, although he does his best to hide it, the situation doesn''t make him all that comfortable himself.


    Just stay close to me. We''re both good fighters, we can make it.


    They walk for a little while in silence before Mona breaks it.


    Zad, you''re good friends with Foley. Why does he hate me?


    Zad thinks for a while. Probably because of his history. He had some bad experiences with arcane mages. Told me they massacred his village when he was young, he thinks you did similar things but wont tell us. I tried to convince him otherwise but he doesn''t buy it. Why does it bother you?


    Not really except that he takes every chance he gets to make mean remarks and it bothers me. It''s kind of unfair to judge me based on those assumptions isn''t it? I left as soon as I could, and he still sees me as one of them.


    I agree Mona, but Foley isn''t thinking rationally about it. You still served under them for about a year. I could try talking to him about it, but I don''t think it''ll help.


    He''s not a bad guy, I''m sure if we were in a desperate situation, he''d do the right thing regardless.


    I hope you''re right.


    They make their way into a larger room. There''s a raised platform containing a stone statue of a guardian golem with a triangular head. In the center is a  beautiful golden staff floating above a small crystalline pyramid.


    Wow this is great, loot! Zad immediately snatches the staff, his hands instinctively grabbing any item of value within close proximity of him, as they have been doing for his entire existence.


    A sound rumbles and the pyramid dims, both door exits are blocked by falling walls.


    The crystalline heart of the golem statue starts to glow and it stands up.


    Put it back Zad! We''re not exactly in a condition to fight right now!


    Zad tries to place the staff back but it won''t float anymore. It was probably enchanted with some sort of protective spell.


    The golem now moves forward and smashes in Zad''s direction, he manages to roll to the side and dodge the slam just in time. The entire room shakes and the floor cracks.


    This is bad, we got to do something quickly, it could destroy this room easily!


    Mona throws a flurry of arcane bolts, aiming for the heart of the golem, but as they draw close a light barrier blocks all her shots. It moves forward to Mona who is in a corner. I''ll try a stronger bolt! She starts charging a more powerful, charged arcane bolt. Usually quite a useless spell due to its slowness, it requires stationary or very slow moving targets as its easily dodged, but this huge slow moving golem is impossible to miss.


    She fires at the crystal heart of the golem, yet again the barrier blocks it. It doesn''t even show the slightest crack.


    That''s my most powerful spell, I got nothing else Zad, it''s on you!


    I don''t think this will work but I''ll give it a try, Zad slams at the golems legs, but since they are made of stone his daggers fail to do anything.


    The golem slams its arm down in Mona''s direction, but she teleports to a different corner before he strikes her. The ground shakes once more.


    Zad, try removing its crystal! Zad skillfully climbs up on its backside, but before he can make a serious effort to dislodge the heart, it moves forward and Zad falls off, hurting himself. It''s moving too fast, I can''t stay on it for very long!


    I have another idea Zad, climb up it again, I will prepare to teleport it high in the air. You have to jump off before it teleports.


    Zad climbs up the golem once again from its backside, as it is distracted by his agile manoeuvres Mona starts casting her teleportation spell.


    Jump now Zad!


    He jumps off and lands on his feet. The golem is teleported to the top of the ceiling, about 7 lengths high. It falls down next to one of the closed exits, and instantly breaks apart in several large chunks, as well as breaking the wall sealing the exit. The entire room starts shaking and several large bricks fall from the ceiling.


    Wow that was amazing Mona, you''re so smart. You always figure something out to be victorious. And you opened the exit at the same time! He runs over and hugs Mona. Mona hasn''t felt the warmth of another person so close to her since she left her family, it feels nice.


    Thank you Zad. She blushes and hugs him back. Several more bricks fall from the ceiling.


    We should move quickly Zad. He grabs the staff before they exit through the broken blockade.


    Mona, I was wondering, what are you going to do after this is all over? After we defeat Misanthria there is nothing left for us to do.


    I guess I never really thought about the future. Honestly, I don''t really think I have a future. For some reason when I try to picture myself several years from now, I can''t help but think that I would die somewhere along the way. She stares into the distance, she doesn''t even look sad, rather it''s like she''s already accepted the fact.


    Zad doesn''t really know how he should respond to that. Mona always has a negative outlook on things, and it''s difficult to blame her for it given her past experiences. He tries to uplift her spirits with positivity. You''re a smart girl with many talents, you have a brighter future than most of us! They''re looking for skilled mages everywhere to teach aspiring mages how to fight the Arcana kingdom. And if fighting isn''t your thing, you could just keep a low profile.


    I don''t think that will happen. They put a bounty on me so there''s going to be assassins stalking me wherever I go. And I think that even if we defeat Misanthria, they will still invade the northern kingdoms successfully. In my history lessons they said that the only war the Arcana forces ever lost was some battle against the Serpensius empire, because they had plenty of anti magic technology. And that only made things worse for them, because instead of fighting them head on they started randomly attacking villages with small groups of infiltrators. Eventually the carnage became so much that the cities of the Serpensius empire stopped paying their tithes, instead using those funds to protect themselves. They collapsed from the inside after that. Considering this information makes Zad lose hope as well, but he tries to remain positive.


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    It''s not all hopeless Mona, you got to have faith. The remaining empires are busy making alliances to fight the Arcana empire. You could live in some village in peace, people look out for each other. I know in my village we sheltered a man that killed a soldier from the Arcana empire. Whenever strangers would come asking for his whereabouts, everyone would lie and misdirect them. After a year or so they stopped looking, they probably assumed he died or lived in the wilderness somewhere. It''s not like they have eyes everywhere. You could come to my town, my family wouldn''t mind! The food and weather is great year round, and it''s very safe.


    You''re very nice Zad, I like you, I''ll come visit you if I can make it.


    That''s great Mona, I like you too.


    Meanwhile Foley, Baldric and Amaru are having troubles of their own. They fell down several floors as well.


    My legs hurt a lot, Foley complains. Bad news guys, my health potions broke during our fall. Amaru says, his robes are soaked in red liquid.


    Don''t worry, I''ll block any damage coming our way, Baldric says confidently. It''s going to take more than a fall to bring his spirit down. They walk forward along the narrowly lit passageways, it''s the only way they can go since everything below the main floor collapsed.


    This is a bad situation, Amaru says. Foley excels in ranged combat with his bow, and I excel at spear-throwing from a distance, normally that would be a great combination with Baldric on defense, but in these narrow, poorly lit hallways, our ranged advantage is completely negated in any kind of encounter.


    I''m alright with my knives up close, Foley says. And your spear melee combat isn''t that bad.


    Well we''re going to have to hurry anyway, we need to intercept those assassins if we want to kill Misanthria.


    They agree to hurry, although Foley has a hard time keeping up.


    Foley remember to be careful if we get into combat, Alina isn''t here to save your ass now.


    Yeah yeah, I''m aware.


    Honestly I wonder how you managed to survive without a healer for so long, you''re always at the frontlines, Baldric says.


    I take calculated risks.


    Well your calculations might need some recalculating at times.


    Alright guys, I get it, I''ll play it safe, Foley says, somewhat annoyed.


    There''s stairs here, but we could also continue to go straight on the current floor. We will have to go up to intercept the assassins.


    However the stairs lead even higher.


    I think we should go to the highest floor guys. There''s probably a rooftop exit, I assume the assassins will try to go for that one.


    They walk in the opposite direction on the higher floors taking many turns and the floors scale slightly upward, leading to the top.


    They make it to a set of stone doors, meeting in the middle. We have to open these to continue. Amaru tries his best to open them with the leverage of his spear but he has to stop before he breaks.


    Let me try. Baldric wedges his shield between the doors then pushes them slightly open. Alright guys, go inside, I''ll go last.


    They rush in before the doors close.


    The good thing is we know they likely haven''t been here yet, or those doors would''ve been opened, unless they closed them like we did. Anyway let''s wait in this room, it''s quite spacious, this offers us a good advantage.


    So what are you guys going to do after we defeat Misanthria? Amaru inquires.


    I''m thinking of setting up a shop in Halipawa for a little while, selling my famous smoke bombs and such, and I''d get to enjoy the beaches and beautiful weather in my free time.


    That''s a good plan, those smoke bombs are something else. Foley says. I desire more action. I really like adventuring and fighting those assassins, plus it''s better for my conscience than robbing folks. We''re helping people now. Maybe I could become an arms-for-hire, protecting parties in need of help, tracking down troublesome people and capturing them. Sounds like an exciting lifestyle, I''d never get bored.


    What about you Baldric?


    Same as now, bodyguard for the royal messengers. I like the traveling, and of course the food.


    Would''ve been great if we still had Ennius with us to play some music right now and boost our morale.


    You''re right about that, it''s a shame he''s gone.


    Say what''s the music like in the Northern kingdoms Baldric, is it any good, or is it all about surviving the harsh winters like they say it is?


    It''s beautiful, lots of drums and blowing instruments are used. Great for uplifting one''s spirit, but there''s also a lot of party music with more happy themes.


    What about the vocals?


    Compared to other regions I think we have less singers, maybe because of the cold.


    A large explosion is heard and pieces of rock fly everywhere into the room. The assassins went for a rather inconsiderate entrance.


    It''s them, get ready to fight guys.


    The fire mage enters first and he throws a fireball in Foley''s direction, who quickly jumps to the side and fires a volley of arrows, but the second follow up fire balls strikes him in his leg. Goddamnit, this hurt guys.


    The fire mage roasts the arrows, and they drop the floor like flies in front of a recently opened oven.


    A melee fighter enters next and through the chaos of the spell casting and arrows makes his way to Amaru, who tries to fight him off with his spear, he has the ranged advantage but the fighter has the melee advantage.


    With one blade the assassin blocks his spear thrust and with the other he prepares to strike Amaru in his side.


    A large clunk is heard. Baldric smashes the assassin with his shield in his ribcage, sending him flying for a good meter or so.


    He''s done for, Baldric says. Damn Baldric, I''ve never seen you do that before.


    Well I never had to.


    Let''s go after that fire mage. Baldric blocks the incoming fire spells with his shield, which is heating up now, as Amaru runs after him. The mage continues to fire spells at him.


    I can''t hold much longer, my shield is becoming too hot.


    Then as they draw closer the fire mage does a cowardly move and looks at the wounded Foley on the floor, intending to cast a fireball to finish him off.


    Foley watch out! Amaru yells. Baldric throws his shield to intercept the blast, catching it about halfway through.


    Amaru can''t close the distance and throws his spear for the final 5 meters or so. The fire mage uses his flames to intercept it like he did with the arrows prior, but the spears momentum is too large and even as it is charred it remains on its flight path, it''s metal tip piercing the mage in his chest.


    Amaru runs over and kicks his staff away.


    Well that''s 2 down, but where''s the remaining 2?


    At the same time, Alina and Kilian make it to a small room where they recover.


    Are you okay Kilian?


    Yeah I''m not hurt, are you alright?


    I''m good.


    Let''s get moving then, we have to hurry if we want to intercept those scouts.


    Alright let''s get going.


    The hallways quickly open into a larger room. There''s an altar on an elevated platform, and a large but destroyed statue of a guardian, large chunks of it are scattered over the floor.


    Two tablets lie near the altar.


    Since this is a temple of light, those could contain useful spells. Let''s take them Alina. They each take a tablet.


    They make their exit through the doorway behind the altar.


    I don''t like this, it''s dark and hard to see things. I''m scared.


    Don''t worry, it''s my duty to protect you.


    Alina starts walking closely behind Kilian.


    I''m not looking forward to combat in these narrow hallways.


    Don''t worry, I can heal everything they throw at you.


    But it''s still going to hurt!


    You know Kilian, when all of this is over you should come visit me sometimes and take me on more adventures. I get so lonely in my castle, I really enjoy the time we spend together. Alina plays with her hair, but Kilian is too focused on the hallways to notice it.


    Don''t worry, I will. I''ll probably just start delivering mail between nobles again. I enjoy our travels too.


    Don''t you miss the luxury of life in the castle? Sleeping in the wild isn''t all that comfortable.


    It''s alright when I''m with you Kilian, I don''t mind sleeping anywhere.


    They stop walking and turn their heads to face each other.


    As they slowly move their heads closer to each other they are interrupted by the firing of arrows.


    Alina casts light barrier on Kilian, who rushes forward, and stabs the archer before he can even get away.


    The second archer fires a volley of arrows at Kilian but his light barrier deflects them.


    Then he slashes the archer''s bow to pieces and they both tie up the archers.


    They continue along the pathway with the archers tied up walking behind them. Then they all regroup at a central chamber. There''s a huge altar and 4 statues of servants of light facing it, illuminated by beautiful radiating light crystals in the ceiling.


    Amaru reads the inscription. This altar will grant whoever uses it another chance at life if they were to fall. They all agree that Alina is the most vital member, so they let her perform the ritual and bind her soul to the altar.


    They decide to leave the scouts tied up in a small side room. It''ll take them a while to free themselves. Enough time to deal with Misanthria.


    They head out back to the main road they came from and wait. And wait. Then finally, a chariot pulled by four horses arrives. They block the road and the horses stop.

 25 The instigator of iniquity

    They open the oversized chariot. Before them stands a small figure. It''s Misanthria, the supposed ruler of the Arcana empire, the voice of Zernebog, god of death, one of its many arms, or rather tentacles. She doesn''t look all that intimidating, although for a little girl, she does look a little off. She stands with her shoulders slightly forward and hunched, like that of a depressed person, but her head is held high, so her posture compares to that of a shady figure you find scheming in the corners of a tavern or at the edges of an event, dealing in shady wares. Even though she surely has access to the best food available, given her position, she still looks a little underfed. The most notable thing about her are her red glowing eyes, which gives away her demonic blood. Although they''ve heard that demons aren''t all that uncommon within the borders of the Arcana kingdom, so maybe its just noticeable to them because this is the first half-demon they''ve encountered.


    Well. I see you made it here. Congratulations.


    I''ll be honest, I think this is all rather pointless. You know how many people have tried to assassinate me in the past few years? You even have the audacity to try to fight me in the open, rather than trying to poison me or something. Anyway, to answer the hypothetical question I just asked, the answer is a lot. A lot of times, and I''ve evaded every attempt. It''s because Zernebog is on my side. You are powerless to defeat me. What do you think sets you apart? The power of friendship? Your own ideological and naive delusions? The only difference between you and other assassins I''ve faced is that you are younger and less organised. And even if you somehow managed to defeat me, I''m just one of many. This plane is doomed anyway, from your perspective at least. You''d merely postpone the inevitable. You should''ve just focused on living happy lives and not have involved yourself with these types of things. I''m not a very powerful mage unfortunately, even after many, many decades of training.. I still don''t come close to Sakaraths power. After a certain point, it''s all about talent instead of skill, and unfortunately I suppose I lack that. But that''s alright, because I got the most powerful beings on my side. I don''t need to rely on my magical power. But I can still hold my own.


    You killed my family! How could you be so cruel? They had nothing to do with this! Mona yells, with tears in her eyes.


    I don''t even know who you are. Oh how sad, you don''t have a family anymore, hard to imagine what that''s like... I grew up as an orphaned slave, and my own sister tried to kill me, you idiots. Where''s the pity for me? You don''t even know anything about me. And besides, I didn''t give any orders to kill your family, that''s just how things are run here, I only direct orders and make sure things are going according to plan, I''m not out there micromanaging every single action the Arcana kingdom takes. If you want to avenge your family you''d have to find whatever general controlled your unit.


    As the highest ranking leader you bear end responsibility for all the actions taken under you, everyone knows that, Amaru says.


    But Misanthria doesn''t see it that way. It''s no use to explain it to them, they wouldn''t understand since they don''t rank highly anywhere, and besides they''re unimportant soon-to-be-dead fools. Still, Misa desires some sympathy once in a while, most people just do what she says out of fear, nobody ever cares to listen. And in all her years she''s never managed to convince an assassin not to follow through. Being sympathetic was never her greatest strength.


    Misanthria drinks a sanguine potion, for a few seconds she suffers from convulsions then she starts glowing a red aura.


    It''s hard to imagine what to expect from Misanthria, she doesn''t even wear any combat armour, just regular old robes, but after fighting Sassarak they know not to underestimate someone by their appearance.


    She instantly summons a large dark orb around her, which destroys the chariot and knocks back all her assailants. Then the orb implodes and sucks in all the debris, before exploding violently again, not harming Misanthria who has summoned some sort of protective shield barrier around herself. Then she follows up by summoning a path of tentacles, forged from dark energy. The tentacles slap around almost aimlessly, and one manages to strike Zad in his chest, sending him even further backward.


    Then she unleashes a barrage of smaller dark orbs in Mona''s direction, she''s caught completely off guard and starts her teleportation too late, and she''s knocked down instantly. Several explode on her body. Mona stops moving. Just like in the fight with Sassarak, Misanthria has no issue rapidly casting various spells without pause, they have to constantly be on their toes.


    This isn''t good guys, I''ll have to use my revival spell right away to save Mona, Alina says. She revives Mona.


    Foley runs forward and fires a volley of enchanted fire arrows from close range, whilst Kilian runs in Misanthria''s direction, aiming for the path she is most likely to dodge in. Misanthria summons an orb that sucks him back, then it explodes sending him flying forward.


    You don''t stand a chance. Tell you what, if you surrender now, I''ll make your deaths painless.


    We will never surrender! Kilian yells.


    She swings her staff forward and launches another darkness orb at Kilians position, it''s moving too fast, he can''t dodge it. But right as it''s about to strike Baldric jumps in front of him, blocking the orb with his shield. The resulting implosion sucks them towards its direction but Baldric can prevent the worst of it with his shield.


    As they are busy with the implosion, Amaru rushes forward, he uses his spear as a vault and jumps high into the air, then starts swinging his spear before throwing it at Misanthria, simultaneously with another volley of arrows from Foley. Misanthria tries to destroy it with her dark orbs but she''s too slow. The spears'' anti-magical properties easily pierce her barrier and hit her right in her lower abdomen.


    Aaah that fucking hurts! She yells.


    Then with some difficulty she removes the spear from her body and her wounds heal instantly.


    What the hell, are you guys seeing this? Her wound is gone? Amaru says in disbelief.


    She must have some sort of super healing ability, Kilian adds.


    I don''t know guys, maybe we should try to escape, I don''t think it is going to work, Mona says, anxiously.


    We can''t go back now, we have to defeat her. We''ve only just started, we got lots of tricks up our sleeve, don''t worry Mona, Kilian reassures her.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Next Misanthria takes the initiative and focuses her attention on the most annoying part of any party, the healer. She summons a great deal of dark orbs and has them rain down on Alina. Alina summons a light barrier but it breaks halfway through and she''s injured quite severely.


    Go back Baldric, you should stick with Alina, we can''t afford to lose her. Kilian says. Baldric hurries back and protects her from further orbs so she can cast healing spells on herself.


    A still injured Kilian starts running forward, Zad throws a smoke bomb at Misanthria to disorient her, whilst Mona fires a burst of arcane blasts. If they all attack at the same time something is bound to hit her. The shield easily blocks the arcane blasts however, but Kilian manages to close the distance on her and he pierces her chest with his sword. Misanthria starts to spew some blood.


    Goddamnit.. that fucking hurts.


    She explodes a black orb on herself, sending Kilian flying back, he manages to keep a tight grip to his sword. Misanthria''s wound heals again, and in mere instances of a second it''s like nothing bad happened to her.


    What the hell is going on, that would''ve been enough to incapacitate anyone.


    We have to remove the amulet guys, he yells. This is what my brother was talking about!


    This has gone on for long enough, you guys really need to die for me now.


    Foley charges forward, preparing to flank her with his daggers.


    She summons a portal near Foley, which slowly starts sucking him in. Guys this is bad, I don''t have the power to move away from it! He yells.


    Meanwhile Zad signals Mona to teleport him from behind Baldric to behind Misanthria when he gives the signal.


    Amaru extends his spear to Foley who grabs it and he starts pulling him out with all his strength. Then Misanthria follows up with more darkness orbs and destroys his spear, Amaru has to jump out of the way to dodge it, Foley is hit and now holds half of a destroyed spear. He falls over backward and gets sucked in. Goodbye guys, he says.


    As he approaches the center, it explodes, Foley''s limbs are thrown off and spread in several directions.


    She killed Foley! Amaru yells.


    The sight of the now lifeless pieces of Foley''s corpse casts a shock in the mind of his former friends. Just mere moments ago he had been alive and by their side, it is quite unreal. They don''t have time to mourn his death at this moment. Zad lets it fuel his anger to perfectly execute his next move.


    Now Mona! Amaru throws another spear at Misanthria to distract her. Kilian starts charging her. Zad is teleported behind Misanthria, he throws another smoke bomb at her then he kicks her in her back so she falls over forward, face first. He cuts her necklace off, before stabbing her in her head. With her necklace removed, she should die instantly. He lands in front of her and turns back to face Misanthria. She''s laying on the ground in a pile of blood. To everyone''s shock, Misanthria pulls the knife from her head and stands up again. Well now you guys know my secret, I really can''t let you live now. Misanthria smirks, then a more forced smile stays on her face, but her eyes tell a different story.


    Impossible, we removed her necklace and she''s still alive. No wonder she survived all those assassinations. People think the secret is that her amulet grants her immortality, but its merely a distraction, the truth is that she is invincible, so there is no point in trying to assassinate her. Misanthria summons a darkness tentacle which grabs the now exposed Zadkiel by his leg and slams him on the floor, crushing his bones, he screams in pain. But the third slam he has stopped making any sounds and his lifeless body falls to the ground.


    She killed Zad! Why?! Mona starts to cry.


    This is bad, we should get out of here Amaru says. There''s nothing we can do, she''s going to kill all of us.


    Baldric is in shock too, and Misanthria uses this moment to attack the now exposed Alina. She throws a barrage of darkness orbs in her direction. Baldric regains his composure and runs over to intercept them, but he fails to block all of them. Several break through the light barrier and strike Alina in her chest, defeating her. But she revives instantly at the temple of light. The altar crumbles to dust. "For your services to the god of light you have been granted another chance at life" a dark voice whispers to her.


    Meanwhile the situation with Misanthria is dire. I hate that it came to this but we have to execute our escape plan, if we all spread out in different directions, most of us will survive. Kilian yells from behind Misanthria. Mona, you have to focus, we''re going to escape now. Kilian says, trying to get her to pay attention to the situation at hand.


    She killed Zad, Mona says again. You have to run or you will die too! Zad and Foley would''ve wanted you to live! Run Mona! Kilian says as he makes his escape. Amaru throws a smoke bomb at Misanthria, which buys them some extra time.


    They all spread out in different directions. Mona hesitantly runs a short distance. She knows that with her teleportation she stands the best chance of escaping out of all of them, and she tries to make herself an attractive target to draw Misanthria''s attention. She pretends to fall over so Misanthria goes after her. I guess I''ll kill you then, the rat mage of betrayal, Misanthria says, running after Mona. As she draws closer, Mona prepares to cast her remaining two teleportation spells in quick succession to rapidly increase the distance between her and Misanthria. First she throws a flurry of arcane bolts at Misanthria that she has to dodge.


    She teleports away from the path, preparing to teleport further away but she is knocked back by the explosion of a dark orb that strikes her right in the side of her torso. She falls to the side, her body hurts, it feels like her ribs on the left side of her body were smashed into pieces. She coughs up blood and stands up again with great difficulty.


    What, you really thought I was going to just let you get away? You think this is the first time I''ve fought an arcane mage or something? I knew you were going to teleport and I knew approximately the maximum distance of your skill, so I just predicted which directions you''d most likely take and threw orbs to intercept you.


    Mona falls on her knees, she puts her hands to her head, covering her face. It''s all over now. She tries not to cry and stay strong, but she''s defeated after everything that has happened that she can''t hold back her tears. She failed her family too, their suffering was in vain.


    Misanthria walks over to Mona. Come on now, is this really all you got? No last ditch smoke bombs or unexpected sneak-attack arcane blasts? Mona doesn''t even reply, she just sobs and hides between her arms.


    At least I saved my friends. Misanthria is too far into the forest now to catch up to them, there''s nothing she can do to them. They will avenge me, she thinks to herself.


    Damn you''re boring, what a defeatist attitude. No matter what your group does, it''s all inevitable anyway. Nothing they will do can stop the turn of events. I see you have a pet raven. You know, I used to have a pet raven too, many years ago. I was still a slave back then, when they found out I kept a bird in my room they killed it in front of me. It made me so angry, but I couldn''t do anything back then. After I assumed power I hoped to find the bastards who did it, I was looking forward to personally torturing them to death. But of course, they had already died by then. Quick, painless deaths too. I had to take solace by killing their families but it didn''t alleviate my anger. It still upsets me when I think about it. Anyway, tell that bird of yours to fly away, it has nothing to do with this. Mona takes Avias with her hand then extends her arm and opens her hand, and flies up into the air, where it circles around, to watch over its soon to be former master.


    It''s time to die now Mona. Misanthria summons black orb above Mona''s head, then has it explode, blowing Mona''s head and part of her torso to pieces.


    That went really bad. Now they know my secret. Still, I knew it would be revealed eventually, it''s amazing I managed to keep it for so long. Gone are the days of travelling freely without guards or planning trips. Now I''ll have to hide everything I do, and I''ll have to require guards to accompany me everywhere I go. Misanthria sighs. If only I had been a more powerful mage, then I could''ve destroyed all of them. Maybe I should spread a rumor that I''m invincible in certain areas or something, they have to believe I have some sort of weakness, otherwise they will just try to contain me. Since I can''t die that would mean possibly eternal torture.

 26 Fallback

    They regroup at the campsite.


    There is a silence. Nobody says anything. Abbarang can read from their faces how it went.


    That went horrible. Avias flies in through the canopies of the trees and lands on Kilians head. It caws several times, as if it''s trying to tell them something.


    Nothing we can do now little friend. He strokes the bird''s head to calm it down.


    We lost 3 of our friends, may they rest in peace. We will avenge them.


    She''s not all that powerful after all Abbarang, she''s strong but she only knows dark magic it seems. However she is invincible. Somehow no matter what we did she did not receive any lasting harm. We even removed her amulet, it didn''t matter. We had to make an escape.


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    I''m sorry to hear that. I''ve heard that some of the strongest dark mages can revive themselves on death.


    It wasn''t anything like that, she was clearly not undead, she looked alive. Her wounds instantly healed and besides causing pain seemed to have no effect on her at all. I don''t understand, but it must have something to do with serving the god of death.


    How do we defeat something that we can''t even damage?


    She could be contained. Doesn''t matter that she can''t die if she is locked up in a prison somewhere.


    We need to go back and capture her.


    We should throw her into a volcano, Baldric suggests.


    Technically if she is truly invincible, she would just float on top of the lava. Besides I don''t think there''s any active volcanoes anywhere on this side of Essanys, Amaru replies.

 27 Return to the Frigus dynasty

    So Abbarang joined a group of assassins hired to take out the ruler of the Arcane kingdom, and you came pretty close to fulfilling that task?


    Yes my king, we have discovered her weakness.


    Removing the head of the empire could cause political unrest that would destabilise the entire empire, at the very least delaying their invasion by a few years, allowing us vital time to prepare. the king''s top general and advisor says.


    Very well then, we will fund your next assassination attempt. You can discuss the details with my lead general and advisor, general Strastenburg. Follow me outside to the barracks.


    I am amazed your party managed to make it so close to the leader of the Arcana forces, we have sent many assassins their way. Most of them end up disappearing, instead we had been shifting our focus towards removing their generals. But this proves to be a difficult task, since most of them are powerful demons, very capable of defending themselves.  And of course they are on high alert.


    As they walk by a camp of shield-bearers, general Strastenburg picks up one of their shields.


    This here are our new magic resistant shields, reinforced with pyrite. They will be incredibly important in the upcoming battles.


    You will have to travel to the Aspara kingdom. We are requesting an alliance with the kingdom of the valkyrie. Although they are small in number, they are said to be incredibly powerful warriors.


    From there you will have to decide the best way to infiltrate their ranks to assassinate Misanthria.


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    What else can we supply you with?


    Kilian thinks for a short while. I heard that the army has been successfully training frost mages. Since we are forced to subdue Misanthria, an ice-mage could be very useful on our side.


    That is true. But the program is still in its very early stages. We have only started deciphering the ancient magic books and scrolls recently, and besides that we rely on the information we have obtained about such magicks from the Arcana forces. Even our strongest mages pale in comparison to the power their mages have.


    They make their way to a large classroom where a group of about 50 students sit and an old ice-wizard is lecturing them about frost magicks.


    General Strastenburg, it is an honor to have you visit our class, the wizard says, then he takes a deep bow.


    Our apologies for interrupting your class.


    The strongest ice-mage is grand wizard Meadown, he has important duties to attend here. However, we can send the best student to join you.


    Grand wizard Meadow, who is currently your best student?


    That would be a tie I''m afraid, these two are my top students.


    Two twins in the front row stand up.


    This here is Fuki and this here is Lumi. They have already mastered the spells ice wall, frost-bolt and icicle rain. Most of their peers have barely mastered frost bolt. They are currently working on mastering frost ray and mist, utility spells. They have a natural talent for frost magicks that would make many a person jealous. They come from the Glacies republic and also have more experience with frost magic than anyone else, as the practice of magic was legalized there several years ago. They also help with instructing the rest of class.


    Excuse me grand wizard Meadown, I''d like to speak to these apprentices in private.


    Of course, go ahead.


    They step into the hallway and close the door.


    Would you two be willing to serve your people on an infiltration mission?


    Yes of course, I wouldn''t mind going on an adventure! Lumi says excitedly, ready to leave that very instant.


    I would like to too, Fuki shows more hesitance, yet also agrees.

 28 Doncaster

    They''re in the town of Doncaster on a break, heading south to get reinforcements from the Aspara kingdom. Fuki and Lumi are busy practicing their frost magics. With much effort they read the ancient scrolls given to them by their teacher, and show some progress in mastering their next spell, Frost ray. It is a spell that uses extreme cold energy to freeze anything it touches. It will be essential in their fight with Misanthria.


    Lumi goes first.


    Gelu ray magica magnifica maximus! She shouts.


    She performs the rhythmic movements with her staff and a small ray of ice forms on the ground. But nothing strong enough to incapacitate an enemy.


    Fuki performs the same spell, to similar effect.


    We''re going to need to practice a lot more. We only have a couple of months left before we need to be able to master this spell.


    Baldric has done his exercises for the day and is heading to the town inn.


    As he orders two meals and starts to enjoy his roasted bison steak and fried fish a woman approaches him.


    Hey handsome, you''re going to finish that all by yourself?


    She''s slender and has an hourglass shaped figure, with long brown hair and green eyes.


    She smiles at him.


    I''m hungry, me and my group walked all week, Baldric explains, before he chows down on his steak.


    Mind if I sit down?


    Sure, he says with food in his mouth.


    What''s a strong guy like you doing here? She asks him.


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    I can''t talk about it. We''re on a rescue mission. That''s the story they decided to stick with to keep the truth hidden.


    Alright. My name is Tanaka. What''s yours?


    Baldric, he says.


    Where are you heading?


    We''re heading to the Cavas region, he says as he chews on more food hastily.


    What a coincidence, so am I. Maybe we could travel together for a bit?


    Sure, I don''t think the others would mind.


    But I have a small problem I need help with first.


    I''m looking for a strong man to help me with some stuff. I recently moved. You will be rewarded. It''s close to this inn, just 5 minutes away, would you care to help me? She winks at him.


    Baldric agrees, after he finishes his meal.


    They walk over to the house.


    I live on the 3rd floor. But I can''t carry all these boxes.


    Baldric, not knowing any better, helps her move up the heavy boxes and furniture. Although this is supposed to be her house, it looks more like a storage unit.


    As they are finished she kisses the now sweaty Baldric.


    Thank you so much!


    You know Baldric, we could have a little fun, but I''ve been so stressed lately.


    Stressed? What''s on your mind, a flustered Baldric asks her.


    These bills. I had to move to this place because I couldn''t afford rent anymore. And my landlord now wants a moving out deposit because I broke the contract. Tanaka wipes a tear from her eyes.


    Money is so hard to come by for a girl like me, I just don''t have the skills necessary to work in a town like this. That''s why I''m heading to the Cavas region, to buy fresh herbs to sell back here.


    Could you lend me a few coins? She asks, as she places her hand on his side.


    S-sure I could. I don''t need everything.


    Baldric reveals a coin pouch. He takes out a few gold coins. Here you go.


    I''m going to need more than that sweetie, she says as she grabs a handful of coins from Baldric.


    Okay. Thank you. We''ll meet up tomorrow morning at the inn okay. Then we can travel to the Cavas region.


    But the following morning Tanaka doesn''t show up. Baldric checks her apartment but the door is locked and there''s seemingly nobody in the entire building, as nobody opens the door after he knocks and shouts.


    I won''t see that money back either, he thinks to himself.

 29 Winter festival

    The group arrives at a medium-sized town in the Cavas region, and there''s a festival going on.


    There''s an all you can eat pie contest which Baldric decides to enter. He chows down pie after pie without even chewing much, and easily defeats his opponents. He wins a medal and a sum of gold coins.


    A free meal and a prize? This day can''t get any better, he says, with his stomach expanded to twice its size.


    Kilian buys Alina roasted skewered apples with honey, which she enjoys greatly, and even more so because they came from Kilian.


    Fuki and Lumi watch a local magician. They''ve never been outside of the Frigus dynasty, they don''t get to see many magicians. Although this magician is not quite so skilled in actual magic, his humorous act makes it worthwhile.


    Amaru decides to hit the musket stand. It''s a simple game, you have to hit increasingly difficult targets for a price from about 5-20 lengths away.


    You have to use a musket. The inside is likely crooked, and he is not a skilled ranger, so he misses most of his shots anyway. The final targets are even moving, pulled by a string.


    To his surprise there''s a man getting all shots correct. Bullseye after bullseye.


    He uses his points to cash out a bottle of cider. Then he leaves for a nearby inn.


    We could use a ranger like that, he thinks to himself. He follows the man to the inn.


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    He sits at the corner, and orders a glass of mead. Amaru asks the bartender if he knows that guy.


    That¡¯s Achran Jakte, best bounty hunter in the Cavas region. If you need someone caught, dead or alive, he''s your guy. This confirms it. They need a skilled professional in their group.


    Amaru walks over.


    Excuse me sir, I couldn''t help but notice you were hitting all your shots back there at the musket stand. We''re on a quest to defeat an... evil mage. The rewards are quite big, perhaps you''d be interested to join us?


    The young man looks over. His expression looks like that of a grizzled war veteran, up to no good.


    He has short dark hair and wears a hat, and a long grey/black coat. On his back he carries a long musket, and he has two pistols on his belt.


    I''m not cheap, he says.


    300 gold upfront. And what are the rewards?


    The reward is about 5000 gold each per person.


    5000? What sort of insane person gave you this quest? Wait, the catch is that this one is really strong isn''t it. Tell me about the target. Then Achran turns away and takes a swig of mead.


    Well.. She''s a dark mage, proficient in dark magics. We need to capture her alive.


    Wouldn''t be a hassle to catch one of those alive, they''re always using undying spells to prevent their own deaths anyway, Achran says as he smiles.


    This one is difficult though. She''s a high ranking general from the Arcana empire.


    Arcana empire? That''s a little far. Such a target is far more difficult than what I usually do. I don''t do military stuff, I''m not a mercenary. Far too dangerous, he says.


    Amaru thinks for a second. We''ll pay you double.


    Achran thinks. How many people are involved?


    There''s me, a shieldbearer, a healer, two frost mages and a sword fighter. We are quite experienced.


    Alright I''ll do it.

 30 Aspara kingdom

    They make it to the edge of the mountainous Cavas region. They see mountains in the distance. The heart of Arcana kingdom is there. Between them are flat plains, and in the sky, floating islands. Water falls from them and rains down below, permanently.


    We have to get up there somehow. We need to ask the Aspara kingdom for aid, Kilian explains.


    They walk over to a small village right below the Aspara kingdom and head into a cafe.


    Kilian speaks with the owner. A man of short stature, and a little chubby, probably from all the good food he serves.


    We''re looking for a way to get up to the Aspara kingdom, do you have any ideas?


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    Are you the party of Kilian Tanholt?


    Kilian nods.


    We''ve been expecting you. The Aspara kingdom is in turmoil I''m afraid, in-fighting over a throne succession has left them vulnerable. But they managed to come to an agreement to send aid. It''s not an army I''m afraid, merely one of their soldiers agreed to aid you on your quest.


    Let me introduce you to Hiero Hevensgard.


    They walk up to the lodging area and the owner knocks on a door.


    Hiero, they''re finally here.


    Hiero opens the door. He''s tall and muscular, with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. His wings are pure white. He wields a golden spear.


    Sorry it took so long, Kilian says.


    No worries. I have been training for this mission since I heard the news of Abbarang and his party. It is time we put an end to the Arcana kingdom.

 31 Avias perils

    The group is walking south next to the Arcana mountain range and the Bottled sea, a stiff breeze is present, when Avias begins to caw loudly.


    What¡¯s the matter, fellow? Recognize any of these parts? Kilian asks the bird. But it just keeps cawing. They spot another raven in the air. Then it flies off a little into the distance.


    We have to follow it! Kilian says. They follow the bird through the woods.


    It isn¡¯t long before they spot a tower in the distance. The bird starts cawing loudly.


    There¡¯s several birds roosting on its top. They make their way to the entrance and knock on the door.


    Who is there? The voice of an old man sounds.


    It¡¯s me, Kilian, we¡¯re a group of travelers, friends of a girl named Mona. Her bird brought us here.


    Mona? Desdemona? I haven¡¯t heard that name in ages.


    He opens the door. Come inside.


    The man is dressed in Arcane robes, bearing the usual runic symbols and purple colouration.


    The house is filled with potions, trinkets and books, lots of books are scattered everywhere. Inside his house are several more ravens.


    You¡¯re friends of Desdemona ay? Where is she?


    I¡¯m sorry, but she died. Kilian doesn¡¯t know how much information to reveal.


    Amaru feels uncomfortable about the whole situation, and rather wishes they were gone.


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    Who are you if we may ask? Her pet bird flew in this direction. So you must be familiar.


    I¡¯m her old teacher. I teach arcane magicks in Satharak. But there¡¯s a winter break now, so I traveled to my winter cottage.


    Amaru looks at Kilian. They all feel slightly uneasy. But their uneasiness is interrupted by the man¡¯s speaking.


    I remember Mona. She was one of my best students. She had real talent that girl. That¡¯s why she was recruited for the Arcane forces. An elite unit. What happened to her?


    She got into a fight with a high ranking general and lost the fight, Kilian says.


    Infighting? That¡¯s not like her. She never caused any problems when she was under my watch. Excellent student. Always obeyed orders.


    Well truthfully, she ran away from the Arcana empire first.


    She ran away?


    The man''s facial expression turns to a look of serious disappointment.


    That is the worst crime you could commit as a soldier. She wasted her life.


    And who might you be then? More runaways?


    No no we¡¯re just travelers. We befriended her on her travels.


    Let¡¯s get out of here, Amaru says.


    I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t let those who betray the Arcana empire go so easily, the old man says. He quickly casts an arcane seal on them and roots them to the ground.


    Then he starts casting an arcane bolt.


    Everyone, attack! Kilian shouts.


    Achran fires scatter shots and interrupts the man¡¯s spellcast, who now quickly changes his bolt to an arcane bubble to protect himself at the last moment.


    Amaru follows up with a spear throw, piercing the barrier and striking the man¡¯s leg.


    The man looks over. I might be experienced but eight to one is ridiculous. You aren¡¯t travelers, you¡¯re adventurers or something. He claps his hands and teleports away.


    The arcane root spell wears off.


    We gotta get out of here. Who knows, he could be gathering allies or something.


    They walk away from the place. But Avias remains with the other birds. They¡¯re his family, even if they serve dark purposes. They quickly hurry south to leave the surrounding Arcana valleys.

 32 Traaspool

    They''re walking south on route in the former Pestoria kingdom. Ruins are everywhere, inhabited by none but the spirits of its former occupants. They''re taking a break from walking as they decide to forage for additional food.


    Kilian and Alina are trying to catch a bird, but Achran succeeds.


    Amaru and Baldric and preparing the ingredients.


    Hiero is doing some scouting in the area to make sure they are safe. With his ability to fly he can cover vast distances in a matter of minutes.


    Fuki and Lumi are both looking for mushrooms, their favorite.


    Look Fuki! I found a big one! Lumi pulls a big mushroom from the ground.


    I don''t think it''ll fit in the bag. It''s already full. Here let me go back while you wait here and pick the remaining ones.


    Fuki goes back to the rest of the group.


    But when she returns, Lumi is gone. The mushrooms picked. But no trace of Lumi, or the mushrooms.


    She hurries back to the rest of the group.


    Lumi is gone! I don''t know where he went!


    Okay, let''s split out into groups, come back in an hour everyone.


    Ah right at dinner time of course, Baldric sighs.


    They look around but find nothing.


    Perhaps he continued down the path? Or he found something? Amaru says.


    I don''t know, it''s nothing like Lumi to leave me alone. He would''ve said something. Fuki sobs.


    We''ll look for him after dinner. We can''t all split too far. Perhaps he will smell the food and come to us.


    But even after a hearty dinner, there is no sign of Lumi.


    They pack up their stuff and follow part of the trail.


    Someone''s been here before us, Achran says. Look at these footsteps. He points at some barely visible footsteps in a muddy part of the road. Two children I suspect, judging by the size.


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    It has to be Lumi! But who else could be with him?


    They follow the path further, occasionally noticing signs of the two children. It leads to a small village.


    But unlike most villages in the region, this one looks pristine. It''s houses look well maintained, the roofs intact, the walls kept and not dirty. Over to the side of the village is a small lake.


    Something is not right about this place, Kilian says.


    They walk through the center, and notice the shops are stocked, but there''s no villagers.


    They knock on one of the doors. No response.


    Then Achran notices a door opening in the distance.


    Did that door just open by itself?


    Must be the wind.


    Fuki starts screaming. Lumi! Where are you! Lumi!


    I''m here! she hears in the distance.


    He''s here everyone.


    Then suddenly, in front of them a shopkeeper materializes.


    Oh good, you''re friends of Fuki. We thought you were intruders.


    Then several more villagers become visible around them.


    Welcome to Traaspool! The man says.


    We''re under a powerful illussionary spell to prevent evil from interfering with our peaceful village. It''s how we''ve evaded destruction many times. We don''t get so many visitors, you know!


    Fuki runs to Lumi and they hug each other.


    Sorry for making you worry. I ran into a new friend and he needed the mushrooms for his pet dog, who refuses to eat anything else. I was planning to go back before nightfall, but they showed me this village and I got distracted.


    Can we get something to eat? I''m starving, Baldric says.


    We just ate! Kilian says.


    We have some fresh roasted fish if you''re interested, it''s on the house, the shop owner says.


    They all enjoy a feast that night in the pristine village of Traaspool, and stay the night there with the locals as they share their various stories.


    At night they share a table in an inn when an older man approaches Killian.


    You''re not just travelers on a rescue mission are you, he says to Killian in private.


    I can tell. We don''t get many visitors in Traaspool. Nobody comes here because all the towns are abandoned. There''s nobody to rescue you. You''re after the Arcana empire aren''t you.


    Well it''s okay. I once fought the Arcana empire, he says. He lifts his shirt to reveal a massive scar across his chest. Barely made it out alive. You guys need to strike at the right moment. You can''t just go to the heart of the Arcana empire and kill whoever you want to, you''ll never make it out alive.


    Killian nods.


    There''s a celebration every year in the Arcana empire, called the day of death. Their leaders travel to a blessed temple of death and perform a mass sacrifice. It''s always in a recently conquered region. They call it the day of death. The man hands Kilian a scroll with more information scribbled on to it. So I suggest you figure out where that is and go there. Then you strike when they''re enroute.


    Kilian is slightly baffled, this man saw right through them, but he''s on their side at least.


    He looks at the scroll. There''s a crudely drawn map on it as well. He sees their opportunity. They can intercept the caravan heading to the temples easily, near the former Xaston dynasty.

 33 Yecester

    It is morning in the town of Yecester. The town is made of mostly brick houses with some wooden cottages in between. The city has remnants of a city wall, but it was captured long ago by the Arcana empire. Despite most of its neighboring cities being annihilated, it is relatively thriving. The city consists of several areas, and its economy is built on farming first and foremost, but fishermen do exist as there''s nearby lakes.


    They''ve been waiting several days now, but many more weeks are ahead. The caravan will pass through this place, but they have nothing to do.


    First they look for a place to stay. As they are planning to stay for a long time, Alina insists they rent a small house as their base of operations. The luxuries are a necessity, plus it¡¯s cheaper than staying in a hostel at that point.


    Amaru, Achran and Hiero decide to head to the local adventurers guild to look for a quest to kill the time.


    They look over at the quest board. Lots of posters are splattered on there with varying rewards and difficulties. There''s a small group of adventurers present as well. Some archers, a wizard, and a much greater amount of dagger wielding would-be assassins.


    Kill a slime infestation. Help a farmer retrieve his lost tools. Boring, none of this looks interesting, Achran says.


    What about this one, a missing child. Russom is the name. About 12 years old. Amaru says.


    I don''t do missing children''s cases, Achran scuffs at them.


    Most of the time they run away voluntarily. And the pay is often low.


    It shouldn''t be about the pay, you get to reunite a family with their lost child, that''s a reward in and of itself, Hiero says valiantly.


    Amaru removes the poster. He starts reading further. Last seen in the southern farms of Yecester, one week ago. Enjoys fishing and going on adventures. Reward: 1000 gold.


    Wow, this kid must be from a noble family, Amaru says.


    I prefer to do another bounty hunting job. We''re not going to find a kid, even if the reward is good, Achran says.


    We should do this, these people need our help the most, Hiero says.


    After some convincing they decide to head to the south of Yecester and interview the local farmers.


    Seen a child here recently? About 1 and a half lengths long, brown short hair, name of Russom.


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    Amaru asks them.


    Yeah I know Russom alright, he says. Used to come and help here with the slime infestations, says it provided him valuable combat experience. Wouldn''t surprise me if he ran away to go on an adventure.


    An adventure? But he''s so young, he would be in great danger easily, Hiero says.


    See I told you guys, another run away, case closed. He could be literally anywhere.


    They ask around but none of the other farmers are able to provide any more recent information on Russom.


    Perhaps we should ask his family, after all, they know him best.


    They decide to head to the west of Yecester. The area is clearly for those who are better off. The houses are big, with large yards and multiple stories. The stones of the buildings are all beautifully decorated as well.


    They look over. Then they find the house belonging to the family of Russom.


    They knock on the door. A distraught crying lady opens the door.


    OH dear, are you here to find my son, Russom? She says as she wipes away her tears.


    I told him so many times not to go adventuring on his own, but he just kept doing it. And now he''s gone! She weeps.


    Rest assured lady, we will find your son, Hiero says.


    Do you have any idea where he might have gone? Amaru asks her.


    I don''t know, he was always trying to gain more experience or looking for interesting rewards. You should probably check the adventurers guild, perhaps they have seen him.


    They head to the adventurers guild. They interview the first man they see, a wizard, he''s older and has a grey beard. They can tell from his blue robes with runic magics that he practices aqua magics.


    Seen a kid by the name of Russom around here?


    I''m not from here I''m afraid, I have no idea who you''re talking about, the wizard responds.


    Alright, let''s try someone else.


    They head to the adventurers guild front desk, a tall lady in knightly gear lacking a helmet answers to them.


    Russom? she says. I know about him. He used to go on lower level quests, against the wishes of his parents. He''d usually return the very next day for another quest. Perhaps he went on a different mission, one that is too difficult for him.


    We should check the quest board, see if there''s anything a child like him would go for.


    They look around the quest board once more.


    What about this one, Amaru says.


    Kill a giant slime haunting the temple ruins. Reward: gilded thunder enchanted sword.


    A reward like that is sure to attract the attention of a novice adventurer, such a sword would greatly benefit them, Amaru says.


    Look at this, Achran says. One of the posters has been torn off, so someone took on this quest already.


    Such aquest is far too advanced for a 12 year old. Those adult slimes can be quite a challenge even for a more experienced fighter, their defenses are quite high.


    There''s a map on here as well. The temple ruins are just north of Yecester. About a day''s travel from here. Let''s stock up on supplies and inform the others then we can go.


    Do we really have to do this? We can still go for another quest right now, Achran reminds them.


    It is our duty, Hiero says.

 34 The inn

    The following evening they are heading north. They make a quick stop at an inn to stock up on drinks.


    I''ll have a glass of mead please, Achran orders.


    Amaru asks for a glass of water, and Hiero does the same.


    We should ask around. Perhaps they''ve seen him.


    Bartender, have you by any chance seen a child of this size here recently, Hiero says as he gestures with his hands.


    I have, just a couple of days ago. He tried to order mead from me, but I refused him. Upset he settled for juice.


    Good, we''re on the right track, Amaru says.


    Indeed. Now let''s just hope we make it there in time before something bad has happened to him, Amaru says.


    We''re probably too late. It''s been a week already. Nobody has heard from him, Realistically it''s over. We''re not getting that reward, Achran says, as he looks down at the ground.


    Hiero reminds them, it is our responsibility to help those in need, even if the child has ceased living, the family should know so they can at least have closure.


    You know I did a similar case to this once. It was a kidnapping. Noble family, their child was captured by bandits but after paying part of the ransom they wanted even more than they initially asked. So they hired me to rescue the child. His name was Zula. I did all I could but by the time I got there it was too late, they had already passed. The bandits never had any intention of making a peaceful solution.


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    Achran takes a large swig of mead.


    I''m sorry to hear that, Hiero says. That''s why we should hurry this time. As they prepare to leave a fight breaks out in the inn.


    Yeah well your kind isn''t welcome here anymore!


    A large man, built like he has been moving boulders all his life, swings at a hooded Saurian figure.


    The Saurian falls onto a table behind him where a group of three was just playing cards.


    He gets up.


    Alright this is enough! He unveils a dagger and lunges for the man, striking his arm.


    Aah! That hurts! The man cries out in pain. He rapidly punches the saurian back again.


    Hiero rushes over and slashes his spear between the two.


    Stop fighting! In the name of Tempestus.


    A Valkyrie? What are you doing here? This is none of your business! That saurian is a cheater, like all of them, dirty no-good cheaters.


    I didn''t cheat! You just don''t want to pay out. The saurian replies.


    We were playing a game of wacky nines. He lost fair and square, and now he doesn''t want to pay up!


    Because you''re a dirty cheater! There''s no way you could win so many times legitimately.


    I''m a good player, your lack of skill isn''t my problem! The saurian shouts back.


    Maybe he really cheated, Amaru says. Wacky nines is very random, statistically no one player should be winning much over the other.


    He just has luck on his side, that''s all, Achran says.


    How about you pay half of your winnings and you both agree to stop fighting? Hiero says.


    Surely that is a better outcome than a fight where both of you could get seriously hurt, Hiero continues.


    The men reluctantly agree.

 35 Temple ruins

    In the evening they arrive at the temple ruins. It is a large temple, but part of its buildings have collapsed. A temple to the god of earth, Terra. A dragon statue, resembling Terra, sits at the center of the complex, but it has partly been destroyed. Nevertheless it is huge.


    Several weaker earth slimes attack them suddenly. They look cute, like little brown blobs with small green bushes sprouting out of the top of their heads. Their big eyes stare at them as they aggressively bump into them. Their only attack, it is largely ineffective.


    Hiero pushes the slimes away with one spear smack.


    They walk a bit further into the complex.


    Look at this, Amaru points at an opening in the ground.


    This must be the cellars.


    They head inside. Achran lights up a nearby torch. The place is dusty and there''s several broken statues and furniture scattered around.


    They continue to walk through the cellars, looking for the adult earth slime, but there''s no trace of it.


    The place has been thoroughly looted, there''s no valuables here left, Amaru notes.


    Then they see it, at the end, is terra slime. There''s a sword stuck in it''s face.


    Do you guys think..? Achran says.


    Yes, it might have eaten him, Amaru continues.


    Hiero strikes the slime with his spear and Achran fires a musket shot at him.


    They quickly dispose of the terra slime with little effort. It pops and explodes into chunks of slime.


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    But to their surprise, there''s no skeleton inside, and no traces of it having eaten any humanoids recently.


    He must be somewhere else. They take the sword and bring it with them as they head back to the inn.


    They start asking around if anyone''s seen Rossum. To their surprise the same guy from earlier is still there, his arm now wrapped with a bandage.


    Alright I don''t know about that kid you''re looking for, but those saurians from earlier, they are known to kidnap people. If I were you, I''d check with them. They have a hideout east of here.


    The man scribbles a location on their map.


    We''re going in circles, Achran says. We''ve wasted our time. I say we just cut our losses and give up.


    I have a good feeling he''s alive, Hiero replies. We can still make it.


    They decide to cook dinner before heading back.


    It isn''t much, using some dried meat and beans they make a stew, Achran contributes some fresh herbs he picked along the way.


    Let''s see if this is any good, Amaru says.


    He takes a spoonful.


    It''s alright, he says.


    I don''t care, sustenance is sustenance, Achran replies.


    Everyone cares about good food, Hiero replies. It heals the soul.


    Not me, Achran says. I eat because I have to, I don''t care much for taste, as long as it doesn''t taste awful. I can go for months on nothing but bread and water, believe me, I''ve had to.


    You''ve been in jail? Amaru asks him.


    Yes, of course. Before I decided to better myself.


    What did you do?


    I don''t want to talk about it.


    Come on Achran, we''re going to be traveling together for a long time, we might as well get to know each other, Amaru follows up.


    Alright. I''m not proud of it. I stole from a bunch of nobles. Got caught selling the merchandise and they put me in jail for a long time. I was young and stupid.


    At least it was just a bunch of nobles, they have plenty anyway, Amaru says.


    Theft is always wrong, Hiero responds. If we were to condone theft it would turn into a free for all, you disgrace yourself when you steal.


    I know I know Achran says, before taking another spoonful himself.

 36 Saurian hideout

    The following early morning after a quick rest they head to the east.


    It isn''t long before they come across a bunch of tents and cages in the middle of the forest. And to their surprise there''s a child in one of the cages.


    The tents are closed.


    Help me! Help! The child shouts from its cage.


    One of the tents opens and a saurian man steps out, he''s at least 2 lengths tall wielding double short swords.


    None of your business! Get out of here travelers! He shouts at them.


    Unjust acts are most certainly our business, Hiero replies. And he takes a battle stance.


    Several saurians rush out of their tents at the group.


    Achran shoots a smoke bomb to disorient them.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Amaru rushes for the cage and wedges his spear between the door. Then he kicks his spear and breaks the door open.


    Hiero flies forward and thrusts his spear through the leather armour of the saurian leader and smacks him backward.


    Let''s get out of here! Achran yells. I can disorient them!


    He shoots another smoke bomb at the group and they rush away.


    Is your name Russom by any chance? Amaru asks the child.


    The child is sobbing and says yes.


    Your family was greatly worried about you, you shouldn''t run off like that.


    What happened?


    I tried to go on a quest but the monster was too difficult to defeat, and it took my sword. So I tried to head back, unarmed, but got caught by a group of saurians. They wanted me for ransom so I told them I was from a noble family. But they didn''t believe me.


    Well, it''s all over now, but you shouldn''t do anything like this again.


    They head back to Yecester. At the adventurers guild they hand in the quests and give their newly obtained sword to Russom, who promises now to go on any more solo adventurers.


    Then they reunite him with his parents, who are overjoyed to see him.


    We were so worried Russom! We were afraid the worst would''ve happened. Don''t ever do this again to us! His mother cries out.


    See Achran, sometimes good endings do happen, Hiero says to him as they split the reward money.

 37 Fishing

    It is morning in Yecester. The cold winter winds stroke the lands. Due to recent weather, everything is beautifully covered in a blanket of snow.


    Let''s go fishing today, Kilian suggests.


    We''re good, Lumi says. It''s too cold outside for us. We''ll just practice our magics indoors.


    The group makes their way to a nearby lake where they break part of the ice to start fishing.


    Baldric starts a campfire for them to sit by with the help of Achran.


    What is it like, being a bounty hunter? Not so much stability in your life, I would guess. Hiero says to Achran.


    The instability is stability in itself. I can go anywhere. I have freedom. And then I''ll find a job to do. I''m not tied to one place. I love that. Besides I have no responsibility to anyone but myself, and the client.


    I see. But a sense of community is good for anyone.


    You can say that but the Aspara kingdom you''re from has been infighting. That would never bother me.


    It''s true, there''s some downsides to it. But most of the time we''re a close-knit community. I suspect influences from the Arcana kingdom caused the infighting. They aid individuals sympathetic to their cause.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    What about the food? Baldric asks.


    You travel a lot, you must''ve tried lots of good things. What is the best food you''ve ever eaten, do you recommend anything?


    I don''t care much about food. I eat whatever is available. But I''ll say I once had frozen bubbles, very sweet and light, it was delicious. It was somewhere near Snayport to the eat of the bottled sea that I had that.


    You''ve been to Snayport? That''s pretty close to our home, Kilian says.


    It''s south of Frostpoint where we''re from.


    Frostpoint eh? I haven''t been there. Too peaceful. I need areas with conflict to thrive, that''s where the jobs are. Such a stable kingdom can take care of its own.


    Well with the Arcana kingdom knocking on our doorstep I don''t know how much longer we can be stable. Once the wars start instability soon follows.


    True that is. I''ve seen it a lot in my life. Achran responds.


    Out of all of us you and Hiero are probably the most experienced fighters.


    That''s true. Perhaps it wouldn''t hurt to look around for some training opportunities whilst we were waiting.


    We had a former member who was very experienced. She was called Desdemona. Alina says.


    What happened to her? Achran asks.


    She was killed. Along with two other members. When we fought the Arcana empire. But this time we''ll avenge them.


    I''m sorry for your loss, Hiero says.


    I got a biter! Baldric shouts.


    He reels it in.


    It''s a beautiful redfin!


    The huge fish splashes around.


    This will be tonight''s dinner! Look at its size. It could feed all of us!


    That night they place a quest on the quest board:


    *Wanted, experienced soldier for shield and sword combat training, reward 50 gold*

 38 Training

    It isn''t long before the group catches word of an experienced paladin in town. They go to the adventurers guild and a man greets them. He''s almost 2 lengths tall, wearing full runite armour with a large shield and longsword, decorated with gold, silver and runic markings for protection. The man''s hair has just started to gray, but is otherwise short and brown. He has a thick moustache and a friendly expression on his face. No doubt he''s helped hundreds, possibly thousands of people through his quests.


    The man introduces himself.


    The name is Albert. I''m a diamond level adventurer. I heard you guys were in need of some training, I''d be glad to help.


    Kilian and Baldric likewise introduce themselves.


    We need more effective attack moves if possible.


    Alright I''ll see what I can do. I see you got an enchanted frost sword over there. Those are quite hard to come by here.


    This here is called the Blessed strike. But it depends on your sword''s enchantment and how it functions. For you it would be a frost strike.


    Albert swings his sword around and then strikes a dummy, holy light emits from his sword and the dummy takes a full on hit.


    Try it, move just like I did.


    Kilian rushes forward and strikes the dummy. Frost appears on the dummy, and it is partly frozen.


    Nice, not bad for a first try.


    In combat it''s all about landing these powerful hits at crucial moments. Let''s try some sparring.


    The man puts his shield aside, and Kilian and the man start exchanging sword blows using wooden swords. Not bad. I see you got the technique down well for a longsword fighter. But you could try to work more around my weaknesses. you''re young, you should use your agility to your advantage.


    The two exchange some more blows and Kilian rapidly shows improvement.


    Now it''s time for you Baldric.


    I''m a shield bearer, he says, as he lifts up his large, oversized shield.


    No doubt about that, the man laughs.


    Block some of my attacks.


    Albert starts slashing at Baldric using his wooden sword, but he blocks everything flawlessly.


    Wow, not bad at all, you got talent kid.


    Then he takes his own shield and asks Kilian to attack him.


    See how I block his strikes in the direction he''s attacking? This way it costs less energy to block. You could try doing that. But your technique of doing the opposite will tire out the opponent faster, but also require more strength. It''s up to you to decide when to use which technique.


    Achran walks over to the target dummies. He prepares his training shots. First he uses his musket, boom, a straight headshot on the dummy from a great distance. Then he rapidly switches to his pistols. Two more headshots follow. He hasn''t become rusty yet from sitting around for so long. But he''s going to need to buy new ingredients for gunpowder. And worse off, he''s terribly bored. He heads to the quest board near the adventurers guild.


    He looks at it. In such a town most of the quests are quite boring. Nothing like back home in the Cavas region. There were always multiple hits out. It was far easier finding good jobs.


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    Then something piques his interest.


    A poster reads "Wanted, dead or alive, Suufi Hiraal. Known to be armed and dangerous. Stole a large sum of money. Reward: Everything on Suufi as well as an additional 100 gold. Last seen around the lakes"


    The glue is still liquid, so it must''ve been posted quite recently.


    Achran knows these types. They steal, then they hide out in the woods till the heat clears and they just do it again, and again.


    He heads to the woods. Recent snow makes his job easy. He sees several types of tracks near the lakes. Most head to the fishing spots, with holes in the ice.


    but one set of tracks leads further into the woods. Achran follows them. It isn''t long before he spots a campfire in the darkness of dusk, in the distance. He''s getting close now.


    He checks his guns. They''re all loaded. He''s ready to go.


    Achran silently crawls over to the tent. This is risky. He could pepper the tent, Suufi won''t know what hit him. But there''s a risk. He''s not 100% sure it''s Suufi in there.


    He prepares to fire a round of scattershot through the tent.


    STOP! A voice yells in the distance.


    It''s Alina. With her is Hiero.


    Hiero saw you at the quest board! We came as soon as we could. You can''t just kill Suufi! Who knows why he stole or what. What if it was just a lie to get back at someone?


    None of my business, Achran says. The client wants him dead or alive, and I deliver. That''s all that matters.


    As they''re talking a hooded figure steps out of the tent, bow raised.


    Who''s there? He asks.


    None of your business! Achran replies, as he prepares to fire.


    Hiero quickly slashes his spear down on the pistol so Achran misses his shot.


    Are you Suufi? Alina asks the figure.


    Depends on who''s asking, he replies.


    Surrender now and you will be unharmed.


    You say that but your pal over there tried shooting me!


    That was a mistake. It''s three to one. Drop your bow to the ground and we will ensure your safety. Besides you have no choice, Hiero reminds him.


    Suufi drops his bow reluctantly and raises his arms.


    See Achran, there''s always a more peaceful way to settle things, Hiero says to Achran.


    That''s not how it works. You''re not used to dealing with dangerous types. Some of them will kill you the moment you hesitate. You have to be fast. It''s all about speed and confidence. You guys haven''t seen what I have.


    They decide not to press the issue. There''s no use talking to this grizzled bounty hunter, all they can do now is contain him for as long as they''re together.


    Back at the target dummies Baldric and Kilian have finished their training session. They feel like they learned a lot, even though it was just a short session.


    Albert asks them what they¡¯re training for.


    Kilian decides to be more truthful, he feels he can trust this paladin.


    We¡¯re training to fight an important figure of the Arcana kingdom, he says.


    Well if you¡¯re up against such a powerful opponent perhaps a better weapon could be of your aid.


    Where could I find a better weapon?


    There¡¯s a certain tier of weapons known as godslayer weapons. They exist on every plane. Weapons so powerful they can kill a god. This could aid you greatly. Albert says before he heads off.


    Kilian thinks for a moment. A weapon so powerful it could kill a god. Why didn¡¯t they hear of it sooner?


    He decides to discuss this with Amaru, who knows about these things. He¡¯s traveled a lot.


    Amaru, do you know anything about god-slaying weapons?


    Yes I do.


    Why didn¡¯t you tell me about it?!


    Because it is useless. There¡¯s no god-slaying weapons in Essanys.


    I spoke to an experienced paladin earlier and he said there are.


    Then he¡¯s wrong unfortunately. The only thing that could even come close is the corruptor of Akzkanash, but it¡¯s a poison staff and useless to our group. Besides, it was last seen all the way over in the Pheoqaviel dynasty, literally on the opposite side of the world. There¡¯d be no point in going to such a hostile place and risking everything for something we can¡¯t even use.


    And furthermore, she¡¯s invincible, so it would be useless to begin with.


    You¡¯re right Amaru. There¡¯d be no point in it.


    What about crafting a god slaying weapon, is that possible?


    If it was possible I¡¯m sure someone would¡¯ve tried. I don¡¯t know any legendary smiths. In the Hiatum republic they focus mostly on musket making, that¡¯s the latest hype. I don¡¯t think any smith is capable of making a god slayer.